Soap opera of the absurd

Soap opera of the absurd

  I was surfing the television channels the other day, searching for something to ‘pass time’, as they say. While I could not find a single serial worthwhile to even stand for a few minutes, I was dumbstruck with the quality of what is shown on the idiot box in the name of entertainment.

Regressive, I thought, are today’s serials. But then, regressive would be a tame word I guess. These are atrocious, lousy and diabolical – a throwback to the loud and bad Hindi movies of the ’80s – and do justify the tag ‘idiot box’ given to television.

In this 21^st century when we are all standing up against superstition, here was a TV serial showing the protagonist challenging a daiin (witch) and taking on a nagin before that. Absolutely ridiculous! My seven-year-old son who was watching innocently asked. “Mamma, does this happen in real life also?” Even he understood that this can’t be real. I replied, “No they are just doing theatre just like you do in your theatre class.”

Then there was another serial in which a young widow is made to follow all the rules of a rigid conservative Hindu society. And we all thought widow remarriage is no big deal these days and the focus is on economic self-reliance of women.

In another serial, the lead character married so many times that even viewers lost count. Once while my mother-in-law was watching that serial and a marriage sequence was going on, my husband asked who was getting married. She replied the lead character, to which he said “Oh no, Not again!” and there were bouts of laughter.

One soap is about a girl who is the subject of ridicule day in and day out. The reason -- believe it or not – is her stammering. The whole world right from her neighbours to her office colleagues to her in-laws is after her to make her life hell. They insult her again and again, calling her ruk ruk ke bolne wali. I wonder if anybody behaves like that today.

In many serials, the mom-in law is shown plotting against the daughter-in-law and the later doesn’t utter a word. I don’t think today’s girls are so dumb and so tolerant. Why can’t they focus on not tolerating such behaviour and lodging complaints against domestic violence? In our self-defence classes with Delhi Police, we were told even emotional torture is a crime and action would be taken if complaint is lodged. Or will they wait for the daughter-in-law to die and take rebirth for revenge? Going by our present day stories, even that is possible.

In yet another story, the father-in-law is the hell breaker in the household and makes the lives of all the women in the house like jail inmates. They are not allowed to go out and even wear a saree of their choice. My, my, isn’t that a bit too much?

All this reminds of our childhood days when DD was the only channel and cable network was yet to enter our lives. The serials came once a week and we used to wait for a whole week to know what would happen next. The storylines were simple and real and we would instantly connect with them. The characters were so like us and we would laugh and cry with them and understand their feelings. The stories had a logical ending. Serials like Humlog, Buniyaad, Katha Sagar, Ye jo hai zindegi, Rajni, etc., that we can never forget. Serials that were so popular and even today people talk about them. May be that is why when Zindagi channel entered our homes, it instantly struck a chord with the viewers as they found its storylines similar with the old DD days.

Even today some serials start with a good theme but under the daily pressure, they lose track. Writers are forced to stretch the storyline to such an extent that it becomes boring and people lose interest. They bring twists and turns every now and then by entry of a vamp or rebirth angle or double role and even plastic surgery. Even actors start quitting the shows and serial makers have to replace them with new faces, confusing the viewers all the more.

Serial makers often reason that they add masala to the soaps to attract housewives. Please give me a break. Today’s homemakers are educated so why feed them with such stories? If people stop watching such shows, TRPs will automatically go down and the channels will be bound to pull the plug on these serials.

But I also feel there must be are a lot of viewers who regularly watch such serials. Even I failed to convince my mom-in-law not to watch such serials. Her logic is “what else do I watch?”

Isn’t it time for serial makers to give us something worthwhile and tell the world that TV is more than just an idiot box?

#Assam floods: Who cares? Published in #The Hoot

Assam floods: Who cares?

