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Workshop on Sound: Juxtapose pre-event: March 2024

Mar 31, 2020

Batch of 2020

SIMRAN RAWAT



I wasn’t entirely sure how to start off this piece but I’m going to go ahead and do it anyhow because it’s a very apt metaphor for the entire college experience. There have been several times that LSR has seemed intense and intimidating, yet here I am at the end of 3 years, much better off for having gone through the gauntlet. My name is Simran Rawat and I’m a final year student of the Journalism Department at LSR. 

From being really apprehensive about joining an all girl’s institution to understanding Sunshine when she barks at men in college, I’ve come a long way. I still for the life of me can't figure out where the totem pole area is though. Point being that in LSR, there will always be things you don’t know, fresh challenges will always await you, but that’s what makes it unique. LSR allows you to make the most of your college experience in your own way. Everyone chooses their own path and makes their own meanings within these four walls. Even 3 years in, I find this place extremely daunting, there is no dearth of talent all around. But in the presence of so many incredible women, you learn to take exceptional as an example, you learn to treat excellence as the norm and that’s part of the charm!

As someone with a penchant for all things creative, I know I couldn’t have survived or thrived in any department other than Journalism. I’ve always known this to be my passion and I hope I’m well on my way towards my goal now. The department has always been unique in terms of allowing us to play to our strengths and do our own thing within the directives. In my time here, I’ve spearheaded a digital campaign, made documentaries and PSAs, created advertisements and recorded news capsules on ground. Each of these projects has been so close to my heart because I had the freedom to choose my unique brand of journalism. These experiences have also held me in good stead as I interned at NDTV Media in my first summer break, working on social impact-oriented advertising campaigns. The social sector has always been my area of expertise. For the last 7 years, I’ve headed my own NGO, A Cry for Help Foundation. We help adolescents in dealing with problems like peer pressure, self-harm, bullying and more. My work has helped me reach out to thousands of students, teachers and parents. It has given me a chance to interact with renowned social organizations and learn from incredible mentors. It has brought me and my partner media recognition and awards, but also a fair share of difficulties. Handling the demands of managing my employees while interning myself or balancing college work alongside professional commitments was never easy. But I do believe that at the end of the day, wearing many hats has helped me prepare for the real world. 

During college, I also got to organize an international exchange program in China through A Cry for Help. I had the opportunity to attend Summer School at University College London, learning with the best and brightest from world over. One of my proudest moments was getting selected to represent LSR and the government of India in the Ministry of Youth Affairs’ visit to South Korea. These experiences offered me invaluable international exposure and helped me expand my learning beyond the classrooms. Mind you, each of these opportunities came at what seemed like an inopportune time. I flew out to China the day my finals ended, having spent the entire time before organizing the program. I returned from South Korea a few days before finals began and when I was interning at NDTV, I had just begun training my first batch of full-time summer interns. All I can say with certainty is that life is uncertain and when opportunity knocks, you should answer. It may seem like a large leap of faith but you have to trust yourself to be your own parachute. 
I’m also grateful that I did not miss out on any of the quintessential college experiences. I was part of the sponsorship team for Juxtapose, our annual academic meet and I had the pleasure of returning next year to head the Hospitality team. I also greatly enjoyed being in the NSS my first year, working with the girls at Hunar was truly a life changing experience. I volunteered for the Khula Darbar and Infrastructure and Logistics teams too, to get a first-hand look into organizing things on campus. Noor, Nexus, Tarang and all our various fests helped me learn something new, even if it was just how to get work done in the metro! I also used college as a jumping off point to push my boundaries in other ways. I started working as a freelance model to see the media industry from another angle. Challenging and chagrin inducing as it was at times, I can’t deny that it was also fun and fascinating to work for brands like Amazon and learnt to walk the ramp in heels without tripping!

