Thursday, April 14, 2011

Blogging on Dawn

Friends,

I've accepted an offer from Dawn Online to write weekly blog posts for them. The first one was published this morning. Here's the link:
http://www.dawn.com/2011/04/14/fast-of-the-furious.html

Of course, I'll still keep this blog active because not all topics I'm interested in will resonate with that audience.

7 comments:

  1. I read the post.It is very nicely started with an apt fable.There are many imponderables before the Lokpal bill is finalised and passed.The committee of ten would be at logger heads soon with goverment group stonewalling all suggestions/amendments from the civil activists side.There can be obviously no casting vote to the chairman of the committee,a government noominee.I can even visualise the members from the civil side walking out in disgust.The road to passing the bill is strewn with hurdles.

    All said Anna's movement galvanised the nation and created an awareness to the canker eating into the vitals of the nation.It may hv even some impact in the voting in the elections held/being held.That is why the government had to blink fast.
    Eshwar,while I love your post I am not comfortable with the space where it appears.

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  2. Parthasarathi sir,

    You're absolutely right about the arduous journey ahead. And the possibility of a walkout on the part of the representatives of civil society cannot be ruled out. I just hope that an effective and reasonable middle ground is found. Because Annasaheb is not going to get his own version ratified, that's quite clear. There will be compromises. But: how much?, remains a question.
    And I did think about mentioning the state elections. You're right. They must have played a part in the government's quick acceptance of the demands.
    As regards the location of the post, I'm sure you don't mean Dawn itself. As you're aware, Dawn is one of the most respected media agencies in Asia. It is secular, progressive and it espouses universal values. Many see it as the most shimmering bastion of sanity in Pakistan. So could you please elaborate on your discomfort? I'd like to understand that.

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  3. Hi Eshwar,
    I have the feeling that the Pakistani media is more vibrant than the Indian. I have seen online newspapers like Dawn and Pakistan Tribune make very balant attacks on the Pakistani government as well as even the Pakistani public. For instance see this discussion of Najam Sethi on the Balochistan Issue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83BE67MiH88

    I wonder if any Indian media channel would undertake such a programme considering general public backlash. What do you think?

    - Aditya

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  4. Aditya,

    I saw the episode of Aapas ki baat you recommended and feel inclined to agree with you. I did not expect such a candid discussion of a prickly issue. No nation-state feels comfortable discussing secession.
    Our TV channels occasionally discusss the autonomy/independence of Kashmir in talk shows, but always in the presence of staunch nationalists. The discussion, therefore, never covers sufficient ground. Nagaland and Mizoram are almost never discussed.
    You've given me a feast for thought. Thank you.
    By the way, I can't see your profile or blog. If you blog, then please send me the link.
    Thanks,
    Eshwar

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  5. Eshwar,
    I don't have a blog but I do read a few of them my most favorite being http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Citycitybangbang/

    However You too are in my bookmarks now :)

    If you have time, try going through following videos too. You will be surprised to find the extent of openness with this man talks about the issues in Pakistan:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQNfVpTadYs
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWL7CV4G_aY
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7jbFrOrBJU
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-B30smo20&NR=1

    Take Care,
    - Aditya

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  6. Aditya,

    My latest article on Dawn is thanks to your pointer. I dedicated many gigabytes to follow Najam Sethi's work and ended up writing this piece. Thank you.
    Do have a lookie when possible:

    http://www.dawn.com/2011/06/03/belligerence-with-a-mission.html

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  7. I'll still keep this blog active because not all topics I'm interested in will resonate with that audience.
    I hope this sort of thing happen soon again and PW or much better RCGE be revoked again soon.:)

    ReplyDelete