The Hoot link
http://www.thehoot.org/media-watch/media-practice/assam-floods-who-cares-8910


BBC link

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34242066

BBC report on Assam floods mentioned my article

Writing in the media site The Hoot, analyst Kakoli Thakur says while the murder mystery in Mumbai "involving a woman from Assam was hogging the limelight but the state itself, where thousands of people were hit by the worst spate of floods in decades, was reduced to fillers in the newspapers and small news capsules on TV channels".

Ms Thakur argued that if a similar situation happened in any other state, the government and the media would have lost no time in declaring it a national calamity.

Assam is possibly India's most flood-prone state: since 1950, the state has seen at least 12 major floods.

---------------------------------

A few days back, a cartoon was doing the rounds in the social media. It showed a marooned couple sitting on the roof of their dilapidated house amid floods with the husband screaming, “Even I had an affair with Indrani”. And in a hushed tone, the husband was trying to explain to his wife that he was trying to get the attention of the media – obsessed with the Sheena Bora murder case -- to their plight. 

The cartoon reflected a sad irony – a woman from Assam was hogging the limelight but the state itself, where thousands of people were hit by the worst spate of floods in decades, was reduced to fillers in the newspapers and small news capsules on TV channels. Barring one or two, national newspapers and TV channels mostly chose to ignore the fury nature had unleashed on the state, rendering thousands homeless and many dead.

It’s been months since floods are wreaking havoc in Assam. And this is not the first time, year after year Assam faces the same crisis – sometimes mild in nature and most of the times very grave.

To give an idea, this year itself over 60 people have died till now and the number is still counting. According to the daily flood report issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority on Sept 7, 14.42 lakh people in 19 districts of the state were then reeling under the floods. If a similar situation happened in any other state, the government and the media took no time in declaring it a national calamity.

Compare it with the coverage Mumbai or Delhi’s waterlogging gets in prime time news. Even a puddle of water in Mumbai is enough to make to the front pages or prime time. Every time Kashmir goes under water or Uttarakhand is ravaged by rain, a battery of reporters is lined up for special coverage from ground zero, prompting people from Assam to ask a pertinent question: “Are we lesser mortals?” It is not that people from the state are craving for media attention or wanting to hog the headlines. But it is also true that there should be a fair balance in reportage and that adequate media coverage also forces the government to sit up and take note.

Nearly 1.5 million people were affected in this year’s floods but our media was busy focusing on the Sheena Bora case as if Assam had nothing to offer for news except that it is the native state of the accused Indrani Mukerjea. Camerapersons and reporters lined up at the Guwahati residence of Indrani when the floods were ravaging the state but hardly any for the flood-hit people. Even the social media – which didn’t spare a moment sharing comments and opinions on the Sheena case -- was not moved enough to spread a message about the seriousness of the situation even after seeing distressing pictures, few of which became public.

People are rendered homeless, they live in relief camps for months in unhygienic conditions, sometimes they go without food for days and the farmers are the worst affected. This year, Dibrugarh in upper Assam -- considered the tea capital of Assam and a medical hub -- went under water for days but no one took notice. Forget about the hundreds of villages where people spend months on dykes and boats and even trees. Last year, 80% of Guwahati, the gateway of the northeast that houses Assam’s capital Dispur, was submerged for days but did anybody even notice?

Sample this. Between August 25, when Indrani Mukerji was arrested, and the first week of September, when the Assam floods reached a critical phase and the Sheena case coverage peaked, the print media largely chose to ignore the grim situation in the state. The floods never made to the front pages and remained restricted to standalone photos or small isolated reports buried inside. This was true for Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express and Hindu.

The electronic and digital media were slightly better off, though the flood coverage hardly made it to the landing page of the websites. Barring India Today TV and Zee TV, which ran special reports from ground zero, other channels restricted the coverage to small news capsules that were overshadowed by the enormity of the Sheena Bora murder case and other news stories. It is quite paradoxical that the media, which calls panel discussions even for the most trivial of subjects, had hardly bothered to call in experts to suggest a solution to the problem that has ravaged the state for decades and crippled its economy.

