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Media as an instrument
of social change Human trafficking: Need for a
global response |
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Time to make borders
irrelevant
Profile Reflections Diversities — Delhi Letter
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Media as an instrument
of social change THE last three decades have witnessed unprecedented growth in the worldwide spread of electronic mass media. This has been made possible mainly due to the digital revolution in computer networks, compression technologies and proliferation of satellite broadcasting. Radio and, later television, as the dominant medium of the so-called “information explosion” during the Seventies, became one of the most powerful forces for stimulating social change and technological advancement. Its global impact, however, was on people living in industrialised countries and to a lesser extent on those in urban areas of developing countries. The same pattern of distribution has been evident in the emergence of knowledge-based societies increasingly relying on the Internet and the World Wide Web for access to information, education and entertainment. These technologies are a part of the worldwide digital network called the “information superhighway” that links converged media in the form of text, video, audio and graphics. A critical part of this social matrix are the rural areas of developing countries, particularly Asia and Africa, that together constitute almost three quarters of the world’s population, with almost 70 per cent of the latter living in village habitations. While there is a surfeit of communication technologies, there is also a massive reservoir of rural poor for whom the information glut and the content of information are irrelevant simply because they do not address their concerns and needs. The idea of community-centered rural development has grown out of a body of research findings that have found that “people-oriented” communication strategies could play a catalytic role in creating decentralised project structures that strengthen the process of participatory management in developing countries. Therefore, “small media” also known as “alternative media” or “community media” (i.e. folk, street theatre, group radio, video, Internet etc.) appropriate to a community are now being structured to empower the inhabitants in rural areas to strengthen capacity building and enable equitable access along with behavioral change. Herein, project strategies now include multifaceted communication campaigns as entry point activities to strengthen interpersonal communication. Participatory self-management methods have also been refined to incorporate needs of the intended beneficiaries from designing the project goals and selecting the appropriate “communication mix” to support implementation in sectors such as education, health, poverty alleviation and agriculture. For example, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a technique that involves bottom-up needs assessment through social and livelihood mapping that serve as diagnostic profiles for the framing of communication support objective. Over the years, new forms of democratic communication institutions have been emerging in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean with the collaboration of civil society stakeholders, NGOs and organisations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. These emphasise self-management, through ownership and operation, of information and communication technologies by marginalised rural communities that are enabled to network horizontally rather than vertically through converged multimedia systems. Consequently, access to and effective use of these tools and networks of the new global economy, and the innovations they make possible, are critical in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals of poverty reduction, increased social inclusion and leading of a more fulfilling life for all the rural poor. Community media today, therefore, according to one perspective, involves the use of communication tools to which members of a community have access for information, education, and entertainment, when they want access. They are media in which the community participates as planners, producers and performers. Thus, social groups use media to create and foster forms of culture that structure everyday life. A second perspective about community media is based on the concept of alternative media. Alternative media (such as folk, street theater, video) are small scale, oriented towards disadvantaged groups, horizontally structured allowing for facilitation of audience access and participation within the framework of democratisation and multiplicity. The explicit positioning of community media as independent from state and market supports the articulation of a third perspective that considers such media as a part of civil society. By defining community media as a part of civil society, these media can be defined as a “third voice” between the state media and the commercial media. The fourth perspective envisages community media as a rhizome (that unlike trees or their roots connects any point to any other point). Herein, community media not only play a pivotal role in civil society but can also establish a strategic linkage with state and the market without losing their identity. The Kotemale Internet Community Radio project is a community radio station, radiating with a one KW transmitter, 15 hours on weekdays and 20 hours of programming on weekend days covering about 60 villages of Sri Lanka. Free public access to the Internet is supplemented by facilities like the radio browsing programme in the local language and a community website for database development. The Mahaweli, Tambuli and Sagarmatha radio projects in Sri Lanka, Philippines and Nepal respectively are other similar projects. Likewise, radio projects in the Caribbean country of Haiti- Radio Inite, Radio Sel, Radio Flambeau and Radio Lakay link participatory communication to larger goals of achieving justice, human rights and equitable development. They