An Enterpreneur and Fashion designer from Assam helping weavers and artisans to become economically self-reliant

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer Sheikh Moidun Nilufar shares her journey of success with pincaster Ruhi Mali

There is a saying "Women empowerment isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world see's that strength". And exactly this is how Nilufar sees her life and also encourage others do the same. She working as a fashion, textile, cluster and Empanel designer,  Entrepreneur and Business owner of weave India. Awarded as best women entrepreneur. Helping at least 25 weavers and 50 artisans to become financially independent.

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My Mom has always been an inspiration for me. She kept supporting me, She never hold me back. Instead we're working together. My family is very much outward  they never told  me to stop anywhere. My husband is also very supportive. He keeps on encouraging me also we work together. He came along with me wherever I went for my work. 

Nowadays society is accepting working women more than earlier and in today's world almost every women are working. Being a girl from Muslim community, I was the first girl of my family to go out and start business. But now my younger sisters also following the same footstep. Many years ago, when I started my career as a fashion designer I had never imagined that I would have a leadership role in this profession. It was really challenging for me. Financially I was not that much advanced. I had to work very hard to get job. In Village area it's quite difficult to get fund. I worked hard  but was getting minimum amount. 

Usually my work revolves round fashion designing and textile designing. There are two parts in fashion, one is going to the stage and work with models, ramping up and be into the fashion world. But I haven't chosen that. I chose to work and unclip my wings in village. But what I find difficult is that to get good artisans in villages. So I had worked with many departments to search good artisans. In search of good artisans and labors I have struggled out a lot. 

Nowadays women are more progressive .  Some women might have religious problem. In spite of that they are  working, and also they're taking steps to earn money. Previously women were dependent on their husbands  but now very less women are dependent on their husbands if the husband is doing good job then also wife is still working. Not only like jobs & their own business, they're living their passion actually. I feel glad as Weave India has been awarded by the hon. finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman. I never thought that it will be awarded under the entrepreneurship program . Smriti Irani madam has also been very supportive for us, recently she had  to Assam in last week and has inspired many women entrepreneurs, so I feel very proud for that. 

I am happy that artisans who work with me in my business are able to earn their livelihood even in this pandemic situation.  During lockdown, business was fully shut down and it was very difficult to make both ends meet. In spite of such situation I was able to pay my artisans and weavers so that they could feed their family. I feel like this is a great achievement for me. 

Our society needs to go ahead a long, as still there are few narrow minded conservative people who still think that women should stay at home. They should change their primitive mindset. I always ask people to come forward. As a women, fashion designing is not as difficult as people think. If women want then they could easily start their business. We women are always fond of clothes. If you are able to make some designer outfits by staying at  home , then you can earn money easily and you don't need to wait for someone to hold up your business. So I think more girls should come forward for designing training or course and take this to another level as a business for entrepreneurship. 

Do you like our story / Want to share some stories with us then write to us at

bongjournal.info@gmail.com

An Educationist and her Exceptional Contribution in Pedagogical Innovation

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women

Educator REETIKA BHANDARI shares her journey of success with Sreeja Ghosh

Plenty of women opt to study STEM. But research shows only a moderate numbers of women carry their career in Science and Technology, particularly in India. REETIKA BHANDARI not only successfully carry forward her career in science but also successfully simplify the subject like chemistry through creative form which was accepted worldwide.

HOD CHEMISTRY GHPS NEW DELHI and a resource person with CBSE COE. Recipient of Best Education Outreach 2021 Asia Pacific Excellence Award, Mentor of the year award and Guru Vashisth utkrust samman with 23 years of experience in the field of education with diverse experience and strong track record fostering child centred curriculum and student creativity. REETIKA BHANDARI trained almost 5000 teachers on various tools and strategies and got a very positive response. She is a raconteur and podcast creator who believes in integrative, cross culture with inquisitive approach by conducting workshops, webinars and teacher trainings on topics like experiential learning, Art Integration, Dramatics in teaching, Chemistry teaching strategies and many more.  She also pen down with reputed publications for science books

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When I came to Delhi it was not easy finding job as most of the schools wanted experienced teachers for teaching higher classes and I was too young for that. The working atmosphere in Delhi schools was different from Dehradun which was a very small town at that time and Delhi schools preferred people from Delhi university.

