In the world of journalism, where truth must be told with courage, empathy, and unwavering commitment, Geeta Anand stands as a shining beacon of integrity and inspiration. From her humble beginnings as a local beat reporter to becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author, and the current dean of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, her life story is one of relentless passion, fearless truth-telling, and groundbreaking impact.
Geeta Anand: A Humble Beginning with a Fierce Purpose
Geeta Anand’s journey into journalism began not with fame, but with the sheer love for storytelling. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in History and a Certificate in Women’s Studies, she began her career at a small weekly publication, the Cape Cod News. With an insatiable curiosity and a fierce determination to uncover untold stories, she soon moved on to cover crime, courts, and local government at the Rutland Herald in Vermont.
These formative years weren’t just about reporting news—they were about understanding people, holding power to account, and giving voice to the unheard.
Climbing the Ranks with Integrity and Impact
From the Rutland Herald, Geeta Anand took her talents to The Boston Globe, where she quickly distinguished herself as City Hall bureau chief and later as a State House correspondent. Her keen insights and meticulous reporting laid the groundwork for what would soon become a groundbreaking career in investigative journalism.
In 1998, Geeta Anand joined The Wall Street Journal and delved into one of the most complex and consequential beats—biotechnology. It was here that she penned some of the most significant stories of her career, blending scientific insight with human empathy. Her deep-dive investigations into corporate corruption and the pharmaceutical industry earned her one of journalism’s highest honours—the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 2003, shared with her colleagues at the WSJ.
Courageous Truth-Telling on a Global Scale
But Geeta Anand didn’t stop at national reporting. She carried her vision abroad, becoming a foreign correspondent for both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times in India—the country of her roots. During this decade-long tenure, Anand covered everything from terrorism and public health crises to the socioeconomic upheavals facing one of the world’s largest democracies.
Her work in South Asia was not just comprehensive; it was courageous. Whether exposing the rising threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis or investigating the flawed healthcare systems, Anand’s reporting combined rigour with compassion. Her contribution to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists even won her the Danny Pearl Award for Cross-Border Investigative Journalism in 2013.
The Cure: A Story That Transcended Pages
One of Geeta Anand’s most compelling works came in the form of her nonfiction book, The Cure—the true story of a father’s relentless quest to save his children from a rare genetic disorder. The book is not only a masterpiece in narrative journalism but also a stirring testament to human resilience. It was adapted into the 2010 film Extraordinary Measures, starring Harrison Ford, bringing her impactful storytelling to a global audience.
Championing the Future of Journalism
In 2018, after nearly three decades in the field, Geeta Anand transitioned from journalist to educator, joining the faculty at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Today, she serves as the school’s Dean and Professor of Reporting, shaping the next generation of truth-seekers. Under her leadership, Berkeley Journalism has become a hub for investigative integrity, digital innovation, and inclusive storytelling.
Geeta Anand believes that journalism must do more than inform—it must empower. Her students are trained not only in the art of writing but in the ethics of accountability, diversity, and empathy.
A Life Anchored in Purpose and Passion
Geeta Anand’s story is not just one of professional accolades. She is also a mother and a partner. She met her husband, Gregory Kroitzsh, in college. During her time in India, he founded Mumbai’s first microbrewery, combining entrepreneurial spirit with cultural innovation. The couple now resides in Berkeley, California, and is proud parents of two daughters who are pursuing their college education in the U.S.
Even as she juggles the roles of a leader, journalist, and mother, Anand remains grounded in her purpose—to give power to truth and use storytelling to transform lives.
Geeta Anand: Legacy of Excellence and Honours
Her accolades include:
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Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism (2003)
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Finalist, Pulitzer Prize (2004)
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Victor Cohn Award for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting (2007)
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Gerald Loeb Award for Beat Writing (2006)
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Multiple awards from the Society of Publishers in Asia for business and breaking news reporting
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Danny Pearl Award for Cross-Border Journalism (2013)
Each award is a testament not just to her skill but to her unrelenting drive to reveal the truth and elevate voices that matter.
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