This article was published in a daily couple of years back in middle space. Expressing my feelings about Kaleidoscope in just 550 words is difficult but then that was the limit. I am publishing it as it is.
The Kaleidoscope
It was around six years back I was
appointed as the in charge of the student’s body of the department of
electronics. It was an assignment I was interested in and was very
much associated with it but not as an in charge. An excellent opportunity for
me to try out couple of new ideas. One of such activities was our
wall magazine aptly named as Kaleidoscope. The concept was to provide a platform
for the students to express their views freely.
One of
the most popular columns was of messages directed towards specific groups or
student but often they were difficult to decipher. The hidden obscenity or
indecent comments, if there were any, never came to our knowledge. But as a
matter of fact it attracted lot of enthusiasts.
When I took
over I had a meeting with the editorial team and presented my views and
expectations. The discussion concentrated more on increasing the readership of
the wall magazine. They were interested in increasing the columns like message
box to increase the TRP, so can be called. My point was we had two options
either we should concentrate on the quality and didn’t bother about the
readership or think of readership only and compromise the quality. The
discussion revolved around what students wanted and what was good for them. I
insisted on the quality. Finally it was decided to drop those so called popular
but mostly obscure columns. We had since then maintained the uncompromising
approach on the quality of content. Of course most satisfying part was they
were convinced that it’s better to change the taste of reader for good
rather than changing for the bad taste.
We have always
had good editors. Very much keen on leading the team to high quality issues .
Setting and crossing high standards every year. No need to say in the wall
magazine competition we often won prizes. Year by year every team worked
very hard forming an undefined Kaleidoscope-bond amongst them. I also used to
go to every classroom encouraging them to contribute to the wall magazine,
discussing the merits of developing the presentation skills.
One day a girl
came to me and said, "Sir, you talk of quality of articles and advice us
not to think of readership. What I will get then if I contribute?" A
genuine question. Good article but poor readership. No applaud. No crowd
with loads of appreciation. My answer was you would get nothing except the
opportunity to express your views on a public platform. It was difficult for
her to adjust to the idea of writing for nothing for our very objective of work
is always getting something out of it.
Then
I explained to her even if few were likely to read the article, it would
improve her writing and presentation skills. You would write for yourself not
for others. Set high standards for you and be self-satisfied. Interestingly,
she was convinced.
All those
who were part of Kaleidoscope team have a sense of attachment. Even after
passing out, in any communication with me,the first question is always about
Kaleidoscope. It is still put on the walls, displaying colourful patterns of
life, still not read by many but the learning, satisfaction and the
belongingness it has given us is the asset lifetime.