I was new to place and after  birth of my son it was more difficult to pursue job as I had a lot of family responsibilities, but I did not give up. I had an opportunity to serve in one of the best schools and I proved that hard work and dedication can help you in achieving your goals by keeping a balance with family life. It was a struggling time for me and my husband as we were on Rental house, small kid and professional growth without  support of family members. I tried to give my best to my students and son and I hope I achieved it.

Academic life before pursuing diploma in human rights.

I did my post graduation in organic chemistry in year 1996 and BEd in year 1998. After I started with my job  I kept attending teacher trainings to improve my skills. I got certified by HELGA RODD FOUNDATION UK and was selected as a mentor.

Inspite of being a science student why did you opt for HUMAN RIGHTS .How did it complement my career?

On 10 December 2018 I attended   70 th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights at India International centre. It was really wonderful hearing ambassadors from different countries talking about Human rights and I realized that so many people in this world are deprived of basic rights specially women. I really wanted to understand the subject to make myself and my students aware so that we can bring a change.

And now when NEP says no silos between sciences and humanities , I think I would be an asset to my organization.

In future I  like to get associated with some NGO so that I can work in this field for betterment of society.

Pedagogical innovations in chemistry

I always try to simplify my subject so that my students enjoy them. Students love stories and hands on activities which they can easily correlate with the real life scenarios. I try teaching through dramatics and storytelling. Songs and poetry children enjoy in learning science.

I have my podcast on Spotify and other platform called CHEMISTRY STORIES  where I keep sending difficult topics as stories and this has a wonderful response not only in India but I have reached so many countries across the globe.

Contribution to society in Covid 19

During COVID 19 the most challenging part for teachers was technology and teaching strategies. I too was not tech savvy and knew a very little but I did not give up. I joined many online sessions and took help of my son  to become better at tech part. I did a lot of certifications.

Meanwhile I arranged lot of online sessions for teachers who needed help on topics like art integration, stress management ,experiential learning, story telling and dramatics as with advent of NEP2020 and CBSC circulars teachers required a lot of guidance in all these teaching strategies. I trained almost 5000 teachers on various tools and strategies and got a very positive response

Women's Day Message To QTV LIVE

Pamper your feet with Deyga Mini Foot Spa Combo

Have you ever thought that which part of our body do we neglect most? When it comes to pampering ourselves we spend a huge amount of money on our face, hands, and hair. But what about those parts on which our body holds the whole balance. What about those beautiful feet with which we walk towards our dream?  Yes, the most ignored part of our body, happens to be our feet. Heel fissures, dry and rough skin, and exfoliation of skin are very common problems which people generally neglect. As a consequence we feel pain and sometimes heel cracks may get infected. But it could be avoided if we follow a few simple tricks from the very beginning of the problems. Scrubbing and moisturising are the two steps which could simply save our feet making it look perfect. 

Scrubber and moisturizer are easily available in the market. But can we use them? Are they safe? Are they chemical free? These are some common questions which may arise in our mind. So most of us are now moving towards organic products. Keeping these questions in mind Deyga organic designed it's products with all natural ingredients. 

Deyga has huge range of organic products among which they send me mini foot spa combo ie. Deyga Foot Scrub and Deyga foot butter. The two most essential products to keep your feet healthy and Beautiful. 

Deyga foot scrub and foot spa arrives in a simple round shaped container. The foot spa was well cover with silver foil to protect from light and contamination. 

Experience with Deyga Foot Scrub

The best foot Scrub I have used till now. Why? I have dry skin. Most scrubbers that I used generally make my skin get more dry. But to my surprise, Deyga foot Scrub makes my skin soft, supple, fresh and moisturized from the very first use. My skin can easily skip the moisturizer. I used a scoop of Deyga foot scrub which gently removes the dead skin, the clear skin. It feels buttery smooth with a fresh aroma of mint. My feet feel refreshed throughout the day. I used a scoop of Deyga foot scrub which gently removes the dead skin, unveiling the clear skin. It feels buttery smooth with a fresh aroma of mint. My feet feel refreshed throughout the day. 

Features

The Scrubber is mint green in colour with course granules.

Experience with Deyga Foot Butter

Deyga foot butter did wonder on my feet. This foot butter works excellent on my dry cracked feet. It melts easily and gets absorbed thoroughly on my skin. It has a good combination of Beeswax and virgin coconut oil. Together it repairs and soothes and softens rough skin. I generally used it during the night and woke up with rejuvenated and refreshed skin. It also has extra virgin olive oil. As we know extra virgin olive oil works as an anti-inflammatory and revives skin health. It also has the goodness of Vitamin E and essential oil. Another thing is that any age group can apply this Deyga Foot Butter on their skin. I applied the same on my five years old daughter as well as on my sixty years old mother's skin and the outcome is really admirable. 

