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W H O W E
A R E
South
Asia Post
IT
is pertinent to ask as to why a new website. In this information age when we are
bombarded from all sides with evocative or obtuse information and opinions, then
why add another name. Friends, after spending years in the field of journalism,
somewhere in the inner recesses of the mind, a thought lingered and
always troubled most of us who are involved in launching this web opinion
newspaper. It was about something left unstated or not fully stated. It is not
to cast any aspersions, but to state a position.
The commercial
media of the day by its very nature is more involved in profiteering and self
propagation. It is more into power play and less into the field of ideas.
We do not agree that there is an end of news like those who pronounced end of
history. There are good newspapers both in print and on the net as there are
quality radio and television networks. There are meaningful and significant
media institutions, playing their kind of role. We salute them. Yet
there is more anarchy loosened on the world by many of the media institutions,
particularly owned by the multinational giants.
There
are as many apprehensions as there are myths. Mass media is no longer seen as a
purveyor of neutral information and contemplative comment. Idealism and
liberalism have by and large deserted the profession of journalism. It has
become a business like any other, seeking to maximise profit, though technology
has opened vast possibilities and pushed the boundaries beyond
limits.
This
is new media where technological advancement has meant phenomenal improvement in
quality and quantity, and also in skill up gradation. The main accent is on
speed and silken smooth presentation. Colour printing has made newspapers the
most economical and suitable medium for big time advertisers. They get better
visibility at competitive rates. This media, however, requires huge investments,
which must bring good returns. It the logic of the market that prevails in
the competitive world.
Newspapers
are no longer a cottage industry with a printing machine, and a few compositors
in the backyard. This means, heavy investment. Any newspaper, radio or
television management that has invested huge sums would like handsome returns.
For this it must have readers, listeners or viewers. These are needed to attract
advertisements and bring in revenues. In a way, newspapers sell readers to
advertisers. More importantly, the newspapers and other wings of the
media institutions, have to have cozy relationship with the State. There
is also visible tendency towards monopoly controls.
New technology
in communications has also opened the scope for an alternative media and
Internet offers huge possibilities for news and opinion sites. A few individuals
can join hands and launch a website. But to sustain for a longer period would
require backing of the advertisers and viewers. Possibilities are
unlimited indeed as is the reach.
We strongly
believe that a better informed public is the only guarantee for the success of
any form of democracy and here journalism committed to dissemination of news and
opinions as objectively as it can, plays significant role.
We shall offer
robust analysis and well researched articles on variety of subjects including
politics, business, economy, health, films, art and books.
It is just a
click away and is all free. http://www.southasiapost.org
The taste of the
pudding is in the eating. we are providing a platform. We urge you
to participate in this venture which is sensitive to deeper human concerns. It
wishes to be a forceful interpreter of serious events and not a weapon for
personal power or propaganda or a plain effort to make money.
BACK
Profile of
the South Asia Post Inc
IT
is a company incorporated at Toronto under the Canadian law and its domain name
is registered as www.southasiapost.org
We have already started a fortnightly web edition and plan to go for a print
edition in next couple of months from Toronto and Vancouver.
It is
a professionally managed corporation with a team of experienced senior
journalists at the helm of affairs. This team is led by Gobind Thukral,
who till recently was bureau chief of The Tribune Chandigarh. He has put in more
than 35 years in active journalism . He has been writing a column on Pakistan
and has travelled to North American countries, Canada and the United States to
report on politics and host of issues that concern immigrants from Indian,
Pakistan and other South Asian countries. His earlier full time
assignments at senior level include The Indian Express, India Today and The
Hindustan Times.
Dr
Jaspal Singh, Associate Editor, a linguist and former principal
is currently also editor of Desh Sewak, an influential Punjabi daily from
Chandigarh. His much appreciated columns on Punjabi literature have often
appeared in The Tribune and other journals.
Surjan
Zirvi, former news editor and later editor of the influential Nawa Zamana
whose name is a legend in the annals of Punjabi journalism is Consulting Editor.
Journalists trained at his nursery in Jalandhar continue to occupy senior
positions. He is an active figure as a writer and thinker amongst the Diaspora
in Toronto where he has lived for the past 14 years.
Khushwant
Singh Toor, a young energetic entrepreneur engineer is the publisher and
General Manager on whose shoulders rests the entire operation, both web edition
now and print edition later.
Gurpreet
Singh based in Vancouver is a writer and journalist. For the past five years
he has made his mark as social activist, journalist and as regular host of radio
talks. He is currently host at the popular Radio India that covers North
America. His bold approach in designing and broadcasting programmes
for the South Asian public has endeared him all over Canada.
Jyotika
J Thukral, our young Assistant Editor based in New Delhi has
worked with Asian Age and Business Standard and her interests include not
only analysing economic and political developments, but to write in
depth on films and arts.
Equally
important are our regular contributors and columnists. They come with
solid background as writers and journalists.
Deborah
Mathis, an American journalist and writer from Washington is a writer,
teacher and a committed social and political activist, offers her deep
understanding of political and economic issues in America. She is a
nationally syndicated columnist, whose articles appear in many of America’s
prominent journals. A fellow at the Harvard University, she has covered White
House and is an expert on America Africans.
Rajeev
Goyle, American born young enthusiastic barrister is based in
Washington D.C who strongly believes in advocacy of fair and just causes and he
works for prestigious think tank, the American Progress. A sharp mind and
an equally sharp analytical writing his forte, Rajeev would write on variety of
issues that concern the world today.
Joginder
Singh Toor, a writer and a senior advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High
Court has many deep concerns. His articles, result of deep thought and
commitments have appeared both in English and Punjabi in the two leading
newspapers, The Tribune and Desh Sewak.
Political
thinker, Dr Pramod Kumar, Director of the Institute for development and
Communications, Chandigarh, is author of several studies on violence,
communalism, and crisis in agriculture . His interest has no limits and his pen
is dexterousness.
Maj.
Gen. S.P.Kapoor, a decorated solider from the Indian army is an expert on
defence and security matters and contributes to major newspapers.
Umendra
Dutt is Director Kheti Virasat in Punjab. His commitment to the cause of
farmers in Punjab and concern for environment makes him an
untiring campaigner. Sustainable agriculture is his slogan and creed.
This list is not
exhaustive and we have many other contributors across South Asian countries and
North America to provide variety and detailed analysis.
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