Part 1 of the speech given by writer A.M. Rasool Mohideen.
Our words are important. Arrangement for voice recording shows the interest among the audience. We should arrive at accurate measurement on ourselves. This will spare us troubles. My words are as noteworthy as the words of Hon’ble Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherji, the Chief Minister or the Governor. A journalist will not be disgraced after reaching this standard. He should have self respect. That is the cornerstone of Periyar EVR's teachings.
Thiruvalluvar goes a step further and lays down the principle of life. 'Nerunal ulanoruvan inrillai' ( Thirukkural 336). People come and go. The world moves on with this pride. Grasping this reality will save us from ego. This mentality should be our target.
Journalism is a difficult field. Situation was same even in the times of Gandhiji and Nehruji. The history of journalism in England also presents us a history of service. This is in fact swimming against the tide.
Some have seen success, some have seen money and some have held the world under their sway. Many have sacrificed and many have devoted their all. Palestine writer Edward Said puts this in apt words. "I have chosen the politics of loss". Professor Marx cited these words in a tribute article written during the demise of Edward Said.
Zho Lipo, a Chinese poet, has given a guideline. "A writer should not write sitting cosy in a closed room. It will create grave, unpardonable mistakes". Prophet of Islam says in the same spirit. Learning and teaching should go hand in hand. It is inappropriate to say that I will only preach, give commands and offer suggestions.
Journalist should simultaneously learn and teach. One should not become complacent after joining a big news organization.
An event was organized in Coimbatore to acknowledge the contributions of six people to the society. Swami Dayananda Saraswathi presided over the function. Five experts gracefully accepted the appreciation. But editor of a newspaper went on narrating his history. He revealed the relation he enjoyed with the Prime Minister. Spiritual maturity or social conscience was not reflected in his words. The journalist did not understand the theme of the event.
A journalist should grasp the expectations and then express his opinions. Growth and fall of journalism, achievements and failures, should be expressed in correct proportions.
One should enter journalism with proper mindset. Twenty years back, Tughlak ran articles on career guidance. It framed guidelines for journalism. A person entering journalism should possess a house, vehicle and money to spend. He should not expect livelihood from journalism. Otherwise he will become a traitor and burden to the field. I am in this field from 1969. I know length and breadth of this field.
A journalist should not reveal secrets. Specific incidents can be shared with people who meet certain standards. A journalist will meet people of different nature routinely and should be conscious of what he says.
A journalist becomes privy to many secrets.
This is a sacred mission. It is our complete faith that this is the best way to serve humanity. But we should have the confidence, mental clarity and expertise for this. This is a penance. We should have this in the back our mind even while conversing with wife or even while sleeping. I have come to save this world. I will do what Jesus Christ and Prophet did. I will continue from where Gandhiji and Periyar left. This should be our heartbeat.
Such people will succeed. Their success will be known only to them and to those who benefited from them. It is a secret understanding. He has helped residents of a poor locality. He has supported an educational mission. He anchored an union struggle. He put a Chief Minister in their place. But these things should not be disclosed. That is the rule of the game.
Journalism is more powerful than an atom bomb, faster than poison and more subtle than nano technology.
You are not alone. You are part of a big universe and you represent it. You can give course correction to America. You can divide Russia into six pieces. You can bring down a government. You can threaten a Prime Minister. All this is possible. Condition is that you should be wholeheartedly dedicated to this field. You should not have doubts. They pay me less. This should not be in your mind.
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Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
September 30, 2013
July 14, 2013
Successful Writer
Muslim Murasu, July 2013
Writers in initial stages are preoccupied about getting published. Writings should go on print. First objective is met there.
Now there will be aversion towards writings by others. “No one here knows writing”. Pretentious conviction will give rise to disparaging remarks about various forms like articles, poems and short stories and lead to headweight. There is no one for Tamil other than me. Now the writer has moved to the next level. Writer should not fall to narcissism.
I am a drop in the ocean. This mentality will give longevity to the job of creation. A hundred, thousand or perhaps a lakh or more intellectuals work for the upliftment of Tamilnadu. I am privileged to be one among them.
Achievers and stalwarts have gone with the time. This is one of the wonders of this world. We should work as a link in a long and glorious legacy. Anaaniyat, self-obsession, arrogance and haughtiness will lead to ruin.
Marketing culture is on the rise in literary world for the past fifty years. A creator can get introduced to a small circle. Hundred crore rupees of publicity stunt is needed to get introduced to entire Tamilnadu.
