SPECIAL

THE SILENT CHEERLEADER A TEACHER

When we hear the word teacher, our mind goes to white chalks, blackboards, exams and a pile of paper correction. Hardly do we see through it all, beyond that lies a human capable of changing simple minds into geniuses. The old proverb, teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions is surprisingly accurate. Everyone can and is a student at some point in life, but not everyone can be a teacher. The ability to not only understand knowledge themselves but to pass it on and render it to young minds is truly amazing. -By Umera Riyaz

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Teaching is more of a passion than a profession, requires an attitude more than an aptitude. The life of a teacher is devoted to building up that attitude for themselves and their students. Apart from the subject content, the core teaching is to make their student a kind, compassionate and an independent being, who develops the art of living life with self-esteem and confidence.” Dr Reena Dewan (Professor Dept. of English Language & Literature St Francis College for Women)

A teacher is like subtitles to a foreign language movie, without which you cannot understand the film, likewise even in life without a teacher, we are genuinely incomplete. A teacher is wind beneath students’ wings so that they can fly high. My teachers changed my life, and I wish to impact my students for a better future now as a teacher! Shreshtha Manbasi Asst. Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism (Villa Marie Degree College for Women) This teachers’ day, I would like to talk about how teachers must be more empathetic towards children and adults alike. I have memories of being humiliated, which is etched into my mind even now. The idea of having one ideal that children must aspire to, stunts a child’s growth. As a teacher myself, I’d say, let’s find alternative ways of dealing with them than violently belittling them. Spare a rod and spoil the child is an old saying that must be shunned. Sindhu Usha (Verbal faculty with Jamboree Education)

The teacher plays the role of initiator. Society needs to acknowledge and reciprocate what the teacher suggests would be best for a student. Similarly, it is the responsibility of a teacher to identify every student’s individuality. The teacher not only enacts several roles played by a parent but also prioritises what’s best for a child individually amongst a class of several students. Sumaiyya Fayaz Teacher at Phoenix International School (Underprivileged school for children)

School is often referred to a second home because we spend a large part of our childhood at school and whether we believe or not, but a teacher subsequently becomes a second parent as well. Looking after us, guiding us and secretly loving us. Although during the age of adolescence, a teacher and student relationship is filled with conflict. As the student tries becoming an adult and the teacher tries her/his best to guide young adults in the right direction. From teaching us how to hold our pencils correctly to helping us decide over our future; teachers are always present.

Teachers play a huge role in moulding a child in terms of his personality, skills and the child itself as a human. We may deny but more than half of the skills we know today is because of a teacher. The job that we are proud of is because of a teacher. The achievements we hold so dearly close to our hearts are because of our teachers. A teacher’s support can uplift a child more than they can imagine. Do you remember the smile from getting a gold star in your book? Or that special attention on your birthday? Teachers make sure they spread joy and happiness in a student’s life.

Teachers are not merely educators who teach various subjects at an institute. They are mentors guiding us through are difficult decisions. They are counsellors who talk us through our issues and are advisers suggesting the right over the wrong. They are gurus the wisest of the wise. They are tutors of life; they are our well-wishers in disguise.

As a society, we need to pay more and better respect for our teachers for all that they do for us. Life would not be as easy as it is without teachers. Schools, students and parents need to understand and realise the efforts a teacher puts in the betterment of a student. Teaching is one of the noblest jobs in the world. It has a set of drawbacks, like low pay scale, less recognition and conflicts with management and parents. But the biggest outcome of teaching is being able to impact another life in the most beautiful way. An educator’s sacrifice and efforts go unnoticed throughout their career, by the time we realise this we out of school in our cubicles. Reminiscing the good old memories.

Unfortunately, teachers never get the recognition they deserve from society. As tomorrow’s youth and society, we must change this and come together to celebrate and understand the value a teacher deserves. This teachers’ day let’s acknowledge their efforts and sacrifices towards society.

Let us be kinder and understanding towards our teachers, celebrate the human behind every student to live. Let’s celebrate teachers’ day!

