Campus Courier Volume 2 September edition

MA J&MC Lab Journal A Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore Publication MA Journalism & Mass Communication Lab Journal Issue 2 Volume 2Art, beyond the walls September 2016 Bangalore: The city of dying lakes REPORT SPECIAL REPORT ENVIRONMENT SAMANTHA RUTH D’SILVA CC SPECIAL The Plight of Rachenehalli Lake. PHOTO BY: SAMANTHA RUTH D’SILVA A graffiti at the Rangoli- Metro art centre, PHOTO BY: ANAND PRINCE Mesmerizing lakes sparkling like Dumping of garbage, uncontrolled quicksilver with a pleasing quietude weed growth, industrial wastes, ART & CULTURE dirty walls and boring lanes are now changing times through his canvas. were filled with families, love-struck sewage water, construction of roadsALDA JOSEPH a visual treat for the people, thanks Like them, we have a few artists couples and the chirping of birds. and public offices are the majorBangalore, a city which walks very to talented artists who create per- who believe that art should not be This was the scenario almost a year causes.fast, slows down at its streets and spectives on the walls. Those walls, restricted or confined. They use back around the Bangalore lakes. The lakes in our city are dried uplanes for some surprises. One will bridges and flyovers are now plac- drawings, scribbling, spray paints, But now, the wetlands in the city and the population of our city is in-find these surprises on the walls, es where one goes in search of art and marker pens through which are dying. creasing.bridges, flyovers and even on the culture. You can be an active or a they draw out the artistic expres- There were 285 lakes in Bangalore “The people can come up with dif-roads. They say some people be- passive viewer but the graffiti never sions. which were constructed in the six- ferent ideas to work together andcome cops because they want to fails to inspire. Today, the empty spaces, corners, teenth century by Kempe Gowda ensure that these lakes are notmake the world a better place and Badal Nanjundaswamy is an innova- crosses, lanes of Malleswaram, and the Wodeyars of Mysore but utilized as dumping grounds. Strictothers become vandals because tive street artist who rose to fame Koramangala, St.Mark’s Road, In- the number has now shrunk to 80. penalties should be imposed forthey want to make the world a bet- after creating and placing a life-sized diranagar, MG Road, Kalyan Nagar Several lakes such as the Bellandur, offenders”, says T.A Salam, Ex-Coun-ter looking place. crocodile in one of the potholes in and Hennur all have an explosion of Varthur, Ulsoor, Puttenahalli and selor of Austin town.Graffiti, an art form which is often the city. Being someone who fo- creativity. Jakkur lakes are already polluted Lakes are covered with solid andtermed as ‘vandalism’ has emerged cuses on civic issues, he is famous The cosmopolitan people of Banga- and require immediate attention. liquid waste. There have been in-in India’s shady street walls as a for his 3D paintings and his drawing lore contribute to the rich diversity The lakes in Madiwala, Nagavara, creased reports of fish deaths, lakemeans of self-expression in society. of Yama’s face around a manhole that is reflected in the city’s art- Agara and Yediyur are moderately fires and foul smells in the lakes ofThe range of work and the popular- on the road, thereby attracting the work. While globalization brought polluted and a further few have left Sankey tank, Jakkur and Munneko-ity it has gained among people is authority’s attention to cover the a lot of changes in the traditional their water tables and are now uti- lala.proof of that. manhole. aspects, it has also brought a global lized for stadiums, sports complex- Foam formation was seen in lakesGraffiti and street art are complete- Ullas Hydoor is an architect and outlook for the city and its creativ- es, bus stations and are occupied by such as Bellandur, Maragondana-ly out of the box. The growing cul- also a street artist in Bangalore. His ity. And all this makes the art cul- slums. halli, Rampura, Sarakki and Varthur.ture of street art has also found a art work reflects the socio-cultural ture of Bangalore something worth Some are dried up and the Banga- The aquatic species have also beenplace in ‘Namma Bengaluru’. The issues of today. He shows us the admiring. lore Development Authority (BDA) adversely affected by the large scale has made them as construction pollution. sites. Continued on page 2Gendered lives ever produced and this stardom was not a flaw or a weakness but their The society is made up of differentRIGHTS Foundation’, an NGO for supporting not a cake walk for her. At the age of identity. kinds of