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“IMAGE MAY BE BLURRED, NOT OUR VISION”

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SAM PITRODA: TECHNOLOGY IS HERE TO STAY!

Ingrain this fact correct: 24 years ago, the only language that the 1990s were familiar with were the conversations exchanged through lips and not the busy fingers typing furiously to pass on the message. Today, since my job requires immediate questionnaires and interviews with quick response, I can’t fail to thank how technology has revolutionized the lives of many. 8 years back, when I was flipping the pages of Hindustan Times which showcased a detailed research on the side effects of Facebook, little did I know that for years to pass, Journalism would demand my presence on all the possible platforms one could lay eyes on. 2 years back when as fresh students of Journalism, we were handed over the task of choosing topics for our research project, the first question posed to me by my classmate for his subject ‘The Negative effects of Social Media’, was: “Do you think Social Media has benefitted you in any way?” Without hinting a tinge of surprise on my forehead, my answer was: “Addiction to Facebook withdrew me into a shell, where attachment to the virtual world was superior to the affection for my kith and kin.”

Coming back to the present day, if we converse with our old parents and relatives, before technology even blinked to open its eyelids in the world, especially in India, newspapers, application of wood sticks for cooking, face to face conversations, the sight of postman and the bliss of reveling in the ‘wait’ for replies when corresponded through letters picturized a life devoid of artificiality. Since the application of Science and Technology is not just limited to conducting experiments in the laboratory, someday it had to wave its magic wand for broadening the horizon and opening the world to a sector, that not just could ease every problem but enable the receipt of information and world affairs within minutes. Be it the introduction of social media platforms like Medium, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr, or our contact with news through e websites, it is an undeniable fact that technology is a boon and, in the years, to come, it will dominate every spectrum and make its approach electronic. Since 21st century is heavily dependent on technology, hasn’t it widened our approach towards everything we can or could lay our hands on?

Sam Pitroda. As a passionate man who sailed in a boat all the way from Vadodara to Karachi, to catch a flight from Delhi to Illinois, little did he know that the acknowledgment of his work as a pioneer of hand-held computing for the invention of Electronic Diary, would one day hail him as the creator of telecom revolution in India. On his arrival to Bahrain during the Global Convention People of India Origin (GOPIO) event that was held from 6-8th January, gracing the crowd on his forte and his stone of inception right from his college days till now, indeed served as an insight for all the aspirants of success. Marching forward among the crowd to grab answers to the questions that mixed my views on technology, my first question to him was: “Sir, don’t you think technology has carpeted negativity around us?” In his usual sense that has been his signature appeal, he said, “When technology was not present, life was as usual. From the moment it was introduced, letter writings got converted into messages prompt to be received and replied, gas stoves replaced wooden sticks, and social media and Google have taken the place of post offices and other traditional media of communication. Now, how can easy life attribute to negativity?” No doubt, technology has made communication relatively easier where one connects instantly and can have face to face conversations with people divided by borders, but, in some way hasn’t it diminished the charm one used to derive when it was not prevalent? Be it the presence of social media, or pouring coffee through an electronic machine, our instant cravings may be satiated, but, if we sit to ponder over, don’t we miss the innocence of those days, where instead of mobile phones we depended on our toys, books, and conversations devoid of any electronic pretense? On being questioned in this context, Pitroda highlighted to only say, “Negativity is a perception, not a reality. What we think, that is what we behold. Technology can never be negative as it is here to stay. In the long run, immense positivity will be reaped by masses in various ways.”

Immense positivity? Yes, it will. But, if the traditional form of existence was brought back, would the red carpet be laid in the same way how it was laid down for the electronic medium? “Change is inevitable. One must grow at every stage and embrace what is new rather than wailing over things that are redundant. Since 21st century is heavily blanketed by electronics, in the long run even WhatsApp will replace all the possible platforms of email,” added a professional who requested anonymity. He further went on to add, “What is not negative in this world? When the wavelengths of perceptions don’t match, one is bound to experience a mix of emotions. Never forget, we have the utmost right to publish, write, showcase and say what we want. The button for all the platforms is in our hand, and the same even applies to others. So, every person is different in expressing their self.”

SOCIAL MEDIA- PROS OR CON?

