August 2012 Media TimesLab Journal ISSN 0975/6647 DDhshshhshs

Vol. 22 No1 2012 MediaTimes

Kashmir is in my andEyes in my Heart SOCIETY Media Education Research Centre University of Kashmir 1 August 2012 Media Times

Vice-Chancellor releasing special issue of MERC Times on Panos valedictory function

VC Prof Talat Ahmad and HoD Prof S Mufeed Veteran journalism trainer Aloke Thakur with founder HoD MERC Prof Manzurl Amin during Panos workshop at MERC MERC ROUND-UP MERC

Green Oscar award winner Mike Panday (filmmaker) with faculty and students at MERC August 2012 Media Times

he Media Times is a bi-annual lab journal of Media Education Research TCentre, University of Kashmir. It is devoted for enhancing the Print Journalism skills of the Students

Patron Prof. Talat Ahmad Vice-Chancellor

Chief Editor Prof. S. Mufeed Ahmad HoD MERC

Editor Muslim Jan

Sub Editor Graphics/Layout Rashid Maqbool Aga Shahi

Student Editors Souzeina, Qayoom Madni, Ashraf, Mukeet, Rouf.

All the contributors are the students/scholars of Mass Communication and Journalism Batch 2011-2012 at MERC, KU. The opinion, views in the articles, reports & essays including in this issue do not necessarily represent the viwes of faculty of MERC. The authors are solely reponsible for the facts stated including the source of the information and references. The Editor or the centre is not responsible for any kind of plagiarism.

Feedback and suggestions from the readers are welcome. ©MERC 2011-2012 Printed and Published by: HoD MERC for and behalf of University of Kashmir e-mail:[email protected] For further information write to Editor Media Education Research Centre University of Kashmir, Srinagar-19006 e-mail:[email protected], [email protected]

3 August 2012 Media Times

Prof Manzurul Amin with faculty members, alumni and the students at MERC

HoD Prof S Mufeed and Sr faculty member Nasir Mirza with a VC Prof Talat Ahmad, Registrar Prof S Fayaaz, HoD Prof S Mufeed team of filmmakers from Mumbai and Director DD Srinagar Shami Shair in a video workshop at MERC MERC ROUND-UP MERC

Team of Panos trainers and students at valedictory function of Panos programme titled ‘People and Places’ at MERC August 2012 Media Times

Dr. Er. Mehraj-ud-Din Dar, FOUNDER DIRECTOR IT & SS, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR

ashmir University deeply life he scaled the heights of excel- Department of Computer Scienc- mourns the tragic death lence and proved his mettle. His es). Kof one of its brilliant and achievements are numerous and KU specially assigned the job of shinnning stars Dr. Er. Mehraj- qualities as a human being beyond automating the results of the Ex- ud-Din Dar, Founder Director IT count. He will always be remem- amination Wing which was sub- & SS, University Of Kashmir. He bered as a man of great will power sequently successfully executed did his BE in Electronics & Com- and a golden heart. by him in his capacity as the Addi- munication from Regional Engi- “Science & Engineering Re- tional Controller of Examination. neering College (REC) Srinagar, search Fellowship” (SERC)-2009, 2007 Ist December, 2007 Dr. (now NIT) and then completed his awarded by Science and Technol- Mehraj was appointed as the OBITUARY MS (M.Tech) Software Systems ogy, Govt. of India. “Science Sci- Founder Director of the Directo- from the prestigious Birla Institute entist Fellowship-1998” offered by rate of IT & SS. Immediately he of Technology & Science (BITS) Department of Science & Technol- took up the challenge of promoting Pilani. Dr Mehraj did his Ph.D on ogy, J&K Govt. IT and executing e-Governance in “Data Extraction and Recogni- 6th August, 1992 joined the Uni- the University. tion with Dynamic Variants” from versity of Kashmir as System Ana- A strong team of multidiscipli- Kashmir University. In his short lyst in the Computer Centre (now nary members with Dr. Mehraj 5 August 2012 Media Times

as its Chief Coordinator was con- Communication and Informa- tomation System, e-feedback, e- stituted for launching multiple tion Technology, Govt. of India NOC. IT activities worked out various sanctioned another e-governance e-Governance (Administration) strategies to make the Directorate project in September 2011 under Project and its entire domain of IT and e- which efforts are on to make all e-HR, e-Workflow, e-learning. Governance self financing. operations of the University e-gov- Auxiliary Services. In its very first attempt it suc- erned. Maintenance of University ceeded to secure a prestigious In 2012 Dr. Mehraj proposed Website, Hosting of Departmen- project from the Ministry of Com- for introduction of M.Sc Pro- tal Websites, Establishment of munication and Information Tech- gramme in Information Tech- Information Centres in Affiliated nology for e-governance of the nology (M.Sc in IT) which was Colleges, Connectivity with Col- Admission, Registration and Ex- approved by the competent au- leges, University WAN Connec- amination systemic activities with thority and the program was tivity. Student Placements in IT, the goal of providing many on-line launched in March 2012 giv- IT Trainings pertaining to the in solutions. The project was success- ing the Directorate the status of home e-governed solutions, Uni- fully completed in June 2011. an academic department. The versity Event Management, Uni- It is because of his tireless efforts course will be run by the Directo- versity Salary System, University that at present a variety of on line rate of IT and SS in collaboration Guest House Booking. solutions are in operation which with IIT Mumbai. It has been de- Advanced Centre for Excellence have benefitted all stake holders signed as a specialized practical in information and Communica- including the students, staff and oriented professional courses of- tion Technology. faculty. The benefit has extended fering specialization in VLSI and The contributions and achieve- to a maximum portion of the so- hardware designed technologies. ments of Dr Mehraj ud Din in ciety since all the Govt. Degree Under his dynamic leadership the IT sector in general and e- Colleges were brought under the many on-line services related to governance practices in KU have purview of e-governance. Cur- admission, Examination, Syllabi, been duly acknowledged by the rently 38 IT centres are function- Statutes, Feedback Forum, Regis- state and central goverments. He ing across the valley in all affiliated tration, Students academic details, was an asset to the University and Govt. Degree Colleges. Re-evaluation, Re-checking, Mi- society as a whole and his death In view of the successful com- gration, E-learning etc are opera- is an irreparable loss to the IT de- pletion of the earlier e-governance tional on e-based mechanism at partment in particular and to the project, Dr. Mehraj as Chief Co- present; University in general His loss will ordination of the team proposed e-Governance (Examinations & be mourned for years to come. for total e-governance of the en- Admissions) Project; May Allah provide peace to his tire administrative system of the e-Registration, e-Admissions, soul and grant him place in heav- University and the Ministry of e-Entrance, e-Examination Au- en (Ameen) . OBITUARY

6 August 2012 Media Times

Vice-Chancellor’s Message From HoD’s Desk From Editor’s Desk

Cover Story Rendehvous with Prof. Manzurul Amin 46-47 NEW MEDIA Google’s Googly Rouf Bhat 12-13 Youngsters Losing Appetite To Read Hashim Hakeem 14 Social Networking: Boon or Bane? Ashiq Sofi 15-16 Best Buddies Beyond Borders Javeed Bhat 17 Nuclear Families Turning Further Nuclear Jahandad Bashir 18 JOURNALISM The Tabloidisation of News Zulqarnain Mir 19 Science: An Emerging Beat For Reporters Rabiya Bashir 20-21 CINEMA Satyamev Jayate Hits the Bulls Eye Souzeina Mushtaq 22-23 Hundred Years Of Indian Celluloid Hilal ul Fayaz 24-25 Bollywood’s Influence Beyond Its Borders Rohail Sheikh 26-27 SOCIETY Basera-E- Tabassum Healing The Spirits Mudasir Majeed 28-30 Craving For The Roots Asmat Muneera 31-32 7 August 2012 Media Times

Extravagance In Marriage Ceremonies : A Cause Of Worry Hilal Ahmad Darzi 33 Dry House: Dream of a Bakerwal Kid Zuhaib Ashraf 34 When Death Escapes By A Promise Uzma Manzoor 35-36 The ‘Grave’ Question Bilal Bhat 37-38 Phalgam A Haven for Haves Shafat Hussain 39-40 HERITAGE Guryul Ravines Nishah Zargar 41 The Last Three ‘German Khaar’ Tyba Bashir/ Nishah Zargar 42-43 Tonga Is Loosing The Race Aaqib Ashraf 44 CULTURE Khayyam Barbeques: A Mouth Watering Experience Umar Hayat 45 PERSONALITY I Want To Be His Disciple Forever Malla Waseem 48-49 ECONOMY Strawberry Village- A Single Man Initiative Ubaid Shafi Bhat 50 King Of Wools Yearning For Revival Mukeet Akmali 51-52 SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY Cloud Computing Baseera Rafiquee 53-54 LADAKH VIEW Education In Ladakh Touching New Heights Hajira Bano 55 Fascinating Folk Songs of Ladakh Mehrun Nissa 56-57 OPINION Importance of Public Opinion In Media Fida Hussain 58 Why I Write? Sheikh Qayoom 59 PhD: The Formula Of Success!! Iqbal Kirmani 60 BOOK REVIEW Azad’s Whirlwind Journey Heeba Din 61 Two States: Story Of My Marriage Mohammad Saquib 62 Literature Manto’s Magic Left Me Spell Bound Ashraf ul Hassan 63 CONTENTS Innocent Killer Basit Lone 64-65 SPORTS Kp: A Test Specialist Aamir Salati 66-67

8 August 2012 Media Times

Message from Vice-chancellor

he common notion is that journalism is all about idealism. However, in field, things are very different. Number of things attain more significance than just reporting the objective Tfact. Many a time, social considerations also take precedence. That’s why the concept of self censorship assumes much more significance, because what journalists often report has wide ranging consequences. There are other sensibilities which ought to be taken care of. Journalism as a profession is becoming a tricky job. It is all about finding ways and means to say what you want to say by not offending anyone. Sometimes journalism is about compromises also. More than idealism, it is about realism and understanding of the situation. So there is only one advice: be wise. And this wisdom can be garnered by knowing the nuances of journalism in a great deal. The threshold to withstand pressures from different quarters while reporting facts can be assimilated by understanding the fine distinctions of this profession. The theoretical footing and sound knowledge of this field, as such, is a pre-requisite to excel and survive in the ever-exploring domain of media. In this regard, I am pleased to know that the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of University is filling up this need by teaching the sciences of media to the budding journalists. Imparting the relevant information and understanding of media studies has been the facet of this Centre, which has a distinguish of making good journalists, most of whom are affiliated with the media in the State and some among them are working with reputed national and international media organizations outside. In a way, this Centre has been instrumental in supplying the media manpower to the State which is gradually evolving with the entry of the same every year. This is a considerable contribution MERC has made towards its society. However, given the increasing economic globalization and re-structuring in the world political, economic and technological systems, and the requirements for knowledge and information within that system, educational needs in terms of curriculum and approach at all levels have changed. MERC too has to keep in sight these educational requirements for the workforce of the future. In this backdrop, it is enormously imperative that the area of publications by students (a fortnightly newspaper MERC Times and a bi-annual lab journal Media Times) is widened. These are the platforms that will generate creative thought and reflection amongst the budding journalists. This will also open the doors for rewarding careers in many fields of professional activity including academia and media affairs. I am pleased to know that in the year 2012 under the able leadership of HoD MERC conducted various seminars workshops on the significant topics like Media and Social Responsibility and Press Freedom and the like and also organized interaction sessions with the veterans of Media industry. It gives me pleasure to note that the content of departmental publications is gradually MESSAGE improving and the frequency is getting regular. The efforts put in by the Editor and her team are commendable. I wish them all the best.

Prof. Talat Ahmad 9 August 2012 Media Times

From HoD’s Desk A Call For Responsible Journalism

ree press is one of the most important indicators of a successful democracy. People’s participation in the affairs of State, which is the soul of any democratic republic, will be impossible without Fthe functioning of free and fair press, also referred to as fourth estate. The main aim and goal of the fourth estate is to keep our leaders honest and to arm the powerless with high amount of required information to become problem solvers However, this goal will be impossible to achieve in absence of freedom that media requires to empower the powerless. Press freedom is essential for the media to promote dialogue, challenge violations of the rule of law, and expose corruption. Journalists everywhere must be able to practice their profession without fear and censorship. The mass media are able to contribute to the life and the liberty of people only if they are allowed to operate with freedom. A free press that gives voice to minorities and marginalized groups promotes dialogue and mutual understanding among the different groups in society. It is in recognition to the significance and essence of this freedom for the operations of media that the fourth estate enjoys constitutional guarantees in this regard in the shape of Art 19. However, the same Article immediately after pledging the freedom puts necessary restrictions on it. The freedom of speech has become a contentious issue in resent times and the limits of what is and what is not acceptable speech has become widely debated issue throughout the world. Allah in his Holly Book Quran has defined the limits on what is acceptable and unacceptable speech. In chapter 49 (Surah Hujraat) Verse No. 6, “O, you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with content of information, investigate first, lest to you harm people out of ignorance and become a regretful over what you have done? Even one could find the execution and implementation of right of speech as demonstrated by benefactor of humanity Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his Khaleefas (R.A) and followers. Media deals with and touches people’s lives very closely and what rolls out has a direct bearing on the functioning of the society. Therefore, media practitioners have to be extra careful while exercising their liberty and power of access. Independence gives rise to responsibility, rights are followed by duties and if there exists a disconnect the consequences can be disastrous. Liberty calls for accountability and that should begin from the media practitioners themselves. Media can gain and hold credibility with the public only by observing highest professional and ethical standards of accuracy, verification, attribution, and inclusivity. A public served well by a highly competent, professional, and ethical press will see value in press freedom. Diverse, vibrant but inclusive and fair media free from political and commercial special interests and inclinations can only prove beneficial to the society. Skewed practices like Yellow Journalism and sensationalizing issues have turned people more skeptical towards media. Events like NoW scandal and involvement of some media practitioners in 2G scam have raised serious questions on media’s reliability. Trust deficit is a big challenge before media practitioners and it is difficult to restore and maintain it until and unless freedom matches its responsibility. At Media Education Research Centre (MERC) we give our students exposure to not only seek and MESSAGE exercise their professional freedom but also and more importantly to exercise this right with care and responsibility. Meaningful and socially conscious journalism is our commitment. I place on record my deep appreciation for the Editor and her team for their hard work they put in bringing out the publication and providing opportunity to the students to display and hone their skills as young writers.

10 Prof. (Dr) S. Mufeed Ahmad August 2012 Media Times

From Editor’s Desk Old School Is Holding The Fort

ew Media technologies have spread through every form of media and changed its make-up and thrust. Their impact is so enormous that a new course has been added to the academic curriculum in various NUniversities around the globe that focuses on media convergence. Social networking sites and blogs are important facets of new media technologies. Face-book and Twitter have changed the dimensions of communication drastically and are coming up as important source of sharing information and opinion cutting across physical and non-physical boundaries. Most of the political mobilizations in this age around the world owe their enormity to the magic of the social networking sites. This has given rise to a debate that is centered on “conventional” journalism being replaced by these informal networking sites. A claim that has been strongly refuted by votaries of the old school journalism, which stresses on inviolability of facts and accuracy. Recently, a report revealed that there are millions of fake accounts on face-book. In company filings published in August, Facebook has said it believes there are now more than 83 million illegitimate accounts on the social network. This raises fingers on the credibility of the content generated on these sites. No doubt, social media networks have proved resourceful in terms of providing information but it is the necessary process of verification that makes the particular information credible and reliable. Attribution and verification are the two key principles of journalism and the content of the social networking sites generally lack both these qualities. Many times, it becomes impossible to verify the information provided by an account holder on say Facebook or Twitter, and the case becomes more complex when the identity of the source of such information is not reliable. And, in case the information is accorded the value of journalistic fact, media-persons run a great risk of ending up in promoting jingoism and trivialization of media as an institution. Ideally, social networking services should serve as a tool for journalist to uncover news tips, gather content for stories, pursue news sources, reach out and connect with people, discuss social and political trends, learn how people feel about happenings, create and circulate stories, explore significant comments, and respond to know more and interact with readers, listeners and viewers. These functions are complimentary to the traditional media and cannot be treated as a substitute. With this challenge, all forms of media have to be very critical about the usage of content available through the social media. And more so for the print journalism, this augurs the loss of already diminishing readership, and as such entails more in-depth, honest and reliable way of reportage and analyses. Against this backdrop, the media educators are face up to many issues that lie at the heart of any genuine journalism education. We at Media Education Research Centre (MERC) have a greater challenge to convince and train our future media professionals accordingly. Of course, technology is indispensable for their careers but the sense of responsibility and authentic professionalism is also the demand of the hour. Hope MERC fills up this dire need. This issue of Media Times is a humble endeavor to provide platform of expression for our students to MESSAGE create sensitization about various critical issues and themes existing in our society, and rarely reported by social media. Here, I want to place on record my gratitude to the patron of the publications Vice Chancellor Prof. Talat Ahmad for the academic freedom he is providing to the department and I also acknowledge the support and the efforts of the Chief Editor for making this endeavour a success. Muslim Jan 11 August 2012 Media Times Rouf Bhat

GOOGLE`S GOOGLY Watch your stumps o you use Google? I am sure the reply Dto this question by even some of the best intellectuals and stalwarts would hardly be in negation. Google a search optimised engine which searches data on the internet on 'key word' techniques has crammed into everybody`s life. It has become a faithful servant and won`t ever disobey its master. You will rarely find any complaints against the faithfulness of google. It serves all and sundry. Google has a role in a person`s life NEW MEDIA even before one is born. Are you surprised how? Well, you should know that today`s conceiving ladies surf google for every query they have about pregnancy and search engine. we are not able to recognise the related issues, even for matters However, this virtual damage it does to us. It has drilled like baby care and choosing a companion has paralysed humans cosiness deep into our minds which 12 name they depend on this (gaint) and what is more pathetic that is now hard to be knocked out. I August 2012 Media Times personally fear that our future spoon feeding being encouraged generation will face intellectual is not providing anybody space bankruptcy, spirit of hard work to think about the possible would be lacking in them. They Vexed Plagiarism is one threats posed by the wrong no more would be in mood to of the biggest concerns, usage of this technological hunt for knowledge; rather they which is rather growing boom. Everyone seems to be would go into their rooms and contented with leisure and would start ‘roaming’ in google at a fast rate because of luxury google provides them. (virtual) to seek knowledge. By this “information mine”. We need to be vigilant about the relying more and more on it Not only the writers dire consequences of the harm. we are closing the options for but researchers too People especially youth need capability of generating ideas by are lifting content from to go under proper counselling personal effort. the already published about the usage of google. There Plagiarism is one of the should be a proper check on the biggest concerns, which is rather works. The concept of content used by the students, it growing at a fast rate because originality of the ideas is should be properly monitored. of this "information mine". Not vanishing silently. Fresh So be aware and have limited only the writers but researchers ideas face a silent death. access to this ‘gaint’ which is too are lifting content from the When even the big guns brewing in everybody`s pocket. already published works. The do not shy away from Stop it before it stops you from concept of originality of the ideas generating good, innovative and is vanishing silently. Fresh ideas copying the readymade fresh ideas. face a silent death. When even content and labelling it Take a bit bite and cut the big guns do not shy away as their ‘copyright’, how down at least a small corner from copying the readymade can we expect our youth from your bunch of habits. If content and labelling it as their to be immune to this not completely, at least have a ‘copyright’, how can we expect ‘copy-paste disease’? little control over google, rather our youth to be immune to this being controlled by it All I can 'copy-paste disease'? say is just to be a little brave. Students should be given We have done excellent things a limited access to google their studies and assignments. without google in past. So why content rather they should be It will really boost their spirit cannot in future. Take a pledge encouraged to consult books for of hard work. The concept of and save yourself.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Talat Ahmad interacts with

