Meet Megavarshini G. Somasundaram, PressProgress’ Labor Reporting 2024 Intern

Press Progress is committed to investing in the next generation of journalists. As the crisis in the news industry deepens, it is especially important to train new talent in nonprofit newsrooms to continue growing mission-driven, impactful journalism.

In its fourth year, the Labor Reporting Internship Program welcomes Megavarshini G. Somasundaram, a student pursuing a Master of Journalism at the University of British Columbia. Megavarshini brings a diverse range of work experiences to the program, having interned at the Times of India, The News Minute and Just for Women magazine in India, and contributed to media outlets including The Source, The Ubyssey, Discorder Magazine and The Thunderbird .

“I chose to fly around the world and learn to tell true stories,” says Megavarshini, reflecting on her journey from Tamil Nadu, India, to journalism in Vancouver, Canada.

Megavarshini believes that independent and responsible journalism is crucial to maintaining a functioning democracy. She is inspired by the courage of journalists like Gauri Lankesh, a journalist murdered in India, whose case is still awaiting justice seven years later.

“As a fellow female journalist coming from a country with increasingly totalitarian leadership, I have witnessed the death of the voices, especially women, who try to keep democracy alive.”

More specifically, the push for labor reporting is rooted in Megavarshini’s belief in the power of journalism to amplify workers’ voices.

“I witnessed the struggle and resilience of workers fighting for a living, and listening to their grievances made me realize how important it is to humanize their stories,” says Megavarshini.

Megavarshini is the fourth woman to participate in the Press Progress work placement program.

“It’s great to see women taking the lead in pursuing labor reporting in Canada,” says Press Progress Internship Coordinator, Emily Leedham. “All the women who have come through our employment reporting program have been brilliant and have done a fantastic job. I’m so excited to be working with yet another impressive young female reporter, Megavarshini.