When you have faithfully done all your duties towards the family and society , it is surely the time to celebrate and relax during your autumn years .It is not only for the government or society but your duty also to make your autumn years the best years …
Sheeba Naaz and Sumiran Preet Kaur have the story .


There is a big misconception as to what constitutes a happy and fulfilling retirement. Retirement is a personal experience and each retiree will have his. And for a fulfilling retirement, you need planning from before.
Two of the most populous states of the world, India and China share the world’s major proportion of the elderly. Current ratio in India is 1 old person in every 12 persons . By 2050 it will be 1 in 5 persons .The total population of the elderly in India will be 327 mn in 2050.
Pratap Singh, a businessman, in his ripe age of 85 says that there is no stopping once you decide to live your life to the fullest. “I play golf and exercise. I also work for NGO’s. But yes, I couldn’t have done it alone. Support and love from family are also the factors. Plus the face that I’m still earning in this age gives me a lot of confidence.”



B.K .Trehan in his book “Retired but not Tired” refers to the importance pf preplanning for the old age and adjusting and changing of the mindset before reaching the old age. He also writes as to how one should involve oneself in various activities after retirement. “The effort has to come from our side. The country is seeing an increase in the dependency ratio and this will continue to grow. The number of elderly persons is increasing by the day. We will have to pick the stick in our hands. We not only have to engage our selves with various activities after retirement but also continue to associate ourselves with NGOs that work to sensitize the society and put pressure on the government to address issues concerning the elderly. Moreover the rapid urbanization is leading to changes in lifestyle and mindset. We no more can sit back and say ‘our sons will take care of us’ and then finally not prepare for the old age. We have to come forward to help each other.” Trehan retired as a President from a major energy conglomerate in 2002. Yoga is his passion and he has been teaching yoga for the last 20 years. He has also authored three books concerned with Yoga and old age.


Shri J.R Gupta, 64, is the president of senior citizens council of Delhi. The council has more than 1200 members from all over Delhi. Shri Gupta has created a network of more than 500 active seniors citizens who live alone due to their children settled abroad.

NGO Help Age India works to create awareness among its members who are senior citizens and also suggests the government about what all improvements can be brought in the existing laws and schemes for the elderly. But they also insist that it is the responsibility of the individuals to be aware of their rights and make efforts in making the retiring years fruitful. The NGO also comes with a periodical “Happy Old Age” which highlights the problems of old age and also shares the main points of its researches.

Sunita Goddara runs a Recreational Centre for old people from lower income grouping Kalkaji. “We have keertan and bhajan sessions for them . We also arrange a meeting with a lawyer so that they can be made aware of the various rights and privileges . We also make it a point to play chess many times a week. It helps them rejuvenate.”

Ram Kumar Sharma ,58, a resident of Green park , runs a dance class session once a week where only the elderly practice and let their hair down “I’m alive and kicking till the day I die. This is and I will make the time of my life. Yes financial and emotional support is must to let me enjoy the ‘me time’.”

In short, if you prepare well in advance twilight years will not be bleak.

So does life end after retirement? Not necessarily. Even in the old age homes, senior citizens have found a sense of purpose and meaning. Sheeba Naaz and Sumiran Preet Kaur report.

Archaeological Survey of India recently celebrated the world heritage week. With this ASI wants to involve people in its effort to save the monuments. Here is a report by Sumiran and Sheeba

With the mention of the word Tibet, all we think about is the political turmoil. This time also it is a political story but not in the form of dharnas n demonstrations. Movies and popular music are new ways to vent out their pent up feelings. Sheeba Naaz and Sumiran Preet Kaur reports.

By

Nazia Jafri and Sheeba Naaz

Encounter is not an option to tackle with problem of extremism in a civilized society, feel the organisers of Shanti (peace) march held on October 4, 2008 by Sadbhav Mission, a NGO.

Organised in collaboration with Nishant Natya Manch, another NGO, the march started from Lal Quila (Red Fort) at eight in the morning. The participants included 300 students and teachers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University (DU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). Before culminating at Jamia Nagar for a solidarity meeting, the group traveled via ITO, Pragati Maidan, Mathura Road, Ashram and New Friends Colony.

