Managed by an all-women’s team, Appan Samachar brings journalism to the grassroots and re-imagines the role of the Press as the fourth pillar of democracy
There were three pillars in Indian democracy earlier, namely the executive, legislature and the judiciary. But in modern India there is a fourth pillar, namely media, which plays a crucial role in democracy. It keeps a bird's eye view at the State and Central level. It acts like a watchdog to the various political parties and their programmes, further informing and educating the masses about them. A career in media has become more glamorous and equally lucrative for the youth of today. Media can be divided into three parts: Electronic media, print media and the new social media. All of them play a vital role in democracy, watching the Government closely, highlighting its achievements, aims, and objectives as well as its shortfalls.
However, there are few people from the same field who make a huge difference to the society and whose hunger to serve the people and the society separates them from the rest. They share a different perspective and have an incredible urge to do something in life and bring a positive change within society. With this vision and zest, in 2007, a group of young women who hail for the remote village of Ramlila Gachi on the banks of the Gandak River in Muzaffarpur District of Bihar started a community news programme called Appan Samachar (Our News), that covers issues affecting villagers in their everyday life.
A well thought-out plan, which they designed themselves for their empowerment, has been an inspiration for all. Khushboo Kumari, Anita Devi, Rubi and Rinku Kumari share the same aspiration for change. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change, you want to see in the world”. These girls are shining examples of the very thought, and are sending out positive waves not only in Bihar but throughout the entire country. They have been on a continuous endeavour of bringing about positive change within the society and their journey continues.
There have been a lot of well-wishers as well as motivators to push them and stand by them in their difficult times. One of them is Santosh Sarang, a local social activist and journalist who brought the group together. “They are the daughters of farmers and labourers, have no expertise in handling a video camera, or writing news scripts, selecting stories, anchoring or any media-related work. Many were in schools when the programme was started,” shares a proud Sarang who has today handed over all responsibilities of the group to the young women.
The girls today have completed their Bachelors and Masters and are living their dreams. Appan Samachar highlights and works on various aspects especially women empowerment, environmental issues, child marriage and issues related to the village panchayat. “They decide what goes up on the channel — they discuss new story ideas, choose their subjects, shoot and edit,” adds Sarang, founder of Appan Samachar.
Appan Samachar's work is not limited to only covering stories but also ensuring impact on the ground. In the last few years, the team has moved from merely covering issues to demanding change on the ground. They have been successful in exposing on how quality was being compromised with while constructing the middle school in the village. Apart from this, they have been able to highlight several issues at the village level.
In 2008, the team of Appan Samachar got an opportunity to report on the visit of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to a mega camp during the Kosi floods. They also covered a programme wherein former President and ‘missile man’ APJ Abdul Kalam was a guest.
(Courtesy: Charkha Features)