So maybe that’s all college is about, getting to the finish line, even as you trip, fall and stumble. Because at the end of the day, it’s the journey that counts! As for the present, I’m currently working as the Regional Leader for the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up campaign, doing what I love by advancing the cause of women’s equality. I continue to function as the Trustee of A Cry for Help and hope to scale up our impact this year. After graduating, I may work for a while or take up my masters at the London School of Economics. Current global uncertainty seems to have thrown a spanner in the works but I’m happy as long as I get to go, this year or the next! In conclusion, all I’d like to say is that all’s well that ends well and as this chapter of my life draws to a close, I’m happy that I joined journalism because this is where I discovered my style and my stride. And if you’re a mildly terrified junior reading this, worried how life will play out, don’t worry, not because everything will always go according to plan but because I assure you that it will be okay even if it doesn’t. We were all as worried as you are, in fact we still are! But that’s life and as someone with only slightly more experience, it gets better. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, the light is you.

Love, hugs and a shoulder to cry on if you need it
Simran

  

ISHANI VARMA


Since childhood I had a predilection for ideas which translated into me having the wittiest stories, the most creative projects, and ingenious solutions to common problems. Over time, as my ideas became more vivid, so did the urge to make people relate to them. This led me to an unconventional choice of expression - film-making. Such was my passion, that I scripted, directed, edited and even acted in them. Filmmaking has definitely played a huge role in my life. 

















By securing All India Rank 1 in the ECA Filmmaking Trials conducted by Delhi University, I got the opportunity to study Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College. In my three years of graduation, I explored as many avenues as possible. Being an active member of the LSR Dramatics Society, I was a part of a production called ‘The Trial Room’ which questioned unrealistic beauty standards set by the society. The Trial Room was one of the most successful productions in the Delhi University Theatre Circuit.


As a budding marketing enthusiast, I interned with companies like Ernst and Young, Nykaa and Indian Folk. These experiences solidified my interest in Marketing even more and led me to start preparing for MBA. In my final year of college, I got an acceptance from the Indian School of Business through its Young Leaders Program. Under this program, I am required to gain a minimum of 20 months of work experience before I join ISB.

My future plans are to pursue a career in Content Marketing in the Media & Entertainment Industry. I enjoy the challenge of working with different organisations, understanding their business and then building strategy/content according to their vision. I will always always cherish my experiences at LSR. I hope to carry forward these experiences and continue to make the Department of Journalism proud.



SANJANA CHAWLA





Hello everyone!

I am Sanjana Chawla, a 20-year-old Journalism undergraduate at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University. I am a writer, a self-proclaimed painter, a freelance model and a theatre enthusiast.
“I want to study Journalism after high school!” is what I used to say to all my family and friends ever since I was thirteen! Being in front of the camera, reading news and hosting shows was my dream back then, but the course of things changed and I’m glad “writing” happened to me!
From an enthusiastic “I want to be on screen!” to a quiet & composed “I want to write!”—this transition and journey has been beautiful and I love each bit of it!
I started writing when I was fourteen and it was mostly birthday messages, letters and notes for the people I knew back then. It escalated into writing scripts for the theatre and poems & articles for my own blog and journal. Writing and words for me have been my ultimate love and I want to take up the job of a writer once I graduate!
I pen my emotions, feelings and what I feel every now and then and if there’s something that I’ve realized over these years is that “words are powerful.” Simple and random compliments that people give on whatever I share online mean a lot to me and all of it just makes my day! It feels great to know that people are able to relate to my work and that they “feel” my poems or write-ups.
I joined LSR in 2017 and I am grateful and honored to be able to spend three important years of my life in this institution and for all the opportunities, experiences and learning. Classroom teaching and theoretical knowledge is important, but I always knew that I can’t just restrict myself to college and that I need to go over and beyond it. That’s when internships and work experience came into the picture!
I’ve had the opportunity to intern with over seven organizations in my three years of undergrad. Balancing work with college wasn’t easy and it was full of ups & downs, but I do not regret any part of it!

Doing internships and expanding your horizons is important and that’s precisely what our professors emphasized on since Semester 1! Going out and working in the professional world introduces you to a new space where you get to talk to people, interact, learn from them as well as contribute in the form of your skills and work.
The person I am today is very different from the girl who entered the beautiful LSR Campus in July 2017!

From being dependent on people around me for a thing as small as going to the canteen, to being all by myself and producing a Documentary, News Bulletin, Print, Radio and TV Advertisements, Newsletters and even running a Campaign all alone; I’ve gathered a lot of knowledge and stepped out of my comfort zone. I’ve also had the privilege to be associated with Juxtapose—our Department’s Annual Academic Meet throughout my three years at LSR and it is an important part of who I am. From volunteering in several teams in my first year to Heading the Content team in my second and third years, Juxtapose gave a new meaning to my graduation years and instilled in me the importance and values of teamwork and leadership.