Demanding a judicial enquiry on the Jamia encounter, the participants felt that certain religious communities are defamed. “We want judicial enquiry on the Jamia encounter. Unless the person is proved guilty, he should be provided legal aid,” said Vipin Tripathi, professor at physics department, IIT Delhi and the president of Sadbhav Mission.

Speaking on the fear psychosis created among the minority religious communities, he said, “There is a lot of fear among minorities. We want to change the perception against particular communities in India. We want people to speak out; an entire community can’t be terrorists. We want to break this myth. Innocent people should not become the target.”

Sukhdeep Kaur is a Ph D student and a core member of Sadbhav Group. She feels terrorist do not belong to one particular community. “This issue is the problem of the entire society, not just Hindus or Muslim. I am in this march because I want to spread harmony.”

Another participant, Anmol Ratan is a student of Masters from Delhi University. “When a Christian Nun is raped by Hindu fanatics, he is termed as a fundamentalist. When a Muslim is involved in any criminal activities, he is called a terrorist! This is hypocrisy of worst form,” he laments.

When asked why does a community get branded as terrorist? Anuj Agarwal, sub inspector, IP estate said, “We do not want to stereotype. Coincidently most of the culprits are Muslims. May be that is the reason why many think that way.”

Speaking on the recent encounter at Jamia Nagar, he said, “If we had not killed Atif Ameen, there could have been more bomb blasts. In fact there has been one encounter in the area before.” When pointed out that the victims of the previous encounter were proven innocent, Agarwal did not have a reply. He added, “If public wants a judicial probe, we don’t have any problem.”

As questions continue to be raised on the Jamia encounter by various sections of the society, the police and government still have a lot to answer.

Antim Niwas, a crematorium at Noida Sector-94 now has the technology which allows people to watch the cremation of their loved ones online. CCTV-s have been installed here to record funerals. Those who are unable to attend the funeral can even get the copy of a DVD. Here is a report by Nazia Jafri, Sheeba Naaz and Sumiran Preet Kaur

By Sheeba Naaz and Kinley Tshering
Photo:Gargi

“I am not optimistic about the Indian media...Today the type of journalism that is practiced is sticking the mic on someone’s face and getting the byte,” declared Tarun Tejpal in his keynote statement during a one-day seminar on “Does the media care?” held at Jamia Millia Islamia on August 28. The seminar was organized by AJK MCRC in collaboration with the BBC World Trust Services.

Having worked with several national and international media organizations, Tarun Tejpal is currently associated with Tehelka. In 2001 Asiaweek listed Tejpal as one of Asia’s 50 most powerful communicators, and Businessweek declared him among 50 leaders at the forefront of change in Asia.

Addressing the seminar, Tarun Tejpal gave an overview of the grim media scenario in India that bordered on pessimism. He talked at length about the numerous issues that were haunting the national media, supposedly decreed as the fourth estate.

According to Tejpal, media in India is failing in its journalistic duties and is reluctant to take up real issues. Driven by economic and commercial interests, the Indian media has lost its ‘cause and crusade’, he stated. “The economic metabolism of the Indian media is badly skewed.”

He further added: “None of who consumes media actually pays for it. The person who pays for the media is the advertiser and the media you get is the media the advertiser wants.”

Supporting his argument, he said no media has ever done any expose on the corporate sector as they are the ones who are providing the funds to these media organizations. More than half a dozen media organisations in India are involved in private treaties with the corporate world, he added.

“The media is getting narrower and narrower in India. Rural bureaus and reportage have all died,” he opined, adding that media is no more the voice of voiceless. “Media in India flex their muscles. They run with the rabbits but hunt with the wolves.”

Tarun Tejpal also said that the national media cares very less about the issues concerning common man. “All of Dalits get less attention than Kareena Kapoor,” he said.

According to Mr. Tejpal, Indian media is losing its ground especially the Hindi news channels. “See the Hindi news channels, they are embracing humbug and superstition and turning their back on the grand ideas of modernity that were in some sense the founding principles of this country.”

The second session was commenced by the veteran journalist Prem Shankar Jha who is a an author of several books and a columnist with publications like The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, The Business Standard and Outlook.

