My Contributions to the press

Hi Folks

Greetings for the festivals!

As promised, I’m furnishing some of the contributions I made to the press. I couldn't get all of them. Please skim over them, and if you have any comments, leave them in the space at the bottom.

Happy reading!


The Indian media must regulate itself, now
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=80bb0407-6d82-452e-97ef-cab9105d2492

It is shameful that the TV channels have never dwelt on the discriminatory system of education imposed upon us. Has any news channel highlighted the precarious condition of blind students? Has the media ever brought to public attention that they have no access to libraries? It is ironical that the likes of Shilpa Shetty get so much coverage while the real issues are overlooked. What a shame.


Voter turnout
http://www.hindu.com:80/2009/05/05/stories/2009050555310803.htm

As a young Indian, I was excited about the election but I did not go to the polling booth, first because I am visually impaired and I have heard from my peers that there is no privacy for people like us. Braille EVMs exist only in name. Secondly, a host of families from my neighbourhood came back frustrated as their names were missing from the voter lists.

Is the Election Commission aware that names go missing from the voter lists; houses are wiped off the map; people who are alive are declared dead; and the religion and even the gender of many people have been changed?



Needed, action
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121155620801.htm

Though Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sounded sincere (“The terrorists want to destroy Pakistan, too” — Op-Ed article, Dec. 10), it is clear that the sabre-rattling by the Pakistani military impedes his actions. Otherwise, why would he have taken a ‘u’-turn on sending the ISI chief to India? There are a host of accused and confirmed terrorists living freely in Pakistan. If he really wants to wipe off terrorism, he should be strong enough to defy all the forces that come in the way of peace. Indians and Pakistanis are acutely suffering from terrorism. It would be better for us if Mr. Zardari, instead of his emotive articulations, takes the required actions against the terrorists. We want business.


Use words responsibly
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=9535be97-12d3-4337-9a8b-e082ca19130f&MatchID1=4813&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=1&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1212&PrimaryID=4813&Headline=Pak+chickens+come+home+to+roost

In her article Opening the Book, (October 10), Renuka Narayanan has well-captured the misuse of Islamic references. The media must refrain from using words
like jihad casually, because such injudicious usage only plays into the hands of the terrorists. It would perhaps be more accurate if the media start using
fitna instead of jihad for terrorism. Jihad means struggle, so let it be known to these ostensible ‘jihadis’ that the real jihad is waged against the self
and does not mean murdering innocents.


Sex education
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/11/01/stories/2007110155771204.htm

I do not think the introduction of sex education in schools is wrong. Children become aware of the subject by the time they are 10 years old. They become curious about the changes that occur in them. Because of the conservative culture that exists in our society, they find it difficult to discuss sex with their parents or teachers. Due to lack of information and the cultural barrier, many of them become easy prey of paedophiles. We should always remember that the media power is such that we cannot stop the youngsters from seeking information on issues related to sex. It is, therefore, better for the elders to talk to them frankly and educate them on the subject. The hesitation to discuss sex in open classrooms can be overcome if women teachers teach girls and male teachers educate boys. But let us shed the narrow-minded outlook which has ruined many young lives.


Sex education II
http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/29/stories/2008012954600802.htm

Besides sexual harassment and forced sex, children also suffer from a sense of fear when they reach adolescence. They cannot communicate their fears and many become depressed. Suicide by a 14-year-old girl who began to menstruate and feared that she had a sexually transmitted disease, prompting Edward Chad Varah to start the Samaritans — a hotline to help those contemplating suicide — is a case in point. It is the government's duty to make sex education part of the curriculum to avoid such misinformation and restrict child abuse.


Child abuse
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/30/stories/2007033002061002.htm

Parents must stop fighting shy of discussing sex with children. They should also refrain from frightening their children by invoking images of ghosts, superstitions, etc. Paedophiles prey upon such fears of children and prevent them from talking about the abuse heaped on them. Parents should remember that sexual abuse leaves an indelible mark on the minds of children.


Father, dear father
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/letters/article2132467.ece

After reading the articles and letters on fathers, I am in a better position to notice the sacrifices my father makes. I am pretty overwhelmed with emotions and guilt because sometimes I don't listen to what he says but now I see a change in my attitude.

The bitter irony of life is that when a stranger helps us, we express our gratitude and remember him, but we take for granted the person who is ready to sacrifice his everything for our sake.