Leaving an Impact with Digital Content

In this age of networking and social media, blogging & digital content creation can be a big platform to put forth one’s opinions and experiences to a greater audience. Blogging & Digital Creation can be a great way through which a lot of positive thoughts and emotions can be shared and addressed. Bloggers & Digital Creators are now speaking up about topics that are relatable to their audience and has helped many people come forward and talk about issues bothering them, bringing about a great positive change in the community. Digital content creation has also become an integral part of businesses as well. Food, Fashion and Travel blogging are some examples of through which businesses can market them better. Though blogging & digital content creation comes with its own criticism and difficulties, it can prove to be a significant way of bringing the community together through positivity and make the online space safe. Meet Hyderabad’s top Bloggers and Digital Content Creators & Read all about their vision, mission and their take on content creation!

SATPREET KAUR

A Blogger by passion who loves talking about all things fine under the sun. A PR and Communications Head by profession that helps her understand the best of influencers from the other side of the table.

How can Bloggers/Influencers use their platform to spread positivity and meaningful messages back to their followers?

Blogging is a very personal form of communication, and every individual is bound to have their opinions, that may or may not match the thoughts of others. Internet, social media to be more specific can be great but at the same point it can get too much, the amount of information available can be daunting. The best way to spread positivity is to make sure when you talk about something, the audience knows it’s your personal opinion. Choosing helpful topics like lifestyle, body positivity, mental health, careers have a great impact when shared as a personal experience, it’s important for them to know you are not a professional expert. There are certain topics that can get extremely complicated, but people would expect you to talk about it because everyone is - but you don’t need to! Having said that there are a lot of influencers who go beyond the safety net, accept criticism like a pro and leave a lasting impact. The takeaway is, if you can handle it, go ahead, but don’t do it just because you have a voice and people expect you to.

@ssatpreetkaur

ISHNA RAWLANI

Started off as a Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger now spreads love through her creative stylish fashion videos around styling and more.

Do you feel the number of followers play a vital role in social media in terms of engagement the more the followers the better it is?

They definitely do. I have experienced this first hand. When your numbers and engagement is good, you get more work. But all this comes when content is King, that’s the first rule.

The social media world is developing at a much quicker pace every year. What do you think of the recent changes which has brought a great change and how?

There is so much creativity around and its stunning. Each and every person is unique in terms of their content. In terms of good change. People have become more woke and aware. As it is 2020 has been all about changes.

@ishnarawlani

SHAGUN SEGAN

A Travel Blogger based out of Hyderabad. Been travelling for over 12 years covering 22 Indian States and 35 Countries.

What according to you is the difference between a blogger and an influencer? How have the words gotten mixed up in recent times?

All bloggers can be influencers, but not all influencers can be bloggers. Someone with knowledge about a subject could now share it with people on their “Blog”, hence a Blogger. Multiple platforms came up to help people share their passion, like Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter, etc. With lower entry barriers, one didn’t need to be an expert to share their views. It became more about expressing yourself than talking about the subject. Since more people were consuming your work, you held some ‘influence’ on their choices, hence the term “Influencer”. Then the online boom continued and unethical people entered the market, who faked it on the platforms till they ‘made it’. And all of this is still so new for everyone that there are hardly any means to check who’s real and who’s fake. But thankfully, more and more ‘Fake Influencers’ are being called out for unscrupulous activities, which helps to clean up the mess but also brings bad name to the whole community. Influencers love being called Bloggers because that is still respectable, but any Blogger worth their salt shall cringe on being called an Influencer.

What’s your take on PR Packages? How can the social media platform be a healthy place to spread positivity and avoid negativity according to you?

The surprising part is that in my 5 years of Blogging, not once I have used the term “PR Package” for anything. You mostly see newbies and wannabe ‘influencers’ come up with all these fancy terms. Like PR Package, Awards winners, Blog session, OOTD, BTS, VIP Invites, Curated shoot, etc. When you lack substance, you bolster that up with new terms and make it sound big. The best part about Social Media is that it can be what you want it to be. There’s a freedom of choice - who do you want to follow, whom to DM, whose comment to reply to, whose video you want to watch. So, if anyone feels that everything is negative, they need to step back and check if that’s what they are getting into unknowingly. Ignore those accounts; don’t engage with toxic people and you take charge of your own positivity. There are tonnes of accounts out there who talk real, have healthy discussions and bring joy to everyone’s life. But sadly, it’s the loud, obnoxious, hateful, negative stuff that gets our attention. Slowly we do fall back onto the right path and bring in all those positive vibes, but till then, all we can do is stay strong, positive and enjoy the platform.