HoD Prof. Mufeed NEW MEDIA Ahmad and faculty members during his visit to MERC

13 August 2012 Media Times Youngsters Hashim Hakeem Losing Appetite To Read

their parents. If parents have a habit of reading newspaper, magazines and books, then children also follow the same,” said Shabir Ahmad, a teacher. “Reading is essential for personal development as well as for the socio-economic development of State. We need to take steps to develop the reading habits among the children so they may prove better citizens,” he added. Vexed by the diminishing interest in reading among youngsters from the very beginning, government has opened libraries at several places espite the initiatives taken which showcase all types of books by the government towards but this move has not brought Dinculcating reading culture much change. among the youth by making “Teenagers and “We have library as well as books available through public children are not patient browsing center for the students libraries, youth seem to have lost readers; they find but they prefer to remain hooked appetite for reading. on internet rather to spent time According to the experts, it difficult to adjust with books,” said a librarian since internet has set its foot themselves to books Suhail Ahmad, posted in a public in Valley, youngsters have in their early age. They library in downtown Srinagar. changed their reading style from need to develop it “Books are available to us in traditional books to the new high gradually by sticking good quantity but readership here tech equipments enabled with to newspapers initially is very less. There is an immediate reading devices. and later turn to comic need to generate interest among “Youngsters in Kashmir are stories and then to the youngsters by telling them losing reading habit by every the short stories in a the advantages of reading so passing day. They spend much different phases” that readership may increase in time with the internet rather future,” he suggested. than reading. It is the craze for Experts also stress the need internet among youngsters and who are very much attracted to it. to inculcate reading habits among the easy access to it which makes “From the last three years, chilren right from their formative them glued to social networking, the readership of the literature, years. computer games and mobile declined as our young generation “Teenagers and children are games that they are unable to has chosen games over books,” not patient readers; they find it NEW MEDIA develop reading habits.” said said a bookseller, Tariq Ahmad. difficult to adjust themselves to Manzoor Bhat, a sociologist. Some believe that it depends books in their early age. They “They get exposed to these largely on parents to inculcate need to develop it gradually by technologies in early age of among children the sense of sticking to newspapers initially their lives affecting their minds reading. and later turn to comic stories deeply,” added Manzoor Bhat. “I think It depends more on and then to the short stories in Technology has changed the the atmosphere at their homes. a different phases,” said Basher 14 life style of the young generation Children usually tend to follow Ahmad, an academician. August 2012 Media Times

Ashiq Sofi Social networking provide platform for humans to interact, gather and share information and experiences cutting across all the limitations whatsoever. The main reason for creating social networking was to bring people together, so that they interact with each other through chat rooms and encourage them to share personal information Social Networking: and ideas BOON or BANE? com in 1997 and became popular sciences disciplines. These have uman beings are social with the advent of Facebook and helped in promotion of e-learning animals and tend to live Twitter in 2006. Nowadays social and research of diverse issues. Hin groups. Due to this networking sites vary on the basis General social networking trait social groups are formed. of their different contexts like sites serve as a social platform In modern age internet has professional, research/academic where people reunite with old become the biggest mean to and general social networking. It friends, stay connected with this end. Wherever we are, we has great impact on our day today current ones and even make form clusters or groups through activities ranging from political to new acquaintances. These networking sites like Facebook, socio-economic aspects. help to accommodate focus on Twitter, Orkut, Google+, My Professional social networking all aspects. Facebook, Orkut, Space and so on. sites are focussed solely on Twitter, Google+, etc. fall under Social networking provide interactions and relationships of this category. platform for humans to interact, business activities. These help Social networking sites gather and share information us in e-commerce, finding jobs have become important tools in and experiences cutting across all and in bringing socio-economic shaping the political spectrum of the limitations whatsoever. The equality. LinkedIn, Viadeo and today’s world. The vast network NEW MEDIA main reason for creating social Xing can be categorised among of users, combined with time and networking was to bring people these sites. cost efficiency methods have not together, so that they interact While as Research gate, only helped in making them a with each other through chat Academia.edu etc are Research/ practical and convenient method rooms and encourage them to Academic social networking sites but also have helped to bring share personal information and and also a collaboration of tools grave issues in political arena ideas. It started with SixDegrees. aimed at scientific research for under public scrutiny. These sites 15 August 2012 Media Times

were used as a tool to topple the were united after 20 years by social networking as a means of governments in Middle East. Facebook. communication. Also most of It gave a voice and power to These sites nowadays the information put by users on citizens and minorities whose provide an easy and cheap way these sites is false and concocted, voices were either suppressed or of communication, connecting resulting in misleading simply overlooked by mainstream different parts of world by using information about other people. government controlled media. It features like voice and video The rise in anti-religious has also revolutionised politics as calling. For the upliftment comments has increased hatred, politicians now find themselves of society, it has also allowed intolerance to others views and under a greater level of scrutiny. scientific groups to expand their communalism in the society. The The grave issue in Indian knowledge base and share ideas. pornographic images and videos politics like corruption was Nowadays these sites are used have found another ground to brought to the forefront of by government functionaries reach people, thus increasing political discussion only when to generate opinion. Planning immoral activities in the society. “The India against corruption” Commission created its Facebook Due to these things people are page and “@janlokpal” page was page to connect with the people becoming individualistic and created on Facebook and Twitter and get their suggestion for the social and moral values are on to create awareness and gather 12thFYP. Similar is the case decline. support for the Lokpal bill. with Delhi Traffic Police and Privacy concerns with these Social networking sites J&K Traffic Police who created sites have also raised concerns are also helping in generating their Facebook pages to create amongst users. In 2011, more revenue, jobs, etc. The awareness among the people, than 2 lac Facebook accounts in department of post is using disseminate information on road Bangalore (India) were hacked. twitter as a marketing tool for blocks, processions, etc. and gave There are also accusations nearly two years and will like to a tool of public participation in levelled at these sites that despite use it as a customer relationship controlling traffic crimes. promises of freedom of speech, management tool. Social networking has also the content is controlled by The revenue of social led to the integration of cultural the powerful. A Facebook page networking sites is mostly ideas, classless society, religious “Intifada” (Palestinian protest generated through advertising harmony, creation of its own against Israel) was removed which is estimated at $200 individual language like “b4” for for propagating views of billion in USA. It’s also creating “Before”, “da” for “The”, thus Palestinian’s. employment opportunities strengthening the concept of Though we cannot say for application developers globalisation. that we need to move away like, Agarwalla brothers from However this depicts only from social networking which India developed Facebook one side of the coin. Social has revolutionised human version game called Scrabulous, networking has increased the communcation, created new earning 25,000$/month from ease and prominence of cyber phenomena and fields of advertising. At the same time, bullying also, affecting a person research in this internet world Facebook application economy both emotionally and psychology of possibilities but to this has contributed $12.2 billion to and has also devastating effects innovation, we need to limit the the U.S economy. on victim, often leading to negatives of social networking Social networking has also suicide and depression. People by following some measures. affected social life and activity of are getting addicted to it and Like parent’s need to educate people in various ways. Especially are spending most of their children, users should provide with its availability on many time on these sites, which less personal information,

NEW MEDIA mobile devices, it has allowed creates distraction, decreases delete cookies after logging out, people to stay in touch with their productivity and can jeopardise prune friend list on a regular loved ones. It also unites people a company’s reputation and legal basis, the person should read with common interests or beliefs liability. privacy policy before joining through groups, and has been Diminishing interpersonal it, proper implementation predominant in reuniting lost communication has been a of consumer protection acts, family members and friends. growing issue as more and and investment on censoring 16 John Watson and his daughter more people have turned to internet is required. August 2012 Media Times Best Buddies Beyond Borders Javeed Bhat A Tale of Facebook Friendship each other through Facebook, we had a lot to share when it came to culture and traditions,” said Chou Chou was planning for an exotic getaway and hence was asked by Faisal to visit India and to Kashmir. He first visited some places like Delhi, Mumbai and Goa. All this time he was in contact with Faisal. “Chou was in Mumbai when he called me up. He insisted me to come to spend some time with him. However, I was busy with some personal work, so I could not go with him. But we were in contact through internet and telephone” said Faisal Ahmad. After 25 days Chou told Faisal that he was coming to Kashmir as promised by him. Faisal received ocial networking has him with joy and excitement on thrown up opportunities the Srinagar Airport. He took Sof making friends him to his home Nishat, where beyond borders. However, Faisal introduced Chou to his how often do really build Nepho Chou, family. Chou was also excited a friendship bond worth after meeting his friend. meeting and spending some 20 year old Chou spent next eight days time together. Answer is computer hardware with the family. During this just a few. Here is a story of engineering student stay, he went to many places like Facebook friends who met Gulmarg, Pahalgham, Achabal, after two years of messaging came on vacation to Mughal Gardens etc along with and chatting. meet his Facebook Faisal. He also realized and Faisal Ahmad of Srinagar buddy Faisal Ahmad, praised the hospitality and care Kashmir and Nepho Chou shown by his Facebook friend of Singapore met here in 19 a student. They and his family. He admired and Kashmir in April 2012. have been friends on respected the Kashmiri culture, Facebook from last 2 and expressed his admiration by We all know that world has terming it as unique. become a global village where years “I am touched by the one can communicate with generosity and behavior of other between 1000 miles of Faisal’s family and those whom I distance. And Facebook as a tool time with each other. have met here. I have made many of social networking has tied such Nepho Chou, 20 year old friends in Kashmir now. Kashmir strings among masses. One such computer hardware engineering and its people are incredible,” said NEW MEDIA interesting example of socializing student came on vacation to Chou. was set this April when two meet his Facebook buddy Faisal Chou learned a lot of new people belonging to different Ahmad, 19 a student. They have things about Kashmiri culture. ethnicity, environment, culture, been friends on Facebook from He interacted with Faisal’s friend language and country, after last 2 years. circle and shared his cultural becoming friends on facebook “From last two years we have values and exchanged ideas, and came together to spend some been consistently in contact of dissimilarities. 17 August 2012 Media Times

Jahandad Bashir Jahandad COURTESY FACEBOOK Nuclear Families Turning Further Nuclear

ark Zukerburg’s innovation, but kids are getting and spend considerable time on invention further shrunk addicted to it and constructive facebook. Mthe global village world time is getting lapsed,” said As per Riyaz Ahmed , “No had become by advancements Riyaz Ahmad, a father of two one is against technology but in communication technology, sons. excess of everything has its connecting millions across the “Every parent feels relaxed repercussions”. planet. Geography, time and at the end of the day when their “Indeed I spend most of my frontiers make no hindrances to children mingle with them but spare time on facebook rather its users. But at the same time, excessive use of facebook acts as than with my family but I can’t people forget near ones in their a hurdle,” he added. resist,” said Sameer Ahmad vicinity while using facebook. Youth are unable to Bhat, a student. Millions of users across globe distinguish between meaningful Facebook takes away our have their facebook account. relationships and casual expression and emotion which NEW MEDIA The concept of meeting face to acquaintances. Life has always are the ideal human characters face and knowing each other been full of stresses, and its age- for effective communication. physically is getting very rare. old remedy lies in the fairy tales Whatever could be the reason Judging someone’s aptitude, of grandparents. However, now over real world social interaction care and intellectual level by the natural remedies are replaced starts diminishing. For us, social network site is settings up with modern innovations and families don’t come first but a false belief. gadgets. New generation prefers online distant friends whose 18 “No doubt facebook is a great to stay alone with their laptops credibility relies on uncertainty. August 2012 Media Times THE TABLOIDISATION Zulqarnain Mir OF NEWS era of tabloid ournalism has always journalism. entertained as well as He never Jinformed us, had it not looked back done so, it would have not been and now possible to reach a mass audience. is among But, today the tabloidism to the most amuse is driving out the will, and p o w e r f u l depleting the resources for serious m e d i a reporting and analysis. Obsessed personalities with a world of celebrity and in the world. trivia, the news media are rotting Murdoch brains and undermining civic life, s o m e h o w which is directly involved in the c o n t r o l s paradigm of every society. and affects the media HISTORY content of the world. The admirer of the Murdoch’s News of The Journalism has now learnt to The tension between the World Tenerso Pope jr. bought make light boundary between fact serious news instinct and the national enquirer and turned and fiction. It has now become entertainment instinct certainly it into tabloid and told his increasingly absorbed by the isn’t new to journalism. It was journalistic staff to concentrate entertainment and sale potential William Randolph Hearnest upon lurid crime stories. of celebrities. Celebrity is the big who launched New-York Mirror Eventually it changed the course money for everyone involved in in 1924. He declared that Mirror of tabloid history. It’s believed that the field of journalism. With the would provide 90 percent it was not Sun but the national involvement of celebrity the co- entertainment and10 percent enquirer that changed the course efficient of entertainment have information, and the information tabloid journalism. drawn to newer heights. without boring people. So we can say that he started tabloidism. FAKING THE TABLOID DECADE It was the tabloid newspapers which gave rise to the so-called It is not always truth that The case tabloid journalism tabloid television, which has huge tabloid stories are real for the sake is that it widens access to reporting coverage especially of circulation or the TRP they make politics and other serious youth and urban working class. go fake and deceive the audience. subjects. Moreover, the tabloid In 1981 a young Washington Post media multiplies and amplifies MURDOCHISATION reporter Janet Cook was strict the heterogeneous voices and off her Pulitzer Prize when it was viewpoints in contemporary The Sun appeared first known that her story was only culture. They are excluded from in1964, but it was in trouble imagination and not real. Another the dominant regime of truth when it was brought up by young best example was of Joyson Blair, through dynamics of class, Australian Rupert Murdoch in a reporter of Newyork Times who gender, sale, and sensuality. 1969. At that time its circulation was exposed in 2003 as a serial Tabloid journalism dominants has slashed down to low. Murdoch faker of news stories leading to his today decade of journalism and JOURNALISM had an idea; he told the staff that own resignation and that of two has influenced the minds of he wanted THE SUN to focus on of most senior editors. Tabloid people. Journalism has entered sex, sport, and contests, plus one Journalists go to any extent in the 21st century in a paradox of its of the trademarks would be the sensationalizing and blowing out own making. We have more news page 3 girl –a daily photograph of proportion a news story. and more influence journalism of a naked woman. Its circulation across an un-preceded range of reached heights and fueled the CELEBRITIES media. 19 August 2012 Media Times Rabiya Bashir The first task of a science journalist is to render the very detailed, specific and often Science: jargon-laden information produced by scientists into a form that common An Emerging Beat people could understand and appreciate, without any deviation from the For Reporters real meaning

cience and The first task of a science Technology has journalist is to render the very Sgradually developed detailed, specific and often in India on qualitatively jargon-laden information and qualitatively as produced by scientists well. There has been a into a form that common considerable progress people could understand in this field over the and appreciate, without years resulting in the any deviation from the real emergence of several meaning. The second job is to science magazines, avoid using the information feature services like deficit model. The model is Popular Science, Natural one-way communication History, Current Science, about information transition Science Illustrated: Bees from the top to down. This Feel the Sting, Seed, has emerged in recent times Science, and Logic. The due the global recession, newspapers such as forcing the newspapers and The Hindu, The Indian other media outlets to go for Express, The Times of major budget cuts. It limits India, and many others an open dialogue between have also devoted one knowledge holders and the full page on daily basis to knowledge seekers (masses). this theme. In addition to Public awareness and it, there are programmes understanding of science is a on radio and television term related to the attitudes, regarding it on routine behaviours, opinions, basis. activities that comprise the Science journalism relation between public or means reporting science oblivious society as a whole JOURNALISM related issues and to scientific knowledge developments to the and organisation. It is public. The field typically comparatively new approach involves interactions between lasting, facts, numbers and being to the task of promoting science, scientists and journalists. right. Journalism values brevity, technology innovation among the But, it is still evolving. Science approximation, the personal, the public and provides an integrated values details, precision, the colloquial, stories, words, and and results oriented view. It 20 impersonal, the technical, the being immediate. incorporates under a single August 2012 Media Times framework a series of other fields, the biggest discovery in the twenty such as science communication first century, by the Geneva based in mass media, internet, radio, CERN (European Organization television programs. In addition, for Nuclear Research-Conseil the reportage regarding the Science is based Européen pour la Recherché Science museums, aquaria, Nucléaire) found little mention in zoological parks, botanical on experimental the vernacular press of the state. gardens, science festivals, grass evidence and testing. Recently, a discussion was root innovators (otherwise often One area in which initiated on Facebook (Social exploited by the people at the helm networking site) regarding of affairs) and their innovations science journalism the absence of Science as a need to be taken on hand. It supports varying reporting beat in the vernacular involves public interest, therefore sides of an issue is in press of Jammu and Kashmir demands raising awareness about by a netizen named M Waseem these subjects in particular, and risk communication. (a media practitioner). Many science in general. This field also Science journalists journalists expressed their involves risk communication, may choose to views about it. At last, it was blogs, feature writing, books. concluded that journalism Science is based on highlight the amount flourished in the state due to the experimental evidence and of risk that studies political disturbances. It is this testing. One area in which have uncovered while instability, which made people science journalism supports to read newspapers and turn to varying sides of an issue is in others focus mostly other sources of news since life risk communication. Science on the benefits security comes first. journalists may choose to In short, it is conflict which highlight the amount of risk sells in the state. that studies have uncovered The lack of research while others focus mostly on the institutes in the benefits. This however depends on state is also seen as intended audience. How to raise a contributing factor public awareness, how the public in this regard. And, feels, and knows about science in if anyone of these general, specific subjects such as institutes is present, genetic engineering, bioethics are their performance important lines of research in this is not up to mark area. where the findings Science stories are still not and innovations can regarded as worthy enough to influence on a large claim a prominent place in local level. newspapers, instead the places are But our family filled with larger advertisements is not in a financial and political contents. position to undertake Science reporting requires a journey across the more ability of understanding Wagah border. That’s subject and a will to deal with why we had applied scientists, ability to use language for the bus permit to in an explanatory yet captivating visit our native village way and to find metaphors of almost a year ago but all kinds and social contexts. we are yet to receive When reporting about cutting- clearance from the edge science, journalists often level, it is miserable. There is Indian government,” she adds. JOURNALISM are among the first to interpret hardly any type of these stories With hopes that keep waxing scientific finding into common present in the newspapers. In and waning with each round language. fact, the latest discovery of Higgs of Indo-Pak talks, the family is If the reporting of scientific Boson popularly known as God’s still hopeful of returning to their issues is considered at local Particle, seen by the scientists as village one day. 21 August 2012 Media Times Souzeina Mushtaq Earlier when one typed ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in Google, Satyamev only India’s emblem used to come up but Aamir Khan’s Jayate Hits the show Schanged its definition. Bulls Eye