Often, we have read cases about selfies where people in their bid to increase the traffic of their social media accounts have met with accidents which resulted in death. With the projection of what they eat, where they are holidaying and what not, the culture of this century is different from what it was when we were growing. What is even a gripping matter today is, Social Media is all about how many likes one can garner, and how can the number of followers be increased? Throwing enough light on this matter, another expert, who again demanded anonymity said, “Most of my Instagram searches are based on tapping the happenings of my dear colleague. I have designed my Instagram account in a manner, where the people I wish to open my world to can be a part, and vice versa for others too. Since we can decide what to do and what not to, we can also design our quality of thinking, isn’t it?” Our perceptions are very much ours. How we wish to project is solely dependent on how we allow it to. Speaking on the context of social media, we have often got intimidated by the virtual life of people that we compared our lives with theirs thus nicknaming our moments as ‘dull’, ‘boring’ and ‘luster lacking’. But, as it is said, negativity and positivity are two sides of a coin, where it all lies in how we wish to take it.

With various article topics and news has found its voice through the support of technology, it is also an undeniable aspect that excessive use can take a big toll on one’s health. According to an article published this year on May 30 in Hindustan Times, a popular daily newspaper in India, there was a report which said that promoting fitness, and extensive coverage of this topic on Social Media could make one feel worse about their figure. Though the reactions are mixed, this aspect is also a cause of worry for people who are overconcerned about their appearance. Though the intention was a good one of spreading health awareness around, perceptions differ from person to person, and this cannot be changed. As I said, everything that we use or are going to has some pros and con and how we wish to perceive is solely dependent on what we wish to view and how we wish to take it. Also, according to an article published on http://smallbusiness.chron.com on June 1st, it was widely stated that social media addicts or technology crazy people suffer from time management, increased mental stress and cyberbullying. Though such reports widely refer to organizations, this is applicable to all as technology is deeply ingrained within all of us, and it is the newest form of submissiveness we all suffer from.

In the 21st century, we all prefer going the easy way where whatsapping has become more convenient than phone calls, emailing has become easier than passing the message through sources, and tweeting to our favorites has become the new trend than sending out letters in blood or ink. So, isn’t Social Media a matter of comfort in solving all the age-old hassles of communication and reaching out to people? “Social Media or I must say, technology is very much ingrained in this fast-paced and easy-going culture, and I feel proud enough to proclaim that in a few years to go, even schools, colleges and books will spread knowledge electronically. Parents will be seen encouraging their ward about latest electronic gadgets. Students will be dependent on technology to read, write and give exams. Wait and watch, 5 years down the line, this world will speak in the language of electronics,” concluded the telecom revolutionary while signing autographs.

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ALWAYS REMEMBER: DREAMS NEVER AGE

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DREAMS: “I DON’T AGE”

 “Cashmeeraaa, there is an art festival named ‘Nesto’ which I am attending. Would you like to join in?”, asked my dear friend cum guitarist and sculptor, Abdul Wahab.  With a tinge of uncertainty, I replied, “Umm, hmm, yes.” Having finished giving my verdict, little did I know that my decision of joining the group of 3 would open my contracted mind to a world that I was oblivious to. Strolling my way with the chirping of my gang, I was lost in my own world till I came across a girl in her pink Barbie doll dress that suddenly caught my attention. Exchanging greetings by shaking hands, she handed me her business card. “SHAHAD ALBINKHALIL- KIDS MAKEUP ARTIST.” What made me ponder over her for a long time was, she was already something and had her way this easily without any hurdle, that is what I thought. As I continued my journey and had cups of green tea to appease my sore throat, the face of the little girl made it difficult for concentrating at that moment. Struggling to find my key in my handbag to unlock the door of my house, I mentally made a promise “She is going to be the HEROINE of my next story.”