I have evolved as a person, gotten much more confident, learnt a lot, worked on my skill set, became more expressive and became accepting of others and their opinions. I don’t think I’ve achieved a lot yet, but I am glad for being able to make it this far and I am hopeful and optimistic for my future as well.
It is very important to stay grounded and close to your roots. It’s equally important to be firm and have strong opinions about things. We lead a very safe and secure life at home and in college, but it’s all chaotic and fast-paced outside. Your three years of graduation, the classroom you study in, your university, your teachers, your peers and the internships you do prepare you for all of this. All of this make you strong and loads you with learning and precious knowledge.

All I can say from my experience and journey is that be positive and believe in yourself & in what you do. Self-believe and self-acceptance are important and once you have these, the entire process gets easier and fun-filled! Trust the process and love what you do!

Trust me, you’ll be great, you’ll sail through this, you’ll be successful and I just wish the best for you!

Love and wishes,


Sanjana Chawla


ISHITA SHARMA


  

Apparently, the essay sort of thing I’m writing is supposed to be some sort of a guiding point for the batches below us and for this to reach you, I’ll have to be someone who’s doing well with her life. And I’m sure till a certain extent, my achievements and the work I’ve done will qualify me as someone who is probably doing well but I’m not so sure if I feel the same way about it. I’ve always found my mind indulged in some sort of fast paced revolution and that has kept me to keep on exploring in the urge to change and equip myself to be ‘productive’ enough. And as much as it has kept me active in trying new things, it has made me absolutely vulnerable to my own expectations that I never seem to accomplish. Because no matter what I do, it might not be enough. So, down below are few of my accomplishments of the past three years that still make me feel this way. And It’s just okay :) I’m writing this because I don’t want my accomplishments to be some sort of a standard for you guys rather an example of a consistent struggle that a college kid seems to go through in trying to be enough and prove herself worthy. 

The timeline shall go backwards….

In a less distant future, I’m aiming to intern (not work specifically) on a long term basis with advertising agencies like Equinox, Ogilvy and the Caravan to gain a better understanding of distinct mediums to help me make a better choice on the specification of the major I shall choose. In the distant future, I will surely be working depending on my skill set and interest at the time but as of now, I’m more focused towards what I want to learn before I start working full time. Apart from all of this and everything that might just look good on my CV, skateboarding, art, music, travelling, photography and much more have kept me sane and helped me find a balance to manage all of this together. There’s a lot more, obviously but I’ll conclude here. Hope it helps you in some way even though I don’t know how it will. Ohk bye. Take care  x

  

SREYA SURI


  
      

My name is Sreya Suri and I am a part of the outgoing 2020 batch of the Department of Journalism at LSR. I decided I wanted to write for a living when I was fourteen years old and when I was fifteen I decided I wanted to study journalism at LSR. I believed college would give me all the answers to my questions- that it would make me a better writer and help me build a career in the competitive media industry. 

When I joined college in 2017, I was a 17 year old who didn’t talk very much on account of being shy, and enjoyed writing. Looking back three years later, so much has changed and yet, so much is still the same. Six semesters, three internships, three positions of responsibility, a career shift and countless experiences later, I can safely say that none of it was easy, but all of it was worth it. 

When I was in my first year, LSR seemed like a complicated map I couldn’t quite read. There were the problems of learning to live alone, like learning how to wash clothes (a skill I still haven’t mastered!) and being responsible for myself. There was also the issue of trying to navigate the ropes of new classmates, more challenging curriculum and the pressure of being surrounded by excellence perpetually. I am forever grateful for finding a society like the Elocution Society in LSR. Somewhere between doing voice exercises and trying to bring scripts to life, I found home in a space I least expected to. It helped me find confidence and break out of the shell that seemed to be holding me back. I went on to become the coordinator for the society in the next academic year and continue to be extremely passionate about everything this space stands for.

