Storyteller - Artist - Academician

Sonal Vij

About me

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From the bustling newsrooms of The Indian Express to the dynamic studios of CNN and NDTV, my journey began as a journalist with a passion for storytelling. I thrived on finding and sharing stories that mattered, shaping narratives that informed and inspired. Over the years, my career evolved into a creative pursuit where I embraced content creation, social media strategy, and brand storytelling. One of my proudest achievements was directing Refugee, an independent film exploring identity and belonging, and assistant producing Only Love Matters, a UK-based film that won multiple awards. These experiences taught me the power of meaningful narratives.



As my journey unfolded, I found myself drawn to social media’s ability to connect people and ideas. I took the lead in designing campaigns for the Education for All movement and launching Careers360’s production department, where I helped craft strategies that resonated with audiences. Whether creating visually striking Instagram feeds or writing compelling brand stories, my approach has always been a blend of creativity and strategy. Each project is an opportunity to weave together words and visuals into content that sparks conversation and drives engagement.



Teaching became another chapter in my story, allowing me to share my experiences with students at Southern Illinois University, Delhi University, and other prestigious institutions. Guiding budding creators in photography and media strategy was not only rewarding but also shaped my own creative process. My work as a photographer has been showcased in exhibitions across India and the US, further cementing my commitment to storytelling through visuals. These experiences enriched my ability to craft content that speaks to diverse audiences with clarity and purpose.

Beyond the professional milestones, I’m driven by a deeper passion for mindfulness and spirituality, which often inspires my creative work. Through ventures like Serene Tarot, I’ve explored the intersection of personal growth and storytelling, creating spaces for reflection and connection. Today, I bring this holistic approach to every project, infusing authenticity into every campaign, post, or brand message. Let’s create something extraordinary together—a story that resonates, inspires, and leaves an indelible mark.

Recent Project

Breaking Barriers

Exploring Women's Identities at work in Delhi NCR






Editorial program manager and former TV reporter Areeba Falak works from home, determined to build her identity and career in media and journalism in Delhi, India, January 7, 2023. Read more.




Dr. Sonia Chawla, a dentist and maxillofacial surgeon, performs dental surgery on a patient at her modern clinic in Delhi, India, December 23, 2022. Dr. Chawla, Chawla put herself through a decade of college and internships to open her own business. She works alongside her husband to manage a staff of professionals who follow strict hygiene protocols. Dr. Chawla is also involved in research and has published several papers on various topics related to dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Read more.






Geeta Mishra, a 45-year-old masseuse in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, National Capital Region, India, challenges traditional gender roles by earning more than her husband and is respected for her exceptional skills in her field,January 8, 2023. Read more.






A cow farmer and housewife in National Capital Region, India, who is not allowed to reveal her first name works 10-hour days caring for her cows and maintaining her household but is not allowed to keep the profits from selling the milk she produces ,January 4, 2023. Read more.





Make-up artist Naina Amatya, in her thirties, works on a client, December 25, 2022, at Hair and Shanti, an upscale unisex salon that she co-owns with her husband Aditya in Delhi, India. Amatya specializes in make-up, Aditya specializes in hair, and they manage a staff of around 20 people. As a mother of two, Amatya says that she has found a balance between her professional and personal life with the help of Aditya's support and mutual understanding. Read more.





Rajni Wadhwa, a 54-year-old tutoring center owner in Delhi, India, balances running her center, Learning Point, with her responsibilities as a homemaker, managing to keep both worlds in check with ease and determination, even sending her son to the US for his master's degree through her hard-earned money, December 20, 2022. Read more.





Sabeeha Masood, a Delhi resident in her fifties, has dedicated the past decade to teaching underprivileged children from her community, December 28, 2022. Clad in traditional Indian attire, Masood tutors children aged six to twelve, helping them reach their potential and prepare for entrance exams for some of the city's top schools. Masood's work has profoundly impacted her community and brought her immense joy, measured not in recognition but in the success of her students. Read more.





Sarita Devi Pal, a 30-year-old domestic help from Ghazipur, Delhi, works diligently to support her family of four by providing cooking and organizing services to households; her dedication to building a better future for her children, December 26, 2022. Read more.






Shakuntala, a 70-year-old maid who depends on work to make a living, poses for a photograph. Despite receiving no financial assistance from her three sons, she remains resilient and determined to keep working in Delhi, December 27, 2022. Read more.





Kavita Singh, a successful farm owner in the National Capital Region, India, faces challenges due to her lack of education and early marriage. Despite her accomplishments, Kavita's husband's dismissive attitude highlights the struggles women face in patriarchal societies; January 4, 2023. Read more.

Visual Arts

Photography

Cinema

Showreel

Film Stills


Drawings

Recent Awards

Received first and only Global Talent Award for contribution to Mass Communication by Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi as a part of the celebration of 100th year of Foundation at JTA Multidisciplinary International Conference in January 2020

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Contact Me

Please feel free to contact me on my academic work or otherwise. Also, I am open to media queries.

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