Features

Feel like silk when touched and pale yellowish in colour. What I love most is it's aromatic fragrance which lingers for a long time

How I Applied Mini Deyga Foot Spa Combo

To get the best result I generally used it at night. First wash feet with lukewarm water. Take two scoops of foot scrub and massage gently for 3 minutes. You will get a relaxed sensation. Washout with tepid water. Then apply the necessary amount of foot butter. Massage and calm your feet. Woke up with a smooth and supple skin. 

Society still can't accept women in uniform : Lieutenant(Dr.) Biva

Women are like the sky. Limitless and endless. Their sacrifice, contributions are infinite. They are indestructible and never let the star inside them to dim even in the toughest war. This month. Bongjournal / qtvlive is celebrating International women's day by   unveiling inspiring stories of those remarkable women

Lieutenant(Dr.) Biva Samadder shared her experience with Sreeja Ghosh

"Two stars on my shoulder are better than millions in the sky”  -  This is what she believes in. Lieutenant(Dr.) Biva Samadder ,(Phd, Gold medalist)  working as Lecturer and former head of the Department in Sociology and  Associate NCC officer in Surendranath College under 2 Bengal NCC Bn. After the three months hard work and rigorous Para Military training of PRCN course for Associate NCC officer in Officer’s Training Academy, Gwalior, now Biva Samaddar is posted as Lieutenant (Associate NCC officer) with a glorious result (Alfa Grading) and received two stars on shoulders (class one Gazetted   officer).

In our patriarchal society, there is a common thinking that defence and politics are not meant for women. However, we also have so many examples of women in power, like our former president Pratibha Patel, our present CM Mamata Banerjee and many more who have made a spectacular triumph in their journey of politics. We speak about Indian Air force officer Gunjan Saxena, but still find it difficult to accept the uniform even in the 21st century. I have found many,  particularly women staring at my uniform as if I am wearing something weird. It's very clear that gender discrimination is still prevalent, in the society. I get all my support from my husband. There is a thought that life gets marginalised once a girl gets married. But for me it got enriched. I completed my PhD. (Doctorate) after marriage. I got my job as a professor in college after marriage. 

I have had a deep respect for the uniform since I started my journey as an NCC cadet. I always wanted to be a part of it. But after getting a job in  college, I had to shift my career to an academic stream. But there is a saying where there is a will there is a way. I came to know that returning to the uniform services is not that difficult if I achieve the position of NCC officer. I thank the principal of my college Dr Indranil Kar who also had a background of Sainik school for becoming so supportive. There are generally two divisions ie, senior division for boys and senior wings for girls. I was told to take the initiative. It was me who had the enterprise for mixed battalion and successfully opened NCC unit in my college after getting the affiliation in 2016. 

Unity and discipline is the aphorism of the NCC. That's why I have always insisted on seeing a greater number of women joining NCC. The basic paramilitary training could develop a discipline and leadership quality which actually will help them to overcome any difficult situation and to uplift themselves. My greatest achievement till now is when more girls insisted on joining NCC after seeing me in such a honorary position. I feel so proud when they say "after seeing you in uniform, we get a lot of courage to build our career as an officer like you. Before gaining the rank of class 1 gazetted officer I worked as caretaker officer. During those days participation of women are much less. But participation increased when I completed course work, put on my uniform and started giving training in artillery and weapon, taught them how to hold Point 22 Rifle and many more. 

I still remember those days when I had to go through a rigorous training for three months at OTA Gwalior, away from my family. We don't have permission to even put any photos of our family. We even forget that we are women. We had to go through the toughest training as men. I find it so difficult to cope with all these that I made up my mind to come back after 15 days. But it was my son who insisted me to stay back and complete the whole training. Even my mother doubted my physical strength. I had never been through it, so she told me I am like 'sonar putul' (Golden Doll) and there is no need to go for the training there, as I have a steady job and a married life to look ahead to. At that time, I got immense support from my husband and in-laws. My son was my greatest strength who made all the sacrifices. He had dengue during the training. But no one informed me so that I could complete the paramilitary training. All my family took care of my son. I must say men are more supportive than women. On the other hand, I have found other female members of my in-law's house and even neighbors find it difficult to accept the concept of equality. 