many television personalities, politicians, and social activists for its research, format, presentation, and content. The opening episode showed agonized mothers from different walks of life braving all odds and sharing their experiences on national TV. Narrating what they underwent when they were carrying a female child and how they were duped to abort their babies, the show managed to gain more eye balls and sensitize people about the growing menace of female feticide. The second episode of the show dealt with a taboo in the society- child sex abuse. If female feticide was an issue that “Have you ever really felt what it Jayate was a complete package was being shoved under the feels like when a strong current hitting the bull’s eye. carpet, then child sexual abuse of emotions gushes down your The first season of show was another one that is not in veins and creates a lump in premiered on May 6, 2012 the open, and the show used your throat and leaves your marked the television debut of the platform to highlight it. The eyes moist? Have you ever been Bollywood actor and filmmaker following episodes focused on able to look beyond what your Aamir Khan. similar issues critical to society eyes show? If not, then follow EPISODE REVIEW: like the problem of dowry, the Satyamev Jayate,” wrote Gayatri Starting with female feticide, malpractices in health sector, Sankar for Zee News. the show carried out surveys the draconian tradition of honor CINEMA Satyamev Jayate or ‘Truth for proof, brought courageous killings, government indifference alone prevails’ was the one of its people to tell their stories to the towards differently abled etc. kind which was loved by most, world, investigated the loopholes Satyamev Jayate touched the criticized by many but ignored in the legal system, and a song chords by highlighting the by none. An appealing title track, summarizing the whole episode problem of domestic violence,the issues concerning common at the end was icing on the top. bad effects of chemical farming people and eyes searching for The show was widely appreciated and pesticides on health and 22 a better tomorrow, Satyamev by critics and public, along with alcoholism in India. Aamir Khan August 2012 Media Times

refrained from being high- signal to set up a fast track handed and self-indulgent and court, to quicken the trial in opened many drenched minds the female feticide cases. After to intervention. the telecast of the episode The show touched topics that The show touched about growing corruption in are generally least talked about medical profession, Aamir Khan in public forums but are of vital a plethora of issues received an invitation to visit importance to society like abuse like discrimination the Parliament. In Allahabad, a against senior citizens and water between religious case was lodged against a local conservation. The thirteenth doctor Harish Chaudhary, for and the final episode illustrated groups, castes, carrying out female foeticide. the common vision of shining sexes; corruption More than 64 nursing homes India. It touched a plethora in our government were suspended in Bhopal. of issues like discrimination Weeks after Satyamev Jayate between religious groups, bodies; and lack of talked about problems faced by castes, sexes; corruption in our education. The show physically challenged children government bodies; and lack of ended with the aim to in getting admission in schools, education. The show ended with Delhi government decided the aim to bring about a change bring about a change to carry out a survey of such in the society and to dream big in the society and to kids in the city to extend them to bring that desirable change. dream big to bring educational facilities. MEDIA RECEPTION: CONCLUSION: Satyamev Jayate did not that desirable change Following a great deal of just throw light on various hype and promotions, Aamir issues, but also brought to our Khan's reality show, Satyamev notice various people, whether real work at the ground level, Jayate has managed not only hit individually or in organisations, and get the issue out of the the television screens but also who are working towards denial closet… But it is a little the viewers' hearts. a change. Several media unrealistic to expect a film star Earlier when one typed organizations praised Aamir and a TV show to change the ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in Google, Khan for his effort and described world.” only India’s emblem used to the show as “a movement.” Subhash Jha from The come up but Aamir Khan’s VIEWERS RESPONSE: Times of India commented show Satyamev Jayate changed Apart from the critics, film, on the show, “...though brave its definition. He bid an adieu social and political personalities, and thought provoking, was to the nation with the words of the show was well received disappointing in its lack of Rabindranath Tagore: by the television viewers genuine connectivity between “Where the mind is without describing it as “a gutsy, hard- the host and the victims fear and the head is held high; hitting and sensible program of social atrocity. At the Where knowledge is free; that strikes an emotional chord moment Satyamev Jayate Where the world has not with the audiences.” As per looks like a product of elitist been broken up into fragments Indiantelevision.com, the show conscientiousness.” by narrow domestic walls; garnered an overall rating of Sheela Bhatt from Rediff. Where words come out from 4.27 television ratings (TVR) com commented that, the the depth of truth; (including terrestrial of DD) format of Satyameva Jayate has Where tireless striving across the 6 metropolitan cities to be more profound, and the stretches its arms towards upon its premiere telecast big problem of the show is that it perfection; on 6 May 2012. According is on predictable lines. She went Where the clear stream of to the Television Audience on conclude by requesting Khan reason has not lost its way into Measurement (TAM), the show to bring in some raw energy in the dreary desert sand of dead CINEMA reached out to 8.96 million the show. habit; people in the age group of 4+. IMPACT: Where the mind is led CRITICISM: Rajasthan Chief Minister forward by thee into ever- A review from Outlook Ashok Gehlot met Aamir Khan widening thought and action--- India noted that, “…the show and discussed the issue of Into that heaven of freedom, might well heighten awareness, female feticide. The government my Father, let my country enable the efforts of those doing has already given the green awake.” 23 August 2012 Media Times Hilal ul Fayaz Hundred Years of Indian Celluloid

ou name it, you Not many of us were have it. Drama, even aware that a YAction, Comedy, language called Byari Suspense, Thriller; there existed! The best feature is no genre which the film award for 2011 Indian Film industry was also given to Byari hasn’t experimented (along with the Marathi with, and also has come film Deool), a film based with stupendous results. on the dialect spoken by As the Indian cinema the people in it. turned 100 on April 21, As we gear up to raise 2012, I sat to think what a toast to a cinema that is new heights the industry 100 years old now, it is a has scaled. In a country moment of great national where over 1,000 films pride and glory for all are made every year, in Indians. Unlike other several languages, when western film industries, we celebrate a century of the Indian film industries filmmaking excellence, have not been too how do we define Indian heavily influenced by the cinema? Hollywood film industry From mind-boggling and continue to retain blockbusters for people its local flavour, essence, ever ready to whistle emotions and dialect. to multiplex movies Indian films get to do their tailor-made for English share of globetrotting speaking Indians, to at prestigious world typical NRI films with film festivals; find enough emotional their reviews by content to tug at the top international heartstrings of homesick film journals and Indian diaspora, the newspapers; Indian platter is huge and stars walk the red carpet diverse. in Cannes and other Over the years, bollywood exotic locales, gritty underworld festivals along with their global movies have comprised the flicks, kick butt action capers counterparts ,many Indian CINEMA majority of Indian film industry, to social melodramas, Indian filmmakers continue to hope while regional films make up the movies have touched every for Uncle Oscar's mini replica rest (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, genre of entertainment. to adorn their trophy collection, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, The 2011 National Awards, but the endorsement isn't all Bengali, Gujarati, and Bhojpuri). in fact, makes it amply clear how important anymore. India has From Teflon coated candyfloss the industry has started looking its own distinct multi-lingual, romances, peppered with lavish into every peck of mainstream multi-hued crop of films, some 24 song-dance sequences, shot in cinema and regional cinema. of them entertaining, some August 2012 Media Times

made for aesthetic pleasure, but day discourses as well. Where all of them for your eyes only, for else can one find fans viewing people like us. cinema on a screen made out of PatherPanchali (1955) jute inside snooty godowns, or directed by Satyajit Ray was on a white screen being viewed among the earliest Indian from both the sides in an open films to have received Indian cinema has expanse in the country side. global recognition (it got 11 From the times when there were international awards). Indian an identity that is only moving images, to the times cinema has an identity that is very unique and when one can really be part of very unique and unmatched. unmatched. We have the cinematic oeuvre panning We have moved from the black on the screen, cinema is elixir of and white silent films to 3D, moved from the black life. but our cinema continues to and white silent films For a country which retain its basic essence - to thrill. to 3D, but our cinema cannot provide various forms Even as internet downloads of entertainment, it is cinema and television continue to continues to retain that has been able to provide cannibalize the theatrical its basic essence - to the much needed relief and revenues of Indian films, the lure thrill. Even as internet it arguably is the only secular of the 35 mm is something else institution in our country that altogether. Be it Mughl-e-Azam downloads and continues to vibrate and pulsate re-released in colour or gen-ex television continue with raw energy. movies remade as a tribute to to cannibalize the For the present generation as the movies from yester years, also a generation from the past, Indian Film Industry hasn’t theatrical revenues to revive the magic of cinema, to forgot the roots. of Indian films, the relive it, as also to underscore Of course it would be nice lure of the 35 mm the vital flag posts in the Indian if regional films were given cinematic history, there would the much needed leg-up and is something else not be a much better reference importance they deserve. altogether. point than to travel this journey Not many of us are aware of through the books that have been the immense talent that lies written on Indian cinema. Here in regional film industries. It a caution needs to be introduced, takes the occasional Kahaani being released, the next Friday that the volume of work related to show India the versatility of we get to see movies which touch to cinema is not that bountiful character actors like Parambrata the daily realities of life. as it is in Hollywood, reasons Chattopadhaya and Saswata Indian Film Industry, better unknown to those who Chatterjee (the man who made perhaps would be better defined write them or to the fact that Bob Biswas, the most iconic if we get to see good films we believe more in oral history baddie in just a 10 minute in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, than in written one. Even then, role!), or a 160 crore (rough Bhojpuri, Marathi, Bengali, what is at disposal provides estimate) film ( Endhiran) Assamese (and maybe even an interesting insight into made by Shankar to prove how Byari), with subtitled versions the legends of Indian cinema, technologically advanced Indian in multiplexes, or on national which have been responsible in cinema really is. Even as we crave television. their own way to take the Hindi for movies from the Khan kitty, Talking of Indian fans and cinema to its exalted glory. meantime we don’t forget to their love for those cut pieces A century later, surely, the still have those occasional peeks on screen, if a survey is done all least we can ask for is for good on movies from yesteryears. over the world to select biggest meaningful cinema if Indian Lately, movie like Shangai has fans of cinema, arguably Indian cinema needs to leapfrog into CINEMA proved yet again that Indian fans would win the competition the next century with bigger Film Industry has that aura in it hands down. We live cinema, and better strides, ahead which makes it class apart. If one eat it, savour it and use it as a of its western and Oriental Friday sees a brainless comedy reference point in our day to counterparts.

25 August 2012 Media Times Rohail Sheikh

Bollywood films are not only enjoyed by the Indian diasporic communities outside India. The industry has also managed to attract an international fanbase Bollywood’s Influence Beyond Its Borders he Hindi Cinema not only filming. Krrish, one of the has an impact on its own popular Bollywood movies Tcountry, but it has been filmed in 2006, featuring an influencing the countries that Indian caped crusader played by surround it, mostly in the Asian Hrithik Roshan, was filmed in continent. Due to globalization, Singapore. In July 2005, it was Bollywood films have managed Malaysia has announced that the Singapore to reach masses from other part become a popular Tourism Board (STB) had signed of the globe (Tyrrell, 1999). Other destination for a deal with Indian film-maker, countries began to recognize the Rakesh Roshan, to shoot 60% benefits on having the Bollywood filming while of the film in Singapore, and movies filming their movies on Thailand is provided logistical support to their locations. Malaysia has beginning to the shooting of the film. The become a popular destination board believes that the tie up for filming while Thailand is promote itself will lead to accelerated tourism beginning to promote itself as a as Hindi cinema has a strong

CINEMA as a shooting shooting destination for Hindi destination for following across India and it is films. Not only is revenue to an extremely powerful force in be earned from the shooting Hindi films shaping the views and opinions itself, but the revenue spinning of the population. Reportedly, potential from tourism is endless. the film has been so popular with Singapore has also become Asian audiences in its opening one of the few destinations that weeks that it outdid Superman 26 were chosen for on-location at the box-office. Young viewers August 2012 Media Times

in Singapore have reported the communities outside India. The delight of being at the location industry has also managed to where the film was shot, and attract an international fanbase. retracing the steps of the hero Not only this but the along the bridge and down the Interest in popular Bollywood superstars are boulevard. Asian audiences, considered by many to be their it would seem, like having Indian cinema and idols and are thus worshipped. their own caped crusader, and its global culture has According to Chopra (2007), having him in familiar territory literally exploded. a fifty-plus housewife named (Kripalani, 2006). Sandi Mann of Australia said that At the same time, interest What once was Shah Rukh put “passion, magic in popular Indian cinema and purely the domain and delight” in her life, devoted its global culture has literally of the Diaspora of her days to running six Shah Rukh exploded. What once was purely Khan online fan clubs (she belong the domain of the Diaspora non-resident Indians to over a hundred), collecting of non-resident Indians is is now distributed memorabilia, magazines, DVDs now distributed globally and globally and available and communing with other available for Melbournians to fans on the internet. In 2002, to see. The distribution of popular for Melbournians to celebrate Shah Rukh’s birthday, Bombay cinema in Melbourne see. The distribution Sandi had a star in the scorpius and Sydney is part of a global of popular Bombay constellation named Shah Rukh trend and growing interest in Khan. The following year, she South Asian cinema in its most cinema in Melbourne bought him a block of land on popular form. The simultaneous and Sydney is part the moon. Sandi believed that release of selected films in of a global trend and Shah Rukh had “some kind of Australia, Bombay, the United grace within him, like he’s been Kingdom, North America and growing interest in touched by god.” other sites of the global Indian South Asian cinema Chopra (2007) also wrote diasporas serve to incorporate in its most popular that, “These stories of worship Australian viewers within the were repeated with varying global Bollywood film audience form intensity around the globe. (Boltin, 2003). Women showed up at Shah In South Korea, a group who Rukh’s door, requesting that call themselves The Bollywood they’d be allowed to wash his feet Lovers’ Club gathers to watch started importing Hindi films and drink the water. Others wrote Hindi movies, which they in the 1950s. The Germans him letters in blood (presumably have subtitled in Korean. They are following suit. The first their own). One fan, a young watch in “Indian Style” that Bollywood film to have a major man named Vishal, living in is to “make noise, laugh, and theatrical release was Kabhi Lucknow, rechristened himself abuse the villain.” Also, in a Khushi Kabhi Gham in 2003. Vishahrukh and believed that he paper called Indian Films and Also, DVDs of dubbed Hindi had beat cancer gnawing at his Nigerian Lovers: Media and the films are sold with the tag line kidneys because Shah Rukh was Creation of Parallel Modernities, ‘Bollywood macht glücklich!’ on his side”. Here, we see how anthropologist Brian Larkin which means ‘Bollywood makes the Bollywood stars are idolized writes about the influence of you happy!’. As discussed, by their fans to the extent of Bollywood in Northern Nigeria, Bollywood films are not only juxtaposing them with mythical where Lebanese exhibitors enjoyed by the Indian diasporic beings. CINEMA

27 August 2012 Media Times

Mudasir Majeed Basera-e- Tabassum Healing The Spirits

ealing young children’s wounds allows them to Hsurvive a war or a conflict but \healing their spirits may prevent the next war or a conflict. And that is what they do!Basera- e-Tabassum (Abode of Smiles), a rights and needs based comprehensive rehabilitation centre came up at a time when the children of valley were sleeping to the rumble of guns instead of cradlesongs, seeing more corpses than toys and mourning more than smiling. The center was set up on May 12, 2002, in Sulikoot, a village two kilometers away from Kupwara town. To save both the lives and center is exclusively for girls; on the mission. Initially, in the minds of children from the aiming at fighting for their basic face of perilous circumstances, psychosomatic disorders and the rights to, survival, development we had to face very tough time brutality caused by the armed and participation. because we were strangers in a struggle, which erupted in 90s Bharti Mamani and Adhik strange land. But there was no here in Kashmir, Borderless Kadam, the co-founders of option except to take the bull by World Foundation (BWF), a Basera-e-Tabassum, then in the horns. Gradually we explored Pune base NGO took up the teens, were just two people, when the route and things turned easy” initiative in 1998 and visited the they proposed this project. The says Adhik, who presently is the strife torn and the then militancy duo hail from well-off business chairperson of the NGO. hotbed Kupwara for project families of Pune. Adhik feels that people survey. Turning away from the living in cities are indifferent After an extensive study metropolitan comforts and the to the population living on the in several villages of Kupwara luxurious life at home, Bharti and extremes of rim lands. “They SOCIETY district, the BWF found ample Adhik embraced a tough mission are least bothered about the life count of orphans, most of them when they chose a terrain, which of people living in border areas. being the children of slain at beginning put even their lives But their impervious approach militants. Later, in 2002, the in at risk. But their determination can’t do any good to country. You organization notified the land and commitment gradually paid see, if we overlook these orphans and set the center at Sulikoot in off. today can we anticipate a better 2002 and named it Basera-e- “We had to tread a tomorrow?” 28 Tabassum. This rehabilitation treacherous path to catch up Children, he says, are the August 2012 Media Times main victims whenever a tragedy “During the field study, we Jameela, a girl who hails from breaks in, “and we must not were travelling through Gussi, Kukroosa, is presently studying play blind to prevent them from when all of a sudden a group of science (12th class) at Fergusson entering the victimhood”. militants cropped up and stopped College Pune, has grown up in “The concept of the BWF us. We had almost given up the Basera-e-Tabasum. Her militant originated in 1998, when we chances of further living, because father was killed few months after started work in this strife-torn every day we would hear about she was born. Being an orphan land. During the work here, we killings. But they understood and observing how other girls would often realize that people of everything when we explained of her age were loved by theirs nation have failed to serve to the to them about our project. They fathers, Jameela would turn sad. people living here”, says Adhik. didn’t harm us instead they She too wanted to be happy but Adhik says that the life acclaimed our project and were had no one to care for her. of people in the border areas apologetic”, says Adhik. In May 2002, her mother of Kashmir is choke-full with “I remember a militant telling brought her to Basera-e- grief, chaos, uncertainty, fear, Tabassum. Initially she had and violence. “The inert socio- to face problems, because she economic setup, corruption and could not communicate in Hindi the administrative breakdown with Bharti and Adhik. She was has pushed every life in border admitted into a private school. areas into the mess,” he adds. Turning away from Two years ago Jameela passed Talking about the orphans, 10thwith distinction and the Adhik says nearly 24000 children the metropolitan following year she got admission were orphaned during militancy comforts and the in the prestigious Fergusson and most of them were found in luxurious life at CollegePune. The BWF is funding pathetic state. He says, “We were all her education. deeply struck when we visited the home, Bharti and The surprising but villages of Kupwara and found Adhik embraced a praiseworthy tale related to this girls of a very tender age stuck with tough mission when project is about a young lady, trauma. Their fathers took up the Saleema Bhat, who has been arms and they were left to endure they chose a terrain, managing the entire functioning the most. I don’t say militancy is which at beginning of this center for last nine years responsible for everything but it put even their lives and most of the times in absence certainly victimized the children of its founders. She is working to a great extent.” in at risk. But their as the project coordinator at this At the beginning of Basera-e- determination time in the centre. Tabassum, there were only four and commitment Maintaining a mild tune in girls. Initially the center had to talking and a light smile covering face difficulties because the local gradually paid off her face, Saleema Bhat says her support was less and most of happiness is firmly attached to people created fuss after being Basera-e-Tabassum. Whosoever provoked by the local clerics visits this center, she has an that the project might be some us then that, a true Muslim can’t earnest request in advance, that proselytization center and might think of killing you because you no one should utter the word cause harm to religion. are on a noble mission”, he recalls. ‘orphan’ as she feels hurt. She says “We used to convince locals Baser-e-Tabassum Sulikoot at they are her children, although that this project would benefit the present houses 55 girls, aged3 to she is yet to get married. needy but the clerics would hinder 20 years. Fifty girls are studying “At the beginning it seemed our work because they feared in private schools and rest five in to be a very tough job to manage us to be proselytizers and even government schools. The eldest the lives of children especially a fatwa was issued against us. among these girls is studying in the nascent ones but now I don’t But gradually locals shouldered 2nd year. She has been in this need to put a Herculean effort. I SOCIETY the work and we succeeded in center for last ten years. don’t want to move away from my winning the hearts of people”, The lives of these children children and I really can’t afford recounts Adhik Kadam. were hit by trauma and chaos the separation. My life is clutched in Bharti and Adhik had a close time they were brought here. But their souls”, says Saleema. shave one day when they were the proper counseling, care and The children here call her travelling through Gussi, a village education stand as the watersheds Didi meaning elder sister. Adhik 4kms away from Kupwara. in their lives. has high esteem for Saleema. He 29 August 2012 Media Times

