What it takes to become an Rj more than possessing the ability to speak?

To become a radio jockey (RJ), one generally need to have strong communication skills, a pleasant and engaging voice, creativity, and a good understanding of the content that is going to be presented. Many RJs start by gaining experience at local or community radio stations, working on their presentation skills, and building a portfolio. Formal education in broadcasting, journalism, or a related field can definitely aid the process, but practical experience and networking within the industry are crucial. Beyond all this, one needs to possess the innate instincts to want to speak and want to speak in a way people want to hear them speak.

During my all India cycling expedition, I had the honor of crossing paths with Sampoorn Shukla, an adept freelance anchor with an illustrious 7-year career. Notably, he lent his voice to various platforms, including a commendable 4.5-year stint with All India Radio (AIR), spanning from 2018 to 2023. Over this period, he masterfully guided audiences through more than a thousand events nationwide, even gracing the stage for a momentous occasion hosting the Prime Minister during the Rashtriya Poshan Saptaah.

With seven years of experience as a freelance anchor under his belt, Sampoorn has embarked on a remarkable journey—an entire year of cycling across India—to establish a genuine connection with a million individuals. His purpose is to advocate for unity among humanity through personal interactions. Sampoorn’s narrative is nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting both his unique story and his exceptional abilities and mindset. Conversing with Sampoorn Shukla, I gleaned invaluable insights into the art of addressing the public, skillfully maintaining their engagement, and serving as their representative while orchestrating seamless programs that ensnare their attention throughout.

Insta handle:

https://instagram.com/rjsampoorn?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Instinctual calls let you know where you ought to be

Emerging from a middle-class household in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Sampoorn was born into a family of five brothers, finding himself as the youngest among them. His innate inclination to communicate in a manner that demanded attention paralleled the way a greeting like “Namasthe” encapsulates both a beginning and an end. He aspired for conversations to originate and culminate with him.

His inner calling consistently beckoned him toward larger stages, driven by a deep-seated conviction that he was destined for a distinct path. Even during his high school days, he acquired the skill of playing the shell (shanka) and took the bold decision to exhibit his prowess on stage. This decision materialized during a local Durga Puja festival, where Sampoorn captivated the audience by blowing the horn from the shell for an uninterrupted 32 seconds. The overwhelming accolades he received propelled him onto the same stage for the subsequent four years, intensifying his yearning for grander platforms.

Using insults as a catalyst

Between 2015 and 2017, while simultaneously completing his 11th and 12th grades, Sampoorn eagerly sought to join a stage performance company. However, he found himself relegated to a backup artist role at the stage’s periphery, an experience that initially left him disheartened yet galvanized his determination to strive for excellence. This moment marked the revelation that anchoring was the missing piece that would satiate his desire for fulfillment. By observing television anchors, he recognized that these individuals held both the inaugural and concluding words, precisely the role he envisioned for himself. When queried about his aspirations, Sampoorn proudly declared his desire to become an RJ. Yet, a pivotal incident occurred during a family gathering when a relative mocked his ambition, casting doubt on his ability to even read a script. Paradoxically, this insult became the catalyst that ignited Sampoorn’s positive resolve to embark on the path of becoming an RJ. This event marked the turning point that ultimately propelled him to attain accolades in his chosen field.

However, the question remained: what innate talents and skills are necessary to emerge as the impactful speaker he is? Observing him closely during my brief tenure, I came to realize that his natural abilities harmoniously converged with his diligent efforts in becoming an RJ, solidifying his position as a captivating orator.

The natural hand: Inborn talent

During my time at Somanath in Gujarat, a serendipitous encounter introduced me to three fellow cyclists, among whom Sampoorn stood as one. Over the course of a few days, we forged a camaraderie, immersing ourselves in the vibrant surroundings. Exploring the nooks of Somanath, we took to sharing our thoughts with the breeze. Throughout this experience, I observed Sampoorn’s outgoing nature and his unyielding desire to engage with people, whether it was the tea vendor, the staff at the bhojanalaya, or even a fellow beach dweller.

As we lingered by the shoreline, a sizable group of individuals from Chattisgarh passed us. Sampoorn’s curiosity led him to inquire about their origins. Upon learning they hailed from Chattisgarh, he skillfully interjected, proudly proclaiming our group’s diverse origins from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, creating a confluence of five distinct ethnicities at the sacred Somanath location. With an innate situational awareness, he magnetized the crowd of over 20 people, weaving connections with his words. Ingeniously, he lauded the Chattisgarh residents with the phrase “Chatisghariya sabse bhadiya,” a slogan that praises Chattisgarh as the best in the country. This moment was captured on video, transformed into content that encapsulated the essence of the interaction.