People doing rounds in politics and cinema become popular very easily. A creator should not compete with them. It is a waste of talent.
There are rules for a successful writer. He should urge many others to read. He should create his successors. He should meet champions of various fields and introduce the world of books to them.
God bestows the capacity of a million people on a writer. Writer gets the capacity to run the world. Position, title, power and popularity are irrelevant. Writer knows the art of converting heart. ‘Ya mukallibul quloob’. God has the attribute of turning hearts. A writer coming as a representative of God will elevate human hearts towards supremacy. This makes it easy to identify a successful writer.
Writers in initial stages are preoccupied about getting published. Writings should go on print. First objective is met there.
Now there will be aversion towards writings by others. “No one here knows writing”. Pretentious conviction will give rise to disparaging remarks about various forms like articles, poems and short stories and lead to headweight. There is no one for Tamil other than me. Now the writer has moved to the next level. Writer should not fall to narcissism.
I am a drop in the ocean. This mentality will give longevity to the job of creation. A hundred, thousand or perhaps a lakh or more intellectuals work for the upliftment of Tamilnadu. I am privileged to be one among them.
Achievers and stalwarts have gone with the time. This is one of the wonders of this world. We should work as a link in a long and glorious legacy. Anaaniyat, self-obsession, arrogance and haughtiness will lead to ruin.
Marketing culture is on the rise in literary world for the past fifty years. A creator can get introduced to a small circle. Hundred crore rupees of publicity stunt is needed to get introduced to entire Tamilnadu.
People doing rounds in politics and cinema become popular very easily. A creator should not compete with them. It is a waste of talent.
There are rules for a successful writer. He should urge many others to read. He should create his successors. He should meet champions of various fields and introduce the world of books to them.
God bestows the capacity of a million people on a writer. Writer gets the capacity to run the world. Position, title, power and popularity are irrelevant. Writer knows the art of converting heart. ‘Ya mukallibul quloob’. God has the attribute of turning hearts. A writer coming as a representative of God will elevate human hearts towards supremacy. This makes it easy to identify a successful writer.
October 28, 2012
Book Collection By Writers
Muslim Murasu, October 2012
It takes sixty years to produce a writer. Men die between sixty and seventy. Affluent people with peaceful setting live past ninety.
Offspring of writers mostly gravitate towards engineering, medical courses. They do not enter literary world. Monetary prospects are bleak. Writing will bring with it a life of misfortune. Most writers are attracted towards stages, tours and TV publicity. 25 percent writing and 75 percent publicity is the technique in use.
There is not a chance to maintain family without a monthly income of 50000 rupees in current situation. There are very few popular, familiar writers. Those with ancestral house, assets and land are welcome in literary world.
People surviving in literary world with a purpose to serve can create worthy material. They should have read at least 30000 books in their life. There is no writing without reading. Every writer has a chance to collect anywhere between 300 and 3000 books. Renowned writers will get many complimentary copies. Money would have to be spent out of pocket during initial days.
There are only a handful of writers who collect more than 10000 books. This collection turns useless after elderly, senile years. Kids and grandchildren seldom realize their importance. Entire collection is sold in kilograms to scrap shops. A lifetime’s collection is thrown away within minutes. Books collected by rich writers turn unnoticed, gather dust and feed moths. Family members don’t go near library room. It is locked down in the memory of father. No one knows its use.
When a writer passes away, the books he collected with keen eyes and hard efforts go to grave with him. People in literary world should consider this seriously.
It takes sixty years to produce a writer. Men die between sixty and seventy. Affluent people with peaceful setting live past ninety.
Offspring of writers mostly gravitate towards engineering, medical courses. They do not enter literary world. Monetary prospects are bleak. Writing will bring with it a life of misfortune. Most writers are attracted towards stages, tours and TV publicity. 25 percent writing and 75 percent publicity is the technique in use.
There is not a chance to maintain family without a monthly income of 50000 rupees in current situation. There are very few popular, familiar writers. Those with ancestral house, assets and land are welcome in literary world.
People surviving in literary world with a purpose to serve can create worthy material. They should have read at least 30000 books in their life. There is no writing without reading. Every writer has a chance to collect anywhere between 300 and 3000 books. Renowned writers will get many complimentary copies. Money would have to be spent out of pocket during initial days.
There are only a handful of writers who collect more than 10000 books. This collection turns useless after elderly, senile years. Kids and grandchildren seldom realize their importance. Entire collection is sold in kilograms to scrap shops. A lifetime’s collection is thrown away within minutes. Books collected by rich writers turn unnoticed, gather dust and feed moths. Family members don’t go near library room. It is locked down in the memory of father. No one knows its use.