MEENAKSHI PAMNANI

An Indian Fashion Blogger and Entrepreneur. Her page is a reflection of who she is and loves to create content which helps people enhance their lifestyle. Her content mainly revolves around pink and bling two of her biggest loves.

How do you keep yourself updated even when the fashion trend is keep on changing every day? Who is your motivation or inspiration?

Trends keep changing. I always like to keep it classic while I’m adapting to new things coming in trend. I’m the most comfy in long flowy dresses or a classic pant suit set. It’s either Girly or Glam for me. I would suggest - stick to your basics. Add a little bling and Voila! You are good to go.

In these testing times of Covid businesses are struggling to survive how Bloggers/Digital Creators can support other small businesses? How would you be able to support them as a digital creator through your content on the social media platform?

It is a tough time for everyone and I feel really bad for small businesses because they have been badly hit. With everyone supporting - Vocal for local, we have been doing the same too.

We sit every day and find pages in different parts of India and pitch to working for them for absolutely free to support their business. We have been looking for smaller designers in Jaipur, Kolkata and other such places so that we can offer a different set of the audience when we create content for them on our page.

@theshimmergirl

VISHAL FERNANDES

A profound business traveler and a widely recognized blogger who has established himself as an authority on all things luxe. He can mainly be found traveling the world and stopping off at some of the best hotels sampling their food & wines, or at some of the most prolific events. Along with his love for Food, Travel, and wines, comes a massive enthusiasm for cars & watches.

Q. How responsible do you think you are when contributing to society through your content?

I started blogging 10 years ago (on Blogspot) with whatever basic principles of blogging I knew back then. Validate facts before publishing, respect copyright laws, give credit where it’s due, honest opinions, disclosures about sponsored content and being aware of the possible implications or ramifications of your content. Although in recent years the blogosphere has changed towards microblogs and vlogs, I still tend to incorporate these basic principles with my content. And this, I think, makes me a responsible blogger towards society with my content.

Q. Do you feel there should be some code of ethics that should be followed by everyone online on social media platforms while generating the content?

As of today, there is no central authority that governs the blogosphere and this gives them freedom to publish whatever in a manner possible. This I think is problematic, because it gives powers without restraint. To tackle this, I think it’s high time an actual mediating authority should come into existence to bring in some discipline.

@thefernandist

TANUSHA BAJAJ

Content creator, stylist amongst other things. In other words, jack of many trades!

Q. The social media world is developing at a much quicker pace every year. What do you think of the recent changes which have brought a great change and how?

I definitely think that due to the pandemic a lot of people are spending more time on social media and that is also making brands invest more on digital marketing simply because that’s currently the most effective medium. To see such a great shift in the active number of audience is a great change!

Q. What kind of responsibilities you think you have as a Blogger towards the society to spread positivity through your content, as a lot of negativity has taken over on social media platform now days?

Using your platform to address issues, to spread positivity and bring about awareness is stuff any individual should do regardless of how many people follow them. To an extent we are all influencers. Our thought process, our views and opinions can affect people around us. I’ve always encouraged the positive news of social media and I will continue to.

@tanushabajaj

DIVYA BOPPANA

Loves creating content for the gram she’s a fashion enthusiast and a gourmand.

What advice would you give to those interested in building a following online that you have been doing to grow?

I believe in creating relatable and authentic content. Be yourself and spread your vibe. Be consistent and talk about stuff you truly believe in.

Sometimes the ideas run out to curate fashion content what do you do when it happens from where do you take inspiration, is it ok to take inspiration from someone?

My biggest source of inspiration is nature and myself. Yes, taking inspiration is fine but copying content is not okay. Just do it your way.

@divyaboppana_

ARIA KRISHNAMURTI

A Blogger from Hyderabad started off in London, once she graduated from London College of fashion in fashion communications. Aria has been a content creator for 5 years now, nationally and internationally. She creates fashion content primarily but also has gotten into lifestyle & travel blogging. She has a website www.Everythingaria.com where she writes about everything under the sun & moon!

The social media world is developing at a much quicker pace every year. What do you think of the recent changes which has brought a great change and how?