According to data released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority on Sept 7 – when the flood was at its peak -- some 1,635 villages had been affected. About 105,716 hectares of crop area had been hit. In all, 308 relief camps and centres had been set up, with over 120,000 people taking refuge. Dibrugarh and Dhemaji districts were among the worst affected. All rivers including the Brahmaputra, Jia Bharali, Dhansiri, Puthimari, Beki, Katakhal and the Kushiyara were flowing above the danger mark. Though the situation has considerably improved, the misery of the people will continue as water-borne diseases rear their ugly head after flood waters recede.

Making the situation worse is the blame game between the state and central governments over flood relief. While the Centre says adequate money has been sent, the state claims even last year’s funds have not been fully disbursed.

As always, sandwiched in the middle are the people of Assam who have to bear the brunt of the floods year after year after year. And the media and the governments merrily choosing to ignore their plight year after year after year.  

#Sheena Bora case: Where is the media headed? Published in #The Hoot

Sheena Bora case: Where is the media headed?

http://www.thehoot.org/media-watch/media-practice/sheena-bora-case-where-is-the-media-headed-8884

For the last three days, the fanatical and kite-flying reporting in the media over the Sheena Bora murder case makes it seem as if there is no other important issue to discuss in India. What can we call it – yellow journalism, sensational journalism or is it journalism at all?

We are experiencing a kind of journalism that has thrown all media ethics, morality and laws to the wind. A kind of journalism where just about anybody and everybody are voicing opinions and turning investigative officers -- throwing about bizarre theories and allegations and the media is lapping it up for TRPs and hits.

TV channels are airing the topic as their main debate with panellists turning moral police on their prime time slots. Cameras are reaching everywhere, right from Guwahati to Kolkata, to Alipore, to Raigad to Dehradun and of course Mumbai -- the place of crime -- making life hell for friends, families and neighbours.

 Panellists from different fields are delivering their own judgements, sometimes referring Indrani as Lady Macbeth and sometimes propagating theories on why the murder took place. They think they are appointed by the CBI to solve the case.

One friend of Sanjeev Khanna was asked, does he think Khanna could be the murderer. As a friend why would he answer that?

Some even are showing dramatic representations of the sequence of events with cartoons or actors.

Some websites are going to any extent to increase readership, publishing all murky details like ‘if Sheena was pregnant?’ without even verifying the facts and writing about Indrani’s past life in Guwahati based on unnamed people.

The print media is not far behind giving too much space to the topic with almost half page on page 1 and two more pages inside with pictures of Indrani and Peter reading ‘once happy couple’. The dramatic saga is getting the same space even two-three days after it first came to light.

People from different media sections whoever was ‘once’ in touch with the media baron Indrani Mukherjea are now jumping in to get some footage. One top journalist made some startling and disturbing revelations about Indrani’s traumatic childhood and the print media readily lapping it up on the front pages without even following even basic journalistic norms. Do we have any reason to believe these bizarre, unsubstantiated theories? And why would we want to know so many personal details?

All sections of the media are busy creating their own theories about Peter Mukherjea’s statement that he did not know; how Rahul Mukherjea can remain silent about the disappearance of his girlfriend and how can Mikhail Bora be silent for three years, he being a brother.  A TV reporter also followed Mikhail on-board the flight he was coming to Mumbai to join the investigation. The media is also showing interest on the biological father of Sheena and Mikhail.

The number of marriages of Indrani has become the butt of jokes even on social media with Sanjeev Khanna, Indrani’s second husband also in the hook. First sister, then daughter is another hot topic.

The social media with no gate-keeping is also showing its really ugly and dangerous side with just about anybody saying anything.

Twitter and Facebook are full of such comments.

