An alumnus of AIIMS Jodhpur, Anuj has been preparing for the civil services since he graduated. This was his third attempt. In 2023, he was selected for DANICS, the civil services for Union Territories.
Krishna Bihari Agnihotri, his father, is a technician at the Atomic Power Station in Rawatbhata. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, the family settled in Rajasthan in 1964.
“We have been focused on the academic journey of our children since childhood. After MBBS, he told us that he wanted to prepare further, so we supported him. I have an elder son, who pursued an MBA and settled in Hyderabad. We just want our children to succeed and have a good life ahead,” said Krishna.
He said that the credit for their success should go to their mother, Manju Agnihotri, who made several sacrifices for their future.
Manju told The Indian Express, “We would never attend family gatherings to avoid any disturbance to our children’s lives. We set a timetable for their breakfast, lunch and sleep. We did everything, and now, with God’s grace, my son has achieved this success,” she said.
Manju said Anuj got an A grade in the class 10 boards and 98 per cent in the class 12 boards, following which he opted for medicine. With both children now settled, Manju said she wants to visit Vrindavan. “Our family members have been Krishna devotees and followers of Premanand Maharaj. I want to travel to Krishna Nagari for peace and to pray for my children’s future,” she said.
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
