News Channels – a double edged sword

Once upon a time, Indian news channels were all about sharing news. What happened anywhere around our country will be “reported” as is. It was all about sharing news information. An earthquake happened – the news will be shared with the public. A bomb blast happened – it will be shared. Some politicians arrested for some wrong doing – it will be shared. India wins the world cup – it will be shared. Through all this, the news media of those times hardly ever tried to “promote” their views to the public. They were the messengers.

Now, they are transforming into message creators, or should we say in today’s parlance, content creators.

May 3rd was the World Press Freedom day. There’s not an iota of doubt that the press (and in a larger context, news media) should be free to perform their duties. Having said that, news media must have their own ethical standards they need to adhere to, in a humane way. On this day, Nepal citizens took to Twitter and Facebook to express two things – their gratitude towards Indian government for providing selfless help and their hatred towards certain sections of Indian media by trending #GoHomeIndianMedia.

When the earthquake happened in Nepal, Indian news media were immediately on it. No problem till now since speed is one trait the news channels compete on. News channels started showing the destruction caused by the earthquake. No problem here too. News channels asked their viewers to contribute towards the cause of Nepal. Great gesture, I must say. News channels started reporting about people being rescued from the debris. No problem here since it shows the hard work put in by all concerned and the improvements happening since the disaster. News channels started shoving their mic in front of the survivors and asking them how they feel now. Ok, now you guys are teasing to cross the limits. News channels asking people, who have lost their loved ones, how they feel. News channels promoting the help and support of Indians and thereby making it a PR stunt. Guys, now you have crossed all your limits!

A popular cartoon created by @mirsuhail

To Indian News Media – I understand news reporting has changed. Corporates with big money have invested in the emerging news media hoping to make big bucks. There’s high competition for eye-balls now. Rankings matter. Ratings matter. Revenues matter. But one more thing has increased more than what it was a decade ago - and that’s responsibility. Sensationalism sells. And now we have reached a stage where we cannot go back and undo the wrongs. In this age of social media, you will receive instant support and criticism which will spread like wild-fire. So, you need to find a way to balance sensationalism with responsibility. There’s no harm in learning from the past. Perhaps, the news channels of old were more responsible than what we have now. 

To Citizens of Nepal – The loss you have gone through post the tragedy is difficult for us to even comprehend. Loss of lives and property, struggling to come to terms with the loss and braving yourselves at a long drawn recovery is, in itself, a tough ask. Our prayers and our support will always be with you throughout this recovery phase. We got a glimpse of the destruction caused by the Himalayan tragedy and the pain you endured thanks to the news channels (primarily Indian ones). Yes, there are some who cross the lines of ethical and responsible journalism. We have faced the same problems ourselves when we had to endure natural disasters (Earthquake, Floods) and man-made ones (terrorism). The sections of News media you are accusing are the ones who did the same thing to us Indians too. So, we understand the root cause of your concern. In a way, we are glad you brought it to everyone’s attention. News channels need to learn their lessons from this one and accept that they need to change. 

A change is needed here. If the news channels don’t learn from this feedback from Nepal, we viewers should take a stand ourselves. We can choose not to watch such channels, which will reduce their viewership count, which will lead to a reduction in their “rankings”, reduction in ad and sponsorship revenue and finally forcing them to change themselves. It’s a vicious circle and we can play a part too.

PhotoBlog: Unexpected visitor in Goa

We met him outside Fort Aguada. He was small, beautiful and was only interested in getting away from the public eye. I did some research on him. He's know to a select few as "Ahaetulla nasuta", but most commonly known as "The green vine snake". More details about the snake can be found here.

PhotoBlog: One pic that captured almost everything!

This pic was taken in Goa during the early morning jog session at Calangute beach. Thankfully, I took my camera with me. Yeah, jogging was just a smoke-screen, photography was what I was really interested in.

If you think about it, this pic captures 4 of the 5 'Pancha Bhootas' namely - Akash, Vayu, Jal and Bhumi. Akash is visible just above the waves on the top of the pic. The only element missing is Agni. I wish, at least for that day, the Sun had risen from the west. I would have captured the entire Pancha Bhootas in single shot! Now you will ask, why didn't I try in the evening. Good idea, but in that case, the pic would also include men and women playing!