people and those who doASHYL ELIZABATH PAUL girls who face similar hardships in 13, she was abandoned by her par- These four women stand as proud not conform to the norms also con- ents. This forced her into a suicide examples of human rights and have stitute an integral part of the mould.There is a community whom we society. She has won a lot of acco- attempt after which she embarked proven that those who are different It is all about looking beyond differ-have sidelined, separated, disre- lades and recognition for her work. on a voyage of self-discovery. Later, need not accept being sidelined. ences and embracing humanity.spected and feared. We fail to real- K. Prithika Yashini, at the age of 25, she went on to learn Bharathana-ize they are one of us as well. fulfilled her dream of becoming a tiyam and Kathak after which she K. Prithika YashiniKalki Subramaniam was born in Pol- Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu. She ventured into acting in television. Kalki Subramaniamlachi, a small town in the state of went through a lot of struggle but She was discovered by famed an-Tamil Nadu, India. She was raised refused to be discouraged. chor Rose Venkateshan and was flowers in thein a typical Tamil family of five. As a During her degree, she left home introduced into the television news fissuresstudent, she was always bullied by and moved to Chennai as things industry on the 15th of August, theher classmates and teachers due to didn’t go down well with her par- day which she got her ultimate free-which she used to hide herself and ents. She survived alone by taking dom .spend her time in the park nearby, up different jobs from being a hostel Shanthi Sonu, a well-known RJ (Ra-rather than attend classes. warden to a hospital attendant. dio Jockey) who had started her ca-It was during one of these times that She fought her way into success and reer as a sex worker, now holds hershe had met Apsara, who became still aspires to become an IPS (Indian head high at a great position in theher foster mother. Later she finished Police Service) officer. She worked society. She has become an inspira-her Masters in Journalism and Mass at multiple places for meager sala- tion to a lot of individuals today.Communication from Madurai Ka- ries. “There is so much I want to do. These are the stories of four amaz-maraj University. During her student I want to work towards reservation ing women with a daunting spiritlife, she started publishing a month- in education and employment for that led them to live beyond thely magazine called ‘Sahodari’, which transgenders and for the cause of perceptions and discouragementmeans sister in Tamil. women and the underprivileged” from the society, friends and family.While she was working in the me- she says. They reached great heights , therebydia, she was also involved in creating Padmini Prakash has become the proving that being a transgender isawareness in the society. Later, she face of Lotus TV. She is the mostquit her job and started ‘Sahodari famed news reader the channel has

Page 2 September 2016CAMPUSCOURIER Tips for Media Aspirants from September 2016 Issue 2 Broadcast Veteran Bansi Kaalappa Youth swap: Social media DUALOGUE ing on the higher side, so there are good, then there is no need to be to social responsibility jobs always available for young and afraid. If you lack quality, maybe ANURAG THOMSON K aspiring graduates. However, the then there is a need to watch your Indian society, despite having its diverse culture and rich tradition, difficult part is succeeding in your back. The internet is a different plat- has its downside as well. We see gender discrimination, child labor, Bansi Kaalappa is the chief reporter job. It depends on the amount of form. News channels should com- casteism, communal and linguistic barriers all still prevailing in and anchor of News 9, Namma Ben- hard work and dedication that you pare themselves with each other modern society. galuru’s popular English news chan- are willing to put in. If you are good and if you get it right and stand out Although atrocities relating to these ill practices have gradually nel. He has also worked with Times at it, the experience is rewarding. from the rest, you have nothing to reduced over the decades, the discrimination is still a very real of India as a reporter for ten years. be worried about. problem that has to be dealt with. We still see Dalits being ill-treat- What are the credentials that ed, young children working in factories and honor killings being You are a reporter and anchor news 9 looks for in hiring a poten- In conclusion, any words of advice committed. with experience in print media as tial employee? for