‘Today, no tomorrow,’ ‘She must be busy’, ‘Must be sleeping’ etc. definitely did delay my approach, but with the growing eagerness to reach out to her, I finally made my way to know her more. As I settled down to listen out to what answers she had in store to my questions, her persona made me look up to her, for it instilled some amount of belief that lost its track down somewhere. “Who does not love make-up? I do, you do, and I am sure majority do enjoy dabbing different shades on their faces. The very sight of lipstick, concealer, and contour brush excited me when I was 5, and since then there has been no backward treading,” highlighted the 12-year-old makeup artist.  Starting off by doing makeup and makeovers for herself and her collection of Barbie dolls, it was only after enrolling in an exclusive swing trading community, ‘Young Traders’ did her career take off. With her eyes twinkling bright, she said “When I decided to follow my passion, I was very sure about my professional choices. It was only after joining ‘Young Trader’, did my prominence expand from the realms of my house to the outside world where my talents were being recognized as a makeup artist for kids.” Sealing the foundation of her dream, ‘Princess Makeup Party’ at the tender age of seven, with the passage of time, it was success and passion that chased Shahad. At an age, where people are busy committed to harboring dreams as a Doctor, Engineer or Professor, what was remarkable was her ability in striking a balance between her passion and her studies. Mature beyond her years, the position that she holds today is just few steps away from being the next sensation in the field of makeup. Having embraced the period of fasting since 2017, she credits the month of Ramadan for instilling patience and perseverance within her. Piling a set of books at a corner, and grabbing the makeup brush from the stand, she highlighted saying, “Balance. This word may find its meaning in a dictionary but, putting that into practice is difficult. Do I have a choice? Education is a must, and I strike a mature balance between my work and my school life lest it disturb my fixed schedule.  I normally have concerts after my school hours, and the best part is, most of them coincide with my official holidays,” added the grade 7 makeup artist.

When I started off as a journalist, most of my assignments required me to be outside for a longer duration. With constant worries about my safety, I realized how important parental support is. On being asked about her backbone of success, smiling as always, she expressed and said, “I am fortunate to receive tremendous financial, mental as well as moral support from my parents. Their never-ending advice and encouragement to serve the best make me provide the best to my customers.” While her father finances and provides all the possible supplies for her business, the contribution by her mother and the Young Traders organization cannot be neglected. The skin of the customers being her top priority, she gets hold of the makeup requirements from outside the Kingdom and then begins her propaganda for furthering her business. Immensely crediting her teachers and friends for their participation in her work, she praised the role of her close friend, Mary, who was present 24x7 with her on all her events. On being asked about the response she is garnering from her work, she beamed with positivity and said, “I derive immense passion from my work. I feel fortunate to garner positive responses within and outside the Kingdom. Since they are aware of the kind of work I do and the idea of makeup princesses and cartoon characters I create for children in concerts, I am invited to every ceremony to glow the look with the touch of makeup.”

Makeup artistry is a profession which many don’t aspire to embrace. We conceal our dark circles, contour our cheeks, but how many have ever thought about the work makeup artists perform tirelessly? Yet, makeup artistry is a profession that is not taken seriously among the masses. Bahrain ranking as the leading ground for cosmetic Industry, still makeup is a profession that is not supported wholeheartedly in the minds of several 21st-century products. Every parent knits a dream which would profit their kids financially in terms of profession. With Shahad’s career doing the rounds in a successful manner, the chest of the little girl’s mother swells with pride every second. She said, “I am very happy with the way her career is shaping. She wishes to continue in this line as she loves every bit about makeup.” Smiling at her daughter who is performing makeup on a kid, she added, “I am going to be present at every step with her. She wishes to develop this work in the future and deepen her expertise and establish her own salon. What I wish to stress over here is makeup is an art, and to excel one needs to develop it in a way that will unleash their beautiful talents.” Twinkling at her best self, she ended on a high note saying, “When perseverance and passion catch each other’s hands, professions which are not that asked about become the talk of the town!”

