WHAT HAPPENS when you get the masters of the most dynamic medium ever, the Internet, on stage in the auditorium of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication? Well, we get the first ever National Cyber Media Conclave Meet, 2009. As users of the medium we refrain from addressing it as anything more than that. The magic of the medium gives us the impression that we are not well equipped to comment on the Internet. So when five enthusiastic youngsters from SIMC got together to tackle this lack of recognition on the March 29, the day saw transformed into a fulfilling, informative and a myth shattering day. The stage came alive to the words of talented individuals, from bloggers to content developers, who were not necessarily masters, but diligent users of the medium.
The ball was set rolling by Kiruba Shankar, CEO, Business Blogging. He spoke about the Internet as a means of social media outreach. Citing examples from his own life he made the role of Internet clear; as a platform for expression and also as a help in times of need. He was followed by Shivam Vij, journalist and blogger, who spoke about the effect that bloggers have on even on the biggest organisations, the feuds between the traditional media and bloggers in the past and how they have learnt now to peacefully co-exist. He also stated how campaigns like ‘Pink Chaddi’ had come to be accepted because of the uniqueness with which the issue had been tackled.
The ‘Fourth Estate’ will now be known as the world of Internet awareness where all people have the right to report consciously and in a controlled manner, said Shiv Bhaskar Dravid, the CEO of Viewspaper.com. This is an online news community where students have been found to be very active and that itself is an achievement. He was also of the opinion that traditional media of today has various economic interests in mind and has become manipulators of public opinion. The citizen reporters and bloggers online do not have the pressure to cater to ads and so they work without fear or pressure.
What started as a college research project is now a full blown social campaign for women. ‘Blank Noise’ is an apt site to fight against sexual harassment and eve-teasing. This site creator, Jasmeen Patheja has mobilised hundreds of women across India, though her website, to share their experiences and help others fight this injustice.
The post-lunch session saw the audience in a siesta-like mood, which vanished the minute the first speaker for the Internet marketing session stepped on stage. Rashmi Dhanwani, who is currently the manager with Break Free, spoke extensively about her ‘Bell Bajao’ campaign that aims at mobilising people to fight against domestic violence. It was not only recognised by the Govt. of India but also various other media and actor Boman Irani, who partnered with it free of cost.
Rajesh Lalwani, founder and consultant at Scenario Consulting Private Limited, equated Internet to sex, saying that it was an aphrodisiac that was necessary to sustain any brand in the market. He emphasised on the importance of word of mouth publicity and immediate action related to purchase of products, from the marketers side. CEO of Switch Technologies, Namit Bimbhat, spoke about the evolving face of Internet and videos that can be uploaded. He also suggested remedies to bring Internet up to a level where it would not be short of credibility and quality.
J. Mahadevan, of bharatmatrimony.com commented on the innovative use of this medium and how it becomes a success if it is ‘scream worthy’. Last but not the least, Atul Chitnis of Geodesic Solutions, spoke about the business of open source and advocated on its behalf. He was of the opinion that without open source no information sharing will be possible and also showed us how technology transforms by the second all the while by pulling out gadgets from his own bag.
A speech summarising the entire day’s learning was delivered by the director of SIMC, Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury, which was followed by felicitating the speakers. What may seem as a small step today will hopefully translate into superior ideas and we as future users will take the Internet to its pinnacle.