the aspiring journalists in Kristu Even with the most sincere efforts of the Government, it is the well. How important is that kind Language is a necessity. We are Jayanti College? Would you suggest people who ultimately create the change. The youth, in particular, of versatility in the industry today? always looking for candidates who a career in the media? can lay the foundation for an India with no such societal barriers, Yes, I’ve been privileged to work have a command over the English It depends. The media industry re- making it a country which embraces its diversity and is intolerant with The Times of India for over a language and an ability to play with quires a lot of sacrifice and dedica- towards outdated practices which work against the minorities. decade and that helped me smooth- words. Another important aspect tion. People get into the field with Youthful exuberance and a hunger for a better future combine as ly transition into electronic media. is whether or not the individual has a lot of expectations in regards to powerful agents of change and can pave the way for a brighter It is not advisable for a journalist to a nose for news. A good sense of money and fame. I wouldn’t rec- future for the country. stick to his preferences. I have found what makes news is vital. At News ommend it to them, because more The youngsters of today are blessed with various tools of mass that print and electronic media com- 9, these are the two things we most- often than not they are left disap- communication which can be used as channels for propagating plement each other and it is always ly look at. pointed. positive messages and highlighting loopholes in our society. Armed good for an upcoming professional I would recommend it to those who with broader minds and technological know-how, the millions of to experiment. So in that way, I think What are the pros and cons of have a passion for journalism and a young men and women of the country are in a perfect position to it is very important. working in the media industry? burning desire to leave a mark on carry the country forward. It is pretty straightforward. The ad- society. Social media, for example, is perhaps the most powerful weapon What personality traits do you vantage is that you are well-known in the arsenal of the youth in the quest to bring in societal change. think make a good journalist? in society and you have a feeling We can already see many social media pages dedicated for soci- A journalist should be willing to that you contribute towards making etal good and a vast majority of these pages are controlled by work long hours, willing to take on it a better place. The disadvantage, young¬sters. In present times, it is especially significant as India is the high and mighty of our society at least initially, is the monetary re- making its stride from being a developing country to a developed and make peace with the reality of turns. So it is important for a candi- country. So it is important that the various forms of discrimination personal and professional threats. date to get into journalism for the must be put to a halt and to bring the country together as one in So courage is very important. In ad- right reasons. order to complete the transition into a developed country, and dition, there should be an intimate the youth are the most important agents of change in this regard. passion for the line of work. These With the advent of online media two things make a good journalist. and social media, the news chan- nels seem to have lost a bit of their News 9 is a local English news audience and that affects the busi- channel. Your thoughts in regards ness. Your thoughts? to job opportunities for journalism It is true that the online media has graduates in such channels had an effect, but there is always The challenges of the media indus- room for quality. If you are deliv- try results in the rate of attrition be- ering a good product for socialBangalore: The city of dying lakes Bangalore’s tryst with poetry CITYLIGHTSContinued from page 1 SHEETAL R and a poetry workshop for peopleThe swans which added much beau- ing the lakes and seems to be least lakes are now used as dumps for do- of all agesty to the lakes, are now hardly seen interested in maintaining these mestic waste. Water quality analysis Bangalore Poetry Festival was held Noted poets like Javed Akhtar,and it is the same case with other lakes. There is a failure in co-ordi- of 80 lakes found that almost half of in the city on 6th and 7th August, Anjum Hasan, Radha Thomas,forms of life that reside in these nation and a lack of funding. them are highly polluted and irrep- 2016 at Leela Palace by Atta