aim at promoting community empowerment and addressing the issue of “digital divide” by combining community broadcasting with the Internet and related technologies. By reaching out to the illiterate and with universal access as the fulcrum, such centres help develop the cultural identity of communities, act as a vehicle for people’s self-expression and serve as a tool for diagnosis of a community’s problems. Similarly, Namma Dhawani, a community multimedia centre in Bangrapet Taluk of Kolar District in Karnataka (in collaboration with UNESCO and NGO’s Myrada and Voices) transmits cable FM and makes narrowcasted loudspeaker broadcasts for 20,000 local people. Outside the fold of agencies like UNESCO, there are outstanding examples of community multimedia projects which successfully help strengthen the democratic process by providing access to different viewpoints in India’s rural landscape. ITC’s e-choupal project is very popular with farmers in India that provides connectivity to relevant global market information. Video SEWA’s participatory videos, which use folklores to enable women’s empowerment, reaches millions of rural women for multiple purposes of teaching, organising and inspiring. |
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Human trafficking: Need for a
global response Human trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are forced into slavery. It affects every continent and most countries. It involves the movement of people through violence, deception or coercion for the purpose of forced labour, servitude or slavery-like practices. A number of factors have led to its expansion. These are, the easy profits made from exploitation; growing deprivation and marginalisation of the poor; discrimination against women; restrictive migration laws; lack of information about the realities and dangers of trafficking and insufficient penalties against traffickers. Trafficking in persons is a modern-day form of slavery, involving victims who are typically forced, defrauded or coerced into sexual or labour exploitation. It is among the fastest growing criminal activity. The global trafficking industry generates up to US $7 billion each year through the inhuman trade. Annually, at least 600,000 or 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked across borders worldwide. Trafficking and smuggling are not the same. Human trafficking involves deceiving or coercing someone to move — either within a country or abroad through legal or illegal channel — for the purpose of exploiting him or her. Smuggling is assisting someone for a fee to cross a border illegally. Trafficking in persons directly affects all nations which demands solutions based on international partnerships and joint strategies. It is a global phenomenon but not new. For hundreds of years, movement of kidnapped or bonded labour has taken place. In some communities, it has been the sole source of income beyond subsistence agriculture. The National Commission for Women reported that organised crime played a significant role in the country’s sex trafficking trade. The use of fast track courts is the key to greater prosecutions and convictions in Tamil Nadu while sustaining a high number of trafficking convictions in New Delhi. The March 2005 order of the Maharashtra government to close down dance bars — many of which served as prostitution and trafficking outlets — may check a new trend of more sophisticated trafficking. To check illegal immigration, which is a major source for human trafficking, the Punjab Police have registered 1,434 cases against travel agents between 2003 and June 2005. The Supreme Court recently ruled that victims of trafficking may testify in camera. Much more firm, coordinated and well planned efforts are needed to tackle trafficking in persons, particularly in forming a national law enforcement response to inter-state and transnational human trafficking crimes. Human trafficking being a complex problem needs to be handled with a highly balanced approach. Some important areas related to human trafficking are: Law enforcement, criminology, medical, psychological, social, sexual, physical and mental disabilities, drug and/or alcohol addiction, forced or fraudulent marriages, misuse of student or working visa and abuse of services like nurses, nannies, day care attendants and other menial jobs. It is also important to raise awareness about trafficking among the government, law enforcement agencies, medical profession and the media. Each of these groups play key role in both the prevention of trafficking and the re-integration of those who have been trafficked. The following interventions are proposed to check human trafficking transnationally. Legal framework should be strengthened through suitable legislative and judicial policy changes at domestic and international levels. A common international legal framework should be devised to tackle human trafficking. The prosecution process and anti-trafficking legislation to prosecute and punish traffickers and customers should be updated. Cross-border controls should be strengthened and strict screening should be introduced at various levels. A partnership network of NGOs, government representatives and international police officials should be made available which should exchange information quickly and act effectively in emergency cases. Public awareness campaigns should be launched in a big way. Regular action-based coordination meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops involving all relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies on human trafficking should be frequently organised. The role of police is very crucial in handling human trafficking cases. Local law enforcement officers are the first responders where human trafficking occurs and are the key players in identifying and exposing the serious crime. Laxity, if any on their part, can lead to grave consequences. Sincerity to law and impartial approach on the part of police is extremely important in handling such a serious crime. The intelligence required to dismantle the syndicate trafficking groups often draws upon the resources and assistance of numerous agencies — local, state, national and international. There is an immediate need to strengthen and equip the police forces for vigorous investigation, prosecution, victim handling and punishment for trafficking crime. Specialised training programmes on anti-trafficking policies and practices and other related issues for police personnel should be regularly provided. The media can also play a very significant role in the prevention of trafficking by raising awareness. Special programmes on TV and newspapers for improving the status of the girl child and education and care for children and women will