*At this rate, Arnab Goswami may soon replace ACP Pradyuman in solving murder cases #SheenaTruthOut

*Who killed Who. Who married Who. Who was in Relationship with Who. Enough of who. Lets find this who. #SheenaTruthOut

*Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi alleges that BJP govt is responsible 4 #Sheena murder & the coverup.INC would hv done a better job! #SheenaTruthOut

* #SheenaTruthOut Guys if any of you has been an ex husband of Indrani tell us now !!! No shocks later....

Some have turned detectives and are floating their own conspiracy theories.

*SheenaTruthOut The motive could be money(black) Better check the bank accounts of all concerned incl. Sheena's.

*In #SheenaTruthOut how come Upendra Bora, rapist has not been arrested? How come Peter, Rahul and Mikhail are not being charged complicity?

But then there some who seemed sensible and took on the media for the carpet bombing of Shena/Indrani stories.

*TIMES NOW don't you have better news to play ? too much on this. Let Police do the rest #SheenaTruthOut

*Horrible!The lengths you go to in the name of journalism. Some restraint & sensitivity next time? #SheenaTruthOut

I being a journalist am just thinking to what extent media can go to increase TRPs and readership. It seems the media has deleted the word ethics from its dictionary. Sometimes I feel pity for the reporters who are given the responsibility of round-the-clock coverage.

The job of media is to report the issue not to give judgements that too on a public platform and turn a simple reporting exercise into a slander campaign against someone. More than reporting a murder story, the media seems more interested in finding out sensational personal details that may help them give more TRPs and hits.

The rich can hide behind their high walls but the poor family of the driver, who was also allegedly an accomplice, is facing the brunt of our so- called society with everyone closing doors on their face.

I as a reader am fed up of reading all these unwanted and murky details and want to read some real issues. Let the police do their job and the law take its own course.  

East calling: Start with Bagdogra, Published in Maxposure group magazine 'Vistara'

East calling: Start with Bagdogra

Kakoli Thakur

If you have never explored east, you can always start with Bagdogra in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. So the next time when you are tired of the hustle and bustle of your busy city life, visit this small town known for its serenity and tranquillity.

Located in the lap of the hills that lead to the mighty Himalayas, you can make Bagdogra the base and explore the exotic places around. The best part is the town has an airport that is well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

 

Kurseong: Sixty km from Bagdogra airport lies the sleepy hill town of Kurseong. Once there, you can hear the whistling sound of the steam engine and see the toy train slowly snaking its way through the mountains.

Kurseong is also known as 'The place of white orchids' due to the abundance of rare flowers. There are beautiful tea gardens, lush green forests and year-round vegetation on the slopes. From some parts of nearby Kalimpong, you get resplendent views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Kabru and Jannu. The sight of the rivers Teesta and Mahananda just takes your breath away. Kurseong is an ideal place for nature walks where you can enjoy a slice of rural life.

Animal lovers, don’t forget to visit the Deer Park and Dowhill Eco Park, about 4 km east. Spread across a green patch of about 20 acres, it has a sparkling water fountain, a flower house and a number of rare animal species. Trekkers will love the secluded stretches and the scenic views. It is named after deer as large numbers of the animal was found in the area before deforestation and poaching set in.

 

Mirik: About 55 km from Bagdogra airport, is another ideal destination. The main attraction is the 1.25-km Sumendu lake surrounded by Dhupi trees on the western bank and a vast garden on the eastern bank. A floating fountain in the middle and a quaint little footbridge that connects the flower garden on the eastern bank to the heavily forested ridge with thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees on the west make it a tourist’s delight.

If you are lucky, you may see a rare reflection of the Kanchenjunga in the lake waters. There are points from where you can see Kanchenjunga’s blinding snow-white peaks. This place is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations. Short treks from Mirik are also conducted.

If you want to just laze around, stay in the Swiss cottages on the hill top from where you can have a panoramic view of the lake and almost all of Mirik.

