Applying Brake

Muslim Murasu, March 2012

There was a time when editorial pages from English and Tamil dailies were preserved. They were compiled and put in book form. Enormous historic facts, laboriously collected data and details fed intellectual quest and eagerness of the readers. Assiduous efforts were condensed and concentrated in one page. Nation’s destiny and people’s future were turned around through writings. But now, papers are weighed in kilograms and traded for a trifle. Not even a single reader preserves editorial page. Magazines end up in dustbins after a brief perusal.
Islamic journal publishing operates on philanthropic grounds. Each line, each page expresses constitutional guarantee for freedom. Constitution of this nation permits ideas to be put in black and white. This is a huge mercy from God. Numerous intellectuals and national leaders fought hard to affirm journalistic freedom.
Private television channels are businesses spinning crores of rupees. Needs and expectations of average citizen will not be addressed. People do not participate in public meetings. Journals constitute final hope for democracy.
Journals should not doom themselves. Writers should record their ideas with utmost poise and equanimity. Writer should have a mental picture of published page even before starting to write. Tamil community is caught between dual troubles of steep inflation and vulgar entertainment. First and foremost, Tamilans should be given an opportunity to read. Reading is considered by many as a meaningless task. Only essential words should be printed. Writer shall first determine the length of the article. One page can be the norm and additional pages can be allotted in case of compelling data and useful photographs. New ideas with hitherto unknown perspective can be prioritized. Passages should tightly follow the line of the title and the main thrust of the message. Central theme should be constructed and carried forward in each word, line and paragraph.
There is one very important condition. One should know to apply brake. Writer should upfront know when to stop. Magazines that are published just because of excess availability of money or time or to display influence or self-importance will easily be rejected by the community. Writing is a God given gift. People involved in this can realize and work with additional responsibilities. Unqualified journals, editors and writers are burden to society. Only those with intellectual curiosity should enter this field. People without distinguished intellect can do a favor to humanity by staying away. Let readers be spared. Disgraceful ideas should not be imposed into the hearts of others.