Journalism could be one of the ideal options for non-resident Indian students deciding to opt for professional courses in India, said Afzal J. Sanai, a prominent Indian community leader and former managing committee chairman of International Indian School, Riyadh (IISR). He was speaking at a function hosted here last week by a social organization Andhra Pradesh United Society (APUS) to honor Sameera Aziz, Editor of Saudi Gazette and in-charge of its Urdu section Awaz. The topic of the event was “Journalism in today's scenario.” Sameera was chief guest and a keynote speaker on the occasion. Other speakers included Dr. Abid Moiz, editor of a humor magazine ‘Shagufa', Abdul Nayeem Qayyum, APUS vice-president and Mohsin Ali of YaHind.com, a news portal based in Riyadh. Sanai said to understand journalism in today's scenario one has to go back and compare how it was practiced a few decades ago. In the past, the people opting journalism were not well recognized in society, largely because as a career it was less attractive. But in today's scenario following the emergence of satellite television channels and the huge influence the media, journalism as career is not only well respected but also offers handsome salaries and other and perks, he said. Dr. M. Ashraf Ali, APUS president in his short welcome speech, tried to draw Sameera's attention to more coverage of Indian events. He said despite the strong electronic media the non-resident Indians (NRIs), particularly the Urdu-speakers, were still dependent for news on Urdu dailies coming from the home country. He said Awaz, the Saudi Gazette Urdu section, has become popular among the people, but the Indians are disappointed over the lack of coverage of Indian events. “I urge Ms. Sameera Aziz to cover more Indian events in Awaz, because a large number of Indians yearn to know about what's going on in their home country,” he said. Kazi Atiuddin, correspondent of a Urdu daily in India, traced the history of journalism. Journalism, in fact was derived from a French word journal, which has several related meanings, a daily record of events or business; a private journal is usually referred to as a diary. Later on the newspapers evolved to become industry and spread across the world, he said. Sameera in his keynote address, which was intermittently applauded by thunderous clapping in the hall, said journalism, after the notorious 9/11 events became the monopoly of the Western world. She said the Western media with its own perspective and ideals on world events was instrumental in creating heroes or villains. This happened because there was no system to monitor and verify the news aired by the Western media. Due to the lack of checks and balance there emerged the only superpower in the world allowing it to practice its own propagandist policies. However, this perception changed after the emergence of satellite channels in Pakistan and India, which are watched by millions across the world. She said the satellite channels in Pakistan played a very positive role and proved that no power could stop the truth reaching through the transmission of news to the people. “The best example was the imposition of emergency and the role of the media in Pakistan, recently,” she said. Sameera said the media with its resources has the responsibility to reveal to the people what is true and right. The media could be a tool in highlighting the events in their right perspective and stop any indecency from being watched by the society. The media organizations should create awareness about the good and bad and air decent programs that the entire family could watch together, she said. __