I always emphasise every youth should be joining NCC . In many situations we women find ourselves infirm. But this is not true. If we are doggedly determined to do something we will overcome all obstacles. Our government is encouraging courageous women to participate in the defense Forces and they are also considered for higher ranks in tandem with their men colleagues.

The famous Bollywood lyricist Sandeep Nath shares his precious memory with Lata Didi

 From Saawariya, "Fashion ka hain ye jalwa" to "sun raha hain na tu " from Ashiqui 2, the lists are inexhaustive, but that one song which was penned down by eminent lyricist Sandeep Nath for the movie 'Page3' has always been close to his heart. The lyrics was loved by his beloved Lata Didi and she agreed to lend her voice for "kitne ajeeb rishtey". Sandeep Nath commemorates Lata Mangeshkar while talking with Bongjournal from Mumbai. 

I still remember how I met Lata Didi for the first time, this was in the year 2004, when it has been three to four years since I came to Mumbai and I had written the songs for many films. One day of my friend Sameer Tandon, called me and asked to come in JW Marriot at Juhu. When I reached there, Madhur Bhandarkar a famous Director was sitting with Sameerji and he introduced me to Madhurji. He said that they were planning to make a film called Page 3. So, he wanted a lyricist who had a little knowledge of journalism because page 3 heroine Konkona Sen Sharma was in the role of a journalist in that film and I suited having a lot of journalism experience before coming to Mumbai. We then had a rough script session as he told the story of the film. 

On one hand I was very happy that I have got a film and on the other hand I was worried about how should I write so that Madhur Bhandarkar would like it and the biggest point for me was that the if the theme song is good then Lata Didi will agree to render her golden voice. I couldn't sleep the whole night and kept thinking a lot about the story of the film which he narrated me. I prepared some lines and called Shamir Tandon and he said if you have written something, then come in the evening, we'll sit together and discuss. Shamir Tandon recorded the song. Then we called Madhurji came in the evening, we discussed the final song based on the draft. He called Lata Didi’s office we got in touch after 2 to 3 days with her manager Mr Deshpande. Her manager said that Lata Didi was singing only rarely then because she chose the songs based on good lyrics only. So that was the biggest challenge for me. 

So Madhur ji put all the responsibility on me to write it in such a way that Lata Didi would like it. I wrote the song and everyone liked it so it was sent to Lata Didi for demo. After 10 days we got a call from Lata Didi's manager and we were thrilled to hear she liked the song and Didi assured to sing the song. Few days after we again received the call that Lata Didi wants to meet us. The next day Madhur Bhandarkar, Shameer Tandon and I went to Lata Didi’s house we were humbled by the warm greetings by none other than Lata Didi in her drawing room, where we touched her feet for blessings. She was Ma Saraswati incarnate, while she was speaking, I felt like her voice smelling of sugar candy.

I still remember we had a meeting with her for 40 to 45 minutes. She was such a sweet person. Made us not only feel at home, but never let me feel that I was a newbie to the industry. She was such a great artist at the pinnacle of her career, having sung more than 30,000 songs and then she having received the highest honor of India, the Bharat Ratna at that time, moreover, she was also a member of Rajya Sabha at that time. yet so down to earth. 

She bought poha and upma for us. we talked and she cracked jokes related to music for an hour.Sometimes she called me Kaviji with love. Lata Didi appreciated my work and said you should have come early in the industry. According to her lyrics nowadays are not at all impressive. She suggested me to take the challenge of penning down good lyrics. Those words of her are forever a blessing for me. 

And then the final day came.  I remember, it was 26 June 2004 Didi recorded the song "kitne ajeeb rishtey" at the age of 75 and another everlasting song was made. While memorising of the day Sandeep Nath said – “on that day we touched her feet. She blessed us and went inside the recording room and the magic was made. Before recording Latadidi asked me "keya soch ke ye gaana likha. Maan me keya chal raha tha?"

She also asked Shameer Tandon about his thought on the music composition. This was an example of a great artist. She wanted her voice to sync with not only the lyrics but also the composition.

