Campaigner Roland Martins, an advocate of the cause of info-activism, speaks at the citizen journalism training: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/5169417883/ --------------------------------------------------
Citizen Journalism engages Goa Goa. Nov. 12. Panjim. Close to 40 participants from Goa, Delhi and Karnataka gathered for the first day of the three-day Citizen Journalism Workshop organized by the JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism in association with the Goa Union of Journalists. Held at the IFB (Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers) in Panjim, the workshop was inaugurated by journalist and author of accalaimed novel “Skin”, Margaret Mascarenhas. During her inaugural talk, Mascarenhas said, “Citizen Journalism is a great equalizer between an active citizen and mainstream media.” Reading from her account of the revolutionary radio station started by Che Guevara, Radio Rebelde, she spoke about the vast possibilties of citizen participation and citizen journalism, especially its ability to herald change. Also, Mascarenhas pointed out the need of citizens participation in a democracy. “With technology easing up,” she said, “citizens have no excuse not to participate.” Earlier, Prakash Kamat, president of the Goa Union of Journalists said citizen journalism both complements and supplements mainstream media. Kamat also used Gandhi's dictum about giving more democracy if democracy fails and said, “If journalism fails, then give more journalism.” At the same time, however, he cautioned that citizen journalism should not fall prey to false propaganda. Welcoming the participants, Shishir Joshi of the JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism exhorted them to become active agents of change through the practice of citizen journalism and reporting on issues that affect the lives in their communities. Among the sessions on the first day were two sessions on civic engagement and consumer protection by Roland Martins, founder GOACAN, who enthralled the participants with the possibilities of civic activism and also showed ways in which the participants could engage within their own communities. Martins said, “There is ample scope for participation. We must also appreciate what we have.” He said that after 450 years of colonial rule, the people in Goa need to value what they have, and work towards becoming an emancipated citizenry. Other sessions included one by advocate Jamshed Mistry who has been engaged in restoring safety measures on the beaches of Goa. Mistry spoke the legal ramifications of citizen journalism and citizen involvement, and how ordinary citizens have been able to bring out significant changes in the laws of the land. Sudesh Arlekar, Secretary of Goa Union of Journalists, and Aloke Thakore of JM Foundation were also present. Tomorrow's sessions include a session on Right to Information, a session on policing by Senior Superintendent of Police, Goa, V V Chaudhary, IPS and sessions on writing by Aloke Thakore. For further queries: Shishir Joshi [email protected] 9820085853 ENDS _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ _/ tambdimati: the Goa review is a community blog of original _/ art, writing, music, news and commentary from and about the _/ smallest state in the subcontinent. check out the newest _/ member of the Goanet family daily at _/ http://www.tambdimati.com. _/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