Following a very prolonged sickness the summer before my second year, I resolved to take a more active role in the department. I was always involved in department events and talks, but I wanted to be more involved in how the department worked. I always enjoyed writing and so I applied for the position of Editor-in-Chief of the department’s academic journal. I was chosen and the experience has proved to be invaluable to me. It showed me how diverse opinions are across the department and how incredibly talented and insightful students of the department are. It taught me to listen and how to navigate multiple deadlines. I started to be increasingly invested in the department and contested for the post of President.

Being the President of this department has been challenging, to say the least. But it has all been worth it, because of how much it has come to mean to me. Classes with the teachers have taught me lessons I never consciously tried to learn. They have taught me how to navigate any deadline and how to be honest in  any situation. They have taught me how to reference essays and how to handle any hurdle with dignity. I have learnt to handle both a camera and trust carefully. This department has taught me how to be true to this profession we are all so passionate about and most importantly, be true to myself. 

Today, I do not know if I have learnt to be a better writer and I am still very shy, but I have learnt so much more. I have learnt to accept and understand privilege, I have learnt to stand for what I believe in, I have learnt to accept my mistakes and try to grow from them and most importantly, I have learnt to listen. I interned at Dell Technologies as a part of their marketing division in June and July 2019 and what set me apart was definitely not my technical prowess but my willingness to learn and my dedication and determination to complete tasks- skills this department emphasises on from day one.

As I graduate, I must admit there is a certain uncertainty that exists. There is a lingering fear of the “real world” and what it holds for me. However, I believe I will be fine. I have some wonderful teachers and a network of extraordinary classmates, friends and seniors to help me along the way. After three years in one of the most competitive and truly talented spaces in the world, I’m sure I can handle what lies out there.

(These articles are written by students as a part of their assignment exercise during the period of COVID-19. Views expressed are their personal. Blog owner does not take any responsibility for their authenticity, correctness or appropriateness and shall not be responsible for any matter arising out of their interpretation.)  

Mar 30, 2020

C3 Reporting and Editing for Print: Journalism


UNIT 2 Interviewing/Types of news leads

Interviewing: doing the research, setting up the interview, conducting the interview


News Leads/intros, Structure of the News Story–Inverted Pyramid style; Lead: importance, types of lead; body of the story; attribution, verification


Types of Leads:


Difference between articles and features:


Human Interest Stories


Articles, features, types of features and human interest stories , leads for features, difference between articles and features

Disclaimer: Links have been added from various sources to help students study during Covid-19 crisis. This is in public service)

Mar 29, 2020

In a lockdown, the fate of prisoners

In a lockdown, the fate of prisoners 

While placing restrictions on jail visits is understandable, an alternative and uniformed channel for communication must be created for inmates to reduce their anxiety

ANALYSIS Updated: Mar 28, 2020 18:39 IST
Vartika Nanda
Vartika Nanda





There are 1,339 prisons in the country which house 466,084 inmates; the actual capacity is 396,223. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many jails have imposed restrictions on the visits of outsiders.
There are 1,339 prisons in the country which house 466,084 inmates; the actual capacity is 396,223. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many jails have imposed restrictions on the visits of outsiders. (HTPHOTO/REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY)