On 21st January 2005 the film Page 3 was released.  People liked the film so much that the film won National award. And the song was so famous that it became a landmark for me and Shameer Tandon. We all got so much respect in the industry and the whole credit goes to Lata Didi for whose voice this song a history. When in an interview Lata Didi was asked about her best songs she mentioned the legendary songs and also mentioned " kitne Ajeeb rishte Hain yaha pe". What a proud moment for me, as a lifetime award. 

You just see She lend her voice for Tanuja ji as well as kajol. Again, for Sharmila Tagore as well as her daughter Soha Ali Khan. Among so many eminent singers who came in the industry but no one could ever take her place. That's why she was called "Sur Samraggi". Unki bektitya aisi thi ke ek aam aadmi se lekar Pradhanmantri ke aankhen naam hain. Sare Bharatbarsh se juri huyi thi".

When I suddenly heard about her death I was left in shock.  On the next day of Vasant Panchami, Saraswati puja Lataji left us. Physically she may not be with us but her work, personality, her blessings will always remain with us and will show path to the future forever. 

Interviewed by Ruhi Mali

Market witnessing good amount of business prior Saraswati Puja this year

We have witnessed drastic fall in the sale forth saraswati pujo last year. But this year is little better than previous year. Atleast we can see little increase in the purchase of idol this year. As said by idolseller Bapi. 

Another shopkeeper at 8b bazaar in Jadavpur Kolkata said this year selling of puja material has increased. It is natural because those idol makers who sold five idol last year has sold at least nine idol this year. Hope rain just before the day of Saraswati puja wouldn't destroy excitement of the worshipper. As that may effect the business. 

Bong Journal also witnessed much excitement of the worshipper in the local market two days prior Saraswati Puja

Bengal is all set to welcome Goddess Durga

The countdown to the biggest festival of Bengal has begun. The homecoming of Goddess Durga and beginning of devipokhho has been  celebrated  on Mahalaya.

Last minute preparation is going on Shiv mandir puja pandal. This year they put forward corona as theme

The last minute preparation is going on in one of the pandal of South Kolkata

Pic Courtesy - Subhrodeep Roy

First E-commerce Marketplace which Enlists Creative Artists, Entrepreneurs & Local Artisans for 24x7x365 Online Fair

This 15th August 2021, www.boutiqart.org, a unique marketplace from Kolkata has started their registration of Boutiques, Artists, Craftsmen, and all Creative Vendors and PIN Partners for listing talents along with unique products and services.No e-commerce platform before offered so much freedom for buyers & sellers to meet online just as they would interact in a fete, exhibition or any flea market (Mela). Boutiqart.org offers the scope for all creative vendors, artists and entrepreneurs to showcase not only their products and service but get PIN based listing with a profile for specific creative category. 

In most of the existing e-commerce portals and online marketplace the makers and creators behind a creative brand of garments, handicraft, fashion, wellness, home decor or design accessory or any innovative items are always kept hidden from the customers. Most e-vendors and online sellers reap hefty profit margins by sourcing items from local and authentic makers and enjoy the exclusivity of talented creators behind their ethnic and unique wares. Boutiqart seeks to bring the resellers, retailers, and boutiques along with the wholesalers, manufacturers and craftsman in a virtual 24 x 7 x 365 Mela for creative commerce from local to global.

Due to the pandemic times, the physical sales from mela, fairs and flea markets have touched the all-time low and the artisans, weavers, art & craft dealers and all types of handicraft oriented sellers are looking for alternatives, however, they are not technologically equipped nor adept in marketing their niche items. The e-commerce giants and popular ethnic store brands are sourcing from the real talents whereas they are denied the scope of meeting the customers and thereby has to remain satisfied with whatever bargain they could make. Boutiqart here seeks to even sponsor the talented craftsmen and creative genius from the remotest parts and not only support them with global marketing but makes them known to the end-users.

Boutiqart is currently looking for young, energetic social entrepreneurs and art connoisseurs to become PIN partners in all districts, towns and cities to help such creative talents enlisted and get the benefit of the creative commerce network.

 

Boutiqart is being partnered by a Digital Media Platform "Quarantimetv.com (QTV LIVE)"for assisting the creative vendors to perform LIVE Sales in social media like facebook, youtube and instagram through a branded multi-streaming of demonstrations directly from the vendor stores, shops, home, studio and the best part is, buyers can click to get bulk and custom orders and service contracts as the LIVEs are linked to the boutiqart e-commerce profile stores of creative members.

