About Him
Naresh Variya is the esteemed Publisher and Editor of Dhabkar, a prominent Gujarati-language daily based in Surat. With its deep regional roots and the highest circulation across six districts of South Gujarat, Dhabkar stands as a pillar of grassroots journalism under his leadership. Naresh’s journey in journalism is marked by dedication, regional insight, and a strong belief in fearless reporting.
Before leading Dhabkar, he gained editorial experience as a Sub-editor at two reputed Gujarati publications—Loksamarthan and Phoolchhab. These formative roles laid the foundation for his editorial style, focused on clarity, accountability, and the voice of the common people.
An alumnus of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), he combines academic grounding with decades of field experience. Based in Surat, Naresh Variya leads Dhabkar Publication Pvt. Ltd. as both its editorial and strategic head, continuing to raise the bar for regional journalism in Gujarat.
Vision & Philosophy
Naresh Variya's editorial vision is grounded in the principles of grassroots journalism, regional empowerment, and community-centric storytelling. He strongly believes that the press should serve as a mirror to society, reflecting both its struggles and successes. His philosophy emphasizes local accountability, fearless reporting, and constructive dialogue. With this approach, he has successfully guided Dhabkar into the digital era, ensuring that even as platforms evolve, the voice of the people remains central and uncompromised.
Professional Journey & Expertise
With over decades in the field, Naresh Variya has transformed Dhabkar from a traditional print daily into a powerful multimedia platform. Since 1998, he has played a pivotal role in its evolution—expanding coverage, building editorial strength, and modernizing the newspaper’s reach through digital distribution. He is recognized for his bold editorials and uncompromising stance on regional issues. His legacy is built on a continuation of fearless journalism reminiscent of the "Daandiyo" newsletter era, with a focus on truth, justice, and local voice.
As the head of both editorial and business operations, his leadership spans content strategy, branding, audience engagement, and digital growth. His work is highly respected within media circles for its clarity, courage, and commitment to the people of Gujarat.
Accolades & Recognition
Under Naresh Variya’s leadership, Dhabkar has earned a place of distinction as the highest-circulating Gujarati newspaper in South Gujarat. The publication’s unmatched local coverage, regional relevance, and editorial consistency have earned it a loyal and ever-growing readership. His efforts in ushering Dhabkar into the digital publishing space have been hailed as a pioneering move in the regional press landscape, setting an example for other vernacular publications.
Expertise & Strengths
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Regional Leadership: Deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of South Gujarat, enabling targeted, impactful coverage.
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Digital Strategy: Successfully transitioned Dhabkar into a hybrid print-digital model, extending its reach to a global Gujarati readership.
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Editorial Integrity: Firm advocate for ethical journalism, fearless reporting, and public accountability.
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Business Acumen: A visionary publisher who has balanced journalistic values with sustainable business growth and innovation.