Irrational protests
http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/04/stories/2010030453930801.htm


Ms Nasreen has clarified that she did not write the article, of which a ‘translation' was carried in the Kannada daily. Immediate action should be taken against the newspaper for publishing an article that was both provocative and unauthentic. Freedom of expression, undoubtedly, is a crucial aspect of journalism. But credibility is equally crucial. Regrettably, the Kannada daily ignored all principles of journalism.

It is perhaps the first instance when Ms Nasreen has not intentionally come to the limelight. The newspaper seems to have used her name.


Memorials & statues
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070455871001.htm

This refers to the editorial “Symbols over substance?” (July 3) on the Supreme Court’s notice to the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh for its spending on memorials and statues. Ms Mayawati has put up many memorials and statues for Dalit leaders and work on many more is on. But who stands to gain from them?

For most Dalit children, proper education is a farfetched dream even today. There are a host of memorials and statues in Uttar Pradesh but the living condition of Dalits is pitiable.


Dealing with ragging
http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/18/stories/2009031855760802.htm

The Supreme Court’s act of issuing a show-cause to the principal and the registrar of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, and asking them why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for the death of Aman Kachroo, allegedly due to ragging, is welcome.

From media reports, it is obvious that the college administration did not take Aman’s complaints seriously. We, the people, repose our faith in the judiciary and hope it will take stringent action against the guilty.


Punjab violence
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/29/stories/2009052954810802.htm

The violence in Punjab following an attack on the chief of the Dera Sach Khand and the killing of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna shows the low level of tolerance among the people. I feel sorry for those who were stranded in airports and railway stations due to the violence although they were not even remotely connected with the Vienna incident.

The top Sikh leaders should condemn the violence and instruct their followers to desist forthwith.


Live and let live
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=102c1e7c-5847-4d4c-adf5-3da9905a0e2f&Headline=A+matter+of+pride+for+Kher

The apparent havoc unleashed by the Dera Sach Khand in Punjab shows a high level of intolerance. I feel deeply sorry for helpless commuters, particularly children, who have been stranded in such cruel weather — despite being far-removed from the skirmish in faraway Vienna. Ironically, a host of Muslim clerics are killed in Iraq and Pakistan in similar clashes but we have not heard about any such instance in India, involving Muslims who are often blamed for their so-called intolerance.

Get the media picture right
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=ViewsSectionPage&id=c0668a2d-3898-49d7-8446-630b6b29501a&&Headline=One+man%e2%80%99s+defence+is+another+man%e2%80%99s+survival

Apropos Vir Sanghvi’s Return of the Censor (Counterpoint, January 11), some television anchors might overdo things to push up their TRP ratings. But criticism of officials who didn’t intervene to prevent telecasts during the Mumbai siege is unfair. It is the public’s right to know how politicians and bureaucrats are carrying out their duties. Of course, restraint and decency is required on the part of channels. But before passing any restrictions, care should be taken to protect the fundamental rights of the people.


Make India safe
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112955720904.htm

The gruesome terror attacks have shown how vulnerable we are. Blaming the police for these attacks is not correct. It must be accepted that it is physically
impossible for the police to check every vehicle and person across the country. The police did remarkably well by plunging into action and neutralizing
the terrorists. The nation fervently salutes them. The job of the intelligence agencies, however, leaves much to be desired.


Draconian
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/20/stories/2008122052511003.htm

The editorial, “Two steps backward” (Dec. 19), rightly points out that combating terrorism needs the beefing up of the intelligence and investigative system, and the police force. Draconian measures have only proved counterproductive. When POTA and TADA were in place, innumerable people were detained. But how many among them were terrorists?

By amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and not doing much to improve policing, the UPA government has chosen an easy way out. Will draconian laws prevent terrorists who don’t care about their lives and remain eager to take as many lives as they can?


Anti-terror laws
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/23/stories/2008092352450803.htm

Proponents of strict anti-terror laws argue that since the U.S. has strict anti-terror laws, there has not been any bomb blasts after the 9/11. Cui bono (who stands to gain)? May I say that in the U.S. the intelligence and police are accoutred with the best technology and weapons to combat terrorism? That the U.S. does not face insurgency as we do from Pakistan ? That the police in the U.S. don’t work as clumsily while solving a case like the Arushi Talvar murder? May I remind that in the U.S. politicians don’t play blame game when it comes to combating terrorism?

Needless to mention that the attack on Parliament and the Mumbai incidents happened when such laws were in place.