Already fashion designer, Nilufar Ahmed ( Assam government empanelled fashion entrepreneur of Weave India ) speaks of reaching out to the vast creative artists and traditional craftsmen of not only Guwahati, but of the whole north-east to bring them under the creative network of boutiqart. A kolkta based marketing agency "Reflancer.com" has also been employed to source the creative pool of talents for boutiqart listing. It is estimated that by the middle of year 2023 Boutiqart will be open for all individual and corporate customers to not only order customized services but also get to know about the real artists behind the show, who are always kept behind the curtains when the big creative retailers only share the center stage. 

Boutiqart with time are also aspiring to showcase all local and global events, exhibitions and fetes, provide franchisee support to creative startups, even support the training and passing on the rare skills and tradition of one generation to another by propagating their story to the world.

South Kolkata School opts For e-platform To Celebrate Teacher's Day 2021

 

Sreeja Ghosh Sur

A reputed School from South Kolkata chose the digital media to celebrate teacher’s day on their social pages through multicast platform. Bal Nilaya Academy on the occasion of teacher’s day, showcased the performance of it’s students through QuarantimeTV (QTV Live) as a media partner. 

The event started with introductory speech of school principal Anusree Basu. Due to the Covid situation it is not possible to arrange any physical event so the virtual media was the only option, in the form of school’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. All the students could pay their tribute to the teachers through their performance. A video collage with dance, poem, DIY art, greetings card and spontaneous messages from children made the day for the teachers. The unanimous participation of the parents made the event successful as the Principal had planned to surprise her teachers on the occasion. The dynamic leadership of the principal has brought the parents community to a consensus of several activities to get the students interact and collaborate in the trying times of home confinement in this pandemic.

Over the time Qtv Live has organized several  webinars on child’s mental health, school online admission and online live contests (eg. "Amra Korbo Joy") like singing, recitation, dance for children where participants from all over the world took part.

QTV Live since the pandemic times has been conducting several e-sessions on National Education Policy (NEP) in collaboration with Ail India Educators Forum (AIEF) where educationists, policy makers, Technology experts, Principals of premiere institutions and co- curricular trainers are imparting valuable advice and information for the students at home. Qtv in collaboration with schoolfromhome platform are organizing online workshops, e-certifications for teachers in Google Education Program (GEP) to equip the future teachers with the digital tools and online pedagogical training.

GLIMPSES OF STUDENTS PERFORMANCE

এক অনামি সাংবাদিকের কথা

এত ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ কাজ কে করতে বলেছে? নিউজ চ্যানেলগুলোর কি আক্কেল বাবা ! জুনিয়র সাংবাদিকদের এভাবে কেউ প্রবল ঘূর্ণিঝড়ের মধ্যেই ঠেলে দেয়? পেটের দায়ে বাধ্য হয়ে বেচারাদের ছুটতে হচ্ছে। ইয়াস আছড়ে পড়ার পর থেকেই এই ধরনের উক্তি ঘুরপাক খাচ্ছে সোশ্যাল মিডিয়াতে। সাধারণ মানুষ, তাদের আর কতটুকুই বা ধারণা এই মিডিয়া হাউসগুলো সম্পর্কে। সত্যি তো। চিকিৎসা জগতের হাল হকিকত না জেনেই আমরা অনেক সময়  চিকিৎসক বা  সাস্থর্মীদের অহেতুক হেনস্থা করে ফেলি। কেই বা আর জনে জনে সাধারণ মানুষকে বোঝাতে যায়।  এই রকম সাত পাঁচ ভেবেই আর কোনো উত্তর দেবার প্রয়োজন মনে করিনি।

কিন্তু চোখ আটকে গেলো  বর্তমানের এক স্বনামধন্য সাহিত্যিকের এই বিষয় কমেন্টস দেখে।  ওনার মতে প্রতিযোগিতায়ে টিকে থাকতে জুনিয়র দের বাধ্য করা হচ্ছে জীবন বিপন্ন করে এই দুর্ভোগ কোনো মাথায় নিয়ে রিপোর্টিং করছে। পুঙ্খানুপুঙ্খ কে জানতে চেয়েছেন? মানুষ হিসেবে আপনার এমন উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করাটাই স্বাভাবিক। সেই প্রসঙ্গ টেনেই বলছি, সত্যিই কি প্রতিযোগীতা। আমি এক অনামি ক্ষুদ্র সাংবাদিক হিসেবেই বলছি। প্রতিযোগিতা নিশ্চয়ই রয়েছ কিন্তু সেই প্রতিযোগিতায় কোথাও কিন্তু জোর খাটানোর বিষয়ে নেই। এই সংবাদ জগতে পা দেবার সঙ্গে সঙ্গেই কিন্তু গণতন্ত্রের চতুর্থ স্তম্ভের ধ্বজা ওড়াতে আসা সেই ছেলে বা মেয়েটি জেনে যায় যে এই পেশার সঙ্গে কোনোদিন আপোষ করা যায়না। প্রথমে উপভোগ তারপর নেশা হয়ে দাঁড়ায়। 