Amid the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), two major stories have gone unnoticed. The first is that of the Iranian government temporarily releasing 85,000 prisoners in the wake of several virus-related deaths. The second is from India. A two-judge bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde and LN Rao issued a notice to the director-general, Prison, and chief secretaries of all states and Union territories on March 16, asking them about the precautionary measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus in the jails. Indian jails are now setting up isolation wards for those with Covid-19 symptoms. All the 17,500 inmates in Tihar, Delhi, have been checked for symptoms, and new inmates are being screened. Lists are being finalised to release selected inmates on parole or on interim bail. Tihar has prepared a list of 3,000 inmates while Uttar Pradesh has 10,000 and Maharashtra has 11,000 inmates on their lists. This process is likely to start today.
There are 1,339 prisons in the country which house 466,084 inmates; the actual capacity is 396,223. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many jails have imposed restrictions on the visits of outsiders. 
Visitations in prisons are of three types. The first is the one-to-one physical meeting in which an inmate is allowed to meet their visitor in an open room or lawn. They get the freedom to physically touch each other and talk. For the inmate and the visitor, this is the most satisfying form of meeting. The second is the meeting across a meshed window, which occurs in a large number of prisons. A large number of inmates in one room, talking to visitors in another room, leaves no space for privacy. The third is with toughened glass that works as a barrier between the inmate and the visitor, with an intercom on both sides. Since prison is a state subject, all states are taking their own decision, but most of the jails have closed all the three visitations. They are now restricting inmates to phone calls. 
The ministry of home affairs prepared the Model Prison Manual, 2016, after building a national consensus on issues of prison reforms and highlighted the need for proper visitations. But visitations are still considered a privilege and not a right and can be reduced or completely cut if the inmate does not “behave well”.
The other issue is related to the telephone system in prisons. Even now, only a few states permit women inmates to make use of the telephone in prisons, which are available to male inmates. Prison administrators say this is because the public call office is placed in the male unit and this restricts the entry of women. Women inmates already receive fewer visitations as compared to men, due to alienation by their families.
So, when any such facility is removed from inmates’ daily routine, it comes as a shock to them. Those who have interacted with inmates will testify that inmates eagerly wait for their visitations. While placing restrictions on visits is understandable, an alternative and uniformed channel for communication must be created for them to reduce anxiety. Also, inmates are helping the nation by making masks. But this too has gone unnoticed. While taking away the concession of visits for some time, the system must also remember the contribution of inmates and the jail staff in this time of crisis.
Vartika Nanda is a prison reformer
The views expressed are personal

IS THE INDIAN MEDIA JUST ABOUT SENSATIONALISM?

By Shehjar Bhat

Dave Brat once said, “The media does play a vital role in our democracy and if we cannot depend on journalistic ethics, the nation is in trouble.” 
The media, considered as the “Fourth Pillar” in a secular and democratic framework, has been instrumental in reaching and equipping masses with the needed knowledge ever since its advent. It plays an important role in shaping not just perceptions, but also the national agenda. 
Besides several ethics and principles, a Journalist must refrain from getting their prejudices and biases into forefront or in their coverage while reporting. The Indian Media has been a constant source of information for citizens’ since the colonial period and still is one of the most dependable sources. From the old age days of Newspaper, Television and Radio-to- the present era age of Mobile phones, IPads and SNS— it has undergone a lot of changes. 
The Indian media industry has grown tremendously in the past few years, but the corporate and political influence on journalists has also increased manifolds. Journalism in India is facing a serious crisis and the industry is in an upheaval.
Indian Media has been in everyone’s eyes and diaries for all the wrong reasons and is often accused of being involved in corrupt practices and in favor of certain publishers, political parties, business houses and religious institutions. The media is believed to be engaged in yellow journalism or dramatization of events and news rather than reflecting the informative part. There are numerous instances that are symbolic of its bend towards sensational, political, catchy and made up content that does nothing, but just shoots up the TRP and profits for that organization or media house. Not only distorted or falsified content, media has often used and targeted religious groups to make appeals, arouse emotions and spread hatred amongst the society. 
From Rohit Vemula’s over-sensationalized and poorly covered suicide case-to-the 2016 viral videos of JNU wherein news anchors engaged in character assassination of three students; media’s coverage and reporting style has ended up creating a rift across nation and groups.
The Indian media mostly lives under the influence of those in power and who have the ability of controlling all the processes—from what gets reported, who gets presented positively to who gets flaked. The overpowering sway of the moneyed on editorial policies;  media house’s commercial orientation; and Government’s control over resources such as newsprint, communications and advertisements are some of the few examples of how media’s true power and strength are often hampered and this results in the production of skewed reporting. 
So how can media live up to its functions of maintaining checks and balances and acting as a watchdog of the democracy when it itself is producing favored, buyable and sellable content?
If there’s any time to conduct a reality check and ask whether all is well with the profession of journalism and media, it is not tomorrow or later but Now. 
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the article are personal and those of the author. 

Bravery & Responsibility: A Journalistic Reality or a Mere Illusion?