help. The writer is Deputy Director and Dean, Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur |
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Time to make borders
irrelevant AFTER six decades of conflict and confrontation, rapprochement in Indo-Pak relationship is under way. Both countries seem to be inclined to shed the baggage of hate and mistrust. This time around, the beginning has people’s e support on both sides. The chances of its derailment are, therefore, remote. Goaded by political will, Track I, II and III diplomacies during past two years have enthused a new confidence both sides. Decisions during these discussions called “composite dialogue” are being implemented as CBMs. Encouraged by these CBMs, leaders of India and Pakistan are poised for bolder initiatives to restore normalcy in the region. Diplomats are now more reticent. Joint statements too are parsimonious. Composite dialogue is in the process of expanding into “comprehensive dialogue” to grapple the core ‘K’ issue. Series of parleys between India and Pakistan are a structured dialogue in the classical sense. In October, General Musharraf suggested division of Jammu and Kashmir in seven regions (three in POK and four in Indian side of J&K on ethnic/religion grounds. Dr Manmohan Singh discounts further division of Jammu and Kashmir on ethnic/religion grounds or redrawing the International Border. Pakistan has so far neither rejected nor ruled out the Indian idea. “Making borders irrelevant” is Dr Manmohan Singh’s first draft political transcript. The CBMs are pointers in that direction. Irrelevance of borders neither means open borders nor soft borders. It does not preclude free borders or be construed as redundancy or decontrol the movement across the borders. Nonetheless, it recognises conversion of the present IB and LoC into “line of peace”. It also envisages loosening control over movement of men and material through mutually agreed and predetermined routes across the borders by air, land and sea. Barring the selected routes, both sides shall be obliged to maintain sanctity of borders otherwise. Social and economic activities through the projected routes will be decentralised. Permits may replace visas. The aim would be to liberalise movement across borders of general public, pilgrims, patients, prisoners, intellectuals, etc. Consider the implications of the term at regional levels. It encompasses single visa regime, single currency, free flow of trade and technology, etc. among SAARC nations. The modern electronic era is rendering the international borders meaningless. The European Union (EU) is already like a beacon for SAARC countries. In global village scenario, India and Pakistan can ill-afford to continue frowning over issues such as Kashmir. Economics and economy hold priority over military might. And by making borders irrelevant, India and Pakistan can develop their economics and improve the lot of their people at much faster pace. |
Profile When the Congress was out of power, he held key position in the AICC as an important General Secretary. He has risen from strength to strength at the Centre but in his home state of Jammu and Kashmir, he remained a “non-resident Kashmiri”. As successor to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Ghulam Nabi, the new Chief Minister, faces the most daunting challenge in his three-decade-old political career. He has to carry forward the process of healing touch initiated by Mufti. The biggest contribution of the three-year rule of Mufti was softening of the somewhat negative sentiment that one heard in the valley against India. Ghulam Nabi has to keep up that pace even though, compared to Mufti, his popularity in the valley is still “very limited”. As a senior Congress leader choose to put it: “Ghulam Nabi has been put on a hot seat in Srinagar and a crown of thorns on his head”. Will the “great survivor” measure up to the task? Unlike in 2002 when Ghulam Nabi was very keen to go to Kashmir as Chief Minister, he was not so enthusiastic to succeed Mufti Sayeed three years after. He was sitting on a warm, cozy seat of power in Delhi; was a member of the inner group of the Congress leadership which met Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister once in a week to discuss strategic matters. Why should he opt for the “hot seat” in Srinagar? But politics is a weird game. Three years back it was a different scenario; efforts to constitute a Congress-PDP coalition had run into trouble as Mufti and his daughter, Mehbooba, stubbornly refused to accept Ghulam Nabi as the Chief Minister. The Congress leadership reluctantly agreed to accept Mufti as Chief Minister for three years as per rotational agreement. Now that the chance has come, Ghulam Nabi, say top Congress sources, has gone to Srinagar more out of compulsion than willingness. The Congress leadership’s decision to sent Ghulam Nabi to Kashmir has created history. He is the first-ever leader from Jammu (hailing from Doda) to become the Chief Minister, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the region. Also, his induction marks the Congress’ return to power after 30 years since Mir Qasim made way for Sheikh Abdullah. The 56-year-old leader belongs to the generation which came to politics in the seventies. He was among those who were picked up by the late Sanjay Gandhi when he was just a block level secretary of the party. Ghulam Nabi’s quality of winning the confidence of senior leaders was activated and he became Sanjay’s confidant. Since then, there was no looking back for him. He became the President of J&K Pradesh Youth Congress; he remained on the post for two years till Emergency came to an end. The year 1980 proved to be most rewarding for Ghulam Nabi’s political career. Success came one after another. As if she brought more luck to him, he was pitch forked to the national scene with his nomination as the President of the All India Youth Congress. The same year, he was married to noted Kashmiri singer, Sameena Begum. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Washim constituency of Maharashtra. Indira Gandhi inducted him in the Council of Ministers as a Deputy Minister and, a year after, elevated him to the rank of Minster of State, Information and Broadcasting. Ghulam Nabi was in the first rank of young leaders whom Rajiv Gandhi trusted and his place in his Council of Ministers was assured . Elected for the second time from Washim in 1985, he was made Minister of State for Home Affairs. The year 1989 marked a setback as he was defeated in 1989 election but he did not remain in wilderness for long. In 1990, he managed to enter the Rajya Sabha. Narasimha Rao made him a Cabinet Minister. Three years back when he spearheaded the Congress party election campaign in Kashmir as PCC president, the scenario looked bleak, but luck smiled on Ghulam Nabi. The Congress romped home with 21 seats and, surprisingly, six were from the valley which pollsters thought the party had lost to regional forces. He was also for the first time elected to the Rajya Sabha from his home state. Now another chapter opens in Ghulam Nabi’s highly successful political career. Of course, the challenge this time is
toughest. |
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Reflections JUST two days before Diwali, Delhi had over 60 dead and 210 injured lying in hospital with serious burns and loss of limbs, due to bomb blasts. The photos of the dismembered were tragic and depressing. The agony is real. And the tragedy a rude awakening. A wake up call that terrorism is here to stay. While the resilience and strength of the people of Delhi is commendable, much remains to be done to combat this menace in the future. Public memory is short. Before we lose more innocent lives, let’s take control of our own safety and security by learning some lessons from this sudden, perhaps a preventable event. This piece is not about apportioning blame to one agency or another; rather it is an attempt to outline a theory that will help us be better equipped and responsible for our own safety and that of our near and dear ones. While some of you may be familiar with my 3C model of Collective, Corrective and Community-based action in prison and police reform, I would like to propose a slight variant to this by incorporating Collective, Comprehensive and Community-based action in combating the deadly disease of terrorism that permeates the entire globe. But first, let’s focus on our own backyard. Collective Action: As a population, generally speaking, we are quick to organise ourselves when it comes to taking on economic, labour, social, student or political causes individually. How about marrying the economic and social causes to create an ecosystem that provides a win-win for all the stakeholders involved? Several merchant and market associations already exist. If these were to support security related initiatives by co-opting and supporting the public at large, we would all be better off. After all, “safe business” is “more business”. And “more business” would translate into even greater support for the safety and security of its customers. My strength lies in formulating the tactical aspects of such a strategy. Therefore, I propose the following five-point “Safe-Festive-Season” (SFS) Plan for implementing it. Bear in mind that the infrastructure to support some of these initiatives already exists. The merchant or market associations could put in place a “Civil Defence Force” of their own which could be further augmented for festive seasons. A security fund (with monthly contributions) could be created for such a purpose all year around with higher contributions during festive seasons. This force could have its own distinct dress code probably backed up by plainclothes men and women who are on an unobtrusive watch alongside and could be composed of paid or non-paid volunteers depending on the financial wherewithal of each market. Systematic training and briefing at regular intervals (especially for the office bearers of these associations) could be provided in partnership with the various law enforcement agencies. Rehearsals in advance of major festivals and some real mock drills on security orientation and traffic management could be conducted at regular intervals, again in conjunction with law enforcement. Efforts to gather and relay information could also be explored in coordination with the appropriate agencies. This plan will ensure self-dependence, self-sufficiency and self-preparedness to prevent or considerably reduce the suffering of the unprotected and the vulnerable. There are no easy options or short cuts to fighting terrorism. Fighting it should well be a part of life. The sooner this is understood, the swifter and more efficient the response will be. Comprehensive Action: This would entail complete coordination between the associations, law enforcement, emergency services such as hospitals and ambulances, and the fire department in order to prevent and minimise losses. The use of technology should be explored to its fullest. Several lessons can be learned from systems in the US and UK where 9/11/01 and 7/7/05 prompted similar introspection. The primary reason why the London police could promptly identify the suspected bombers was the existence of CCTV cameras within the city centre. The entire New York community mobilised behind law enforcement and emergency services to provide meaningful support. In fact, the marketing campaign of the New York City Subway system reads: “If you see something, say something”. Finally, law enforcement and municipal agencies would have to work on a warning/alarm system that would