On Duckworth-Lewis
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112655821006.htm

This refers to the letters arguing that the Duckworth-Lewis method should be changed as England lost the Bangalore ODI because of it (Nov. 25). The Indian team had no way of knowing that the match would be shortened to 22 overs, which is why it did not score quick runs. On the other hand, the England team was aware that it would get only 22 overs to bat. Thus it had an advantage over India. It was imperative to level this imbalance. Therefore, England was asked to score a few more runs. Where is the defect in the D/L method and where is the misfortune for England?


A systemic failure
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=100038b3-c685-4f1d-83a5-16c10ab65cba&MatchID1=4664&TeamID1=5&TeamID2=2&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1173&PrimaryID=4664&Headline=Not+rich%2c+nor+famous

Often sadness over a small failure prevents us from gaining real success. So is the case with those parents, teachers and children who are obsessed with examinations. Many great scientists and thinkers met with failures initially and even had irregular education. Had they became discouraged, we would never have known them. So, a possible approach is the key to success.


Quiet is healthy
(Sound pollution)
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/09/18/stories/2007091850061004.htm

That the government is not paying attention to the menace is well known. But even the people do not seem to be worried. We can make a beginning by following the old lifestyle. We can stop using vehicles to cover a small distance; refrain from the use of loud horns; and stop bursting crackers and playing loud music during marriages and festivals. Among us are children and animals who cannot even express their trauma.


Clean up your act first
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e069cc59-6940-4afd-a1b0-d6044ee3476c&MatchID1=4628&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1165&PrimaryID=4628&Headline=Young+and+younger

Apropos of Sitaram Yechury's article Mercury rising (January 24), it sounds ironic when he says the main reason for global warming is the pattern of capitalist industrialisation in pursuit of ever higher profits. Wasn't it the Left Front government in West Bengal that gave hundreds of acres of land to the Tatas virtually free for their car plant? If the author wants to eliminate global warming, then he should force the UPA government to look for other energy options like ethanol or solar energy.


All in the mind
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6dd5cb12-135b-49e5-b2fd-461439c2a157

The tone of Vir Sanghvi's article Team India (November 21) is truly humanistic. But it is the duty of common masses to spread harmony among people who are vulnerable. We should not depend on hypocrites to make us understand what is in our religion, rather we should try to stick to the scriptures and then examine the words. Those who believe in the Almighty and do good shall have their reward from their Lord and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.


Jaipur blasts
http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/17/stories/2008051754671001.htm

It is necessary to enact laws like TADA and POTA to curb terrorism. But the misuse of such laws should be checked. The government, therefore, while enacting an anti-terrorism law, should provide adequate safeguards, including a monitoring body, to guard against its misuse.


Just a smokescreen
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=decdd196-4908-4d2c-bda1-824f851826cd&MatchID1=4643&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1170&PrimaryID=4643&Headline=You+can%e2%80%99t+ignore+Karanjia

Karan Thapar deserves praise for exposing the foul play. That the Health Minister is shelving the implementation of the pictorial warnings on tobacco products fearing he will lose votes in his constituency is regrettable. The presumption that skull and cross-bones will be offensive to Muslims is hypocritical.


Crime against women
http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031953021002.htm

With foreigners as victims, assaulters are assured of getting away easily. To minimise assaults on foreigners, particularly women, the administration should distribute literature to them warning them of the nature of risks they could encounter. They should also be cautioned against going to lonely spots on their own. The administration should hold frequent meetings with the people related to the tourism industry (hotel managers, taxi drivers, etc.) and educate them on the need to ensure safe tourism.


Media role
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/07/30/stories/2007073053881003.htm

The media role in keeping Dr. Haneef's case in the limelight is heartening. Admittedly, they forced the Australian government to review the case. But the Indian government is not free from accusations of discrimination either. The media should highlight illegal detentions in India too to make the country a safer place for the minorities.


The media's methods
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=5173b4f2-16cb-43a9-acd4-9d37740b22a7

Restrictions on the media will impact on the freedom of the minds of people. We should support the media for highlighting the truth. With corruption at all levels in society, the media remains our only hope to convey our concerns to politicians.


Voter turnout
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/13/stories/2009051353461003.htm









A lot of people have condemned the low voter turnout in the election. But I fail to understand how a huge turnout will improve matters. What is the point in voting in large numbers for the same breed of politicians who are responsible for the existing state of affairs?

Campus violence
http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111755190802.htm


I do not agree that media persons were wrong in continuing to shoot the brutal incident. The job of the media is to report, not assume the role of the police. Had it not been for the media's efforts, many of us might not have even come to know of the gory incident.