By Anushree Mukherjee

Courage has popularised itself as the antidote of mundane news in the modern journalistic sphere. Our society has tilted its attentive bias to measure the risk value of a story way before it even considers the other values it inhabits.  
Lance Morrow accurately noted-“Seventy-three journalists have died covering the war in Iraq; elsewhere 171 journalists have died doing their work in the past six years.
The ‘sensationalistic’ tendency of news cycles in the 21st century has normalised reporting that takes place in dangerous and life-threatening physical, political and corporate arenas. The life of a reporter is inevitably linked with severe risks such as psychological trauma, the lack of guarantee to safety or protection, and the fears of ostracization sanctioned by the powerful executives at work. 
One would argue that essence of journalism has always been in uncovering the truth and digging the concealed layers and presenting the reality. However, the virtue of truth has somewhere gone out of focus in this quest of journalistic gallantry. A reporter needs to be characterised by his devotion to the ethical obligations of fact-checking, accountability, objectivity and integrity and must stay true to his virtues. 
The test of fearless reporting lies equally in questioning the status quo, amplifying the public interest and verifying prejudices that encourage day-to-day discrimination, as it does in sting operations and war coverage. A brave journalist may flaunt the medallions of self-interest, but a responsible journalism always goes beyond the one-dimensional newsroom process. Unless this aspiration is embodied in the new-age reporting sphere, journalism will lose its relevance as the fourth estate and thereafter, the estate will lose its most valued democratic agency. 

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE INDIAN DYNAMIC

By: Samridhi Chug

I opened my mouth, but the law sealed my lips.
Since time unbeknownst, man has attempted to use his voice to speak his mind, his hands to jot his philosophy, tiny gestures that morphed his mental aerobics to tangible manifestations. The political state was well aware that “a pen is mightier than the sword,” but still actively sought to drain the common man's ink and grip his tongue with their unruly and unbalanced ways. The contemporary Indian imagination rests well on this predicament.

While the Constitution of India in Article 19(1)(a) guaranteed every Indian citizen “the right to freedom of thought, speech and expression,” it was furtive in veneering it with the disclaimer of “reasonable restrictions” under the same Article. It cited a nation's sovereignty and integrity, public order, security, and morality as some of the very ambiguous grounds that could put your liberty on hold. And why not, after all, the bottom-line of our fundamental rights does swear by Holmes' Adage-“Your freedom ends where my nose begins.” And so it was clear that the Right to Freedom of Speech, just like any other right was never meant to be absolute, in principle, or in practice.

Legally speaking, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, criminalises ‘Obscenity’ under Section 292, while Section 298 bars individuals from “uttering any word or making any sound with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of another person.” Section 124A of the IPC, a colonial remnant that defines Sedition, still remains a concrete bone of contention among the members of the civil society and the political state.

The post 1990s era has recorded the murder of at least 48 journalists, with only one case in the purview of prosecution which is a reflection of the grim media scenario in the country. According to the 2019 estimates of Reporters without Borders, India ranked 140th worldwide in Press Freedom Index. Censorship on press and other forms of mediated expression remains a reality well-lived through the 70+ years of the country's independence.

Voltaire famously said, “I may not agree with you, but I will defend to death your right to speak.” As contemporary India turns septuagenarian, youthful and defiant, but still maturing in its tryst with destiny, it is time that the citizens are given free wings, a tongue without restraint, and a space that allows dialectical exchange of ideas. Only when the freedom to be free and independent will be given can the nation step towards pinnacle.

Surge, evolution, liberty!

Disclaimer: Views expressed in the article are personal and those of the author.

ARE THE JOURNALISTS IN DANGER? 

By: Palomi Gupta

Lord Macaulay once said, “Media is the forth pillar of democracy.”
But is this statement true and applicable in the current scenario?
The mission of journalists is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. The quest of informing people comes in many forms. From investigations on sexual abuse that sparked the ‘#MeToo movement’–to- a fact-based reporting on how technology is reshaping every facet of modern life or a consequential and hard-hitting commentary on the political landscape of the country; the field of journalism is continuously evolving.  
But at a moment when surging nationalism is leading people to recede inward, one of the most consequential jobs of our journalists is to shine a light outward. 