has no word to praise her but he “There has not been any aide only says, “She is a goddess. I am from the locals but I must not elder to her but she is my mother. downplay the role of JK-armed A mother can’t care her child the police battalion, which is staying way she cares these children in in Wayan Gundisana. It helped the centre”. us at the time when there was Adhik spends eight months in Baser-e-Tabassum none to come forward. During Kashmir every year and rest four Sulikoot at present 2010 summer unrest, they would months in Pune but does seldom get us gas cylinders. Whenever visit to Sulikoot, because he has houses 55 girls, we would go on winter tour, most to look after other two projects; aged3 to 20 years. of the arrangements would be one in Ananthnag and other in Fifty girls are made by them”, says Saleema Beerwah, Budgam. Therefore, Bhat, adding that army too has be Saleema has been permanently studying in private actively aiding from the last one holding the fort of this center schools and rest year. and managing every single work: five in government The locals have been maintaining discipline, looking highly acclaiming this effort of over the school work of girls, their schools. The eldest Borderless World Foundation. meals, their neatness etc. among these girls is “I live in vicinage to this Basera-e-Tabassum has studying in 2nd year. center. I have been constantly computers along with internet witnessing their rigorous efforts, facility also. Three computers sets She has been in this aiming at alleviating the poor have been kept for the children center for last ten and needy, the abandoned and here to use in spare time. To years deprived. I must appreciate BWF stay updated with knowledge of team for giving a voice to these different things, they make most innocent souls and teaching of the internet. Saleema says girls here also talk to Jameela, who is presently in Pune via video chatting. In addition to computer and internet facility, there is also a television set, which has a satellite dish connection; letting children to access nearly 200 channels, which cater a wide variety of programs mainly related to news, sports, music, daily soap operas, movies, cartoons and many other educational programs. Nearly one and a half lac rupees are spent every month on this Rehabilitation Center (BeT). This amount goes into the meals, paying school fee, purchasing uniforms, books and note-books, bags and other daily commodities needed by the children here. The aim of the project is to ensure a SOCIETY complete family environment, and two shoes and in winters, them how to stand on their own by guaranteeing the love as well one firaaq-shelvar, Pheran (a feet. They were orphaned at an as equal care, which refrains traditional gown) and shoes. age when they needed to nap in children here from the home This is compulsory procedure their parent’s laps. But now their reminiscences. but usually there is extra supply abode is this center, where we Every year in summers, from Pune, so they get more see them smiling always” says a each girl is given two dresses clothes. local. 30 August 2012 Media Times Asmat Muneer

It was 20 years Craving ago when on one fateful day, at the peak of insurgency For the Roots in Kashmir, I had to leave home hurriedly and cross the river Kishanganga to the other side of LOC along with hundreds of other families from my village

asreen lives in a refugee car repair garage. He is now the bore the brunt of all the Indo-Pak colony, one of the many sole breadwinner for the family. wars as well as recurrent floods Ncreated in Pakistan Nasreen originally belongs in the 1990s which devastated the Administered Kashmir for people to Keran village of district entire village,” she says. who migrated from the Jammu Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir; Recalling the early days of and Kashmir in the initial years a far flung area situated right on her youth, Nasreen says that she of armed insurgency. A simple the LOC. Lacking an all weather was hardly 16 when according the looking woman with a care road and with hardly any mobile local custom she was married in a worn face she is a mother of connectivity even today, the simple ceremony to Mohammad three children with a chronically village remains cut off from the Sharif, a hardworking farmer ill husband. With hardly any rest of Kashmir valley during the with a large family. steady source of income, she winter months. “It was 20 years ago when one finds it difficult to make the two Recalling the years spent in fateful day, at the peak of armed ends meet. Two of her children, her native village, she says that insurgency in Kashmir, I had to Saleem and Haneef study in the although they lived in poverty leave home hurriedly and cross SOCIETY local school setup by funds from there was contentment and the river Kishanganga to the other Kuwaiti government. Due to the happiness. side of LOC along with hundreds strained economic condition of “The LOC had not yet been of other families from my village,” the family, her eldest son Ismail turned into the sort of iron curtain she says. had to leave his education midway that it was to become later and Facing immense hardships after passing tenth, twow years people were allowed to meet each and poverty, the initial days on ago, to work as a mechanic in a other at various points. The village the other side of LOC were spent 31 August 2012 Media Times

huddled in a small tent where happy and care free childhood that they would be allowed to they had to share space with two spent in the midst of a loving visit their native villages and even other families. Her husband who family.” resettle in their homes. was deprived of his means of Over the years the “I clearly remember the day livelihood spent most of the time migrants have formed various when the bus route was opened looking for jobs which as always organizations, NGOs and self- across the LOC connecting Uri in were hard to come by. help groups for their own welfare. J&K to Chakhothi in PaK. There “To support the family, my Besides taking care of the was excitement and jubilation husband did even menial jobs various needs of these migrants, all around but the usual hassles and hard labor that left him with the primary demand of these related to official formalities with serious lung ailment at this stage organizations is the facilitation months spent in verifications of his life. A large part of the of their return to their homeland have proved to be a dampener,” family income goes towards the and native villages for which they she says. treatment of Mohammad Sharif have been working relentlessly. The trans-LOC bus that with hardly any savings at all,” Schools and even colleges have started with much fanfare has she says. been established with funds not lived up to the expectations of Although the family has being provided by various Middle the families. moved on to a concrete house now Eastern countries like Kuwait “People find it much easier she can never forget the initial and Saudi Arabia for providing to travel on visa across the years of her struggle as a migrant. quality education to the children Wagah border to their native The eldest son of Nasreen, of these families. Quite a few villages. But our family is Ismail, was born before the of these children also study in not in a financial position to family migrated. Even though he various professional colleges and undertake a journey across the was four years old that time he universities across Pakistan. Wagah border. That’s why we has hardly any memories of his Although the general had applied for the bus permit home. For him, home has always condition of these migrants has to visit our native village almost been the little concrete and brick improved over the years and a year ago but we are yet to SOCIETY structure where Nasreen and her some of the families are quite receive clearance from the family live. The children have well settled but the longing for Indian government,” she adds. seen their home only in old faded home remains deep seated in With hopes that keep waxing photographs. their hearts. With the thawing and waning with each round The greatest regret that of relations between India and of Indo-Pak talks, the family is Nasreen says she has is that “her Pakistan, Nasreen says hopes had still hopeful of returning to their children were not able to enjoy a been raised among the migrants village one day. 32 August 2012 Media Times

It is unfortunate that despite everyone is aware Hilal Ahmad Darzi of extravagance being strongly condemned in Islam, still this practice prevails in our society. Although debates and religious seminars are, being held every now and then to keep a tab on extravagances, but that hardly Extravagance in Marriage has any impact on this unleashed Ceremonies: A Cause of Worry nuisance

ashmiri weddings have, is poor class who has to bear the “Nikah is a sacred ceremony generally speaking, brunt,” he adds. which one can perform even Kbecome so lavish and Onus lies on the upper class, at nominal expenses. But it is pompous that the “auspicious as they are the pioneers of the always guest entertainment, occasion” seems to be reduced extravagance. decoration, illumination, to mere show off and is losing its Allah clearly mentions in sophisticated Shamyanas and soul. Quran, Chapter number 17, and feast prepared from 7-8 quintal It is unfortunate that despite verse number 16 of meat which keeps poorer everyone is aware of extravagance “When we decide to destroy sect in deep consideration being strongly condemned in a population, we first send a prior executing marriage,” said Islam, still this practice prevails definite order to those among Mudasir Nagar, a scholar. in our society. Although debates them who are given things of this Whatever may be the and religious seminars are, being life and yet transgress. So that situation, it is the average class held every now and then to keep the word is proven against them who is being tramped with the a tab on extravagances, but that then we destroy them utterly.” new culture, and such prevailing hardly has any impact on this So it is apparent from this customs compels them to wear unleashed nuisance. Quranic verse, possessing borrowed robe to maintain the “We are sharing duck traits; surplus money does not mean high standard in the society. when one plunges into pond, to lavish on absurd activities, Unless and until rich do not others also follow without but strictly stresses not to flaunt curb extravagance, things will pondering what made first one what has been bestowed upon deteriorate further and burden to jump,” said Fayaz Ahmad, them. the poor shoulders of lower SOCIETY student of Islamic Studies, Marriage norms set by strata. Kashmir University. wealthy class have spread deep Also it is the responsibility “We never ponder logically tentacles in our society and of people who belong to lower on issues, but follow the trends average class is sinking deep income group not to follow the set by the affluent class which into debt. Gossip echoes around “extravagance trends” pursued gradually gets introduced as when one does not meet modern by people belonging to elite customs in our society. Then it marriage requisition and norms. classes. 33 August 2012 Media Times Dry House: Dream of a Zuhaib AshrafZuhaib Bakerwal Kid

was carrying. That was the first and the last day he begged. Rain came pouring down; the last thing Eesa’s parents wanted. Eesa could see the tense atmosphere growing up in the home. Personally he loved this moment when everything was drenched with rain; it liberated his soul. But reality was harsh. His father picked up the tools to make a way for the water that was pouring inside the tent. Eesa saw his friends doing the same act. Meanwhile Eesa was successful in getting out of the problem. He was happy with himself as he slept. The wet floor smelled of mud, making him nauseated, when he would wake n the stones of someone’s rubber, and polythene covering up during the night. incomplete house, sits it from the outside. The rain had made OEesa, watching his father everything muddy and slippery. making a new house for him. It Meanwhile, the house is Eesa’s friends could hardly hold has been a hot day; never had completed. Eesa enters the on to their ground while moving he thought that making a house newly made house with awe, the horses in the potent rays of takes so much time. His father’s watching it from every angle, and sun. sweat was falling like a person stretching it at the every corner “There can be better houses who had just come out after to get the folds right. His father and there are better houses”, having a bath without drying has made it with all the energy. Eesa thought. himself. He watches concrete houses He loved his home and still It will take at least five hours apathetically, well knowing it believed it to be the best one in to make a normal sized house, or is people in the cars who live the world. But he couldn’t forget may be more, if there is no one to there and kids who have clean the last night at all. The lines of help for this tedious job. and ironed dresses. His friends stress on his father’s forehead, With the advent of summer, have a sense of thankfulness for tears of his mother, the sleepless Bakerwals’ come back to their the men in cars because of the rainy night, and the nausea- all lands they had left in winter; money they gather from them. proclaimed one truth that he the land which is not currently Eesa had a different longer could deny: he had a wet utilized by its owners becomes experience when he once went house. SOCIETY their land de facto for a period of for begging. He met the affluent He started to day dream time until someone comes and kids that went jeering at him, about a ‘dry house’ that would owns it de jure. The houses they almost turning him into tears. have been somewhat like the build on these lands are not the The mother immediately drew people in cars live in. He thought ones that we call houses, they the kids inside, not because she of them as blessed people. And are tents sometimes and others was angry at their behavior to a that thought comforted him. range from structures made harmless kid but because of the One day, he will own a dry 34 from joining wood pieces and fear of the germs, the little vector house and live in it. August 2012 Media Times WHEN DEATH ESCAPES Uzma Manzoor BY A PROMISE ufiyan (name changed) was shocked, his eyes wide open Sand his legs trembling when his numb hands discovered drops of blood on his shirt and handkerchief. He had already exhausted 24 cigarettes but his being a tobacco junkie was enough to be a reason to procure some relief from anxiety, he crammed charas into cigarette up to its brim. As soon as he lit it up and took some quick puffs, the fears started fading as if there wasn’t any blood on his shirt to panic about. In 2008, the 17 year boy apart from having an identity of junkie was also a student of BCA, his days used to be lost in the smoke and foot remained busy in of CHARAS to , he raised his tone crushing the butts. By this time relieve himself and said ‘‘Look man he had also got familiar with the from the sadness. all your tests have Alcohol, Kashmiri Rum, Vodka, Satisfaction was conveyed me what Beer, Desi Pawa ,Daru and also not the thing he got Sufiyan used you really want to two of his favorite brands i.e. this time but severe to be a bright hide and sorry to say Kingfisher and Godfather. Now pain in his chest some part of your all the ingredients of failure were was an invitation student but brain is damaged with him hence his grades too for hospital. Hiding his parent’s with your addiction slipped from 80 to 63%. the pain from his decision of and your lungs too It was in his 12th class when hostel attendants are no more alright ’’. he first got familiar with Charas, was just impossible admitting Sufiyan didn’t He started his journey of smoking so they caught his him in the believed what he with one cigarette, and with poor condition boarding at was being told every passing day he added more and in a hurry he about his health as ending up taking as many as 25 was shifted to the the age of nine if everything had cigarettes. He had three reasons near by hospital proved fatal changed in fractions for his addiction; his love for where in no time for him of seconds. His body family, his love for his girlfriend he was moved to was lying on the and the stress of his studies as ICU. He remained bed and his stoned well at times. unconscious for eye focussing on It was a fine morning of 48 hours and when he opened the world outside the panes. January 2009 when he went to his eyes after such a long time The beam coming from outside appear for his paper of Data Base every thing looked to be still. carried tons of messages for him of BCA 2nd year but things didn’t Suddenly a man wearing white and the breezes too appeared SOCIETY end the way they had started. His apron entered the ICU. ‘‘How are slapping him for the way he paper wasn’t to his expectations. you man ’’ he enquired. ‘‘Better has been harming himself. The He was upset .He preferred not to Doctor ’’ Sufiyan lied as he wasn’t things lying in the room acted eat anything but it was a reason feeling better, It had been 48 like kiths and kins to him as he for him to take a puff of few more. hours for him without his dose took all of them consoling him. So having an empty stomach, he which was pathetic on his end. Slowly his eye balls got fixed on preferred to take two cigarettes As soon doctor heard the reply the wall of the room and he was 35 August 2012 Media Times

lost in his memories: It was now near to dusk them on the chin of Sufiyan and Sufiyan used to be a bright now and Sufiyan didn’t know uttered I BEG YOU MY SON student but his parent’s decision why he is travelling to the past NOT TO SMOKE…..silence filled of admitting him in the boarding …was it the death bed which is the room for few moments and ‘‘I at the age of nine proved to be fatal compelling him to go through PROMISE YOU DAD’’ were the for him. He loved his family and the nasty past he asked himself, words that broke the lull. his father loved the discipline. though his question remained Currently Sufiyan is enrolled He remembers the weekends of unanswered. But now he as a student of Kashmir his boarding life when he felt like realised that life is worth living so University and doing MCA orphans on seeing the parents of he started avoiding the cigarette and neither his friends nor his his mates coming to meet their and drinks as well. parents know that apart from sweet hearts but his parents It was April 13 2012 when being a chain smoker he was a remained missing in the scene. he was in his room and there heavy drunker too. But he does He recalls mid summer of his was a knock on door. His father not want people to know about 9th class when he was preparing stepped in and hugged apple of the notorious fellow he was as for his term exams and his friend his eye. He asked him may I ask he loves to live a happy and offered him cigarette for the you my son for one thing and respectful life. first time and then both of them promise me that whatever I ask After 13 April 2012 he has enjoyed life’s first puff in the you won’t disagree. Sufiyan loved not smoked nor drank as the gigantic water tank of the hostel the disciplined man the most so promise he gave to his father while keeping its lid closed. The he promised him he won’t. The has done the wonders which a more he missed his parents the man with the white beard lifted rehabilitation centre won’t have more cigarettes he had. his wrinkled hand and placed done for years.

HoD Prof Mufeed, faculty members and students with Satyakki Bhattacharjee,

SOCIETY Vice-president HR Anand Bazar Patrika Group

36 August 2012 Media Times Bilal Bhat

The ‘Grave’ Question

lapping his forehead with depression and are thinking of “My daughters are more than a huge thud, tears came leaving it. 40 and are still unmarried, now Sout of his eyes. “What Ali Muhammad from Srinagar who will marry them. One of my is my mistake?” asks Ali city has been a grave digger. A daughters was engaged some Muhammad (name changed). man in his 80’s with dark eyes time back but it broke up because Many professions that were and wrinkles on his face has of the label I have on my face. She considered noble in the past are become a victim of the stigma was so much depressed that she unfortunately now looked down .His eyes reflect the pain he is even tried to commit suicide,” upon. Grave digging is one such going through. He was in this the broken father said. SOCIETY profession, a great service in profession for last 40 years. Due The deprived man is making the path of religion. The social to the problems he faced he left every effort to sell his poorly stigma that has been attached to this profession but leaving was constructed house and buy a new this noble profession has created not the solution. Ali’s family is one in some far-flung area where lot of difficulties for the grave still facing the stigma and no one nobody will recognize him as a diggers. Many people who are turns up for a marriage proposal grave digger. This is his desperate in this profession have got into for his three girls. attempt to get rid of the “cursed 37 August 2012 Media Times

image” his profession earned wazwaan they change their Srinagar city where a person him that is now destroying his positions so that they won’t be named Abdul azia Gilkar died family. the part of the plate I am sharing at 7pm and was buried at 9 While narrating his woeful . Everybody around me behaves the next morning. Late Aziz’s tale Ali recalls an incident , “I as if I don’t exist. I was like I daughter Jamsheeda said, “We was coming back home from don’t exist.” couldn’t find a grave digger in a nearby area after digging a Disgusted by the social the vicinity. One who would do grave. As I boarded the bus I response many gravediggers it denied as he had left the job. heard some women gossiping are now leaving the job and Finally a noble man took pity on about me smelling like a dead that is giving rise to many us in the morning and prepared man. They finally told the driver problems. Ali himself is witness the grave for my father’s body.” to force me to get down as I was to many incidents were the Ali says that the standards of ‘smelling like a rotten rat’, those burial was delayed because in the society are strange, “They words pierced my heart like a that particular area nobody respect a wealthy smuggler, stab soaked in venom. That day was available to dig the grave. corrupt person and a gambler I cried like a child.” “Once a person died in Habbak but have no space and respect He pauses and begins again early morning. His family for a poor person who is doing , “ Whenever I am invited couldn’t get a grave digger them a big service for a few to a marriage, which is very up till 4.Pm.”says Ali. He bucks sometimes that too in occasional people try to keep recalls another incident that extreme weather and political distance from me ,while having happened in Kawdara area of conditions.”