 

Rameetay Dara: An ideal spot to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, it is famous for the pristine view of the plains and snow-clad mountains of Mirik. The pleasant weather throughout the year is such a relief. At a short distance is Kawlay Dara, known for the misty mountains. This peak provides a spectacular view of the lush green flora of the Himalayas.

Tourists can enjoy trekking, leisure walks or mountain climbing at these places. A number of interesting places are located in the vicinity of Kawlay Dara like Singha Devi Temple and Deosi Dara.

 

Deosi Dara: Located 1768 m above sea level, it is a perfect destination for nature lovers with a panoramic view of the Mirik Valley and is a heaven for photographers. Surrounded with emerald green pine trees and lush green jungles, it is popular among local picnickers too. Away from the polluted cities, one can enjoy the lovely sunrise and sunset.

 

Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary: Half an hour away from Bagdogra lies the sanctuary located between the Mahananda and Teesta rivers.

If you drive straight down the main forest road, you will reach the banks of the Mahananda. Regular day safaris are offered in the sanctuary from the Sukna gate in the morning and afternoon. But you need to take your own car, preferably a big one, and return before dusk.

If you are lucky, you can even spot Royal Bengal Tigers. Some 36 different species of mammals approximately exist, including Himalayan black bear, leopards, rare mountain goats (serow), etc.

A haven for bird watchers, there are approximately 243 different species of birds, including Himalayan pied hornbills, peafowls, racket tail drongo, etc.

Several watch towers have been set up: one in Laltong on the Teesta river bank, astounding for watching elephant migration; another has been created in the Gulma railway station using a train's cabin and is used to watch deer, Indian bison, etc.

 

Gorumara National Park: Located on the flood plains of Murti and Jaldhaka rivers, Gorumara is famous for the Asiatic one-horned rhino. Just two hours from Bagdogra, the meandering ride to Gorumara through tea gardens is just splendid.

Tourists can go for jungle safari to have a sight of elephants, rhinos, Indian bison (gaur), etc. You have to book forest safari with the forest department and take an authorised guide along to the watchtowers. Trespassing is illegal and can be dangerous. The common safaris include the Jatraprasad, Methla, Chukchuki, Chandrachur and Chapramari watchtowers.

Visitors need to obtain a special permission to enter its interiors. The Gorumara national park has approximately 48 species of carnivores and herbivores, 193 species of birds, 22 of reptiles, 7 of turtles, 27 species of fishes, etc. Birds include minivets, pheasants, hornbills, etc. During winter, migratory birds including the brahminy duck, ibis, teals, etc., can be seen. The night hunters are the owls and the nightjars.

Access points

From Bagdogra Airport, it is easy to explore West Bengal’s hills (Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Chalsa, Dooars etc.) and Sikkim (Gangtok, Pelling, North Sikkim etc).

Another plus point is, the airport also has direct flights from Paro (Bhutan) and Kathmandu (Nepal). The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri.

 

Attractions in Bagdogra

Bagdogra is very rich in culture and tradition. The best season to visit is October to March. Some of the major festivals include Gangasagar Mela, Kenduli Mela, Jalpesh Mela and Naba Barsho.

Naba Barsho is observed as the New Year according to the Tibetan calendar and is celebrated with great zest.

You can also spend a day in local sight-seeing and visit the Kali Mandir, HYPERLINK "http://www.holidayiq.com/ISKCON-Temple-Bagdogra-Sightseeing-773-9460.html"ISKCON Temple, Science City, Coronation Bridge, Surya Sen Park, Salugara Monastery, HYPERLINK "http://www.holidayiq.com/Madhuban-Park-Bagdogra-Sightseeing-773-9461.html"Madhuban Park, HYPERLINK "http://www.holidayiq.com/Savin-Kingdom-Bagdogra-Sightseeing-773-9463.html"Savin Kingdom, HYPERLINK "http://www.holidayiq.com/Umrao-Singh-Boat-Club-Bagdogra-Sightseeing-773-9455.html"Umrao Singh Boat Club.

Exploring Bagdogra