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Sometimes what a legal appeal can’t do, a viral video on social media can.  Well, that is what recently happened in Kerala, when a 4-years-old-boy named Shanku shared a sweet, straightforward, heartfelt plea on social media that got the ears of the whole state, and even the government officials. It is an epitome of how powerful content on social media is, and of how a viral appeal by Shanku resulted in a healthier, more diverse menu being served to thousands of Anganwadi children in Kerala.

Shanku (whose official name is Trijal S Sundhar) is a small boy in Kerala and, similar to other children, he goes to his nearby Anganwadi, a government-operated centre, which offers basic education, nutrition, and health services to children below the age of six years. It so happened that one day Shanku made an innocent complaint about the monotonous food at his Anganwadi, which was captured on camera by his mother while he was eating egg biryani at home. In the video, he requested a change in the menu saying that instead of upma there should be biriyani, as he got bored of having the same food daily.

His mother, Aswathy Ashok, who recorded the video and posted on instagram said that, "Shanku doesn't like upma and his favourite food is porridge and black-eyed pea. Upma was being served in the anganwadi daily and he developed a hatred towards it.” She also said that the video wasn’t a deliberate one but shot and posted just for fun without any expectation of it going viral on the platform. 

The most interesting thing about this was the innocent face that Shanku made and how he spoke on behalf of soooo many other kids that felt the same but would never say it aloud. His video has become viral on social media, thousands of people shared and agreed with his request. 

Veena George, the Minister for Women and Child Development in Kerala, responded to the viral video of Shanku instantly. She did not brush it aside but realized the need to listen to the voices of children. The department quickly looked at the Anganwadi food menu and decided to change it in a way that would help all children and not only Shanku.

In a few days, the state government has declared a revised ‘model food menu’. The new menu announced at the state-level inauguration of Anganwadis’ Praveshanolsavam in Pathanamthitta is  more diverse, healthy, and tasty, which will ensure that children enjoy their meals and are well nourished. Though the staple foods such as rice, pulses and vegetables are still there, the menu has:

• Additional seasonal vegetables and fruits
• Breakfast diversity.
• Addition of local and child friendly meals
• Improved meal rotation to prevent boredom
• Egg biryani and pulav

The modifications have been made considering the suggestions of nutritionists so that the food can be both delicious and nutritious. The government further undertaken to continue reviewing the menu; depending on children and parental feedback.

Anganwadi means much more than a learning and playing place to many children in Kerala, as it is their source of daily nutrition. Having a dull menu that is repetitive may cause the children to lose interest in food thus becoming poorly nourished. With the variety, the government expects to:

1. Enhance the diet of children
2. Turn mealtimes into fun
3. Promote higher attendance at Anganwadis

This move is also a reminder that sometimes, children’s feedback can be the most honest and valuable. And also, listening to them is good sometimes because the children will know best what they want to eat, right?

Shanku’s biryani video is an inspiring instagram viral video example of how even the smallest voices can bring about big changes. It shows that children should be heard, and that they should be part of the decision making process that affects their day to day lives. The fast and favourable reaction of the Kerala government is an excellent example to be followed by other states and departments.

When you ever think that your voice is not important, think of Shanku. His modest request did not only transform the food that he ate but it also provided thousands of children in Kerala with better food. Isn’t it intriguing to know how simple it can be to put forward a humble request and the people in authority listen to it. 

Social media is indeed becoming powerful day after day; let’s use its power correctly and change our country for good. 

Watching the news after a disaster, a crime, or a tragedy is so overwhelming at times that we either turn off the tv or avoid talking about it. The images and words can linger in the mind, sometimes making us anxious or even helpless… because what can we do?! Now, think about the people directly involved…the survivors, the families, the witnesses and all the others affected by it. For them, the impact is much deeper. This is where the concept of trauma-informed journalism comes in. Because India has a lot of sensitive cases, it’s becoming important for Indian journalists today to be skilled in this type of journalism. 

What is Trauma-Informed Journalism?

Trauma-informed Journalism is a new term that is starting to gain recognition. It is a practice that originated from the medical community in which being trauma-informed implies knowing that trauma is common and all humans have gone through it at certain points of their lives. However, this type of journalism means to understand the trauma, the perspective of the survivor after that trauma, and knowing how the impact of the coverage will be after you, a journalist, will leave them alone. 

What Is Its Importance in India?

From natural disasters to conflicts between groups of people, and the ongoing issues faced by the poor, Indians have experienced a lot of trauma. How these stories are told can make someone feel better or can make their condition worse. Worrying events in the news may bring fear, sadness, and PTSD-like symptoms to everyone, not only to those who experienced the troubles. For journalists, facing serious risk is a common part of their jobs. According to a study by American Psychological Association, 2023, the majority of journalists may be exposed to distressing circumstances at work, which raises their chance of feeling anxious, depressed, and burnt out.

The Difference That Trauma-Informed Journalism Makes

• Empathy First: Empathy is the main focus in trauma-informed journalism. It gives respect and dignity to survivors and looks at the incident as what took place, not at any possible faults of the survivor.
• Avoiding Re-traumatization: It is important for journalists to ensure that survivors are not questioned in ways that make them recall their trauma.
• Presenting the Truth Fairly: When reporters recognize how trauma works, their stories are more truthful and follow ethics, helping the public trust them.

This highlights another concern, that is, the journalist itself being traumatised. If the news is grave and harsh for even the strongest human to process, it can affect the journalist. So what can be done? If journalists know their emotional limits and schedule breaks, they can keep themselves from feeling the negative effects of their jobs. Also, this will help prioritise mental health in journalism. 

