Civil Society - February 2019

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We travel to the Biennale in Kochi this year for our February cover story. As events go, the Biennale is important to us because of the free-falling diversity that it represents. This time is more special than usual because of the radical shift in reaching out yet further across social and economic boundaries the usually ‘unheard’. In times when debate and dialogue are needed, the Biennale represents a space which we need to nurture

Also in this issue is a significant interview with Kiran Karnik on technology and the need for a human interface. Karnik’s views are particularly interesting in the context of Aadhaar and cashless transfers. Karnik served for many years in India’s satellite programme and then worked with Discovery for the launch of its channels in India. He played an important role in the IT sector as the president of Nasscom.

Our February issue seeks to provide our usual diversity with stories on tree climbing classes, fundraising for NGOs, a heritage map for Goa and an interview with Aruna Roy on what has been happening with rural job guarantee scheme.

Civil Society Magazine Description:

Civil Society is an independent magazine published from New Delhi.

It was launched in September 2003 to tell stories of change from across the chaotic landscape of post-reforms India.

A newly growing economy has winners and losers — as journalists we wanted to tell the stories of those who were making it and as well as those who were getting left behind.

In the past 15 years, Civil Society has come to be known for its refreshing style of covering people, events and trends. We are credited with redefining mainstream concerns in the Indian media.

Civil Society's reportage has brought to national attention individuals and groups who play leadership roles and drive change but get overlooked. We have shown that there is an India that exists beyond prime time.

This has been possible because we moved out of big media jobs to create a small and efficient enterprise through which journalists could look for stories where it may not be fashionable to look for them.

A democracy thrives on credible information. Small media entities, freed up from the demands of big capital, allow journalists to innovate and explore new frontiers. A large and complex country like India needs more alternative voices.

Started with just Rs 4 lakhs (about $6,000) of personal savings, one small car and a single computer, Civil Society has shown that it is possible for professional journalists with skills and clear values to build influential enterprises in the media.