What is Social Media?

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All web based applications which allow for creation / exchange of user generated content and enable interaction between the users can be classified as Social Media. These could be in the form of Social Networking Sites, Blogs, Internet forums, online community sites, Q & A sites etc.

The social media has some inherent properties which make it much more powerful than the traditional media.

Accessibility: The social media is easily accessible and takes minimal or no costs to use. Social media is easy to use and does not require any special skills, knowledge to use. It is absolutely simple to connect with others and be a part of communities. Therefore anyone with online access can use the Social Media to initiate or participate in the conversations. In a sense, everyone is now empowered to speak up.

Speed: The content that you create on the Social Media is available to everyone in your network/forum/community as soon as you publish it. You can communicate with your audience without any external factor affecting the delivery of your message. The responses are also near instantaneous and thus you can have a dialogue which is almost in real-time.

Interactivity: Social media affords a two way or multiple communication channels. Users can interact with each other; ask questions, discuss products / services, share opinions and anything else they might be interested in doing.

Longevity / volatility – Social media content remains accessible for a long time, maybe forever, because of the nature of the medium. In addition to this the content can be edited / updated anytime. So, if a user likes a particular product and says so in the social media, it is not a permanent positive vote for the product; the user can always go back and change his opinion anytime.

Reach: The internet offers an unlimited reach to all content available. Anyone can access it from anywhere and anyone can reach, potentially, everyone. Social media offers the same facility to all the users who can share anything with anyone they like.

Social media has opened up new avenues for people to engage with each other and with the content available on the internet. The social interaction of the yore, severely restricted by various boundaries, has now been taken online, opening up a world of new possibilities.

People are using the social media to stay connected with friends/family, find people with similar interests, discuss issues with others, share opinions, asking and answering questions, reading user reviews etc. We can surmise that, in addition to staying connected, the users want to acquire/enhance knowledge and gain insights into specific subjects to help them make better decisions. It is this consideration that makes social media an enticing opportunity for businesses, celebrities, politicians etc. Opportunities to help them gauge consumer sentiments, acquire new customers/fans, interact with the customers, enhance their brand and manage their online reputation.

"Satyamev Jayate" - Dil Pe Lagi Ya Nahi

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I just watched the much advertised and anticipated show in the history of Indian TV, "Satyamev Jayate" hosted by Aamir Khan on StarPlus. After seeing the promos and knowing that it was Aamir Khan who was going to host the show, I must say that I was confident we would finally have a show that would indeed be hard hitting with the truth - "Dil Pe Lagegi, Tabhi Baat Banegi"!

The show made its debut today at 11:00 am and I was ready in time to watch the first episode that was on the topic of "Female Foeticide". This topic has always been close to my heart and in spite of being from the medical field, I must admit that this show proved to be a complete eye-opener for me. I was truly shocked and appalled by the stories narrated by the women on the show, and also by the facts and figures that showed the spread and severity of the problem that our country faces today. What shocked me the most was that apparently it was the government that paved the way, in the 70's, to kill the female fetus as measures to curb the population of India.

"In this episode, Aamir talks about the killing of unborn girls or female foeticide. An alarming reality, it involves the collusion of families, some unscrupulous doctors and a social structure that encourages the desire for a boy child – at any cost. The result has been the death of over 3 crore unborn girls since independence and a generation of young men, many amongst whom will find it very tough to get a life partner."

The show was put together in a very heartwarming and an appealing manner that touched every chord and Aamir Khan managed to show just the right kind of emotions with his personal touch that I can say this for sure, Aamirji "Dil Pe Jaroor Lagi" aur Zor se Lagi. (It did hit hard)!

There are many positive tweets flooding twitter after the show was aired. It is quite obvious that Aamir Khan is very passionate about all the issues that concern our nation, and I consider him to be a true patriot. This is a show that promises to bring out the truth in a manner that will not only open our eyes to the problems or issues that demand our attention but also give you hope, and encourage you to find a solution to bring about a change so that we can have a better future. So that the country can have a better future and also garner the respect that is so essential from the global world. A hard hitting program is definitely the need of the hour and I am sure that if any person can bring about a change in perceptions or attitudes, a revolutionary way of thinking, then that man is none other than Aamir Khan. The movie "Rang de Basanti" had managed to strike a patriotic chord in the hearts of all the youth to prod them awake from their slumber and realize that they could make a difference. It forced the youth to think in a revolutionary manner, that they could indeed be the next "Bhagat Singh" or "Chandrashekhar Azad". 

By airing the show "Satyamev Jayate" on a Sunday at 11:00 am, Aamir Khan has made sure that many more people will be sure to tune in to the program, including the late risers. And after watching this first episode, I am sure that the subsequent episodes will be watched in great anticipation and expectations. Because, deep in our hearts we all want a change; we want to make a difference; we want a safer and securer environment to live in; and we want a shining India that we can be truly proud of.

The show brought out the bitter and shocking truth about female foeticide in India and what I liked best was the fact that the show also gave one hope and encouragement and an opportunity to one and all to make a difference to save the girl child and protect the male-female sex ratio. How can we help? This is what you can do -

At the end of the show, Aamir Khan has asked a question:

"Snehalaya is a charitable organization that works to eradicate female foeticide, and provides shelter for abandoned children. Their ‘Cradle In Every Village’ campaign aims to wipe out the practice, by encouraging the adoption of girls. You can help the organization further by writing them a cheque, and depositing it at your nearest Axis Bank branch. You can also transfer your money to Snehalaya online at their website (www.snehalaya.org). For every rupee you donate, the Reliance Foundation, the philanthropy partner of Satyamev Jayate will donate the same amount."  

So this is your golden opportunity to make a change, to make a difference and bring about the change that we desire. SAVE THE GIRL CHILD. Say NO to sex determination tests and accept a child as a God's gift - Girl or Boy. Raise your voice against female foeticide today.

Satyamev Jayate - The Truth Shall Prevail.