When a writer passes away, the books he collected with keen eyes and hard efforts go to grave with him. People in literary world should consider this seriously.
March 26, 2012
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.
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.
April 05, 2011
Writers Conferences
Muslim Murasu, April 2011
Conferences for writers are held in different parts of the world. Objective is lofty and sensible. Those who travel in literary world should be coordinated, appreciated and honored. The expectation is necessity of the period. To accept people who serve humanity is to accept and believe God. There is no need for a different opinion. Nothing will happen in the world without the power of God. Laa Hawla Valaa Quwwatha. Quran sparkles as magnificent reflection of God’s strength in written form. Quran is supreme of all the miracles bestowed upon messengers and prophets of God. Concise message, eternal permanent enduring quality, these two are the standards set forth by the Quran. Each person liking to enter literary field can imbibe ‘Quran style’ in his heart. This will give strength and raise quality. Quran not only stresses on faith in God. It also shares evidence for thought power. Dual benefits. Those who seek rich ideas can read Quran. A writer should stay clear of blemishes, handicaps, defects, mistakes and dishonesty. This is the founding principle for enduring writing. Things that are applicable for fellow human beings can be written. All the creatures should survive. Quranic writing will impenetrate, nourish, hail and protect fundamental principles. Quran is guidance for entire humanity and God’s evidence in written form. Writings of a person who believes and accepts Quran will similarly guide humanity and world at large. It will take them to the shore; raise them.
Foremost, contemporary current writers who have shown adequate, applicable, lofty guidance to Tamil society should be identified. Generous introduction, appreciation and gifts will add beauty to the conference. Objectives will be met. Otherwise at the expense of huge money, only appreciation, frolic and photo album will remain. History won’t forgive. 50,000 rupees is needed to release Islamic books as per current market rate. This will give popularity. Conference can honor those who have consistently written in journal world. Journalism will survive. Competent writer will get introduced as well. Share of book writers and professors alone is not sufficient. List of Quranic intellectuals and those who have offered solutions to contemporary problems can be published. Fictitious writings won’t give long-term benefits to society. Let honoring past writers be in the agenda of the conference. Let us respect words of the elders. But more attention should be given to list of current, contemporary writers. It is important to respect those writers who grasp Muslim lifestyle and public life. Islamic writers conferences will break new grounds and reach new heights. Let it happen.
Conferences for writers are held in different parts of the world. Objective is lofty and sensible. Those who travel in literary world should be coordinated, appreciated and honored. The expectation is necessity of the period. To accept people who serve humanity is to accept and believe God. There is no need for a different opinion. Nothing will happen in the world without the power of God. Laa Hawla Valaa Quwwatha. Quran sparkles as magnificent reflection of God’s strength in written form. Quran is supreme of all the miracles bestowed upon messengers and prophets of God. Concise message, eternal permanent enduring quality, these two are the standards set forth by the Quran. Each person liking to enter literary field can imbibe ‘Quran style’ in his heart. This will give strength and raise quality. Quran not only stresses on faith in God. It also shares evidence for thought power. Dual benefits. Those who seek rich ideas can read Quran. A writer should stay clear of blemishes, handicaps, defects, mistakes and dishonesty. This is the founding principle for enduring writing. Things that are applicable for fellow human beings can be written. All the creatures should survive. Quranic writing will impenetrate, nourish, hail and protect fundamental principles. Quran is guidance for entire humanity and God’s evidence in written form. Writings of a person who believes and accepts Quran will similarly guide humanity and world at large. It will take them to the shore; raise them.
Foremost, contemporary current writers who have shown adequate, applicable, lofty guidance to Tamil society should be identified. Generous introduction, appreciation and gifts will add beauty to the conference. Objectives will be met. Otherwise at the expense of huge money, only appreciation, frolic and photo album will remain. History won’t forgive. 50,000 rupees is needed to release Islamic books as per current market rate. This will give popularity. Conference can honor those who have consistently written in journal world. Journalism will survive. Competent writer will get introduced as well. Share of book writers and professors alone is not sufficient. List of Quranic intellectuals and those who have offered solutions to contemporary problems can be published. Fictitious writings won’t give long-term benefits to society. Let honoring past writers be in the agenda of the conference. Let us respect words of the elders. But more attention should be given to list of current, contemporary writers. It is important to respect those writers who grasp Muslim lifestyle and public life. Islamic writers conferences will break new grounds and reach new heights. Let it happen.
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