From the United Nations to Building a Voice for South Asia: A Diplomacy Alumni Journey

With a career spanning international journalism, diplomacy and media leadership, T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, a 2009 graduate of Seton Hall University's School of Diplomacy and International Relations, has turned his passion for global affairs and community storytelling into an established media platform.

Today, Jayaraman is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of South Asian Herald, a digital daily news platform launched in 2024. He oversees the publication's editorial direction, including daily news coverage, its weekly newsletter and e-paper. As an accredited journalist, he also reports on major developments from the White House, United Nations, U.S. Congress, World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

His professional journey was shaped by hands-on experiences during his time at Seton Hall. In 2008, he interned with the United Nations Outreach Division, where his work was extended through October. He contributed articles to the UN Chronicle, covering issues such as peacekeeping, food security, HIV/AIDS and war crimes. Two of his articles were published in a special double edition. In 2009, he also interned with the International Labor Organization's Office for the United Nations in New York, covering the UN General Assembly and preparing research briefs on international development issues. He additionally served as Senior Editor for Content and Layout at the Seton Hall Journal of Diplomacy.

These experiences helped lay the groundwork for his career in journalism and international affairs. After graduating, he joined the United Nations Yearbook Division as a Contributing Editor, working on chapters covering the Law of the Sea, energy, natural resources and cartography. Before launching South Asian Herald, he served as Washington Bureau Chief and White House, United Nations and Congressional Correspondent for News India Times.

The idea for South Asian Herald grew from a long-standing ambition to create a publication that amplifies South Asian voices in the United States and around the world. Today, the platform covers politics, foreign policy, business, multilateral institutions, diaspora affairs, sports and entertainment, with an emphasis on fact-based journalism and community representation.

Reflecting on the future of journalism, Jayaraman emphasizes the importance of credibility and responsible reporting, particularly in an era of social media and widespread misinformation. His philosophy is straightforward: journalists should inform, not influence. His contributions have also received recognition from the Virginia State Senate, which honored his work in foreign policy journalism in 2024 and his efforts to amplify Indian American and broader South Asian voices in 2026.

For current and prospective Diplomacy students interested in journalism, international affairs or leadership, Jayaraman encourages students to read extensively, develop strong analytical skills and remain proactive and adaptable. Most importantly, he urges aspiring leaders not to be afraid to create opportunities of their own.

"Leadership often begins when you take initiative rather than simply following existing paths."

Categories: Alumni, Nation and World