Senior Journalists of J&K during a function organized by MERC SOCIETY

38 August 2012 Media Times Shafat Hussain

Master plan 2005- 2025 that will fast turn this health resort into a mess of concrete structures. This allows rich & influential people to build concrete structures and that too in eco-sensitive areas but villagers, who are living there since centuries, are not even allowed to repair their damaged houses PAHALGAM A Haven for Haves ahalgam, the valley of five lakh pilgrims visit this cave. to build concrete structures and shepherds, attracts tourists Besides being a tourist spot, that too in eco-sensitive areas Pfrom around the globe every this place is trekkers’ heaven. but villagers, who are living there year because of its lush green pine There are number of treks which since centuries, are not even forests and crystal clear waters begin from Pahalgam, some allowed to repair their damaged from its glaciers. leading to the spectacular Kolahoi houses. “The influential, big It is situated about 95kms Glacier. These treks lead to many businessmen, bureaucrats and from the state capital, Srinagar more mountain lakes like Tuliyan relatives of politicians have built and located on the banks of river Lake, Kater Nag and Tar-sar big hotels and huts on the banks Lidder, at an altitude of 7200ft Lake. of the river Lidder and also inside above sea level. It was a favourite With the growing demand, the green forests by chopping destination for bollywood at one various hotels and huts in off standing pine trees, with the time. private sector have came up in help of land mafia operating Being a hill station, its large numbers, some legally and there” said a local villager on the temperature stays cool most some illegally, threatening the conditions of anonymity. “The SOCIETY of the times. This place holds eco-sensitive region. Because tree barks are removed, thus importance for Hindus also of a flawed and controversial cutting off the supply line to the because of presence of Shiv Pahalgam Master plan 2005- tree, which in-turn dies a gradual Lingam (an ice stalagmite) 2025 that will fast turn this health death and then the tree is cut off” in Amarnath Cave, which is resort into a mess of concrete he further added. situated near Panchtarni, enroute structures. This Master Plan The villages situated besides Chandanwari. Every year, around allows rich & influential people the main road have been chosen 39 August 2012 Media Times

as green zones, where all kind of repair his cowshed citing blanket Lone formed an NGO namely construction is prohibited, while ban on commercial construction “Pahalgam People’s Welfare as areas covered with green by High court orders . “Another Organisation” in 2008 and this pine trees have been shown hotel”,he added “had permission organisation filed a PIL (OWP permissible land, which have for minor repairing but its owner no. 484/2010) in Jammu and been allegedly occupied by rich demolished the old building Kashmir High Court, which and influential people by unfair which had only 40 rooms and gave a stay order for commercial means. constructed a new structure with construction in Pahalgam, and Locals, whose houses were 125 rooms”. also nominated a five member destroyed in recent windstorm The rampant corruption is Panel to study the Master Plan. have not been allowed even to fix responsible for defacing this The stay order did stop further a single brick. Two years ago, the world famed tourist destination construction but by then many house of Rashid Chaupan just to fill the coffers of the new constructions had already family of Rangwara, Laripora people from capitalist and come up and many trees had got gutted but they were not bureaucratic class, while the been cut off to pave the way allowed to rebuild it. Chaupan common villagers residing there for the construction of illegal said that they were forced to live are suffering overall. structures. in a makeshift shelter. Inner village roads are in Furthermore, the sewage “A Hotel had permission dilapidated condition. People system of many of the hotels is for only a residential hut, but living there level many serious also drained into the famous its owner raised a huge hotel, allegations against some top Lidder river, the water of which violating the building permission officials. is supplied to large part of the law”, lamented a resident Mohd After being fed up by all this, South Kashmir for drinking and Yousuf who was not allowed to a local resident Riyaz Ahmed other day to day uses.

Green Oscar Winner Mike Pandey with MERC students SOCIETY

40 August 2012 Media Times Guryul Ravines Nishah Zargar Hiding Secrets from the Permian Period uryul Ravine in Khonmuh – one of the world’s richest Gfossil sites has been rated by geologists as the world’s premier site for the study of species from the pre-dinosaur Permian Period (251-299 million years ago). The site has been known to Geologists across the world since 1868 and has attracted leading Geoscientists to know the causes of the “Mother of mass extinctions” — the Permian- Triassic extinction —about 252 million years ago, which wiped Photo by : Nishah Zargar out 90 per cent of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species. development of Permian and Switzerland, India, etc.) started Hundreds of millions of Triassic strata can be studied. visiting the site to study the rocks years ago, the prehistoric Tethys Worth mentioning are Guryul at Guryul ravine and more visits Ocean flowed where Kashmir's Ravine, Mandakpal, Barus, are expected. Guryul Ravine now stands. Narastan, Pastun, Pahalgam, In 2005-2006, Jammu hosted Guryul's fossils, which were first Pir panjal, Bhallesh etc. Barring an international conference of discovered by a British scientist Guryul ravine, other sections have geologists who impressed upon in 1886, represent a variety of some demerits for considering the government to turn the ancient marine life. them as stratotype. ravine into Geo-park monument. The recent study done This section, besides easy Subsequently, in 2008-09, by Geology and Geophysics approach, has additional Director Geology and Mining department, Kashmir University attraction of the presence of major formed a team to prepare a shows that the section comprises part of Permian and Triassic, even map of the area to declare the rock of Permo-Triassic Period. up to Jurassic. site as a protected heritage site. The Geological succession as seen “The fossils lie inside rich tracts Afterwards, the department at Guryul ravine includes Panjal of limestone. According to a recent of Geology and Mining also volcanic rocks, the Gangamopteris study, the common fossils found terminated all the lease contracts beds, the Zewan formation and in Guryul include brachiopods, and stopped stone quarrying in the Khonmuh formation. primordial corals, small the area but the quarrying is still “The fossils are of two invertebrates, plants, and a group going on. ages (periods) and there is no of mammal-like reptiles known as “Besides having a ban on stone particular demarcation. There Therapsids. Some sections which quarrying in Guryul section, new are unfortunately only a few areas have not been studied are thought quarries are still dug and stones on the earth where continuity to be rich in molluscan fossils,” Dr. rich with fossils are excavated and of late Permian with earliest Chandra said. used for construction purposes, Triassic could be recognized, but In the past, the section was which is a big loss,” Dr. Chandra Guryul ravine (Kashmir) is the studied by the geologists from added. one such area where continuity Japan and Geological Survey of Stressing on the need to of sedimentation is believed to be India for about one and a half preserve Guryul ravine, Dr, HERITAGE found without any interruption,” decade (1970-1987) to know the Chandra said, “The stone said Dr. Rakesh Chandra, causes of the Permian Mass quarrying on this site should Assistant professor, Department Extinction and rejuvenation of be stopped completely and the of Geology and Geophysics, life forms on earth at that time. whole hillock of Guryul should Kashmir University. Since 2007, the geoscientists be marked as the heritage site as In Kashmir, there are several from different countries there is a need to preserve it for sections where continuous (Canada, Taiwan, Italy, London, future generation”. 41 August 2012 Media Times

Tyba Bashir

I am satisfied with what I do, I love my work and would want it to be continued but our children find it non-profitable. For me this craft is preserved till we three are alive after us it isn’t,” The Last Three ‘GermanKhaar’ plain looking single room very young age, while they are DrWasper, who used to work at workshop at one of the busy in fixing a fishing tackle. the Tuberculosis hospital at Dal Acorners of lawn comes in They claim that they can repair gate. Their work was appreciated sight as one enters the premises and make a replica of almost by him and he shared their talent of legendary ‘German khaars’. anything . In our career so far, with one of the Ministers of Opposite to the workshop, stands they say we have repaired almost Maharaja. Thus Maharaja came an archaic 200- year- old house. everything which includes- to know about us and titled us A frail looking old man electrical gadgets, surgical items, ‘German khaar’,” they say. occupies a corner of this fishing equipments, silver ware, Another workshop that is just workplace, he mumbles his name foreign made cameras and tape a yard away looks same as the and age.“HabibullahAhangar recorders. first one, but the only difference and I am 85-years-old”, he says ‘German khaars’ – an is that it is well furnished and has HERITAGE with grin in his eyes. He is elder exceptional title given to a modern look, opposite to it is a among the last three ‘German these blacksmiths residing at three storeyed house constructed khaars’. Rainawari in the oldcity. They infront of it. His cousin, Abdul claim their ancestors came from The last of the three ‘German RahmanAhangar aged 65 years, Hazzare, Afghanistan in 1700’s. khaars’ is even busier. He has other German khaar sits by Maharaja Hari Singh, Dogra no time to interact and indulge his side. Both of them have ruler had given them this title . in chit chat with anyone. Co- 42 learned this profession at a “Our elders made forceps for incidentally, three university August 2012 Media Times students are present on the other two ‘German khaars’. He American woman came here scene. Among them, a young is among three blacksmiths who last year, her camera had to be gentleman, MuneebAhmad, says, can repair and make replica of repaired, she was impressed “We are B. Pharmacy students any type of surgical equipments. by my work and since then she from University of Kashmir, and He proves to be outvert than the assigned me this new job of we came here to get a light weight first two. making handles from buffalo lever made. It is used in measuring He displays his cache horns” Mohiudden says , he likes the responses of the tissues.” of products which he has his profession but his other two “I am sure that the replica manufactured , he showcases cousin brothers don’t. He says of the lever made by these arm needles used to generate that the less profit in this craft blacksmiths will be perfect than response from a fetus. He pulls has made them despondent about the conventional equipments we out dental equipments, vacuum this skill. Their children have are provided in our laboratory.” cups, sphygmomanometer, and never learned this craft and opted His colleagues come out with two liver biopsy needles. Some other for other jobs, his own son is a levers and ask him to check both. objects are laid in a corner, he school teacher. He weighs them with his hands says he has to fix. “I am satisfied with what I do, and with a satisfactory smile says He mentions: “ I get orders I love my work and would want it “It’s perfect”.” from both private as well as to be continued but our children “Money isn’t the question; we government hospitals directly. find it non-profitable. For me this came here because they can do The payment we receive depends craft is preserved till we three are things to perfection like the lever on the work I have to do, for alive after us it isn’t,” he says. they made now is better than the instance, I charge 300-500 “Government never helped us, laboratorial one,” students say. rupees for a biopsy needle, and why would they help us to boom The three students leave for an arm needle it would be 400 this cottage-craft now?”It shall satisfied but ‘German khaar’ or more. The rates are fixed”. be of no use since we are old and is still busy with his work. His “It is the cheaper rate that hardly can work for longer hours. head is down and hands busy; he attracts the customers, if we We will be the last three ‘German is preoccupied in making some increase the rate, we won’t be khaar’,”he says unusual piece of equipment. “My given any work,” Mohiudeen says. The three of the extraordinary name is Ghulam Mohiudeen He again focuses on his work, blacksmiths, honored with a title Ahangar and I am 40 years old.” a buffalo horn from which he by the Maharajah, will be the Mohiudeenis the cousin of the has to make a door handle, “An last. HERITAGE Sr Journalist of India Shankershan Thakur with the students of MERC

43 August 2012 Media Times Aaqib Ashraf

TONGA IS LOOSING THE RACE hulam Muhammad of seems to be decreasing day by as quickly as possible, and Islamabad is bound to day. As we think of the benefits travelling in a Tonga is the last Gdrive a Tonga to feed his of industrial revolution, its dark resort,” says Sameer, a college family. Few years back, when side can be seen in the house student, who regularly travels to his horse died he could not earn of Ghulam Muhammad and college in a local bus. and his family suffered. Due to other tonga drivers. Increasing Since tonga is slow in speed, poverty, he could not afford to number of vehicles has added many people complain of traffic buy a new horse. to their plight. Kashmir has jams.“Tonga is a hurdle and To feed his family, he started lost many native crafts and causes traffic jams,” says Irshad, working as a labourer, without traditions, and such will be the a sumo car driver. knowing tricks of the trade. case with our ancient transport “After getting furious with While working, he suffered system. the slow speed of my Tonga, a an accident and got his leg Another tonga driver, sumo driver once rammed his fractured and lost all fingers of Mohammad Shaban Dar, vehicle into my Tonga. That his left foot. Since he couldn’t 70, who has been with this broke the leg of my horse and I cope up with his new job, he occupation from last 30 years, couldn’t utter a word against the tried to get back to his ancestral has finally decided to quit sumo driver,” says Shaban. job of tonga driving. But hurdles driving tonga that once used to Tonga drivers criticize along the way didn’t permit him be his source of income. government for not doing to do so. “From the very beginning, I anything for them. “We met He tried to get a loan from had decided that I will not let my authorities many times and bank to buy a new horse but sons to take it as the occupation they promised a lot but nothing no one helped him. Then other as there is no future in this and has been done so far,” says tonga drivers came forward the income is getting lesser day Mohammad Akbar, President HERITAGE and helped Muhammad to buy by day. Now I and my sons are District Tonga Drivers a horse. He is now driving a working as masons.” Shaban says. Association. Tonga but not with the pride People and transporters The situation tonga drivers and enthusiasm his father used also believe that Tonga have are struggling with it seems that to. become obsolete and don’t find days of this traditional vocation About hundred tongas are any relevance with present are numbered and soon it will running in the busy streets transportation system. diminish and fade away in the 44 of Islamabad but the number “We want to reach to places memories of past. August 2012 Media Times Khayyam Barbeques: Umar Hayat A Mouth Watering Experience a welcome gesture,” said Imran, the barbeque maker at Khayyam. He also claims that one out of every four people in Srinagar city has tasted a barbecue at Khayam Chowk. “We have maintained quality so far, which is the main cause of our customer credibility and keeps us at par with others, and Inshallah, we will never compromise with it,” he added. Due to apparent difference in taste and quality, customers also find it as the best place for their quest for barbeques. Keeping its taste in view, people also order for home deliveries. ike junk and other fast powder or meat masala. They “It is always the quality that foods, which are gaining he penetrates a small iron shaft nobody wants to compromise Lpopularity, barbeques are through several pieces of meat, with. Here they serve fresh sheep also not lagging behind in this which ranges from 7-10 in a series meat without adulteration and race and have earned favorite and keeps at a nominal distance that is the guarantee of trust,” place in the palatable menu for for thorough roasting. said Hilal Ahmad, customer at its own special taste and aroma. When customers ask for it, Khayyam. Quite popular among the he places the barbeque stick “Barbeques served with eight youth nowadays, the barbeques on a coal hearth. The barbeque different chatni’s is the unique are in great demand all over maker keeps the coal hearth on feature of this particular area and valley. But the shops situated an optimum temperature by one gets addict to it,” he added. at Khayyam (uptown area of using an electric fan to avoid over “If one goes through the Srinagar) have their own unique roasting. pages of history, this cuisine is the taste, good nutritive value While getting prepared, the traditional dish of Baluchistan, and hospitality towards their barbeques emits an aroma which and Kashmiri’s learnt this art of customers. fills mouth with water. The smell cuisine from them way back,” The barbeques here possess is irresistible to bear to a large said Ghulam Nabi Shera, another unique distinction when extent and perhaps plays a vital barbeque maker. compared to the rest of the role in attracting the customers He also claims that he is the barbeque shops elsewhere in the to have at least one. one who introduced Barbeque Kashmir valley. They are deeply Among different shops all stall at Khayyam. roasted, available in different around, ‘Imran Cafeteria’ at the Ghulam Qadir, 70, a local tastes (spicy or non spicy), with corner of road has the expertise resident of Khayyam area, who is pleasant aroma and served with of 40 years in making barbeques. also a frequent eater of barbeque, chatni’s of at least eight different Now along with barbeques, he said barbeques gave Khayyam an types. There are also special also serves wazwan (unique identity. arrangements for families to traditional series of Kashmiri “Prior to 90’s, the area CULTURE maintain privacy. dish) especially for tourists. was known for the cinema Prepared from fresh sheep “We are getting good number where latest films would be meat, preferably from buttocks of customers, especially in screened. But unfortunately, it and rib portion, the barbeque afternoon and Alhamdullilah, got closed. Now the barbeque maker first cuts the meat into flow remains till late evening. shops have given this area small pieces and mashes it with Not only the locals find it tasty some sort of identity,”said spicy ingredients like curry but we receive tourists as well in Ghulam qadir. 45 August 2012 Media Times

Rendezvous with Prof. Manzoor ul Amin ‘Kashmir is in my eyes and in my heart’

ounder and the first HoD of that the department Media Education Research has taken and the pace Centre (MERC), Kashmir of development under University, Prof Manzoor- the leadership of the Ful- Amin revisited the department Head of the Department after a gap of 22 years and interacted Prof. Mufeed is highly with students and faculty. In an impressive. The kind of exclusive interview with Editor and interaction programs Souzeina Mushtaq, Prof. Amin and workshops the revisits the past and talks about his Centre is organizing are experiences in Kashmir- a place he commendable. I hope loves the most. that the trend will carry SM : You have visited the on with full vigor in Centre, that you established, after future also. I wish the a gap of 22 years. What are your faculty of the Centre all impressions? the success. MA: I am indeed delighted. The Centre has progressed in SM : We all know leaps and bounds. It has improved you as the founder of way beyond imagination in every this Centre. Tell us respect may it be the infrastructure something about your or the human resource. The course childhood? COVER STORY COVER material is extremely rich and the MA: As a child, I was much pampered and kind of exposure, opportunities loved. You will be surprised to know that in 1928, and training the students are being my mother started a government job. Those were provided is exemplary. The direction not the days when muslim women would work.

