INDIA: Growing up in the forest belt of Vidarbha, far from the bustling cities of Pune and Mumbai, Pankaj Ingole had little exposure to the media world he would one day enter. At the age of 11, he left home to join Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, a hostel environment that instilled in him a sense of discipline, independence, and adaptability.
Coming from Zadipatti, where Hindi dominated daily life, stepping into Marathi newsrooms and eventually anchoring on national television was anything but easy. Yet, with self-training, determination, and a vision, he carved out a space for himself in India’s dynamic media industry.
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A Journey Through Journalism
For over three decades, Pankaj Ingole worked across print, television, and digital media as a journalist, anchor, and consulting editor. He anchored for leading news channels including ETV, Zee 24 Taas, Mi Marathi, and Maharashtra 1, building credibility and recognition as a trusted voice.
But his ambitions stretched beyond personal achievement. In 2016, he founded Callidus Media & Arts Academy, Pune, initially to share his anchoring techniques. What began as a modest initiative grew into a full-fledged media training institution, producing more than 500 skilled professionals, many of whom have found opportunities at BBC, ABP, TV9, and other prominent platforms, or launched their own digital ventures.
“Callidus is more than an academy; it’s an extension of my own journey – a bridge between talent and opportunity,” he reflects.
Role at Yuvak Biradari – Beyond Media
In addition to leading Callidus Academy, Pankaj Ingole serves as the Executive Director of Yuvak Biradari (Bharat), a national youth organisation focused on social awareness, leadership, and empowerment. This dual role allows him to guide young minds – not only toward professional excellence but also toward responsible citizenship and value-driven living.
Motivation to Do Something Different
“My father was my biggest influence – an avid reader, painter, poet, and actor. From him, I learnt that life should never be confined to a single path.”
Pankaj recalls watching Pradeep Bhide on Doordarshan, never imagining that one day he would share a newsroom with him at Zee 24 Taas. Self-training – practicing voice modulation, expression, and presence – was his key to bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement.
“Opportunities should not be limited by geography or background,” he explains. Founding Callidus Academy was his way of ensuring that young people from small towns wouldn’t face the same uncertainty he once did.
Balancing Passion and Personal Life
For Pankaj, personal and professional lives are not separate but complementary. Inspired by his father’s ability to balance multiple creative interests, he nurtures his own through reading biographies, watching plays and films, listening to music, and singing.
“Balance is not about equal hours, but about equal respect for both worlds,” he says. “When I am with my family, I give them my complete attention; when I am with my students, they get my full focus.”
Overcoming Difficulties
Life’s challenges shaped Pankaj’s resilience. Leaving home at 11, entering journalism without a guide, and breaking into Marathi television from a non-Marathi background required unwavering focus.
His father’s passion for literature and art kept him inspired, while mentors and senior anchors provided benchmarks for excellence. “Struggles may delay you, but they also prepare you,” he notes.
Message for Young Dreamers
Pankaj’s advice for aspiring professionals is deeply rooted in experience: “Listen to your inner voice. Don’t follow trends blindly; dare to walk your own journey. Failures are not setbacks but stepping stones to success. Build skills, stay curious, and aim to create value – not just for yourself, but for society.”
He reminds young people that media,and any profession is more than a career; it’s a tool for impact. “Be a learner, be a doer, and never underestimate the power of your own story. The world needs your uniqueness.”
From a young boy in Vidarbha to a journalist, anchor, educator, and mentor shaping hundreds of careers, Pankaj Ingole’s journey reflects the power of self-belief, discipline, and a vision to uplift others. Through Callidus Media & Arts Academy and his role at Yuvak Biradari, he continues to bridge the gap between dreams and opportunities – proving that with persistence and purpose, no path is out of reach.
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