For the past few years now, I have been a short story and perspective writer for a popular website where none of my articles ever got rejected until last year.
Last year, a little irritated by the content shown on television, I decided to write an open letter to Ekta Kapoor regarding her sadistic storylines, and irrelevant and unrealistic broadcasting. I submitted my work I had been writing for to the website, but was told that I shouldn’t meddle with celebrities, and that the article could be published only if I removed Kapoor’s name and converted it into a gentler version of my opinion.
Being the kind of person I am, my approach to humanity is very uncomplicated. For me, there is nothing like a celebrity. For that matter, I treat a rickshaw-puller or a guard with the same respect as I treat the CEO of a company, and this alone makes me politically incorrect much to the disappointment and hatred of many. Hero worshiping and sugar-coated mu words are features I do not have in the hardware of my brain.
I decided to post the article and not compromise on it for the sake of getting it published. That was the time when I came to know about Youth Ki Awaaz. YKA not just gives one a platform to express unapologetically, but also selflessly supports writers with editing and suggestions, which have helped me evolve as a writer. I feel bolder while writing, and do not have to fear rejection just because I am voicing a truth.
Truth is bitter and not everyone has the courage to abide by the fearless ethical code needed to maintain its flow. YKA is the answer to the fake media platforms (print television and digital) that have forgotten the real oath of a media person to allow the truth to reach the world without any manipulation.
I am thankful to YKA for letting people like me be a part of this revolutionary medium for the expression of truth.