46 August 2012 Media Times

My mother was the head mistress of her school. department. Then I decided to go back to Delhi She was a unique teacher. I grew up under her but the VC didn’t let me go. He wanted me to stay influence. She along with my father, who was also here and become the Head of the Department. well educated took great care of our education. SM: How difficult was it to manage and Whatever I became, I owe it to them. survive with the new course? SM: You were born and brought up in MA: It was very difficult to convince Hyderabad, what prompted you to come to people that there is a world beyond medicine Kashmir and start a journalism institute here? and engineering. But we managed to convince MA: I didn’t come here on my own but I was students to join the new course. We had no facility asked to come. Moreover, I had no idea to start an at our disposal; it all started with a scratch. I used institute here; I came here with a mission. I had to teach every subject those days. this idea that the generation here is very depressed, But students were very cooperative. They it needs to be taken out of it. I felt a need to awaken had a desire to learn things. So as a part of the masses, make them conscious of their rights, training students, I invited top notch people, and make them realize that the world is changing like P C Chatterji, Dileep Padgaonkar from the and they should keep a pace with it. communication field to come here and interact While I was working as Additional General with the students. in Radio, I got this offer to start a journalism SM: After such a rapport was built, what made department in Jamia Millia Islamia. I had no idea you to pack your bags and leave? MA: I remember having tea with my wife, when a bomb rocked Nigeen. Then a man came and told me about the killing of Prof. Manzoor ul Alam, the then VC of the University. It was a shocker for me. The situation outside was tense. My family was very scared. It was for them that I had to take the painful decision of leaving the valley. SM: How was your experience in Kashmir? MA: Kashmir is in my eyes and in my heart. It always pains me to leave this place. Today, as I am leaving, you won’t see tears in my eyes. They have dried now. I have to leave, unwillingly though, because there is no alternative. But I carry my memories of this beautiful place; the smell of its soil, the beauty of chinars. I have no words to express my love for Kashmir. SM: Your wife, Sufiya was with you through thick and thin. She has also contributed a lot to this department. And today, when she is not around, how does it feel? MA: There is a vacuum. We spent fifty beautiful years together. But death is inevitable, it has to come. Today it is someone and tomorrow it may be anyone among us. SM: Now that you are retired, what keeps you busy these days? MA: I talk with my solitude (laughs). I talk with pictures. I have many pictures of Kashmir about the field, but my director took me there and with me. I talk to them, relive the memories. we inaugurated the department. SM: What is your message to the students of STORY COVER While I was there, the then Vice Chancellor of this department? Kashmir University, Prof Manzoor ul Alam came MA: I want them to work hard and stand on there and sought my help to start a journalism their own. Life is dynamic, it demands creativity. department in Kashmir. So I came here and Students should understand the unique process of became a part of the syllabus forming committee. creation and revolutionize their lives. My message After the syllabus was framed, we formed the for all is the message of love. 47 August 2012 Media Times I WANT TO BE Malla Waseem Malla HIS DISCIPLE FOREVER

to be held with Prof. Amin. Till the time of interaction, Prof. Amin was known to me as the founder of the Media Education Research Centre (MERC). To be honest, I had made my mind not to participate in the interactive session and remain at home. But then one thing struck my mind- this was the same person I have heard about a lot from Nasir Sir always. Then started the chain of thoughts in my mind- this man has given people of Kashmir a voice, to be heard at all levels. The institution founded by him has produced number of journalists who represent the sufferings of people in this trouble torn state. These thoughts made me to ountless people have come change my plan and I decided to to this world and left. Some participate in the interaction. Ccame, lived their life and On 14th May, 2012, in the left; lived life for their own selves. Media House Auditorium, many But some came and devoted their He, in his people had already occupied the life for the welfare of people at gentle, caring maximum seats, most of whom I large. In other words, some lived and lovable had seen for the first time. In the to die while others died to live. mean time, I could see an old man, At school, my best teacher Mr voice, said a look-alike of Vice-President Jalal ud din Malik left an indelible “People live of India, Mohammad Hamid mark on my whole life. Once he through what Ansari entering the auditorium. asked me if I knew how people With a soft and gentle smile lived even after they died. I had they have on his face, he was escorted by no answer. I just looked towards done for the every faculty member, alumni of him without uttering a word and humanity, MERC on his both sides. He was then asked humbly, what that Prof. Manzoorul Amin. meant. He, in his gentle, caring when they live When I saw him, the and lovable voice, said “People for others thoughts of my teacher Malik sir live through what they have done ran across my mind. My teacher for the humanity, when they live had suggested me to either for others.” After I joined the University, write myself or do something Malik Sir went on saying, I came across another gem of a remarkable so that people would PERSONALITY “If you want to live after you are teacher, Mr. Nasir Mirza. From write about me. But this man had long gone from this world, then the day one at the University, done both the things. write, and write for the welfare of there would be hardly any day Though I know nothing the society. If you can’t do this, when Nasir Sir hadn’t talked about Prof. Manzoorul Amin then do something remarkable about Professor Manzoor ul substantial and to write about for the welfare of the humanity Amin. this personality is a very difficult so that others are compelled to On 12th May, 2012, I came job for me. But then after seeing 48 write about you.” to know about the interaction the admiration of his students August 2012 Media Times

for him, and having heard him esteem by one and all reflects his and his students, I couldn’t resist stature. This was evident when from expressing my feelings and His Excellency Shri N N Vohra, observations as this reminded the Governor of J&K commended me of my teacher. It would be unfair on the department. Prof. Amin is from a well to It would be unfair on my do family in Hyderabad, Andhra my part not to mention part not to mention his wife Pradesh. His parents, both well his wife Rafia Amin, Rafia Amin, who also played educated, were also involved who also played an an important role in the in imparting education. His important role in establishment of MERC and hobbies included playing hockey in the other every sphere of and cricket. the establishment of his life. She has to her credit a He has held various top MERC and in the other novel with the title of “AALAM posts at the central level. He every sphere of his life. PANNAH”, which was later was Additional Director General She has to her credit a conceived into serial in the name (ADG), Door Darshan (DD). of “FARMAAN” which was aired His contribution to Satellite novel with the title of on Door Darshan. Instructional Television Aalam Pannah, which Prof. Amin’s simple living Experiment (SITE) launched by was later conceived and high thinking gets reflected Indian Space Research Centre into serial in the name when he talks in a humorous (ISRO) has been a remarkable and very simple way. This got to one. Initially, he served in the of Farmaan which was me amply clear when he quoted army and after that, he joined aired on Door Darshan a verse of poem which, if my All India Radio (AIR) as talk’s poor memory supports me, producer. goes as: Prof. Amin is regarded as the Kabhi jo Dhoop Main Saya father of Media Education and a Tumhen Lamba Nazar Aaayey visionary who laid the road map heart as well. To Apney Kad Ke Barey mae for it in the state of Jammu and Prof. Amin has been a Galat Fehmee mae Mat Rehna Kashmir. He single handedly teacher par excellence, when he His quoting of different started the Media Department himself taught the students in literary works while speaking in the highest learning seat of the serene ambience of famous gives a hint of what treasure of education in the Kashmir Valley. Naseem Bagh campus of the knowledge he has. What prompted Prof. Kashmir University. I wish if I could be his Amin to come all the way from “Whatever little I am today, student all through my life. Hyderabad to Kashmir, I am is only because of his patronage Every morning he would share unaware of. But one can say with and guidance,” says Dr. Shahid his pearls of knowledge and I surety that his love for this land Rasool, Director EMMRC. would collect those pearls. He is one of the factors. He recited The Media Guru of Kashmir, would teach all the day and I a full Persian poem regarding Nasir Mirza describes him as the would listen, with all my senses Kashmir and said that Kashmir “living legend.” wide awake... I just want to be his was not only in his eyes but in his Prof. Amin being held at high disciple forever.

Editor with Ms Ambika Soni,

Union minister for PERSONALITY information and broadcasting at media conference in New Delhi

49 August 2012 Media Times

Ubaid shafi Bhat shafi Ubaid Strawberry Village- A single man initiative

he fragrance of strawberries of strawberry cultivation and is awards both at State as well at can be smelled across mile known as Strawberry Village. National level. His whole family Tor two before reaching the The income of the village is 8.0 is now engaged in this business alluring village of strawberry lacks/ hectare and the total with full dedication and has on the outskirts of Srinagar. income of the village is 91.0 achieved a great satisfaction. The Just inside, a pitched red form lacks. The area produces 237 socio-economic status of Mir of carpet awaits the visitor as quintals/ hectare of strawberries has changed which has created it occurs. The vast spreads of that engage 79 families with the enthusiasm among farmers in strawberry fields which started business. his neighboring areas and as from 1 kanal of land has become The strawberry cultivation such they have also started the a Strawberry village. that starts in Aug- Sep is a strawberry cultivation. The strawberry cultivation, seasonal crop. After 8-9 months According to Mir, “Every which was started by Abdul Ahad of development, the strawberry is business is possible if done with Mir of Gasso Hazratbal in 2001, the first fruit to reach the market. ardor and hard slog.” is a single man initiative. As per After his business emerged, the Another strawberry Mir, he took a risk without any horticulture department came cultivator, Manzoor Ahmad Mir financial or technical support. up with financial and technical said, “We left shawl business ECONOMY Today his income is about Rs assistance under horticulture of our forefathers and started 60000- 70000/kanal/annum by mission. the strawberry cultivation selling strawberry fruits. Mir was ranked NO.1 because we were stirred by Mir’s Due to the technical backup progressive farmer at National dedication and economic status.” of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and level during the year 2009- “Our whole family is engaged Directorate of Extension 2010, where 101 farmers from with this business and we are Education, SKUAST, the area 29 countries had participated. benefitted to a larger extend,” he 50 has now reached 12.0 hectares Besides that, he has won several added. August 2012 Media Times Mukeet Akmali

Once a famed handicraft, KING OF that used to provide livelihood to hundreds of families in Kashmir, is yearning for its WOOLS revival. Shahtoosh, the name YEARNING FOR signifies royalty and kingship. It is a Persian word meaning ‘King of Wools’. Each shawl REVIVAL made out of this delicate and ethereal fiber, would cost hundreds of thousands of rupees.

However, after the ban on the trade of Shahtoosh, question now arises can this sector be revived again by rearing the delicate Chiru antelopes in farms and obtaining their prized fur without killing the animals?

hile the artisans from Kashmir Valley. began to dwindle alarmingly. Jammu and Kashmir, However, pushed by the The killing of the Chiru, a Wwho are in danger of compulsions of market and Schedule I animal according to forgetting the age-old weaving lure of profit maximization, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, craft for the Shahtoosh, say that traders, instead of waiting for the is banned in India. the ban should be lifted, the natural and voluntary shedding "Processing or wearing state government does not seem of hair, started getting the Shahtoosh is a punishable to have done much to revive an prized possession by killing the offence. Chiru is on the Appendix art form that could fetch it good antelope. The Chiru became the I of CITES (Convention money. target of poachers. on International Trade in Earlier, the wool for "It takes five dead Chirus Endangered Species), meaning ECONOMY Shahtoosh was obtained ‘non- to make one shahtoosh shawl," that international trade is violently’. The Chiru antelope said Mushtaq Ahmad, a wildlife prohibited. It also means hefty would shed its hair, which expert. fines or even jail for those who after being procured by locals The numbers of the timid carry the shawls," says Ahmad. would then be sold to weavers. and delicate antelope, found in In Jammu and Kashmir, Shahtoosh products were an the desolate vastness of the Tibet, the imprisonment for killing a important cottage industry in the Xinjiang and Ladakh regions, Chiru is one to three years, with 51 August 2012 Media Times

a proposed fine of Rs 5,000 to shahtoosh continues, the lost forever if the ban continues. 25,000, says an official of Jammu weaving industry in Kashmir has "Shahtoosh shawl-making and Kashmir Animal Husbandry suffered collateral damage. involves special looms and department. "The ban has directly affected weavers who were skilled in the "The Chiru or Tibetan our earnings. We have pleaded family tradition over centuries. Antelope (Panthalops Hodgsoni) before the government of India After the ban, this tradition is an inhabitant of Tibet. It to rethink about the ban. But it has been lost and there is no migrates to Ladakh in the has mostly fallen on deaf ears," possibility of its revival as the law summer and remains there from Ajaz Lolpuri, a wool exporter stands on it now," says Parray. May to July," he adds. from Srinagar, According to Parray, many However, despite the Can the government not find shahtoosh weavers have fully controls, the illegal trade a middle ground? switched to pashmina. "In 2005, continues. Tariq Rashid , proprietor we had estimates of about 45,000 "Shahtoosh continues to be a of Pashmina Ghar says that if families of shahtosh weavers, high value product in the wildlife procured humanely, Shahtoosh who were directly or indirectly market. Seizures of shahtoosh would be acceptable. Rashid connected with the trade. After shawls are made regularly by told Media Times : "Sufficient the ban, the families gradually agencies like Customs, CBI research has not been done shifted their livelihoods to and the WCCB, pointing to the in India on finding ways of Pashmina shawl weaving and fact that the trade is alive," said domestically rearing the Chiru have now fully migrated to their Muhammad Shafi , customs and shearing and spinning its new trade," said Parray. officer at Srinagar International wool without killing it." But, in the meantime, the Airport here. It is not that the Kashmir craft form stands in danger of And how much does a government has not thought of vanishing altogether. Warns shahtoosh shawl cost? "All I the idea. "In 2004-2005, the state Parray: "Something must be would say is that they can be government had a conceptual done. Or else, India would lose worth several lakhs each," says plan to make some enclosures an extraordinary and unique Shafi. in Ladakh for retaining some of textile tradition." Many weavers While he could not say how the migratory Chiru that would have switched to pashmina to many shahtoosh shawls were cross over during summer from keep their hearths running. "We being made illegally, he said, "It is Tibet and China. The idea was are supporting a campaign to ECONOMY likely that stockpiled shawls may to rear these Chiru for gathering advocate pashmina (another be finding their way gradually shahtoosh fleece, but the plan fine wool) as an alternative to into the markets". Asked to point has not been implemented till shahtoosh. Craftspeople who thus out the likely markets, he said date," Muhammad Afzal Parray , earlier used to make shahtoosh they were the "fashion markets President Chamber of Commerce products can now switch over in the US, Europe and Southeast and Industries said . to Pashmina and retain their Asia". Parray feels the weaving livelihoods," says Bashir Ahmad, 5252 While the ban on the tradition for shahtoosh would be a Pashmina dealer. August 2012 Media Times

CLOUD COMPUTING Baseera Rafiquee MAKING DATA STORAGE AND ACCESS EASIER of virus: Trojan bombs, spy works etc. and are at a constant threat of being lost forever with immeasurable loss. Keeping this problem in mind, technology has evolved to secure data according to our needs. These inventions are a wonder in itself, and adding to these is the concept of Cloud Computing. Generally speaking, cloud computing means providing hosted services by means of the internet. The term cloud computing came in vogue due to the representation of the internet as a “cloud” in most information technology diagrams. So, in its simplest sense, the cloud pertains to the World Wide Web. cience and technology has Cloud computing is a revolutionized the world. technology that uses the internet SThe advent of new gadgets and central remote servers to and techniques has influenced maintain data and applications. almost every part of our life; be A simple example of It allows consumers and it computer, mobile, internet cloud computing is businesses to use applications browsing, or social networking. without installation and access It is the outcome of sustained Yahoo email, Gmail, their personal files at any human effort lead by scientists, or Hotmail etc. Users computer with internet access. technologists, hardware don’t need a separate This technology allows for much and software engineers etc. more efficient computing by that computing, storage and software or a server centralizing storage, memory, communication has become to use them. What processing and bandwidth. so easier. Internet has not only is needed is just an A simple example of cloud made communication easy but computing is Yahoo email, the use of common place devices internet connection Gmail, or Hotmail etc. Users like, hard disk, flash drive, and one can start don’t need a separate software memory cards, compact disks sending emails or a server to use them. What etc. has made software storage is needed is just an internet of data more fast and safe. connection and one can start Various new concepts sending emails. The server and SCI/TECH are coming up in computer potential to generate lot of data email management software is technology to connect the world across the globe that is often all on the cloud (internet) and through an invisible connection very difficult to handle, store or is totally managed by the cloud known as the World Wide Web. manage. service provider Yahoo, Google It has a global reach with no Presently most of the data is etc. The analogy is, 'If you need boundaries, which makes it stored in different devices which milk, would you buy a cow?' All universally acceptable. It has the are vulnerable to various kinds the users or consumers need is 53 August 2012 Media Times

to get the benefits of using the processes. It can be possible in software or hardware of the the future, that data processed computer like sending emails in an hour today can be done in etc. Just to get this benefit (milk) just a minute. why should a consumer buy a Faster processors and (cow) software /hardware? Trust and security connections will be the Cloud computing is a model main proponents of this for enabling convenient, on- have become improvement. The user is not demand network access to a crucial to guarantee limited into purchasing a service shared pool of configurable the healthy that has lots of restrictions. The computing resources (e.g., user has the power to choose networks, servers, storage, development of which elements of the service applications, and services) that cloud platforms, to include and which to omit, can be rapidly provisioned providing solutions and can quickly scale the level and released with minimal of service up or down based on management effort or service for concerns real-time service needs. The user provider interaction. such as the lack does not need to immediately Cloud computing is being of privacy and invest in buying data storage progressively adopted in and processing resources as it different business scenarios protection, the can be dynamically modified at in order to obtain flexible guarantee of anytime. Additionally, the user and reliable computing security and author also does not need to pay for the environments, with several maintenance of tools needed to supporting solutions available rights run the service as the service in the market. Being based provider handles operations on diverse technologies (e.g. of the systems. Moreover, with virtualization, utility computing, the use of the internet, users grid computing and service can easily be connected to oriented architectures) and but they will shrink energy the services obtained in any constituting a completely new consumption and carbon location at any convenient time. computational paradigm, cloud emissions. The group estimated This allows for a great deal of computing requires high-level that by 2020, US organizations practicality in acquiring cloud management routines. that move to the Cloud could computing. Trust and security have save $12.3 billion in energy As the technology has both become crucial to guarantee the costs and the equivalent of 200 advantages and disadvantages, healthy development of cloud million barrels of oil. same is true with cloud platforms, providing solutions As computer technology computing. Although it provides for concerns such as the lack continues to progress, so does the storage to a huge data but its of privacy and protection, the capability of cloud computing. safety and privacy is in doubt. guarantee of security and author As faster computers and larger Some believe that it is going to rights. virtual storage areas become monopolize the information According to a recent Carbon available, cloud computing which will be controlled by the Disclosure Project report, will also continuously improve big powers to monopolise its companies that streamline with it. The noticeable effect use according to their wishes. operations to improve IT will probably show on the And it also is a threat to the performance will not only improvement of the time it valuable data stored at some reduce capital expenditures takes to perform computing distant place. SCI/TECH

54 August 2012 Media Times

Setting up University

Hajira Bano Hajira Campus in Leh will prove very beneficial for the students of both Leh and Kargil. Students who cannot afford going outside Leh for further studies can pursue their Master’s degree there only Education in Ladakh Touching New Heights

adakh, being a remote Ladakh has always been good as private school . area, has always remained an open society, be it for the They also started Village Ldeprived of the basic Buddhists or the Muslims. The Education Committees where education since very long. In male and female are treated as villagers were trained through 2001, according to the census, equal, and women in Leh have group discussions. Education the overall literacy rate in Leh held a dominant position in campaign was started all over district was 62 percent (72 society since ages. Ladakh. percent male and 50 percent “We have for ages been a By 2001, Operation New female). knowledge seeking society. Hope principles were being However, the Census Buddhist would go to implemented in all government 2011 has shown a drastic monasteries and Muslims to schools of Leh and matriculation improvement in the literacy Maktab to seek education,” said exams pass rate rose to 50 rate, running third in the list Tamchos Namgial, from Leh. percent. out of 22 districts of Jammu “Parents apply for loans and 72.02 percent of children and Kashmir. The literacy rate even sell their land to get their aged 5 to 16 are enrolled in is 80.48%, out of which male girl child educated,” he added. government school and 12.65 literacy is 89.48% and female The first local school to percent in private schools. literacy rate is 64.52 percent. provide modern education Setting up University Earlier the parents did not in Leh was “Lamdon Social Campus in Leh will prove very know their right to demand Welfare Society” in 1973. beneficial for the students of proper education for themselves A large contribution in both Leh and Kargil. Students and for their children but now the field of education in done who cannot afford going outside things have changed. by Student’s Educational Leh for further studies can VIEW LADAKH “In early 1980s, tourists and Cultural Movement of pursue their Master’s degree started visiting Leh and the Ladakh( SECMOL) who started there only. people realised how fast the Operation New Hope in 1994 Now the people of Ladakh world had moved on and how and in collaboration with Sarva are witnessing change that they much ground we had to cover,” Shiksha Abhiyan, teachers were want to see and very soon the said Kaneez Fatima, student of trained and their aim was to literacy rate in Leh will touch Kashmir University. make government school as 100 percent. 55 August 2012 Media Times Fascinating Folk Songs of Mehrun Nissa Mehrun Ladakh

ith the inception of economical aspect of the isolated civilization tradition valley, and the folk dance depicts Wand culture also came the content of the songs. into existence. One of the main In ancient period, kings and phases of culture and tradition ministers had people to chant is folk songs. Every place in folk songs in courts to make the this world has its own unique In ancient environment of court charming. folk songs which represents the period, kings and The traditional folk songs and essence of that place. ministers had dances reveal the history of India is also rich in traditional Ladakh. songs, from Himalaya to South people to chant In ancient times, Ladakh India, which throws light on the folk songs in was a trade route, so people from customs of Indian societies. courts to make various cultural backgrounds Ladakh, a detached region settled there including that of the in the Himalayan range has the environment Aryans. Thus Ladakh has a huge abundance of mesmerizing of court charming. variety of cultural songs and LADAKH VIEW LADAKH cultural songs that people cherish The traditional folk dances. throughout the year. An intellectual person Tourists are mainly songs and dances of Ladakh, Tashi Rbigs has enchanted by its galvanizing folk reveal the history enumerated different form of songs and dances. of Ladakh Ladakhi songs. Traditional songs of Ladakh • Taal Lu or Party songs, emphasize on the political, which are used to sing on social 56 social, cultural, historical and occasions. August 2012 Media Times