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ADORE YOUR BODY, EMBRACE YOUR CURVES Perched on a seat, where I was deeply lost into the contents of the novel I had picked up from the library last week, a sudden tap on my shoulder got me throwing an apathetic glance at my classmate. “Is your body flexible enough to fit in a Kashmiri traditional dress?” That comment got me giving her a surprised look. Sensing bewilderment through frown lines shaped like a downward arc on my forehead, she was audacious enough to pass a caustic remark saying, “Well, my body is, as it is not inflated as yours.” This happened 4 years earlier. But, from that incident till now, “Is the curviness of the thighs, plumpness of arms, and a protruding belly ugly to the eyes of the beholder?”, only these questions have questioned my mind again and again, with regards to my body. As years passed and I stepped into the world of Journalism, there were constant reminders from my peers to present myself in an appealing way. And, they were right! Fast backtracking to childhood days till the period of maturity, my question is, ‘Wasn’t the perception of outsiders about ‘our looks’ a food served on the platter of negligence?’ One fine day as I was busy tidying up the room, a call from my sister made me swallow a hard pill, “People like good looks, not good thoughts.” Body Shaming. Every phase encountered is bound to vary like the waves of the sea, and it’s a universal truth that ‘Self-love’ will never be 24/7. Beauty pageants may have unearthed the best in talents, but, every coin has pros and a con. They have indeed set the physical definition of self-love, but what it has convinced us is dependent on our perception. Haven’t we obsessed with having a perfect figure, especially size ‘zero’, and poured belief into our thoughts that achieving these will win us more friends, and good-looking boyfriends? Haven’t the bullies from the ambiance got us withdrawing into a belief of acceptance by the society? Keeping all the negative thoughts at bay, have we ever pondered how would life be, if we accepted ourselves, irrespective of countless stretch marks on our body? Eyes twinkling in a bright white frock where she passes a ravishing smile at me, her statement to my question got me expanding my lips in a broad curve. “Every person has a unique body, and rather than feeling negative about your curves, one should pride over the way, they have been created by the hands of God,” said Raquel Pelissier, who won the title of Miss Haiti 2016, and followed up as the 1st runner-up of the title of Miss Universe 2016. Enjoying the comfort glances of her aura, she said, “The mass in every person’s body differs according to their genetics. Some people will be fat, some medium, and some thin.” Being gentle but not over-critical, she sighed that the problem with this world is their admiration for skinny figures, and regretting their appearance, thus feeling ashamed. Assigning blame on this aspect, she added,” This is one main factor, that is the root cause of low self-confidence, thus spiraling depression.” The modeling world may have its own charm, which gets everyone besotted by the beauty of the models, and the opportunities for being the face of brands. But, has anyone crossed their line of perfecting their figure like models, and dreaming a life of theirs? “Today, with the advent of beauty pageants, several models have secured the opportunity of representing their countries and being the face of prominent brands. But, in some way, people following such pageants have become more conscious about their bodies, that they have started going on crash diets, thus making them dislike themselves more and more,” added Raquel. Strongly stating the aspirations of several to see themselves as a model, but their inability in conforming to the apt measurements put down by the modeling agencies gets them rejected. She highlighted, “I strongly condemn models being thin and skinny. I don’t believe in the fact that one should have size zero or be tall. If a person has talent, and flair for doing great things, that person is a model.” She even added that this attitude of the agencies has resulted in many not realizing their dreams, despite being blessed with doing wonders in the modeling world. “I strongly wish for this mindset to change, so the dreams of millions are not crushed,” expressed the beauty pageant holder. As I began raining a set of questions on her, her face radiated with positivity which said, “Social Media is a boon, and dreams of million girls have come true. Many who were not accepted by the agencies have been able to promote themselves, and establish their careers through YouTubes, where the videos of their talent and their intelligence have been showcased.” She further said happily beaming, “This actually has made life much easier not just for the girls, who were not accepted, but for us too, where we are able to highlight what we are good at, as Models are beyond pretty faces.” When I popped up with the question of the choices one is making today in terms of food, what she said got me admiring her even more. She said, “The days that were following up on my preparation, I was put on a strict diet, but I always ate what I wanted to. Majority stress over the aspect of eating, and keep tasting stuff believing that, by doing so, one would be getting close to a fit figure. “The secret lies in accepting yourself the way you are and feeling proud about your curves. When you love your body, the body loves you back, which responds faster with a tinge of love. If you practice self-love, then the word ‘Body Shaming’ can never demotivate you,” signed off Raquel twinkling in her usual self. The views of what people think about their bodies are always mixed, as the amount of belief, varies according to the size of our feet that may or may not match the size of their shoes. Nevertheless, their honest expressions got me believing them. According to housewife turned corporate professional, Snighda Sudeep Deshpande, “We just have one life, where one should smile despite trials and tribulations. I am happy with the way I look, and I strongly believe that one should be comfortable in their own skin.” She even stated the major truth, which all of us are battling in our own way. “Self-love takes time, as it comes only with practice. Everybody should love the way they look because after all, we are unique in our own way, isn’t it?” For any diet or body shape issues, resorting to the advice of fitness coaches does broaden our horizon, but this statement has bowled me. “Our body is a collection of the unique experiences that life puts us through. We must respect and accept this uniqueness. Judging someone based on their looks reflects our own insecurity. We must learn to love everyone as they are,’ said Fitness Coach Moayyed Feroze, thus bringing the topic to a positive end. #cnnireport #stopbodyshaming #loveyourcurves

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“Every person has a unique body, and one must love themselves irrespective of the opinion of others.” Thank You, Miss Raquel! Your statement can change the way of thinking of many, and for sure, it has begun changing mine.

Pic Credit: Biju Hari

Interviewee: Miss Haiti 2016 and Miss Universe runner-up 2016, Miss Raquel Pelissier