২০১১ , মনে আছে, তখন আমি নিউজ বাংলা খবরের কাগজে সাংবাদিক হয়ে সদ্য কাজ শুরু করেছি। সারা বছরে মাত্র চারটি পাবলিক হলিডে বরাদ্দ আমাদের প্রিন্ট মিডিয়ার কর্মীদের জন্য। সপ্তাহে একটি করে week off। জুনিয়রদের জন্য সেটিও থাকতনা অনেক সময়। পুজো এলো, যথারীতি কোনো ছুটি নেই আমাদের। আমাদের চিফ রিপোর্টার দায়িত্ব ভাগ করে দিলেন যে কে কোন আঙ্গেল থেকে খবর করবো। আমার দায়িত্ব ছিল কোন পুজোতে কত ভিড় তা জানা এবং জেলাগুলো থেকে পুজোর হালহকিকত। তখন আমরা যারা সদ্য তারুণ্যের সিড়িতে দাঁড়িয়ে রয়েছি তাদের জন্য বন্ধুদের সঙ্গে প্যান্ডেল hopping বা পাড়ার পুজোর জন্য এক আমোঘ টান থাকাটাই স্বাভাবিক। কিন্তু ওই যে বললাম উপভোগ যে কখন নেশায় পরিণত হয়েছে বুঝিনি। অষ্টমীর রাত আটটা তখন। নিউজ বাংলার সম্পাদক অনুপ ধর বলে দিয়েছিলেন যে পুজোর দিনে যেন জুনিয়রদের বিকেল বিকেল ছেড়ে দেওয়া হয়। অবশেষে  আমি, আর এক সহকর্মী শাবানা আর শুভ্র অর্থাৎ এখনকার এই সময়  ও Times of india  সংবাদপত্রের ফটো জার্নালিস্ট শুভ্রদীপ রায় যখন বেশ কয়েকটা  পুজো সম্পর্কিত স্টোরি নিয়ে অফিসে ঢুকলাম তখনই আমাদের Joint editor আমাদের দেখে লাফিয়ে উঠে বললেন  ‘একি এরা এখানে কি করছে। আজ তো পুজো। তোমাদের কি বাড়ি যেতেও ইচ্ছে করছেনা ?’ পাশ থেকে আর এক সিনিয়র রিপোর্টার আমাদের joint editor কে বলে উঠলেন ‘ বুঝছনা কোনো। এই তো ওদের নেশার শুরু”।

কোন গহন অন্ধকারে গিয়ে কোন আলোর সন্ধান পাওয়া যায় এটাই এক সাংবাদিকের কাছে বড় চ্যালেঞ্জ। তা সে যা বলছিলাম। আবার ফিরে যাই সেই লেখিকার কথায়। ওনার লেখার আমি কদর করি। দু একটি বইও পড়ার সুযোগ হয়েছে। কলমে ওনার আগুন রয়েছে। কল্পনা ও বাস্তবের মিশেলে নানান উপন্যাস ও গল্প উনি পাঠকদের উপহার দিয়েছেন। ওনার সঙ্গে ফোনেও দু একবার কথা হয়েছে। Quarantimetv Live চ্যানেলেও উনি আমাদের এক আলোচনা সভার নিমন্ত্রণ গ্রহণ করেছিলেন। সেই সুবাদে জানি যে ওনার লেখাকেও বহুবার কাঠগড়ার সম্মুখীন হতে হয়েছে। জয়ী হয়েছেন সেটাও ঠিক। এরাজ্যে লেখকদের অর্থনৈতিক দিকটা কতখানি চেপে রাখা হয় তাও অনেকের অজানা নয়। সে যাই হোক আমার বলার বিষয়ে হলো উনি নিশ্চয়ই তাতে লেখা ছেড়ে দেননি? বা কারোর সঙ্গে প্রতিযোগিতায়ে সামিল হতে লিখছেন কি? লেখক বা লেখিকার মানসপট দিয়েই সাধারণ পাঠকরা সামাজিক প্রেক্ষাপটের ছবি দেখতে পান। এবার সাংবাদিকদের নিয়ে ট্রোল বা উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ নিয়ে লেখাটা আমার মূল উদ্দেশ্য নয়। আমি এক অতি সাদামাটা সাংবাদিক। বেশ কিছু সময় এই সাংবাদিকতার জীবনকে সামনাসামনি দেখেছি বা দেখছি। তা থেকেই কিছু টুকরো অভিজ্ঞতাকে তুলে ধরাটাই উদ্দেশ্য। 