• Chos Lu or Religious and dances are performed to songs, which are used to sing in entertain participants. presence of great Lama's. People of Ladakh have • Chok Lu or Royal songs, noteworthy flare for singing and which were used to sing in Ladakhi songs are full dancing, but due conventional ancient era to praise kings and of emotions and are thoughts of society, people queens. were not that much supported • Chank Lu or Drunkards melodious, but most to excel which is ongoing from hymn which glorifies the of the song composers generation to generation. If different forms of alcohol. are unknown. Now with there would be freedom of • Pokh Lu or Marriage fading of conventional dancing and singing, people of cermony songs, which are Ladakh would have touched the vocalized on special occasions thoughts, the talented skies. of marriage to praise bride and people there get Ladakhi songs are full of bridegroom. These songs are opportunity to publicize emotions and are melodious, abundant in number, comprising their extraordinary skills. but most of the song composers of painful songs which bride’s are unknown. Now with fading friends chant while the bride is Efforts are making to of conventional thoughts, about to depart. upsurge the declining the talented people there get • Tsek Lu or Debatable songs, especially opportunity to publicize their or haggling songs, which are marriage songs extraordinary skills. Efforts chanted in interrogative manner are making to upsurge the in social gatherings when there which are generally declining songs, especially is a competition between man sung during marriage marriage songs which are and a woman or between two ceremonies generally sung during marriage groups. ceremonies. • Rang Lu or Incredible songs, which are attractive and popular. • Jong Lu or Provincial songs, which are sung on different social occasions. • Jabru songs relate to a particular nomadic tribe, that admires kings, Lama's, Gonpa's and are presented with great zest. • Shoan Lu or Imperial songs are related to the era of kingdom, which is exhibited on New Year with great enthusiasm. Beside all these, there are various songs, which are sung on special events like festivals, hunting, archery, cultivation and so on. On the celebration of At the time of ploughing, The Jammu and Kashmir festivals, villagers get dressed up prolonged songs are sung to Cultural Academy, Leh has in traditional array and dance credit the bull (Zo). organized a weekly special and sing folk songs, backed by Ladakh is also renowned training course in customs of an orchestra. The festival also for its wild animals from marriage songs, where around VIEW LADAKH facets musical concerts, dances ancient periods. Songs are sung 40 youth from different villages performed by veiled Lama from to encourage the hunter for come for training under the selected monasteries. hunting. supervision of legendry artists of Throughout farms, men, Archery is a famous Ladakh. Mipham Otsal, who is women who are working in fields recreational game play in winter, also an award winner of Sangeet recite songs to keep themselves during which revitalizing songs Natak Academy is one of the busy in work. are sung to boost the players artists. 57 August 2012 Media Times

Fida Hussain Fida IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC OPINION IN MEDIA

everywhere. Public opinion is the case of entertainment channels, backbone of media. public voting is accorded utmost "The public First, let us talk about the print importance. Reality shows like opinion is the media. The newspaper content, Indian Idol reflect the importance which is wholly and solely product given to the public opinion. In only critic whose of reporters and journalists in the case of movies, what would be opinion is worth office, is now undergoing a radical the success of the movie if there change into an amalgamation was no audience? It wholly anything at all" of news and public opinions. depends on the audience that is - Mark twain. The letters to editor written by responsible for success or failure the readers to the newspapers of a particular movie. ublic opinion is the complex and magazines is an example Importance of public collection of opinions of of acknowledgement of the opinion is due to the effect of the Pdifferent people and the sum importance of the public opinion. increased public participation of all their views. Public opinion In addition to the readership polls in the media. This is an era forms an important component and questionnaires, there are also where media has awakened to in all fields and media is no columns, which are contributed the fact that no matter what exception to it. The Importance by readers themselves. they are dishing out- news, of public opinion has increased in Talking about internet now, views or entertainment, they the recent years. Public opinion the websites have already been need to keep it interactive. governs the working of our society using the public polls. In addition Public opinion is not just a way and gives a way to change when to that, the rise of blogs and to validate and supplement the public opinion is voiced. public forums have paved way to news but also a great way to Media is all about connecting increased exposure to individual increase the awareness of the people and mirroring the society opinions, and hence strengthened public on a particular topic. And OPINION we live in. It is all about reflecting the importance of public opinion. today, public wants to be aware on daily happenings around Public polls are commonly used of the issues happening around the world. People are not just by many news channels and are them and to give their comments audiences but also an essential considered an important tool for on the important issues. It is the element of news itself. Be it measuring the public opinion. public opinion that determines journalism or entertainment, In India, the trend of public the popularity of the media, so a the increasing importance of polls used by different news compromise on public opinion is 58 the public opinion is evident channels has become common. In almost impossible today. August 2012 Media Times

Sheikh Qayoom WHY I WRITE had never thought I would fall in the business of writing. IWandering gave me little time to read even the prescribed books, not to even think of fiction, comic and story books. Time passed and I progressed to class after class. There was no clear direction. No goal, no destination was set. I never had thought of writing. Days passed and I landed in the field of communication. I was supposed to write. The fear psychosis was high-write what to write and how to write .On the other hand it was obligatory is not published I will not write old tradition of political-oriented to put ideas into words. One day another. However, I wrote a lot things. I wrote a piece that got I wrote a poem unexpectedly. but it was all purposeless and its space in the valleys largely When I jotted the words, they directionless. circulated and widely read began to appear as the silky Then a day came when newspaper. I received admiration threads that I really liked. I was people offered me an from within and outside Valley convinced that I could write. The opportunity to write. It was like a as well: from America, New potential of writing was in me, dream came true. The intention Delhi and my email inbox was only I needed was to give it some was to get fame. My writing filled with appreciation for shape. I began to write. I wrote in college days impressed my writing such a piece. Even some few pieces with the intention batch mates, but to others I unknown persons began to call that they will be published in was an unknown entity. I was me as great intellectual. My the newspapers. II would think given space to write as much teachers, colleagues were happy. the newspaper would get their as I can. I, to some extent, Even my college teacher and now space filled and I fame. The shouldered the responsibility. editor of one newspaper said I pieces were controversial laden Now my name began to appear read your piece twice and it was with harsh criticism against the in the newspapers. My desire amazing. establishment. They were never was full filled. I was no longer Now my aim was to not get published. I was very much an unknown person. My byline fame. Rather I played gentle. I dismayed. Only thing could do appeared more than forty times began to think of doing more and was to call the in-charge editor in different papers of the valley. more work like this. I resolved of the paper and ask why not the I got both name and fame. What that my writing should add piece was published, the counter next. Is the aim of writing only something new to the knowledge argument would be more to get fame? How long will I go of people. I want to write some MUSINGS disturbing “We received no such with the ghost of fame? Will my interesting stories that people piece.” I knew they were lying. writing serve any other purpose? will carry with them for a long Still I was thankful they were Now there was a purpose time. That is what the aim of at least picking the mobile call. behind writing. It was simply to writing is at present times. I don’t The dream of getting fame was let people know what I know. I know tomorrow what will be the shaken. I had put a self-imposed began to write some exclusive purpose of my writing.I can only barricade that until the first piece pieces, different from the age- say I am hoping for the best. 59 August 2012 Media Times

PhD: The Formula of Iqbal kirmani Success!! here is enough evidence to show that winning and Tbeing successful in life has little to do with academic qualifications. So you might be wondering why you need a PhD to achieve your goals in life and be the best you can be. Yes, you read it right. We all need a PhD. PhD is the new mantra for success. It stands for Passion, Hunger and Discipline! Get them all. And see the difference. Becoming a Passionate, Hungry and Disciplined person can put you on the road to realizing your true greatness. Passion: Do you enjoy what to be the best “YOU” in the whole “when you want wisdom as badly you are doing? Do you love your world? It’s nice to be able to do as you wanted the air – you will work? It’s extremely important what you love. But it’s important get it!” So how badly do you want that each of us can answer those to love what you are doing! to win? questions with a resounding Hunger: How badly do you Discipline: And once you have ‘Yes!’ Passion helps ensure that want to win? Are you really, the passion and the hunger, you’ll you jump out of your bed every really hungry for success? It’s probably see a road emerge in morning and get to work on your when you really want something front of you, leading you to your goals. Not because you have to, that you start to go after it, and goals. There will be obstacles on but because you love to. Passion do all it takes to get it. If you the way, there will be roadblocks, makes those long hours spent at want to win, you must first want but you will need discipline to work seem worthwhile because to win. Get hungry. And yes, no keep doing the right things, time you are having fun, enjoying every one else can feel hungry for you. after time after time. You need moment. Outstanding results You’ve probably heard the story the discipline to stick on the path. are achieved not through better of the young man who went up Nothing of substance was ever resources or bigger budgets. to Socrates and said he wanted achieved without discipline. An They are achieved by people to get wisdom. “Come with me,” Olympic Gold medal-winning madly, wildly, excited by their said Socrates and took him along gymnast was asked the secret mission to be the best. Martin to a river. Without any warning, of her success. Her response: Luther King once said: “If a man Socrates pushed the man’s head “I practised when I felt like it. is called to be a street sweeper, under water and held it there. And also when I didn’t!” Success he should sweep streets just The man did not know what demands discipline. Slogging and as Michelangelo painted, or was happening. He struggled for staying the course – particularly OPINION Beethoven composed music, or air. He moved his head, flailed when you ‘don’t feel like it’ – is Shakespeare wrote poetry. He his hands desperately seeking often the key to success. should sweep streets so well that to get his head above water for That’s it then. Never mind all the hosts of heaven and earth some air. Socrates finally let go what you are doing now, commit will pause to say, here lived a and asked him “What did you yourself to becoming a PhD. great street sweeper who did his want when your head was under A Passionate, Hungry and job well.” Would they be saying water?” “I wanted air,” said the Disciplined person. Success is 60 that about you? Are you aiming man. “Right,” said Socrates, calling. Are you ready? August 2012 Media Times Heeba Din

The book is like a breath of fresh air and is a must read for all those who are bored from all the mainstream political drama televised and who are ready to look the harsh truth in the eye

Name : The Moslems are Azad’s Whirlwind Coming By : Azad Essa Publisher: Harper Collins Cover Price: Rs. 299.00 Category: Non-fiction On Sale : April 2012 Journey zad Essa takes you on a to talk about. issues like burqa ban in France to whirlwind journey in his The book is not your general Islamophobia. Azad stands out in Afirst book ‘The Moslems are stereotype novel; it is based on the his way of describing the issue. coming’. The journey from deep author’s popular blog on Thought With his shrewd sarcasm, this interiors of African politics to birds Leader. It is a collection of essays book sure won’t be settling in with eye view on global politics, from on a variety of topics, ranging all the fundamentalists’s out there. Islamophobia to bollywood and from international politics, anti- Surprisingly and contradictory to his own identity crisis, Essa has Semitism, Islamophobia, racial its name, the book is not all about managed to put all the ingredients discrimination and offers a unique ‘MOSLEMS’. Contentiously, of a bestselling book. And with his point of view on the Kashmir issue book speaks about issues about own pinch of dark humor, it just and vastly discusses politics in Islamophobia and burqa ban but becomes too delicious to resist. Africa and his search for his own that is not what the whole book is His fresh style of writing, laced identity while dealing with the all about. with satire makes the book hard dilemma of being an Indian South From bollywood to cricket, to put down, once you get used to African. world cup 2011 affecting sales his witty wicked sense of humor. While the major half of the across the borders to being an With his provocative pen, Azad’s book predominantly talks about Indian South African searching writing is sure going to catch the South African politics , its Essa’s for his true identity, Azad Essa eye balls. sarcastic, witty tone of writing manages to laugh at him and BOOK REVIEW With his own style of writing, which keeps you hanging onto make people do the same. Azad takes you to a level of his every word , even if you are The book is like a breath of discomfort, but that is his main one amongst the people who fresh air and is a must read for point; to take you to a place where don’t know much about south all those who are bored from all you are bound to think about African politics. His sarcastic the mainstream political drama issues which we have so easily light tone relatively appears televised and who are ready to accepted, and the ones we hesitate more serious when he talks about look the harsh truth in the eye. 61 August 2012 Media Times Two States: Mohammed Saquib Story of My Marriage

Publisher: Rupa & Co. ‘Madrasis’ (every South Indian No. of Pages: 269 is called that up here) are just Publishing Year: 2009 out to ‘trap her boy’. While on contrary, Anaya’s family thinks eading Chetan Bhaghat’s him to be no match for her, as novels are like watching they belong to a Brahmin family. Rbollywood flicks; you find As a part of struggle for every emotion there- friendship, love, Krish gets himself posted betrayal, exploitation, break-up, in Citibank, Chennai, where reunion, elaborate weddings, Ananya is working with HLL, tearful mothers, nosy relatives, and sets the ball rolling. He sets office politics, just-for-laugh himself into South Indian attire lines and a predictable ending. and wears a dhoti and even His new book, Two States starts taking their food- Chhole (2009) also falls in the same Bhaturey and Rawa Dosa. He category as his previous books also becomes teacher to Anaya’s Five Point someone, One Night brother, helps her father in @ the call center and The three accounts & also cajoles her mistakes of my life. mother to sing in his company The book, Two States is party. also semi–autobiography of Well in Chetan’s work, the author. Easy on language, no comes from a culture of Dosala, you get this sort of desperation, need of dictionary, and a perfect while Krish is from Parathas. An where the protagonist crosses past-time are the characteristics expected twist to their marriage every sort of limit in love. Anaya one can associate with the writing comes from their families. unfortunately, isn’t able to put up of Chetan Bhagat. Then you have the story in such talent, for Krish’s mother Though, in critical sense, making- from rendezvous IIMS remains a stubborn villain. Chetan Bhagat does lack quality canteen’s first meet, campus Then the usual Bollywood in terms of literature; his plot is relationship spanning four years, mantra – In the end everything always predictable, a stereotypical Bollywood funda of couple goes well! A bad man becoming conclusions drawn at the end, but treaded to each other, brawl at a Messiah. In this story, the his work touch the contemporary convocation farewell between alienated father of Krish helps times, where we live. At times you parents, xenophobia mentality of union of the two lovers, who are wonder whether it really is a novel parents, and an enemy to their made to live apart because of or some new genre of writing as love. Krish’s New Delhi portrays their different origins, and also most critics state his works as one side of divide, where Aryan over coming qualms father-son ‘comic’. He fails to touch problems race resides with their own duo had over years. faced by real India, as most of his cult; while Ananya’s Chennai The premise of the book is works are related to dreamy urban is populated by Dravidians more realistic; it draws your youth. But his work generates lot having own beliefs. Goa acts an attention to cultural differences of bucks; even a book worm would intermediary as always is case in diverse India and is perfect be comfortable with content. So with any romantic Bollywood opportunity to dwell into age-old BOOK REVIEW ignoring his work as something movie. But Punjabi mum ruins ‘North India versus South India banal would be wrong. possibilities of matrimonial. divide’, which still is prevalent. The plot of the book is like Novel is nitty gritty of these Chetan Bhagat enthralls you for any other Bollywood flick, where things. just Rs 95. you have boy and a girl, who fell Krish finds himself on At the end of the novel, in love. Temptation Island, but love shows Ananya gives birth to twin boys. Anaya and Krish, both belong him the way. There is one problem They say that the babies belong to 62 to different racial identities. Anaya though- his mother thinks a state called 'India'. August 2012 Media Times

There behind barbed wire on one side, lay

Ashraf ul Hassan India and behind more Manto’s Magic barbed wires, on the other side, lay Pakistan. In between a bit of Left Me Spell earth which had no name, lay Toba Tek Bound Singh! ew weeks back, I came highly criticized because of finding out where is Toba Tek through a piece of writing erotic details which they contain. Singh, then how can one agree Fin Urdu. It had no proper Manto was accused of obscenity on loss of memory and death of heading, though, I started to six times – thrice before 1947 imagination? Manto wrote scores read. Somewhere in the middle and thrice after 1947 in Pakistan. of short stories on communal of the story, I wanted to stop But he was never convicted. disturbance. His collection because of its eroticism but Manto, unlike others, wrote Siah Hashiey is portrays the somehow I reached to the end of about the taboos of society and aftermath of partition. Manto, the two-page story. The flow in explained them. He portrayed virtually, penetrates human the writing interested me to go the dark side of human psyche. psychology. The characters on reading. In his writings no part of human have no names; they are neither Toward the end it turned to existence remained a taboo for Hindu nor Muslim. They are be devastating, powerful and him for he sincerely brought just human beings with all their a painful story with a Sikh just out stories of prostitutes and shortcomings and selfishness. killing a Muslim family. pimps alike. He highlighted the Khol do, a story based on Thanda Ghosth by Saadat subversive sexual slavery of the barbarism of people who forget Hassan Manto is one of the first women of his times. humanism in the fire of revenge, short stories through which I His writings about the socio- is among his masterpieces. was introduced to his literary political system portrayed the Titwal ka kutta andAkhri work. I began to read him after real face of India and Pakistan – salam are his masterpieces I had gone through his magnum the two parts of a single entity, about Kashmir conflict. In the opus – Toba Tek Singh. It is said separated by a bloody partition. stories, Manto wonders how the that Manto once read Toba Tek The Toba Tek Singh is soldiers, who fought together in Singh in Lahore’s YMCA Hall at considered as his magnum opus. World War II, suddenly turned the annual meeting of Halqa-e Translated in English and many into enemies. Yet, soldiers Arbab-e Zauq. After he finished different languages, it revolves learning their identities recall reading it, tears had welled up in round the partition of India. The old memories. Manto brings out everyone's eyes. short story is based on exchange the idea of humanism in their Saadat Hassan Manto was of lunatics between the countries hearts. born on May 11, 1912 in Paproudi when the line of separation is Saadat Hasan Manto is often village of Samrala in Ludhiana drawn between the two newly compared with D. H. Lawrence. district of Punjab in a Kashmiri entities. The lunatic named Like Lawrence he too wrote Muslim family of barristers. Bishen Singh who is unable to about the topics considered He had his early education in understand the partition and as social taboos in Indo-Pak Amritsar. In 1931 he passed his establishment of Pakistan dies society. His concerns on the school and joined a college in in no man’s land. socio-political issues, from local Amritsar. Amritsar was very This is how Manto ends the to global level, are revealed in tense in those days of India’s classical tale: 'There behind his series – Letters to Uncle Sam LITERATURE freedom movement. This phase barbed wire on one side, lay and those to Pandit Jawaharlal of his life is recorded in his short India and behind more barbed Nehru. story Tamasha—a reflection of wires, on the other side, lay On his writing he often Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Pakistan. In between a bit of commented: "If you find my Many of his critiques earth which had no name, lay stories dirty, the society you are believed that Manto was ahead Toba Tek Singh!" living in is dirty. With my stories, of his time. His works were If Bishen Singh insists on I only expose the truth". 63 August 2012 Media Times Basit Lone