“Journalism was not a celebrity profession or glamorous profession in the 60’s. Those people who joined journalism were from rural background and rural issues were addressed in plenty,” he said. Those were the times when newspapers had different pages for development, social and gender issues, he recalled.

But today, because of the change in the nature of society, there has been a shift in the emphasis laid by the media, he added. “The intensity of coverage is more in big cities and even the advertisements are urban centric. This society has become more aspirational and has less time to empathize with those who are affected.”

Predatory pricing, a deliberate outcome of pressure of competition for circulation, has also affected how the media works today. The increasing focus on advertisement and circulation has forced the marketing departments to dictate editorial content, he opined.

“Media today cares a very less deal. Does it really not care is the question?”
Mr. Jha stated.

At the end of each session, both the keynote speakers agreed that the Indian media has somewhere shifted its focus from developmental issues to cinema, crime, and cricket. They also emphasized that the young journalists should have depth and proper understanding of social and political issues.

By Sheeba Naaz and Kinley Tshering

“I am not optimistic about the Indian media...Today the type of journalism that is practiced is sticking the mic on someone’s face and getting the byte,” declared Tarun Tejpal in his keynote statement during a one-day seminar on “Does the media care?” held at Jamia Millia Islamia on August 28. The seminar was organized by AJK MCRC in collaboration with the BBC World Trust Services.

Having worked with several national and international media organizations, Tarun Tejpal is currently associated with Tehelka. In 2001 Asiaweek listed Tejpal as one of Asia’s 50 most powerful communicators, and Businessweek declared him among 50 leaders at the forefront of change in Asia.

Addressing the seminar, Tarun Tejpal gave an overview of the grim media scenario in India that bordered on pessimism. He talked at length about the numerous issues that were haunting the national media, supposedly decreed as the fourth estate.

According to Tejpal, media in India is failing in its journalistic duties and is reluctant to take up real issues. Driven by economic and commercial interests, the Indian media has lost its ‘cause and crusade’, he stated. “The economic metabolism of the Indian media is badly skewed.”

He further added: “None of who consumes media actually pays for it. The person who pays for the media is the advertiser and the media you get is the media the advertiser wants.”

Supporting his argument, he said no media has ever done any expose on the corporate sector as they are the ones who are providing the funds to these media organizations. More than half a dozen media organisations in India are involved in private treaties with the corporate world, he added.

“The media is getting narrower and narrower in India. Rural bureaus and reportage have all died,” he opined, adding that media is no more the voice of voiceless. “Media in India flex their muscles. They run with the rabbits but hunt with the wolves.”

Tarun Tejpal also said that the national media cares very less about the issues concerning common man. “All of Dalits get less attention than Kareena Kapoor,” he said.

According to Mr. Tejpal, Indian media is losing its ground especially the Hindi news channels. “See the Hindi news channels, they are embracing humbug and superstition and turning their back on the grand ideas of modernity that were in some sense the founding principles of this country.”

The second session was commenced by the veteran journalist Prem Shankar Jha who is a an author of several books and a columnist with publications like The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, The Business Standard and Outlook.

“Journalism was not a celebrity profession or glamorous profession in the 60’s. Those people who joined journalism were from rural background and rural issues were addressed in plenty,” he said. Those were the times when newspapers had different pages for development, social and gender issues, he recalled.

But today, because of the change in the nature of society, there has been a shift in the emphasis laid by the media, he added. “The intensity of coverage is more in big cities and even the advertisements are urban centric. This society has become more aspirational and has less time to empathize with those who are affected.”

Predatory pricing, a deliberate outcome of pressure of competition for circulation, has also affected how the media works today. The increasing focus on advertisement and circulation has forced the marketing departments to dictate editorial content, he opined.

“Media today cares a very less deal. Does it really not care is the question?”
Mr. Jha stated.

At the end of each session, both the keynote speakers agreed that the Indian media has somewhere shifted its focus from developmental issues to cinema, crime, and cricket. They also emphasized that the young journalists should have depth and proper understanding of social and political issues.

By: Sheeba Naaz and Kinley Tshering
Photos: Babu and Rozy Ibrahim

By: Sheeba Naaz and Kinley Tshering