Sowmiya Ashok is an independent Indian journalist and author based in Chennai with over a decade of experience reporting on politics, society, environment, culture, and international affairs. She has worked for prominent national newspapers such as The Hindu and The Indian Express, including a notable stint as the Beijing correspondent in 2019, where she aimed to offer Indian readers nuanced perspectives beyond typical diplomatic narratives. Ashok holds a master’s degree from the Columbia Journalism School in New York and has reported from India, the United States, China, Taiwan, and other regions. Her writing has appeared in diverse publications and platforms, reflecting her wide interests in social justice, migration, and global issues. In December 2025, she published her first non‑fiction book, The Dig: Keeladi and the Politics of India’s Past, which explores the contested archaeological site at Keeladi and the ways history and politics intersect in shaping public understanding of India’s ancient past.