alert the public of any such imminent threat. While not perfect, such systems are known to have prevented casualties. Inefficiencies in our system exist because they are allowed to. Community-based Action: Finally, while governments exist to protect its citizens, it is the primary responsibility of every citizen to ensure that they contribute to that effort and not hinder it. First, warnings and alerts should not be ignored. While resilient, sometimes we can also be callous. We need to abide by the principle on which these systems would exist. The community as a whole could serve as a large support system to the law enforcement and emergency management services if they allowed the system to work its way out. By clearing affected areas quickly, not tampering with evidence, reporting suspicious activity and simply “getting out of the way”, the general citizenry would make matters so much easier for these agencies. Besides, a lot of intelligence is gathered from information conveyed by ordinary people. If all of us pitched in, the police could focus on their multi-dimensional duties of law enforcement, intelligence collection, detection and prosecution. Let us all work together to make celebrations and festivities safe. Let us not make this, 10/29/05, or another bombing event, our dates with terrorism history. Alongside hardcore law enforcement measures, what is most needed from the community at large is rational, willing, comprehensive and collective
courage. |
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Diversities — Delhi Letter
Tragic reports are pouring in from the earthquake-affected Valley. Several activists are sending out appeals for help. The Jammu-based PUCL activist Balraj Puri has sent appeals to trade unionists all across to reach out. A New Delhi IIT Professor, Dr V.K. Tripathi has also sent out appeals for the victims of both the earthquake and the bomb blasts. A 10-member team had left for the Valley last week. Shabnam Hashmi and 10 others from the Movement for Empowerment of Indians and Anhad / Youth For Peace visited Tangdhar. It has about 7,000 households. In all, 5178 houses are fully damaged, 600 partially, 1000 shops are affected. The villages where the relief reached from the team include — Amroi, Tad, Hajitra, Dhanni, Gabra, Gundigujra, Dhringla, Gabdori, Nyaygabra, Kundla, Madanpura, Haftana, Khawaspara, Badwanj, Bakhaiyan Malda. It is a major natural disaster and a challenge because of the difficult terrain. The major challenge right now is to provide shelter to people. The tents would be useless very soon once it starts snowing. People immediately need shelters. Unfortunately, the response from the civil society is lukewarm as industrial houses, newspapers responded to Gujarat earthquake and tsunami but they are not responding to the Kashmir earthquake. The organisations whom Shabnam Hashmi and others saw in Tangdhar include, Janvikas, COVA, Action Aid, United Economic Forum and some other religious organisations. There must have been some others too working there.
Bomb blasts and the aftermath It has been traumatic what with the Delhi blasts and after. So many dead and many more shattered and ruined. Almost everyday affected victims emerge. The latest is this school student who lost his parents and now might even be deprived of his home. Activist Navaid Hamid has written to the Prime Minister, drawing his attention to the 14-year Rahul Kochar who lost his parents in these blasts. His mother, Sushma Kochar, was an Income Tax official who was allotted a government flat in R.K.Puram. With the death of his parents, the child has actually nowhere to go and live. Navaid mentions in this letter that the National Foundation for Communal Harmony may be directed to take care of his studies and that of other
children like him who have lost their parents in the blasts. A special package may also be announced for the orphans of the blasts so that a strong message goes that the nation strongly cares for the victims of terrorism.
They leave us behind One after another three writers passed away — Nirmal Verma, Amrita Pritam and V.K. Madhavan Kutty. Though all three were based here in the Capital, I had never got to meet Nirmal Verma and Amrita Pritam. I did know Madhavan Kutty. I met him for the first time when he was recovering from a stroke. It was a reception hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs when he introduced himself. As we got talking, he told me about his strange encounters with near-death situations, including surviving an air crash and more. His words hit even now, “I’m recovering from a stroke and though advised by the doctors to rest, I couldn’t help moving about...not supposed to drive.” He wanted me to drop him at his home which I did but not without much tension. I had kept muttering long and short prayers, for he had problem whilst talking and even walking. That was almost seven years back and thereafter we had met several times and what I found to be rather offbeat about him was his ability to talk openly in a forthright way. A rare quality in us Indians, especially when it comes to personal matters. But Madhavan Kutty said it all and it is rather unfortunate that his latest book will be released now — after his demise. This book concentrates on the near death situations he had faced and about which he so very passionately spoke and
wrote. |
I think God is telling us something with AIDS, giving us an opportunity to show our love. People with AIDS have awakened the tender love in whose who had perhaps shut it out and forgotten it. — Mother Teresa Does a crow steal someone’s wealth or does a nightingale give it? Remember, the nightingale only “speaks” musical words and enchants the world. — Kabir He whose mind does not flutter, by contract with worldly contingencies, sorrowless, stainless and secure. This is the Supreme Blessing. — The Buddha When clothes become dirty, they are washed and cleaned with soap. But when the mind is defiled by sin, it is cleansed by meditation on him and by worshipping him with full concentration of mind, heart and soul. — Guru Nanak
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