Well, I feel social media has always been informative, and it has changed to be a pleasant change during this year + the lockdown, there’s a welcome change in everyone’s opinions and voicing things out. Now more than ever, everyone’s suddenly not afraid to voice the important issues out nor have a conversation on them. I’m happy that a lot of people are now open to using their bare, raw emotions and feelings and self on social media, I would like to think, gone are the days of just “ pretty images” and filtered thoughts. It’s all about being evolving and changing the aspect for a few dozen around social media. Even the shy, have shunned being shy and have their voice up and ready to discuss the facts and figures. I am liking where this dialogue is heading. And I hope we continue to keep this change hard-core.

How according to you is a Blogger/Digital Creator responsible to spread positivity in the society and how responsible you think you are?

Well, content creators and bloggers have a lot of pressure when it comes to performing on social media. I don’t agree that it is ONLY content creators and bloggers who should be responsible to spread positivity on social media or in society. When it comes to spreading positivity it could be virtually or even physically. Just like any person over the internet, should be kind and gentle with their approach I feel content creators will take lead. We do everything in our power to put positivity out there along with all our work. Because when it comes from a platform with a reach and their audience it’s the most sensible thing to do. Just like you would want to preserve your families mental health and be positive and kind, it’s the same act of kindness over the internet and society. Everyone’s one big family and if we don’t create positive dialogues or work, it will slowly eat the person who follows you, you and your work. It will catch you in non-positive ways. Hence content creators and bloggers are doubly sure and affirmed to put out positive content and try to make social media and society a better space of living.

@stylemearia

HASINI YELLA REDDY

A Hyderabadi girl who loves experimenting with fashion. She loves creating content on fashion and skincare. Fashion enthusiasts who are looking for some fashion tips and styling, her Instagram handle might help you find references and inspiration.

Q. How important is selecting a niche and sticking to it for creating content, can content sometimes go out of the niche?

Niche plays a very important role in creating content while one should know what makes them passionate to create content. Sticking around your niche makes your audience know more about your personality and style statement.

And there is nothing wrong in going out of the niche, it’s always good to experiment and try new things to find new you. You always learn about your interests by exploring new things around but make sure you create your vibe and style.

Q. What kind of responsibilities you think you have as a digital creator towards the society to spread positivity through your content, as a lot of negativity has taken over on social media platform now days?

As a content creator, one should have the responsibility to influence people in a good way. Firstly I encourage everyone to spread positivity and believe in self-love. I believe “the way you carry yourself matters the most”, people shouldn’t differentiate themselves nor others based on religion, caste, skin tone, body weight and appearance. Negativity affects mental health and leads to depression. I hope people understand this and end it soon.

I’m making sure whenever I receive negative actions in my feed I take them down, depending on the situation I would give them the positive feedback to make them understand. Always see the good side and ignore the negative side; they aren’t going any far. Change starts with you; always be a better person and true to yourself then the negativity will overcome. Hold on to love! People deserve it!

@hasiniyellareddy

INSIA NAQVI

She’s a Writer, Video Creator and an Entrepreneur. She makes funny relatable content, works on poetry and has founded Hydrostan (a quintessential Hyderabadi apparel brand) alongside with her best friend. She uses her platform to inspire change through humor.

Q. How responsible you think you are when contributing to society through your content?

With great reach and exposure, comes great responsibility and the only way to ensure responsibility whilst creating content is to know the difference between humor and cyber bullying under the garb of humor. So long as your content is organic, authentic and doesn’t violate a people, you’re in the clear.

Q. How do you deal with the Negativity Online? How do you keep a focus and where do you take inspiration from to get ideas for your content?

People tend to forget dissent is their right and so is free speech. What isn’t their right is vulgarity, robbing people of their dignity and seriously damaging some ones mental health simply because you don’t agree with their content. Incessant cyber bullying should not be an occupational hazard. You could always hit that unfollow button or report content you find offensive instead of lacing together a string of abuses aimed at someone you barely know. That is what would’ve happened in an ideal world. In this more realistic one, you need to suck it up, dust the hate off and do your thing. That’s pretty much what I do. I no longer block anyone. I just respond with a heart or an “ok” and move on. I draw inspiration from my day to day life and channel all of my energy into creating something that would not only brighten my day but help my viewers take their mind off the vicissitudes of life. I’ve created content not only around dakhni-ness, but also strived to keep it fresh with a new concept every other week. There’s a lot more to Hyderabadi content creation than what meets the eye.