Journalists, serving at the frontline of the Right to Freedom of Expression and access to information, must be able to carry out their work without trepidation of reprisal or dismay. 
Over the last few years, however, things have dramatically transmuted. Around the globe, a relentless campaign is targeting journalists because of the fundamental role they play in ascertaining a free and apprised society.
The first ever assassination of an Indian journalist—Bakshi Singh Tirath, which occurred on the dreadful 27thFebruary, 1992 was no less than a nightmare to all and what followed after that is nothing, but more bloodsheds and killings.
To stop journalists from exposing uncomfortable truths and holding power to account, a growing number of regimes have engaged in overt and truculent efforts to discredit their work and daunt them into silence.
In India, 18 journalists were murdered between 2008 to 2018. One of the victims of such cold-blooded murders was journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot near her Bangalore residence on September 5, 2017. Her assailants haven't been identified yet. Another journalist Shujaat Bukhari, was shot and killed on June 14, along with two police officers assigned to him for protection, for his reporting on the situation in Kashmir.
These ruthless murders are symptomatic of a more immensely colossal quandary of silencing journalists. Both journalists and journalism are made to suffer. Truth be told, till date there is no countrywide legislation to forefend journalists, though Maharashtra in 2017, became the first ever state to have passed the journalists’ protection law in the country. 
All in all, the space for journalistic freedom seems to be shrinking with each passing day. It's a country bereft of laws to protect the fourth pillar of our democracy. It is pertinent that media must be made secure, independent, and fearless for the protection of not just our greater societal ethos, but to safeguard our democracy, our nation and the people who best define the nation itself.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the article are personal and those of the author.

ROLE OF MEDIA IN CHANGING THE SOCIETY

By Harshita Solanki
“WHOEVER CONTROLS THE MEDIA, CONTROLS THE MIND”- Jim Morrison
Media today is everywhere and has become an inseparable part of our lifestyle and routine. It also plays a dominant role in the learning process and has the potential to shape personalities, change the way we perceive & understand the world, and also helps us form our opinions. Media is the eyes and ears of the people and it surrounds us from all sides and spheres. We may not be able to travel the whole universe but media shows us what it’s like to be everywhere virtually. 
Media is the supper a society cannot live without. It is the media which allows people to think and expand their horizons and thinking patterns about the happenings and burning issues. Media is the sword and arm of Democracy and is expected to be unbiased and transparent. It is responsible for bringing out and uncovering the truth boldly and fearlessly because the readers, viewers, listeners and citizens have the right to be informed in the best possible and correct way. It should not only make the society aware of their democratic rights, but also enable them to exercise the rights they are bestowed with. It plays a dual role as the watchdog of the democracy that protects public interest against malpractices, and as a facilitator of information and public awareness.
With the mainstream media constantly bombarding the society with pro-government issues, media users now yearn for a different point of view and as a result are shifting towards alternative and more diverse sources of media.
Media at times has ignored stories of importance. It has ignored stories that ought to be heard, seen and attended to. It has often shown us just a part and not the whole picture or the reality. Media needs to cover everyone and everything. It needs to fairly cover all that happens in order to sustain its viewers. 
Media needs to objectively cover everything that happens in order to sustain itself.

Editing: Sanjana Chawla
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the article are personal and those of the author.

Mar 25, 2020


वो 21 दिन: कोरोना, जिंदगी और कुछ प्रार्थनाएं

Vartika nandaडॉ. वर्तिका नंदा Updated Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:36 PM IST


कोरोना वायरस ने जो किया है, वह दुनिया में किसी ने कभी सोचा तक न था।
सन्नाटा। सब कुछ रुका हुआ। सड़कों पर गाड़ियां नहीं, आसमान पर जहाज नहीं। पास से गुजरते लोग नहीं। एक घर है। उसमें जो हैं, बस, फिलहाल वही संसार है। बाहर जा नहीं सकते। बाहर से अंदर कुछ ला नहीं सकते। 21 दिन का समय। तब तक समय ठहरा रहेगा।  कोरोना वायरस ने जो किया है, वह दुनिया में किसी ने कभी सोचा तक न था। अपनी और समाज की सलामती चाहने वालों को अब 21 दिन इस यज्ञ का हिस्स बनना है।

