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An exclusive session with Sashi Kumar at Krithi International Literature fest

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Media personality Sashi Kumar gave his  opinion to FWD Media about developing the right journalistic attitude and how to speak truth to power at Krithi International Festival of Books and Authors 

Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran

Photographs by: krithilitfest.com

Sashi Kumar’s session at Krithi International Festival of Books and Authors was an enlightening experience. Sashi is a powerful media personality from Kerala, was the founder of India’s first regional satellite TV channel Asianet, he was the first West Asia correspondent of The Hindu in the mid-eighties, has acted in Malayalam movies, written extensively on Media, cinema and, culture and currently the chairman of Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. Sashi spoke about the history of journalism, the news media, public interest, and market paradigm. He gave an interesting insight into the emergence of the public sphere around the 1600s which heralded the early beginnings of journalism. The factors that determined the emergence of a public sphere were many: capitalism was moving to the new realm, industrialization, and technology were emerging and The Gutenberg revolution had already happened. Religious transformations were happening (the church was challenged for the first time) and many more reasons that created the initial impetus.

He explained how there was a desperation in the world to speak out against the system, rather than blindly following it. He elaborated on how ‘penny posts’ system began in the United States, providing a way to transfer messages across long distances, just for a penny (the reach was established). It played a key role in the struggle for independence in the United States. Also, The journalistic reforms happening in the US were the counter to the draconian steps taken by the British to suppress journalism.

He also spoke about Karl Marx being a fantastic journalist in spite of being a world-famous economist and philosopher. Marx was a European correspondent for the New York Tribune from 1851 to 1862 where he contributed close to 500 articles and editorials. He ranged over the whole political universe, analyzing social movements and agitations from India and China to Britain and Spain.

Even in India during the time of the Emergency, the news media played a crucial role, by going against the diktat of Indira Gandhi. It was Ramnath Goenka from The Indian Express who stood against her. Goenka’s Indian Express was the only newspaper that covered the atrocities by Congress in the name of Emergency.

Sashi Kumar went on to highlight the present times we live in where the news media in India is based on business and ratings, with lots of gimmick and commerciality and less of information and truth. He emphasized the need to change the face of journalism in India, which is ruled by corporates and political parties, and for the urgent need of freedom and protection of journalists. He signed off with a message for journalists by reading out a verse from the Bible, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his? savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.”- Mathew 5:13.

The news media is silenced when they talk truth to power. How do you think we can challenge these powerful forces and what would be the right technique to deal with them?

One suggestion could be, to bring journalism under a  specific provision act by amending in the constitution, like it was done United States Of America. So it becomes a constitutional right, but even that will not help when street mob’s are in the picture.  So there should be a greater association of the public with journalism. Nowadays, the people with power are able to pull down the news media because the public is also skeptical about journalists and journalism. Especially when we are going through a fascist time like now, this is certainly a vulnerability that journalists will have to go through, they have to be really careful and the state must really protect them because if there are no journalists then there is no democracy.

One quote that you would like to say to sum it all?

I think journalism must be all about change, creating a change in the society, because information without transformation is sheer gossip. We have to examine how much of our media is pure gossip and how much of it is information that is meaningful to our lives.

What advice would you like to give aspiring journalists?

I think aspiring journalists have to rethink the role of journalism – the practice of journalism, new forms of journalism; they have to reimagine journalism, because the journalism that we have practiced for centuries, is suddenly looking fatigued and maybe even irrelevant to our times. Journalism is becoming a part of the problem and not the solution. So journalists should think of ways where journalism can become the solution to what we are facing rather than adding to the problems we are facing.   

 

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Events

The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

 

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Events

Love in Simplicity: Aditi and Siddharth’s Ethereal Wedding Day

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When celebrities tie the knot, their weddings are often surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement. Strict ‘no-photo’ policies, tight security, and exclusive press appearances keep much of the event under wraps, but fans always sense when something special is happening. So when we scrolled through Instagram today and stumbled upon the wedding photos of actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, it was a delightful surprise that instantly brought a smile to our faces. Yes, the lovebirds have officially tied the knot, and their dreamy wedding pictures look like something straight out of a fairytale.

The most endearing aspect of Aditi and Siddharth’s wedding is the sheer simplicity that radiates an overwhelming sense of serenity and grace. The bride and groom looked ethereal as they exchanged vows in the presence of their closest loved ones. The pure joy on their faces is simply contagious, making their day of love all the more heartwarming.

Aditi looks breathtakingly beautiful as a bride in her beige Sabyasachi saree, adorned with traditional gold jewelry that perfectly complements the intricate border of her wedding attire. Her handsome groom, Siddharth, keeps it classic in a white kurta pajama. The love between them is undeniable, and seeing the way Siddharth gazes at Aditi will make you wish for someone who looks at you with the same adoration.

We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds! Here’s to wishing Mrs. and Mr. Adu-Siddhu a lifetime filled with love, joy, and endless happiness.

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Events

The VMA 2024 Red Carpet Looks

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The MTV Video Music Awards red carpet may not have the prestige of events like the Oscars or Cannes, but it has always delivered its own brand of unforgettable fashion drama. For decades, the VMAs have been a playground for bold and daring celebrity looks. Calling the event’s style “unconventional” is putting it mildly, as the red carpet has famously seen everything from sequin nipple pasties to dresses made entirely of meat.

This year was no exception, with stars stepping out in their most provocative ensembles. The 2024 VMAs red carpet featured standout moments like Chappell Roan in custom Y/Project, Anitta in custom Dolce & Gabbana, and Lisa in vintage Mugler. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite fashion moments from the night.

Sabrina Carpenter in archival Bob Mackie and De Beers


Chappell Roan in Y/Project

Taylor Swift in Christian Dior, Stuart Weitzman, and Lorraine Schwartz

Tyla in Area

Megan Thee Stallion

Camila Cabello

Alessandra Ambrosio

Lil Nas X

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

Tate McRae

The Kid Laroi

Tinashe in Rick Owens

Addison Rae in Miss Claire Sullvian

Margaret Qualley in Chanel and Jack Antonoff

Shawn Mendes

Suki Waterhouse in Dolce & Gabbana

Nicky Rothschild

Paris Hilton

Halle Bailey

Halsey

Anitta

Alejandra Espinoza

Le Sserafim

Laura Whitmore

DJ Khaled

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