I am often asked as to why I chose to be a journalist? To many I brag about my dire desire to fulfill a childhood dream. To some others I use words like news, contact-circle and influence to make the discussion sound fascinating. But, honestly - I believe my decision to become a journalist goes far beyond those casual conversations about careers.
Sure, the media is the fourth pillar. But unlike some parts of the world, journalism in the world's seventh largest country is a whole new game.
Journalism is one avenue that taught me how anybody and everybody is entitled to an opinion. Most of all, it taught me that you have to be thick skinned or street smart to tackle these opinions. Criticism, as many say, is often 'constructive.' Those who care criticise because it is their right and that we would take their opinions seriously so as to become at whatever we do. Those who call themselves fans of a journalist praise him/her but criticise the person the moment they flaw (even in the most insignificant manner). Those who consider themselves experienced or claim to be better at a few skills, criticise you because they feel threatened or rather cannot bear the sight of you showcasing a few precious skills. Then, there are those who criticise only because they were denied the chance to be a journalist and will look down upon any achievement of yours - even if you are internationally acclaimed.
Now, why do I love the field? Because it has made me tough. Journalists are rarely appreciated. The few occasions when we are truly appreciated are moments that ought to be celebrated in as fancy a manner as possible. Funny enough, everybody is criticised someway or the other. While in most cases you are often criticised by members of the same clan or by the absolutely clueless, journalists are criticised by everybody including the whose-who of various industries. It is only shocking if a journalist who dares to speak up is not threatened or warned.
After having received a great deal of criticism from various corners I have learnt the art of working hard till the world is silent. They say - you are never noticed unless you flaw. So why worry about recognition?
Being a journalist is a herculean task. We are always on the move. In search of that story that could have an impact or could keep the world talking or engage in discussion. Sometimes, the risks involves go beyond explanation but the efforts are never ignored. This is primarily due to the fact that the experience adds the 'x'
factor to the story. Even if it is a matter of life and death.
At a battlefield, for instance, a journalist reporting is considered brave but one fails to see how his/her efforts often go unrecognised. Some of their stories may never see the light of day. Sure, they may or may be not be guaranteed or better lifestyle post the task. But is the guarantee justified? Not really. Even entertainment reporters are bound to be bombarded with a handful of 'suggestions,' even if the story was presented in a most balanced manner. But that does not stop them from doing what they do best. After all, the stories are meant for you - the audience that we write for (Wondering how it works? Think about it). It is rarely for us to present our stance.
It is the audience factor that makes our job more fascinating. Our lives are never about a story that we had penned down. But it is, in fact, the story of your lives that we choose to highlight. Journalism is an adventure that is recorded at all times. Everything that we do, be it editing a story or a video to reporting on the field is a challenge in itself. Each story is different and each tale has to be showcased effectively. These tasks demand hard work, focus, and a lot of perseverance.
So here is a humble request to all readers - criticise but never insult. But most of all criticise only and only if you are sure that nobody will question your criticism. Else we shall continue standing by the old proverb - We know you are a fool, don't prove it :). It is amusing is to see how many view journalism as an arena for the stupid and not a really job. Believe me when I say, every profession has several exceptions and journalism is no different. Many journalist work in established media houses that have to abide by certain norms. Freelancers may have it easy , but are also bound by many rules. Again, by merely becoming a journalist, we are not exactly your very own walky-talky encyclopedia of the world. We might not more than many others. But we don't possess, as I would say, divya drishti (divine vision) for us to know it all.
Criticise, but respect our world too. For the grey areas are more vast than you can ever imagine.
Sure, the media is the fourth pillar. But unlike some parts of the world, journalism in the world's seventh largest country is a whole new game.
Journalism is one avenue that taught me how anybody and everybody is entitled to an opinion. Most of all, it taught me that you have to be thick skinned or street smart to tackle these opinions. Criticism, as many say, is often 'constructive.' Those who care criticise because it is their right and that we would take their opinions seriously so as to become at whatever we do. Those who call themselves fans of a journalist praise him/her but criticise the person the moment they flaw (even in the most insignificant manner). Those who consider themselves experienced or claim to be better at a few skills, criticise you because they feel threatened or rather cannot bear the sight of you showcasing a few precious skills. Then, there are those who criticise only because they were denied the chance to be a journalist and will look down upon any achievement of yours - even if you are internationally acclaimed.
Now, why do I love the field? Because it has made me tough. Journalists are rarely appreciated. The few occasions when we are truly appreciated are moments that ought to be celebrated in as fancy a manner as possible. Funny enough, everybody is criticised someway or the other. While in most cases you are often criticised by members of the same clan or by the absolutely clueless, journalists are criticised by everybody including the whose-who of various industries. It is only shocking if a journalist who dares to speak up is not threatened or warned.
After having received a great deal of criticism from various corners I have learnt the art of working hard till the world is silent. They say - you are never noticed unless you flaw. So why worry about recognition?
Being a journalist is a herculean task. We are always on the move. In search of that story that could have an impact or could keep the world talking or engage in discussion. Sometimes, the risks involves go beyond explanation but the efforts are never ignored. This is primarily due to the fact that the experience adds the 'x'
factor to the story. Even if it is a matter of life and death.
At a battlefield, for instance, a journalist reporting is considered brave but one fails to see how his/her efforts often go unrecognised. Some of their stories may never see the light of day. Sure, they may or may be not be guaranteed or better lifestyle post the task. But is the guarantee justified? Not really. Even entertainment reporters are bound to be bombarded with a handful of 'suggestions,' even if the story was presented in a most balanced manner. But that does not stop them from doing what they do best. After all, the stories are meant for you - the audience that we write for (Wondering how it works? Think about it). It is rarely for us to present our stance.
It is the audience factor that makes our job more fascinating. Our lives are never about a story that we had penned down. But it is, in fact, the story of your lives that we choose to highlight. Journalism is an adventure that is recorded at all times. Everything that we do, be it editing a story or a video to reporting on the field is a challenge in itself. Each story is different and each tale has to be showcased effectively. These tasks demand hard work, focus, and a lot of perseverance.
So here is a humble request to all readers - criticise but never insult. But most of all criticise only and only if you are sure that nobody will question your criticism. Else we shall continue standing by the old proverb - We know you are a fool, don't prove it :). It is amusing is to see how many view journalism as an arena for the stupid and not a really job. Believe me when I say, every profession has several exceptions and journalism is no different. Many journalist work in established media houses that have to abide by certain norms. Freelancers may have it easy , but are also bound by many rules. Again, by merely becoming a journalist, we are not exactly your very own walky-talky encyclopedia of the world. We might not more than many others. But we don't possess, as I would say, divya drishti (divine vision) for us to know it all.
Criticise, but respect our world too. For the grey areas are more vast than you can ever imagine.
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