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Shrinking the globe, breaking barriers, surpassing boundaries, connecting the corners- media is all this and more!
The way the media can change perceptions, evoke emotions, compel actions and impact the whole being is marvellous. With the internet, the world has become small enough to be held between our fingers!
Today, youth feel most empowered by social media. With the web at their fingertips, nothing can beat this speed and ease of information availability. While social networking sites have broken all barriers in connecting the world, how far this form of media is used to address and act on social issues is rather questionable. The internet undoubtedly is the most widely used, convenient, quick and easy form which we can reach out to millions at a click. Traditional newspapers switching over to e-papers, is the latest proof of the power of the web. Given the wide reach, social and compelling issues can be best taken up via the internet. From creating awareness to garnering support, from informing to taking actions- in seconds, diverse personalities with similar thoughts can connect together. Youth, being the most computer-savvy and socially active group, now have the responsibility to take up the causes. Emails, tweets, blogs, links, social profiles- so many ways to impact the world and contribute to the betterment of the society! Identifying issues and causes and using the internet to reach out to as many people as possible is the need of the hour. An hour spent less on chatting and more on taking up a social cause can make such better human beings! The best part is, one can not only access available content, but also add to the vast knowledge through own media! Life couldn’t be easier, and we must make it better, for ourselves and for others.
No form of media can be, however, as inspiring as the written form, be it newspapers or magazines. One might get lost in the web of information, but not with a newspaper. It provides relevant, quick, crisp news to keep one on toes to what’s happening around. I feel that a newspaper is most engrossing and informative. There is not one, but four newspapers that I read daily! Reading empowers me. Newspapers have not only gotten me back to the most useful-for-life habit of reading, but have also beautifully kept my writing instincts alive!
On the other hand, I find television very distracting. More than being a source of information, it is all a jumble of three E’s- entertainment, endorsements and endless breaks! While entertainment channels do provide just that, news channels have forgotten what they are here for! Two minutes of news is followed by five minutes of advertisements, and I can’t but help switching it off in frustration.
Born with a love for pen, I decided to use my writing skills in the most productive manner possible. To start with, I let my creativity flow with poems and lines. Then one day, I suddenly got to know of this city-based newspaper, backed by a Muslim organization. I inquired, and got a freelancing offer. Unquestionably, I jumped with joy! Some friends expressed apprehension on my willing to write for them. Reason? I am a Hindu. Well, if this society has given me this ‘Hindu’ tag, I cannot be foolish enough to let it come in my way of doing things that I love. After all, I had not asked God to send me to this Earth with that tag! I actually felt proud in being able to write for the paper! It has been a few months now, and today, I am the only non-Muslim member on their team. A proud and happy one for sure!
When I got the opportunity to write for a newspaper, I felt it was the best way I could share my knowledge with others. I try (I have used this word ‘try’ because of the organizational rules I am bound by) to write on topics that are relevant, and can help someone in any way. For instance, with tobacco-use reaching alarming levels in India, I recently wrote on a tobacco survey conducted, highlighting the facts and figures. Along with that, I found out about de-addiction help centres in my city and spoke to doctors, and wrote all in details, to help those who want to quit smoking. In doing so, I felt it was my small contribution to the society in making people aware of the dangers of tobacco-use and stir in them the urge to quit. Recently, my city police came up with a lot of citizen-friendly initiatives. I wrote on that, to let more people know and come forward to extend support. Other times, I have written on various career-related topics, specially keeping in mind the audience my newspaper reaches out to. I feel proud when I get a positive feedback from readers, saying how my information helps them. I strive to continue sharing and learning all the while.
Being of reflective and sensitive nature, there are issues I feel strongly about, and sometimes feel the urge to pen them down. No guesses on how I do it! Yes, I have recently started blogging with none other than TIG! I hope to create ripples in the minds of those who read my blogs, and leave them with a lot to wonder about topics I write on. Maybe, some day I could be an inspiration to someone, and lead the way to major social changes needed to make the world a better place.
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Writer Profile
Neha
Born with a love for pen, I express myself best through written words.Being a finance professional, I unfortunately couldn't make a headway in journalism.Yet, not seeing it as a hindrance to my writing instincts, I am currently freelancing, and keep looking out for opportunities to pen down my thoughts.Coming from India-a country so rich in all things creative,and lucky to be born to a beautifully talented mother,I believe it is my motherland, and mother, who have instilled this creativity in me.And I hope to keep it alive, by writing more and more!
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Comments
Well done DR PEDUS C EWEAMA | Mar 3rd, 2011
Hi Neha, what a gifted writer you are! All the best as you strive to better yourself and the society in which you are immersed.
Adel Gana | Mar 6th, 2011
Interesting!
Adel Gana | Mar 6th, 2011
Interesting!
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