Galatta, Prathibha Nandakumar, K. Sachi-lakes. “The BDA is not coming up with a arable damages have been done to the art and cultural group. danandan, Simon Napier Bell, Var-“The Government should make proper plan, they make land deals the lakes. The Festival was conceptualized as un Gandhi, Sreekumar Verma weregood facilities in the villages to re- with corrupt politicians and many Proper measures such as fencing to a celebration of all things artistic in among the 67 poets who made theduce migration of villagers as they buildings are being built” says Phib- protect lakes and prevention of solid nature. festival a rich experience by theiroccupy the place near the lakes”, ert, a resident of BTM layout. Lakes waste should be undertaken. Public The two-day festival was celebrat- presence.says Maya Sreenivasan, a resident have been rented to private builders awareness should also be created . ed with events like poetry reading The organizers were happy to seeof HSR Layout. and the authorities themselves have If we are to see lakes in the future, sessions, panel discussion, poetry such a wonderful response from theThe lakes have become ponds filled built their own buildings and some the Government should take strict performance, open microphone for citizens of Bengaluru and remarkedwith garbage and sewage water. The have been transformed into resi- action and precautionary measures people to read out their own poetry. that a second edition will soon beGovernment has failed in maintain- dential and commercial areas. Some as quickly as possible. The festival also had a book store on the cards.TOON NOOK NIKHIL P SAM When fate becomes a revolution- A review of Kismath, the movie Assamese migrant laborer and that of Nigam has magnificently reflected the REELSENSE a framed two-wheeler mechanic in the convoluted, confused and befuddled AJITH MS midst of the love story. These stories youth who is only determined about Love is indeed a liberating experience, brilliantly emphasize the main narra- his love. but for it to be thought-provoking is a tive by conveying the agony of denial of Vinay Fortt’s portrayal of a corrupt po- task that only some movies have at- justice to the powerless. lice inspector has added a strong pivot tempted. In his directorial debut, Sha- Kismath exposes the casteist blemishes for the movie. Vinay single-handedly navas K Bavakutty has attempted a in the visibly progressive face of Kerala. unnerves the viewers with his brilliance. similar feat by weaving the powerful, Anita is marginalized not just by Irfan’s Sushin Shyam of the hard metal band yet simple ‘Kismath’ in the backdrop of upper caste family but even by other ‘The down Troddence’ and Sumesh Ponnani, a port town in Kerala. characters as well. It shows the deep- Parameshwar has blessed Kismath with The movie unfolds around a police rootedness of caste even in Muslim their intense and odic songs. Suresh Ra- station where Anita (Sruthi Menon), a communities. jan’s frames have captured never seen 28- year-old Dalit research scholar and The film directs its gaze into the polar- before angles of Ponnani. Irfan (Shane Nigam), a 22-year-old Engi- ization by the sangh elements too, with Surabhi Lakshmi, Binoy Namballa and neering dropout have come for seeking its portrayal of saffron dhoti-welding Alencier Lay Lopez have carried their police protection from their parent’s patriarchs of culture pushing into the usual charm in this movie as well. aggression. The movie offers a realistic life of Anita. Shruthi Menon has por- Leaving aside few amateurish slips, Kis- portrayal of sheer unpredictability. trayed Anita at just the right amount, math will not be a disappoinment and “This story is inspired by an incident without the cinematic cheesiness and will undoubtedly decorate the wall of that happened in the lives of two peo- emotional overbursts. fame of new-wave Malayalam movies ple at Ponnani, Kerala in 2011” says Irfan is devoid of any mainstream for touching many issues through a sim- Shanavas. He has carefully scripted the protagonist mould. Newcomer Shane ple movie. narrative by including the stories of anPublisher: Rev. Fr. Josekutty P.D Chief Editor: Rev. Fr. Augustine George Staff Editors: Dr. Gopakumar A.V, Prof. Juby Thomas, Prof. Aby Augustine Student Chief Editor: Anurag Thomson K Student Sub Editor: Nikhil P Sam Layout & Design: Ajith M S Student Reporters: Alda Joseph, Anand Price, Angel T Alex, Anju P, Ashyl Elizabath Paul, Bhumika N, Christena Stephen, Samantha Ruth D’Silva, Sharlet Peter, Sheetal R, Jishy Johny Printed and Published by KRISTU JAYANTI COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), BANGALORE. (For Private Circulation Only)