INNOCENT KILLER "You have no right to pass proposing her and each time judgements about other! How being turned down. Meanwhile dare you?”, retorted Sheena. "I Aleeza's intimacy with Farheen have no boyfriend, how can you grew thanks to the techno-savvy allege that I have one? Up till habits of both. Aleeza being yesterday I used to respect you an innocent hearted, trusted but now it is all over", Sheena Then he every Tom, Dick and Harry and in an angry gesture told Aleeza remembered poured his heart out. He opted who meekly tried to be defensive he is living in the same with Farheen also but in vain. whom he considered his dear Aleeza, a student of materialistic age sister and she too pretended Sociology at Kashmir University where emotions, that Aleeza was her loving and came from an affluent family empathy and caring brother. of Srinagar, whom nature and Hafeak was a pitiful guy Almighty has bestowed with ethos are of no who never fell in love during his everything under the Sun except value, where school days, and for a person the affection of Sister. He in every relationship like Hafeak getting admission his naivety began to explore in University was to land in and seek this love and affection is based on dreamland as he had never from other strange girls, but monetary benefits visited the city and was naive every time he was sure that he and considered as to its atmosphere and norms has really discovered his sister, as he belonged to a remote part SHORT STORY SHORT he was ditched in an unruly a stepping stone of the Valley. Also because he manner, leaving him high and towards success grew in a conservative, orthodox dry while in sundry. environment of strict puritanical Aleeza qualified the tuff code of conduct, the winds of entrance examination to get into e-mail ID of his classmate liberalism, open society began to his favourite Political Science Farheen. Farheen was an make inroads in his personality. Stream, and was luxuriously innocent faced girl but a class Women in his part were sacred. 64 enjoying his days till he got bully Hafeak went after her, Nothing of a boy-girl living August 2012 Media Times

relationship or boyfriend- nothing so as to rescue himself, tossed in his head and didn't girlfriend sought of thing could he had been publicly abused, his even left him in sleep. What did he ever dream about, but in the character assassinated, mocked the words innocent signify? A city it was all together different, at, made fun of and even became turncoat, who can betray one having gals as classmates was a laughing stock for the whole and Love another, Aleeza's a normal affair. So, he tried to class. Aleeza thought to sought mother used "innocent" to make rapport with the girls of explanation from Farheen but in depict his character as he was the class. First thing to grab their vain, she declined that she never too naive with the complexities attention was to capture power spoke his views to other guys, of life and trusted everyone. by standing in the election but Aleeza was realistic enough His mom cautioned him that of Class-Representative and to question her as to who then for this habit he was going to coming out successful, though blurted out these secrets when pay one day, and it came so through his actions resentment she didn't as he only told her soon and left him shattered against him was growing among about those or if they came to completely. the students but he left no stone know who were the spies get Should one never believe unturned to maintain the Status them by their balls?, as Farheen an innocent face? Is there Quo. alleged that Aleeza spoke about nothing sacred in brother-sister Farheen too began to like those guys in front of scores of relationship? Or was Yasir him though she through her other guys, but Farheen declined realistic when he advised him golden words kept Aleeza any help. that one should never make satisfied that there was Aleeza interrogated girls as sisters but friends. nothing between them and she Yasir who the other day had What does the word friendship considered all boys of the class intimidated and threatened between a gal and guy signify? as her brothers but the intimacy him to cut his long powerful an illicit type or sacred one, began to grow between Hafeak tongue if he didn't keep mum. a tissue paper or life lasting and Farheen, with Aleeza as He very well told Aleeza relationship? If sister-brother ever in dark. Aleeza had a clever that farheen had told them sacred, divine and trustworthy friend Meraj who forewarned everything, he had shared with relationship is not backed by him about the gimmicks of her and even advised Aleeza impunity how mere friendship Farheen, but he was too blind not to make strange girls as his can survive? Maybe Yasir had in his achievement at last that sisters, and follow his example advised him in between the lines he rebuked him and forsook as he made all girls his friends to be a Womanizer! But can he his prediction, but time proved not sisters, and even confirmed be? If relationship of this kind Meraj right when Farheen his suspicion that Hafeak and can be betrayed then whom stabbed him in back by blurting Farheen were in a relationship. in the world he is supposed to Aleeza's personal views about This talk of Yasir came as a trust. Hafeak, Sheena and scores bolt from blue on Aleeza whose Then he remembered he others who then sought out an whole body withered in agony. is living in materialistic age explanation from him. What Farheen was watching this where emotions, empathy and did he say? conversation between them ethos are of no value, where At first he was shocked and from a distance. every relationship is based surprised but when he regained "Aleeza, I was weeping for on monetary benefits and his senses he could just make the whole morning because considered as a stepping stone out who the real culprit was? you don't believe me, and hold towards success. When the He didn't budge towards their me the culprit" meekly said relationships can no longer remarks and declared that he Farheen. "You don't know serve they are severed like an had never said anything like Aleeza, she is so innocent, she unwanted weed. This intuitive that, but Hafeak and Yasir were can hurt none" added Sheena, thought made him ponder over far from satisfied as they knew as they came in rescue of their the fact that, can he again in that Aleeza was the real culprit! false stance that Farheen spoke life attempt to find or discover STORY SHORT Aleeza for days together couldn't to none, and Aleeza's views were another sister, this very thought reconcile that his dear sister has out by his own shortcomings. was enough to send shivers blurted out all his secrets as Aleeza said nothing to them, down his spine and he restlessly well as washed his dirty linen as he didn't wish to escalate tossed his head in the bed, for in public . Aleeza could do the issue, but "innocent" words whole night. 65 August 2012 Media Times Aamir Salati KP: A TEST SPECIALIST

England star batsman decided to quit limited overs cricket

lti palti de ghumake, KP known for his aggressive captaincy and was dished it from these four Hindi words batting style had a pretty decent November 2008, but he failed to Aunerringly reflect the career an average of 41.84 in lead the team and his rift with the character of Kevin Pietersen (KP) ODI’s proves it. He became the then coach Peter Moores meant on field. His willingness to take fastest batsman to reach both curtains on his captaincy in late on bowlers in any situation makes 1,000 and 2,000 runs in One Day 2009.He departed with a record him the most feared batsman in International cricket. His stay at of one win, one draw and one modern cricket. His batting is the crease made bowlers run for defeat in his three Test matches a delight for cricket aficionado. their money and ability to play in charge, while his one-day In the winter of 2005, a young shots on both sides of wicket made record as captain reads won four, batsman with his peroxide blond it worse for them, thus making lost five. dyed streak of hair along the him one of the dodgy batsmen In Ashes 2005, KP’s test middle of his head, broke into the round the globe to play limited career was launched, facing the vista of world cricket with a bang overs cricket.England will miss likes of mc Garth, Lee, Warne was against South Africa scoring the services of KP in ODI’S and not an easiest job on planet for a three centuries in a 5 match one T20’s; over the years he has been debutant, but he, with ease played day international (ODI) series. a vital cog in their batting line up them and I remember how he KP retired from international with his wholehearted batting hit Shane Warne at Kennington limited overs cricket after the performances, up and down the Oval with nimble footwork and England and Wales Cricket order. Recently he played a role of was instrumental for England’s SPORTS Board(ECB) refused to accept his make shift opener in ODI’s and success in retaining Ashes for conditions, which were to drop did an “ok” job, by scoring back the first time after 25 years. Ever 50-over cricket for England and to back centuries in his last two since, donning England’s test cap continue playing Tests and T20s, outings and was also player of the he has been a regular feature in it is clearly mentioned in ECB’s tournament in last world T20. their Test squad. contract that a player has to play KP’s success in ODI’s made KP will continue to represent in both forms of limited overs his bosses at ECB believe he three lions (England) in tests 66 cricket. is an ideal nominee for ODI and players like him need to be August 2012 Media Times

there playing 5-day matches. (effectively batting as a left- world; it is test cricket where It’s just like an item number in hander) and heaves the ball over he has to prove his mettle. A a bollywood movie to catch eye a left-hander’s fine leg. Many long and tough season of home balls. The character’s like KP on have been waiting for him to and away matches will prove and off field always pull crowd display this shot but he does so to be an acid test for him.With and his presence in test cricket on rare occasions. Some purists England’s impressive bench will aid in filling empty stands raised a cry about this shot being strength, it won’t be an easy walk and fetch some TRP’s too. He banned but the cricket’s parent in the park for KP to keep his has a good quality test career body; ICC (International Cricket place intact in test line up.The ahead and in the past has saved Council) declared it legal. stylish right-hander represents England from follow-on’s, won KP is a sturdy cricketer; he a new and insistent brand of games for them, batted all day to has faced challenges before and cricket.Flamboyant, explosive, drew matches and rolled his arm has another in front of him, to enthusiastic and fearless are as a part time spinner. excel in test cricket. Test cricket the best terms suited for the KP is among those modern is a pinnacle of gentleman’s tall England batsman. The batters who have innovated game and there is all time in the aggression he brings to play is and brought variations to the world for KP to make a name unmatchable and the eminence game. Switch hit (altipalti hit) of his by being a test specialist of a match winner makes him is one such example, where he batsman. Even thou, he will part of any batting side in the switches his hands at the time continue to play lucrative T20 world. Wish him best of luck for of delivery, changes his stance in different leagues around the job in whites.

Section Officer of MERC Mr G M Mir monitoring the arrangements on World Press Freedom Day SPORTS

67 August 2012 Media Times

MERC ACTIVITIES Jan-Aug 2012: A Kaleidoscopic View

Editor’s Desk In last eight months, under the able guidance and leadership of worthy Head of the department Prof. S. A Mufeed, MERC has conducted a series of special guest lectures, video workshops and other skill development programs that include interactions with veterans from Studio Talk Mumbai, INDO Global Social Service Society, Telegraph , Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, STAR News, FLAME School of Communications, Lavale , Pune and India Chapter of UNICEF to mention a few. And many more such programs are in the pipeline. Following are the glimpses of some of the activities. MEDIA TOUR The students of Media Education Research Centre (MERC) completed their 10 day media tour, organized by this centre to enable the students to interact with prominent media personalities and visit media houses in New Delhi. A group of 20 students of M.A fourth semester of MERC were part of the tour program. During the trip students besides interacting with prominent media persons also had an interaction with senior politician, former Union Minister and Kashmir Committee chairman Ram Jethmalini during such sessions exhibited their capability and keenness to learn from such personalities. The Students were accompanied by two faculty members Dr. Aaliya Ahmed and Malik Zehra. On the basis of their interaction, institutions like STAR News, IANS, DD NEWS offered internship to seven students who were part of the group. Two students qualified the exam conducted specially for MERC students at PTI. During this Media Tour HoD Prof. S. Mufeed Ahamd was assured by the CEO’s of these Media Houses for extending their cooperation for similar kind of activities and placements of students PLANTATION DRIVE A day-long Plantation drive was conducted in collaboration with Flood control and Irrigation department alongside the banks of river Jehlum during which more than 40 Chinar trees were planted by the students. HoD Prof S Mufeed Ahmad while highlighting the need and importance of such activities said, “Activities like these will inculcate social consciousness among the students and will make them better human beings.” COMMEMORATION SESSION A special commemoration session was conducted in memory of Aasiya Jeelani on her 8th death anniversary, in which glowing tributes were paid to the deceased. Aasiya was a pass out of 1998-99 Batch of MERC Department, KU. She died in a mine blast at Chandigam, Lolab in 2004 while reporting and monitoring elections. PIB CAMPAIGN Students took part in Bharat Nirman public information campaign conducted by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar at district Barahmmulla and achieved awards and certificates for their information.

68 August 2012 Media Times

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY A function was organized by Media Education Research Centre (MERC) in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Press Association (JKPA) on World Press Freedom Day. Prominent Media personalities including editors and reporters from across the state attended the seminar. FOUNDER’s VISIT Founder HoD of Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Kashmir University, Prof Manzur ul Amin revisited the department after a gap of 22 years and interacted with students and faculty of the department. PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM AWARD For the first time in its history, MERC in association with a group of alumni organized a special function to present Prof Manzur-ul-Amin’s Professional Journalism Awards to the students of the centre. The function coincided with the presence Prof Amin in the town.Speaking on the occasion, Head MERC, Prof S Mufeed Ahmad said, “The purpose of this function was to let the students seek inspiration from the success story of Prof Amin and to provide them an opportunity to exhibit their creativity.” Prof Mufeed also announced that the award will be an annual feature of the academic calendar of MERC. PANOS -SOTH ASIA WORKSHOP A series of workshops were conducted in collaboration with Panos South Asia under their program ‘People & Places.’ A five-day training workshop on Urban Affairs Reporting was also conducted at the Centre that was aimed at promoting urban affairs reporting in Jammu and Kashmir. WORKSHOP ON NEWSPAPER READABILITY A workshop on Newspaper readability was conducted in which Prof. Kiran Thakur highlighted the need for simplicity and clarity of language in news writing and exposed the participant students to various techniques of developing these qualities in their writing. Noted journalist and media educator Prof. Thakur is associated with Department of Communication and Journalism in University of Mumbai. SEMINAR ON MEDIA & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILIES Media Education Research Centre (MERC) in collaboration with J & K Yateem Foundation (JKYF) organized a day-long seminar on “Media and Social Responsibilities” in which speakers highlighted the role of media towards orphans, widows and destitute. TV NEWS ANCHORING WORKSHOP MERC organized a workshop on television news anchoring. Noted TV news anchor Mahrukh Inayet was the resource person for the workshop. VIDEO WORKSHOP FOR IUST STUDENTS For the first time MERC organized 10 days a special video workshop for the media students of Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Awantipora at the Centre. The workshop was highly appreciated by the authorities of IUST.

69 August 2012 Media Times

Dignatries who visited the centre

GREEN OSCAR AWARDEE Noted film maker and thrice Green Oscar winner, Mike Pandey visited the Centre and addressed a special session attended by students, research scholars and the faculty of the Centre. Sensitizing the students about the fragile ecology, he referred to the erratic climate, the recent freak storm in the valley and the stinking Dal Lake. ROVING EDITOR TELEGRAPH MERC organized an interaction session with noted journalist, Sankarshan Thakur Thakur, who is the Roving Editor at The Telegraph, shared his experiences of working as a reporter and also as an editor at some of the reputed media organizations. EXECUTIVE Vice President STAR NEWS Executive VP (Engineering Wing) of Star News, Subrata Dutta interacted with students of Media Education Research Center (MERC) and highlighted the evolution of news production and process from analogue to digital mode. REGIONAL DIRECTOR SONG & DRAMA DIVISION Dhruva Awasthy of Song and Drama Division of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting gave a special lecture to students in which he highlighted the activities of the division and apprised students about the job opportunities in the Song and Drama Division. COMMUNICATION OFFICER UNICEF, Communication Officer, Idhries Ahmed who is also an alumni of the Centre, visited MERC and interacted with the students and the faculty. Highlighting the role and importance of social media in the contemporary world, he advised the students to use it intelligently. Vice President HR ANAND BAZAR PATRIKA Human Resources, Anand Bazar Patrika Group (formerly Star News) Satyakki Bhattacharjee visited Media Education Research Centre (MERC), and interacted with the students and the faculty. Speaking on contemporary media scene he highlighted the essential skills required to be a good journalist “Your focus should be to make a career and not just to get a job”, he advised the students. “Try to avoid Goal Myopia”, he added.

70 August 2012 Media Times MERC IN NEWS MERC

71 August 2012 Media Times MERC IN NEWS MERC

72 August 2012 Media Times

Media Times & MERC Times (A REVIEW by Prof Manzurul Amin, founder Head)

n these days one finds more space in the country’s newspapers and magazines is given to the stories of Hollywood and Bollywood, Sex and Sports, Stories of rape, bribery, corruption, killings and conflicts Ietc., but less to education, agriculture, commerce and industries, major social initiatives in health, tribal welfare, national skill development and country’s progress in different fields such as science and technology. However, it is refreshing to see MEDIA TIMES (Lab Journal of Media Education Research Centre of the University of Kashmir (2011-2012) which has broken new grounds and has cast wider net to cover latest problems that confront our society. There is a German word ZEITGEIST which means the spirit of the times, the trend of thought and feeling in a period. While glancing through the current issues of MEDIA TIMES I find, and it is a good augury, that this journal is keeping pace with contemporary times. It reflects what may be called in urdu (Rooh-e-Asar). As a proof of my submission, I would like to quote Shri. N.V. Vohra’s (Governor of J& K State) sound and pragmatic advice, in the context of tension and turmoil in the Universities of the country, on teaching and research which is very timely. Shri. Vohra favours University Student’s association with the management in the context of LYNGDOH committee’s recommendation as also that students should become good source and input for the successful working of the management. I do not propose to analyse all the articles in this issue some of which highlight only the local problems. The article on Kashmiri Shawls (by Souzenia Mushtaq) which are known all over the world for their exquisite craftsmanship, design and technique is highly informative and educative. In this issue, there is yet another article on “Is censorship bringing down society” by Rohail Sheikh. The writer makes a forceful plea for media ethics in the context of scenes of violent video games, consuming alcohol, smoking, mutilated bodies during violent clashes. Along with media times, the department of Media Education Research Centre also issues MERC Times (fourthnightly) newspaper which is an equally laudable effort. A report on “commercialization is distorting journalism” is based on how the Dept of MERC is organizing special lecture series to allow the alumni to get acquainted with the diverse nuances of journalism. I feel this is a very correct, positive and pragmatic approach. According to Prof. Mufeed Ahmad, Head of MERC “our focus of MERC is to develop students with world class media marketing skills and strategies”. This is a positive focus and perspective. I should like to congratulate Prof. Mufeed Ahmed HoD, MERC and Ms. Muslim Jan, Editor for their great effort in bringing out these publications (MERC Times and MEDIA Times) for their ability to meet the challenges of times. I fee that the time has come when the students should be motivated to meet the challenges of future and to equip them with necessary media skills. Further, I should like to complement Prof. Talaat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir and the Patron of these media publications for his foresight for allowing the lab journals of the department to work in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity and in an atmosphere which is free from tensions and high-strung pervading situations.

Last but not the least I should make a mention of the external quality of the two journals. The paper used REVIEW in Media Times is superb, the smooth-coated high-quality-art paper. The font is pleasing to the eye. The quality of the photographs is excellent. The size of the journal (Media Times) is the standard size used by India Today and internationally known magazines like Time etc. (Manzurul Amin) 73 August 2012 Media Times

VC releasing Media Times (December, 2011) on press freedom day Executive Vice- President of STAR NEWS Subrata Dutta and HoD Prof . S A Mufeed during an interaction session at MERC

Prof Kiran Thakur ,HoD Prof S A Mufeed and Sr faculty member Nasir Mirza Faculty Members and students during a guest lecture at MERC during an interaction sesion with the students of MERC MERC ROUND-UP MERC

Media dignataries among the audience on Press Freedom Day at MERC Sr. Journalist Shankarshan Thakur with the students during his visit to MERC August 2012 Media Times

Vice Chancellor distributing certificates among the students, Director Doordarshan, Registrar and others also seen in the picture

Sr Newscaster and freelancer Mahrookh Inayat with faculty and Editor and a group of students presenting a copy of Media students during a workshop at MERC Times to Shashi Tharoor during an interaction MERC ROUND-UP MERC

Editor Muslim Jan and Sr. faculty Nasir Mirza along with students with team of Press Council of India August 2012 Media Times

Vice-Chancellor Speaking on Press freedom Day at MERC Auditorim

Hod Prof. S. Mufeed Ahmad visited various Universities of Australia to examine and study e-Governance systems practices. He also gave presentations about e- Governance practics in UoK.

Prof. S Mufeed speaking on Media & Social Responsibility

Media Education Research Centre University of Kashmir Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006, Kashmir

http://kashmiruniversity.ac.in http://mercs.uok.edu.in e-mail:[email protected], [email protected]

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