पंजाब का समय याद आ गया। आंतकवाद के दिनों में कर्फ्यू का लगना जिदंगी का हिस्सा बन गया था। सड़कें वीरान हो जातीं और घरों में डर पसरा रहता। मीडिया के नाम पर उन दिनों महज दूरदर्शन था जो शाम सात बजे पंजाबी में और रात 9 बजे राष्ट्रीय समाचार देता। खबरें छन कर आतीं। जितनी आतीं, उतने में संतोष किया जाता, यह जानकर भी कि स्थितियां बहुत अच्छी नहीं हैं।

कोरोना ने उस कर्फ्यू की भयावहता को जिंदा कर दिया है। लेकिन कोरोना एक दूसरी तरह की भयावहता है। एकदम अविस्मरणीय। अविश्वसनीय। पिछले कई दिनों से कोरोना को लेकर अखबारें और मीडिया सना है। दुनिया में पहला ऐसा मौका है जब दुनिया के कई बड़े देश एकसाथ थम गए हैं।
कोराना आया है तो जाएगा भी। लेकिन यह कोरोना सिर्फ एक वायरस नहीं है। यह चेतावनी है। यह स्मरण है। पहले प्रदूषण और फिर अब इस खतरनाक तरीके से कोरोना के भय के बीच प्रकृति ने बहुत कुछ जतलाने की कोशिश की है। तिनके की तरह। कोरोना का वायरस दिखता नहीं। वह रहता है। कहीं हवा में, कहीं स्पर्श में। यह जतलाते हुए कि जो नहीं दिखता, उसकी भी एक ताकत होती है। कई बार दिखने वाले से कहीं ज्यादा।  अब तक तो रुतबे वाले तकनीक को शहंशाह समझते रहे। जमीन और आसमान उन दुखों के साक्षी बनते रहे। सच की चाबी कहीं और थी। तलाश कहीं और हुई। झूठ और प्रचार की इतनी गठरियां भरीं कि अंतरिक्ष भी सहम गया।

कोरोना के आते ही सोशल मीडिया में कोरोना को लेकर पोस्ट्स का बहाव आ गया। प्रकृति के संदेश को बहुत से लोगों ने अब तक समझा ही नहीं है। प्रकृति शायद कम कहने, कम दिखने, जरूरतों सीमित करने, यात्राएं सीमित करने और भीड़ का हिस्सा बन प्रचार और आर्थिक भूख से खुद को रोकने की बात कह रही है। यह 21 दिन देश के लिए भारी हैं। यह संकट का समय है, मजाक का नहीं। ऐसे मजाक का तो कतई नहीं जिसमें समय काटने के लिए लोग अंताक्षरी खेलने का दावा करने लगें। घर के कई हिस्सों में बरसों से जाले थे। यह जाले ख्वाहिशों और बेइंतहा खरीदे सामानों के भी हैं। यह जाले घर के कालीन के नीचे रख दिए गए उन मसलों पर भी लग गए थे जिन पर बात करने का समय नहीं था। ऐसे 21 दिन पहले कभी नहीं आए। संकट ने इन 21 दिनों को उस इम्तहान के तौर पर दिया है जिसके नंबर हमें खुद देने हैं।

किसी दूसरे के हिस्से के सुखों को बटोर कर रखने वाले कई बार यह जान नहीं पाते कि कायनात में कई आहें भी होती हैं जो अपने तरीके से लौटती हैं। क्यों न इन 21 दिनों में अब तक की जिंदगी का लेखा-जोखा ले लिया जाए। अब समय खुद से मिलने का है। समय के पास आहों का वजन है। वजन कैसे पिघले। इसलिए आइए पहले भूल-चूक के बहीखाते को ठीक कर दिया जाए और फिर आसमान की तरफ कुछ प्रार्थनाएं उछाल दी जाएं।

(डॉ. वर्तिका नन्दा देश की स्थापित जेल सुधारक हैं। तिनका तिनका देश की जेल के लिए उनकी एक मुहिम है। देश की जेलों की अमानवीय परिस्थितियों को लेकर सुप्रीम कोर्ट की सुनवाई का हिस्सा भी बन चुकी हैं। )
#Corona #TinkaTinka #VartikaNanda

Courtesy: https://www.amarujala.com/columns/blog/coronavirus-21-days-lockdown-in-india-and-society?pageId=1