A Voice for the Voiceless
Monika Kaur Plaha stands as one of the most courageous and compelling voices in modern journalism. As a BBC News journalist and presenter, she has continuously pushed boundaries with her work, exposing deep-rooted issues and bringing them into the public consciousness. Among her most influential contributions is her groundbreaking BBC Panorama documentary, The Secret World of Trading Nudes. This powerful investigation uncovered a disturbing online world where an anonymous user operated a community that shared explicit, non-consensual images of over a thousand South Asian women.
The documentary sent shockwaves through both the public and legal communities, sparking conversations across the UK and beyond about digital safety, exploitation, and the urgent need for reform. Monika’s relentless pursuit of justice and her ability to shine a light on an issue so often hidden behind screens helped lead to legislative changes aimed at better protecting women from image-based sexual abuse. Her work not only exposed the perpetrators but also empowered victims, validating their experiences and showing them that their stories mattered.
Monika’s fearless reporting, emotional sensitivity, and refusal to shy away from the truth make her an example of what modern journalism should aspire to be: ethical, impactful, and driven by a deep sense of purpose.
Inspired by Family Legacy
Behind Monika’s remarkable achievements lies an equally inspiring personal story. Her journey into journalism was sparked by a legacy of resilience and sacrifice passed down through generations. Her grandmother, who arrived in England during the 1950s, worked grueling shifts as a hospital cleaner while raising five children. Despite her limited formal education, she harbored a passionate dream of becoming a journalist—a dream that circumstances never allowed her to pursue.
That dream lived on through Monika. Motivated by her grandmother’s unfulfilled ambitions and unwavering strength, Monika committed herself to a path that would honor that legacy. From a young age, she was surrounded by stories of hardship, grit, and perseverance. Her mother, too, played a key role in shaping her identity—instilling in her the values of hard work, self-belief, and compassion. These influences gave her a profound understanding of the power of storytelling and its ability to give voice to the overlooked and misunderstood.
This emotional foundation has become a defining force in her career. It’s evident in the stories she chooses to tell, the voices she lifts up, and the authenticity she brings to every project.
Telling Stories That Matter
Monika has consistently used her platform to explore issues that are often neglected by mainstream narratives. She is known for her deep empathy and thoughtful approach to storytelling, and her work goes beyond just reporting facts—it’s about connecting with audiences on a human level.
One particularly moving example of this is her work marking the 75th anniversary of the Partition of India. Rather than focusing solely on the political aspects, Monika chose to tell the story through the lens of religious tattoos—symbols of identity that carried meaning, trauma, and survival. This unique angle not only offered a deeply emotional perspective on a major historical event but also reflected Monika’s own family ties to the tragedy. Her grandmother, a survivor of the Partition, had lost loved ones in the chaos and violence that ensued. By weaving her own personal history into the narrative, Monika created a story that was both intimate and universal.
Such work underscores her belief in journalism as a tool for empathy and understanding. It’s not just about headlines—it’s about healing, truth, and the preservation of memory.
Recognition and Awards
Monika’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the course of her career, she has received multiple prestigious accolades that recognize both her talent and the importance of the issues she covers. She was awarded the Royal Television Society Award for her outstanding work in shedding light on underrepresented communities in Northern England—an area where local voices often go unheard in national media.
Her Panorama documentary earned her the Women in Journalism organization’s ‘Incredible Female Journalist’ award, further cementing her status as a changemaker in the field. These awards are not just tokens of recognition; they reflect the transformative nature of her journalism and the wide-reaching impact of her investigations.
Early in her career, Monika had already shown signs of greatness. She won the Media Trust and ITV’s ‘Young Journalist of the Year’ competition and earned a scholarship with the National Union of Journalists to support her university studies. These early milestones laid the foundation for a career defined by courage, excellence, and compassion.
Leading the Next Generation
Monika is not only a respected journalist but also a mentor and role model for aspiring storytellers. Understanding the importance of nurturing the next generation of media professionals, she has taken on roles that extend beyond broadcasting. As a #LearnOnTikTok ambassador for BBC News, she brings journalism to younger audiences in an accessible and engaging format. Her videos break down complex news topics, offer career guidance, and show that journalism is not just for the elite—it’s for anyone with a story to tell.
She is also a BBC Young Reporter ambassador, mentoring new journalists and guiding them through the world of broadcasting. Through school visits, workshops, and online content, Monika encourages young people—especially those from diverse backgrounds—to see themselves in journalism. She speaks candidly about the challenges she has faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the importance of staying true to one’s voice.
Her leadership in this space reflects her broader mission: to make media more inclusive, representative, and impactful.
Shaping the Future of News
In an era where public trust in media is often challenged, Monika Plaha represents a beacon of integrity, empathy, and truth. She combines a modern, digital-savvy approach with the timeless values of honesty, accountability, and courage. Whether exposing dark corners of the internet, telling untold stories of historical trauma, or mentoring young journalists, she brings a sense of purpose to everything she does.
Her work doesn’t just inform—it transforms. It opens eyes, changes laws, and builds bridges across generations and communities. She is not just reporting the news—she is reshaping it.
Monika’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, and when personal history becomes a source of strength rather than limitation. Through her journey, she honors the dreams of her grandmother, uplifts the voices of countless others, and inspires the storytellers of tomorrow.
Do follow her on Instagram:- Monika Kaur Plaha
For more information, click here
Anmolpreet Kaur Pannu: A Game Changer in Indian Women’s Basketball