From this insightful episode, I gleaned several pivotal lessons from Sampoorn, crystallizing the essential traits of a proficient anchor:

1. The art of choosing words to craft phrases that resonate pleasingly.

2. A reservoir of general knowledge spanning the subjects under discussion.

3. The perceptive situational awareness to discern common threads that bind people together.

Beyond these, when I inquired how Sampoorn managed to effortlessly attract and captivate a sizable audience while maintaining their pleasure, he humbly shared that it came naturally to him. He withheld the fact that he possessed over 7 years of anchoring experience, revealing an innate modesty. However, his subsequent revelation deeply resonated with me. Sampoorn posited that to truly elevate a situation, each participant must feel its significance. He underscored that the true essence of a special moment lies in sharing and expression. What better method exists to embellish the significance of a moment than by ensuring it holds weight for everyone involved? Sampoorn, with his talents, genuinely made every individual matter, fostering an environment where each person felt valued.

The other hand: Developed skills

Between 2017 and 2019, Sampoorn artfully navigated the realm of freelance anchoring, readily embracing opportunities wherever they arose. His proficiency in the field grew to the extent that he contemplated trying his hand at All India Radio (AIR), Akashwani. After successfully clearing the audition, he dedicated 4.5 years of his life to anchoring at AIR, while simultaneously continuing his freelance work. Money wasn’t his driving force; he willingly anchored at most requested events, becoming a master of his craft.

While pursuing his anchoring passion, Sampoorn also embarked on the path of education. Although he commenced studying BCom, the financial constraints prevented him from completing his MCom degree, costing 65,000 rupees. He decided to redirect his focus towards personal development, rather than a degree for the sake of it. Opting out of MCom, he invested his time in government-offered free courses, attending bootcamps through institutions like Canara Bank. Although attendance constraints hindered him from receiving certificates, he used these courses to enrich his skill set.

The perfect blend of his innate speaking ability, relentless dedication, and the intention to create memorable moments for all culminated in Sampoorn anchoring some of the nation’s most prestigious events:

1. A 24-hour marathon dance performance by Ankita Bajpai, breaking a world record.

2. Anchoring the Praygraj Kumbh Festival in 2019.

3. Leading the Lucknow Mahotsav in 2018, a national festival.

4. Steering the Bharath Mahotsav national festival in 2021 and 2022.5. Hosting the UP Mahotsav consistently for five years from 2017 to 2022.

Sampoorn’s yearning for the affection of people was evident. He recognized that his desire to have the first and last words aligned with his craving for their love. This longing spurred him to embark on a cycling journey across the country, aiming to forge genuine connections with one million individuals. His sole motive is to amass the love of the people, a mission he intends to fulfill before returning to his previous job.

Drawing wisdom from spiritual texts, including ‘Jeevan ki Raahe,’ Sampoorn internalized the profound truth that respecting oneself is a prerequisite for earning the respect of others. This principle guides his actions today.

Fascinated by his remarkable journey of garnering affection from a million individuals solely for the sake of love, I was compelled to delve deeper into Sampoorn’s psychological landscape through a series of probing questions.

The psychology

Sampoorn confided in his father about his ambitious expedition, keeping the rest of the family in the dark. His resolve to collect the affection of a million individuals across the nation was resolute. Through his responses to my inquiries, I gained a glimpse into the remarkable character that he embodies.

Justification

In response to queries about his motivations and rationale, he articulated: “My name is Sampoorna, and I strive to embody its meaning. I was originally named Rishik, but the transformation into Sampoorna inspired a profound purpose within me. I yearn to immerse myself in the lives of countless individuals across our nation, aiming to perceive the world from their perspectives. This holistic understanding will enable me to leverage humanity as a catalyst for aiding as many people collectively as I can.”

Validation

When inquired about whose validation holds the utmost significance, Sampoorn responded with conviction: “My father’s approving nod is my guiding light. If he endorses my actions, I’ll pursue them with unwavering determination. He is my constant source of inspiration. I’m convinced that people will naturally follow my lead if I walk in my father’s footsteps. This belief runs deep within me. The desire for nationwide affection stems from my firm conviction that I’m on the right course, and my father’s recognition is an embodiment of absolute faith.”

Conplaints

When questioned about grievances, Sampoorn shared, “During my journeys as a freelancer, I encountered numerous individuals. Yet, when I faced adversity, I struggled to perceive the essence of humanity within people. This experience fuels my current mission with a resounding motto: Join humanity.” Sampoorn is resolute in his intention to address this concern in the most effective manner he can.

Materialism

Inquiring about how he’d handle a substantial sum of money, I asked Sampoorn what his response would be. With a genuine sincerity, he stated that he’d invest the entirety of it in humanity. His vision involved orchestrating grand gatherings that brought people from diverse backgrounds together, utilizing the power of unity as a common thread.

Before our parting, I posed a final question to Sampoorn, asking if he had a message to share with the world. In his inimitable RJ style, he pronounced, “Let’s unite to make every moment more extraordinary.” Spending two full days with Sampoorn proved to be an enlightening experience.

For further exploration, you might find interest in reading an article about another all India cyclist who undertook a journey across half the nation with no financial resources.