মানুষের জানার আধিকার এবং গণমাধ্যমের দ্বারা সঠিক তথ্যের মাধ্যমে সমাজকে সচেতন করার দায়বদ্ধতা থেকেই কিন্তু প্রতিনিয়ত কাজ করছেন সাংবাদিকরা। সাধারণ মানুষের চাওয়া পাওয়া ও আকাঙ্খা নিয়ে সংবাদ পেশ করাটাই একমাত্র কাম্য এই মহান পেশার। সেখানে লক্ষভ্রষ্ট হলে প্রশ্ন উঠবেই। তবুও মানুষ কিন্তু এই গণমাধ্যমেই বিশ্বাসি। 

একটি ঘটনা বলি। ২০১১ সাল। হঠাৎই জানতে পারলাম একটি নামকরা Open University তে কোনো এক ডিপার্টমেন্ট- এর (এখন আর মনে নেই কোন ডিপার্টমেন্ট)  রেজাল্ট আউট নিয়ে ব্যাপক ঝামেলা চলছে। বিক্ষোভ শুরু হয়েছে। আমি আর পার্থদা অর্থাৎ এখনকার আর এক অতিপিরিচিত লেখক পার্থসারথী গুহ গেলাম সেখানে। দেখলাম বেশ ভিড়। কিছু ছাত্র ভেতরে ঢুকে বিক্ষোভ দেখাচ্ছে। কিছু পুলিশ বাহিনী রয়েছে। অন্য কয়েকটি চ্যানেলের সাংবাদিকরাও রয়েছেন। আমাদের দেখেই হন্তদন্ত হয়ে এগিয়ে এলেন এক ছাত্র। তার কাছে বিষয় বস্তু শুনে বোঝা গেল গোলমাল করেছে ইউনিভার্সিটির প্রশাসন বিভাগ অথচ তারা ছাত্রদের সঙ্গে কথা বলতেও নারাজ। এদিকে পুলিশ রয়েছে। সাংবাদিকরাও কোনোভাবে পৌঁছতে পারছেনা প্রশাসনের কাছে। এবার সেই ছাত্রটি হঠাৎই আমার সামনে হাত জোড় করে মিনতি করল। দিদি পারলে আপনারাই পারেন এই বিষয়টি সামনে আনতে। আপনাদের ছাড়া এই সমস্যা আর কাকেই বা বলবো। ব্যাস। এতখানি যখন মানুষ ভরসা করছে তখন তো আর কয়েকটা বাইট নিয়ে ফিরে আসা যায়না।

অবশেষে কয়েকজন ছাত্রদের কথা বলতে ডাকল কতৃপক্ষ। অথচ পুলিশ সাংবাদিকদের আটকাচ্ছে। অথচ আমারও চাই সঠিক খবরটা। তখন বয়েস অল্প হবার কারণে অবশেষে ছাত্রী পরিচয় দিয়ে ঢুকতে পারলাম ভেতরে। পরেরদিন খবরটি বেরোনোর পর ছাত্ররা অফিসে ধন্যবাদ জানিয়ে বললেন। অন্তত এবার কিছুটা সমস্যা মিটবে। পরে অবশ্য এই বিষয়টি নিয়ে অন্য এক সাংবাদিক এগিয়েছিলেন। সাংবাদিকরা সমাজের রূপকার কিনা জানিনা তবে মানুষের স্বার্থে এগিয়ে যেতে কোনো প্রতিযোগিতার প্রয়োজন নেই।

তবে সময়ের সঙ্গে সঙ্গে সাংবাদিকতার definition বদলেছে। মানুষের দৃষ্টিভঙ্গিরও বদল ঘটেছে।

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