Anyways, there's always next time.

PhotoBlog: Fort Aguada in Goa

Remember Dil Chahta hai? Remember that epic scene with following dialogue- "Hum Dost the, Dost hai aur hamesha rahenge"? For a Bollywood fan, that's what this fort is popular for!

Remember the metaphor described by Akash (Akshay Khanna's character) about a ship in that same scene?

PS: Am a huge fan of Dil Chahta hai. No wonder I am co-relating everything here!

PhotoBlog: Calangute Beach in Goa

There's something about Goa. Really. I have been to Goa 4 times, including my honeymoon. My love for the place increases with every visit. Mystery indeed. Maybe it's the ambiance. Maybe the beaches. Maybe the culture. Maybe the food.  Maybe the feeling of freedom - running away from daily chores. Maybe everything that I described!

For me, beaches in Goa are second to none! Honestly. I feel I am in a totally different place with the sea trying to push me towards itself and the sand protecting me by covering itself all over my feet. This push and pull mechanism is so perfectly done that you are forced to believe God's presence. I think this is how God wanted us to live on his Earth. We made living a struggle.

Some beach pics I took in Goa - 

Meanwhile, someone above was watching us - 

PhotoBlog: Picturesque Konkan..

Konkan is known for its greenery. It's still one of the area not fully 'exploited' by mankind. Such is the state of affairs that now-a-days, anything green is considered beautiful! I suggest we enjoy it while it lasts.

Following are some of the pics I took en route to Goa from Mumbai via train - 

Oh, and by the way, some Goa pics are on the way too!

PhotoBlog: Random pics at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

After publishing pics of Crocodiles, Deers, Turtles and Snake in my blog, I started having nightmares especially from other animals in the park. They voiced their displeasure and warned me of dire consequences if I don't post anything about them. You know how it is, don't you?

So, based on popular animal request, here are some random pics I took at Bannerghatta Biological Park -

Here's a monkey doing what it does best -

Talk of owning the place! -

Not really. I guess he's searching for food. I just found his missus resting on top of a hill -

There's a cunning guy -

Life with full of thorns all around. And yet, he's so composed - 

A small guy I befriended -  

Here's me signing off with my newfound buddy. Ciao - 

For the entire Bannerghatta Biological Park series, click here.

PhotoBlog: Snakes at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

This is what I was craving for, when I decided to go to Bannerghatta Biological Park - Snakes. I feel snakes are the most under-rated and under-estimated animals. By the way, I like them on TV and not actually in front of me - for reasons best known to mankind.

And who better than capturing the King himself!

Skin has been shed. But where's the king? Guess he's acting pricey - 

There he is, but where's his head - 

And I have my answer (enlarge the pic to view clearly). Isn't he looking directly at me? - 

OK. He's coming down. He means business - 

Coming down - 

Guess its time to show the hood - 

And he happily went inside his 'home'. No more show guys. King Cobra needs to rest. Ciao! Am very happy to have captured King Cobra (on my camera, that is)..

For more Bannerghatta Biological pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Turtles at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

Clicking pics of Turtles was fun indeed. And this is why - 

Look at their attitude - Head held high!

Ohh, that's all of them together! 

Close-up -

Climbing the ladder of success the human way (by crushing others) - 

Some know how to have fun (enlarge the pic and check the smile of the turtle)

For more Bannerghatta Biological Park pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Deers at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

Deers at Bannerghatta were always together - and is always the case otherwise too. It was not easy for me to take a close-up till one of them actually came near me and posed!

Maybe this guy came to know that I was focusing on him!

One of them had an health issue. So the park authorities came and took him away. Guess how everyone reacted - 

Finally a closeup - 

For more Bannerghatta Biological pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Crocodiles at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

Crocodiles are known to be lazy when their tummy is full. Their full tummy coincided with my decision to visit the park. Throughout the day, they remained at the same place with eyes open with nothing to do at all. 

Oh, what an awesome feeling if you are inherently lazy too!

That's the pose he had throughout the day - 

By the way, it was difficult to take the pic with my camera held high. You can see my shoes in the pic! Talk of amateur photography!

Another view - 

Finally I realized I can take a side view pic. Look at the big guy, all smiles - 

For more Bannerghatta Biological pics, click here.