PARIDHI GULATI

A Fashion & Lifestyle content creator she loves to pose for the camera and spread happiness through her content.

Q. Now days mobiles are easy to carry and take photos compared to DSLR cameras what do you have to say about it?

Of course yes, mobiles being ‘pocket-sized’ are easier to carry and with the advent of ‘Smart’ phones and a rising popularity of social media among the youth and the masses, where each individual is a channel, a medium, a content creator- shooting ‘on the fly’ is more convenient with a camera phone. In phone camera, you get multiple automatic features - adjusting light, face tuning, auto-blur, colour enhancement, etc along with some many popular editing apps( lightroom, photoshop, picsart, snapseed) to digitally enhance your picture and make the picture look more appealing. In the end, photography is about the creation of attractive images. The pictures clicked with DSLR camera gives ample chance to photographer, to not just click the shutter button but also to play with the raw images, and produce digitally appealing images with the optimum quality. It depends on where the images would be used DSLR camera is used for high end add shoots for more crisp clarity for billboards and advertising purpose.

Q. How do you deal with online bullying or trolling, what should one do in this scenario?

Remember, a troller wants is to insinuate hatred, denigrate, humiliate, inflict pain on you and vent their insecurities upon you. Don’t fall in that trap and do not let it hamper your mental peace. If a comment is not adding any value and is not said in the best interest, and the ‘opinions’ by them is nothing, but nasty nudge at you, then, The best policy is to ignore such comments. Feed no fodder to such notorious people because firstly they are not real IDs, most of the times, hiding behind a screen and secondly, they want your attention and disturb your mental peace. If the perpetrator is causing mental torture and is abusivesimply block and report that account to Instagram. And in the extreme-most case, report it to Cybercrime police. Having said that, If a particular comment is a constructive criticism or a suggestion, respond them with facts, and ask them a suggestion on what made them conclude that, ask them how can you improve and or mitigate it with humour. Remember, Kindness is the new cool.

@vogueandvanities_pari

ANUDEEP BAIDYA

A Men’s Fashion Blogger based in Hyderabad, blogs about Fashion & Lifestyle. Also, have an independent website www.mensopedia.com which talks about men’s fashion and other essential topics.

How do you deal with the Negativity Online? How do you keep a focus and where do you take inspiration from to get ideas for your content?

I don’t pay attention to Negativity online as I don’t like any distractions from my work. My focus comes from creating content that I am passionate about. I find inspiration from different platforms, Pinterest, and Instagram. If I find a specific trend interesting from the runway or celebrities, I take inspiration from there and create my own version of that style.

In these testing times of Covid businesses are struggling to survive how Bloggers/ Digital Creators can support other small businesses? How would you be able to support them as a food blogger through your content on the social media platform?

As times are difficult now, it is not just businesses but even creators that are struggling. But for some genuine brands working on barter is one way to support them and it benefits both of us. However, promoting and supporting some favorite brands is an ongoing thing I do on my feed. I want to showcase those brands to my followers as well. Together with brands, I hope we can tackle this situation.

@in.his.wardrobe

BHAVANA RAO

A lifestyle Influencer and a Youtuber. It’s been almost a year since she started her journey as an influencer. She loves what she does and she finds peace in her work. She loves the process of the work she wakes up with the best feeling ever to create content.

Q. The social media world is developing at a much quicker pace every year. What do you think of the recent changes which has brought a great change and how?

Social media has definitely changed drastically during the last few years And I’m really happy with the way it has been evolved cause there is space for every new creator out here who’s sceptical of starting their journey in this industry. I’m glad that social media has bought in the awareness for creativity as a career, and people have taken art seriously also the millennials are not afraid to pursue their career in social media. I think it’s a good change.

Q. How according to you is a Blogger/Digital Creator responsible to spread positivity in the society and how responsible you think you are?

As a blogger or influencer one should always keep their audience aware of positivity as social media can even become toxic sometimes. With all the love you get from the audience, there are always people looking forward to putting you down no matter what you do but I think as an influencer I keep my audience aware of the importance of positivity and being kind or protecting once peace. Cause social media is a platform where teenagers get easily gullible and I think as influencers we are responsible to make them aware of certain things. Be it body positivity or mental health or even bullying on the internet.

@bhavana__rao