Tips for Indian Journalists

1. Take Some Time to Get Yourself Ready to Report: Make sure you understand trauma and what it causes before starting to help those who went through it.
2. Ensure There is a Safe Environment: Make each interview similar and safe, and give survivors the chance to set rules.
3. Provide Clear Instructions: Whenever covering sensitive subjects, inform your readers so they know when and how to read the information.
4. Practice Self-care: Taking care of one’s mental health, getting support, and enjoying breaks are important for journalists.
5. Concentrate on finding solutions: If you can, choose stories about rebounds and victories instead of focusing only on misery.

Trauma-informed reporting has become popular worldwide, and Indian newsrooms are quickly starting to adopt it. As journalists become more knowledgeable and empathetic with additional training, they are less likely to harm the subjects of their stories. Because India is complex and diverse, the adoption of this method could help society become more empathetic, knowledgeable, and stable.

If you are an aspiring journalist, take note of this, adhere to this new skill, and practice trauma-informed journalism as per the needs of Indian society. Because ethical news coverage in India is vital, trauma-informed journalism is coming up as the future of Indian News. 

So, if you aspire to be a positive change and have a rewarding career, consider pursuing journalism courses in India. For free career counselling, connect with us @ 08035018499 or visit the GMCET official portal https://gmcet.org/.

If you want a career in media, hold on tight, because the battle between Musk and Trump is providing useful lessons on how social media can influence fame instantly. What began as a strong friendship between two global leaders has now turned into a fierce battle on social media, with every post and tweet causing a stir in news and digital spaces. However, is this true transparency, or are we all exposed to each other’s sharpest criticism?

What Led to Musk-Trump Conflict?

Not so long ago, Elon Musk and Donald Trump were perceived as being very close. As per Forbes, Musk spent over $200 to help Trump get elected, which led to him (perhaps) being rewarded with the position of DOGE, head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk’s and Trump’s good relationship came to an end quickly with the introduction of the tax and spending bill. As per the tweet, Musk and Trump are in a new rift over the “Big, Beautiful” tax bill that Musk called a “disgusting abomination”.

Without hesitation, Musk shared his views on Twitter, attacked Trump’s policies, shared old Trump tweets on how huge the deficit was, and hinted at the need for impeachment. He stated that the “Epstein files” contain Trump’s name even when he presented no evidence for his claim, increasing the spread of speculation. This tweet literally fanned the fire of conspiracy theories. 

Not hesitating to respond, Trump used his Truth Social platform. He also said that he’d asked Musk to leave the administration, accused him of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” and threatened to cut off federal contracts that Musk’s companies, like SpaceX and Starlink, possess. Additionally, once Trump called Musk “one of our great brains” and earlier this week commented, “he just went crazy.” The drama got everyone’s attention and turned into the main conversation trending on all platforms.

Media professionals and students are learning from this real-life example how social media can have both good and bad effects. Since Musk has such a wide reach, he is able to affect public opinions, get people behind an idea or start a battle at any time. Using the power of the White House and over 6.3 million followers on Truth Social, Trump fights back with his own forms of digital fighting. The result? An argument in public that involves more than policy but also boils down to who will shape the public narrative.

This kind of transparency is not the same as what we usually mean by the term. Actually, it can feel like walking on dangerous ground because every post is full of risks. One wrong move, one loose remark and the world on the internet is ready to react. An influencer said, “This is the most exciting day on X in years,” but for those involved, it underlines that social media can be harsh as well as impressive.

What Are People Talking About?

The public is showing strong excitement about the whole thing. People engage in discussions, polls and threads on X to talk about every detail from the feud. A number of users feel Musk deserves praise for his boldness and taking on politics. Others argue that Musk is only acting out of self-interest and abandoning Trump. Experts and journalists are referring to it as “the digital fight of the decade,” and they are worried about the results of online attacks.

Various commentators are observing that the situation combines the personal and the political in a way never seen before. The consensus? The line between transparency and toxicity in social media is razor-thin! 

What Should Media Aspirants Bear in Mind? 

This raises questions for those who are starting out as journalists, PR professionals and online storytellers. The ongoing Musk-Trump feud demonstrates that social media now plays a major role in public opinions, political fights and achievements between big brands. Everything you say online is locked away, every single comment is carefully examined, and the opinions of the crowd never shut off.

If media is your desired field, bear this in mind: honesty goes hand in hand with responsibility. Every user gets to express their views on X and Truth Social, yet these platforms can inflame events and cause more drama. Viral marketing has a high potential for success, but it also carries a big risk of criticism.

Are we witnessing openness or simply more layers to the fence? The feud between Musk and Trump shows how today’s media operates. By 2025, social media acts as both a stage and a battlefield, where what seems transparent can easily hurt its users. To those pursuing a career in media, it’s important to master new devices, honor the impact of your words and know that every post you write could leave a mark: positive or negative.

Daily, reporters are given problems to solve that may be easy, complicated or too baffling to figure out. Earlier, journalists usually relayed stories based on what they observed or heard. However, because of today’s overwhelming cases of fake news and deepfakes, journalists must do more than just present the facts. In order to be a good journalist, you must be a detective and look beyond the surface, like a true Sherlock Holmes, and that’s the essence of forensic journalism.

What is Forensic Journalism?

Suppose a jigsaw puzzle is given to you, but half of the pieces are gone and many are painted the wrong colour. While assembling the information for a story, forensic journalists look for additional pieces, confirm their accuracy and even try to determine who was involved in any deceit involved. Basically, they depend on science, tech and sharp investigation skills to reveal the answers to what is happening.

The tools used by Forensic Journalist

Like Sherlock Holmes had his magnifying glass and pipe, forensic journalists use various tools to do their work:

• Digital Forensics: They search for digital marks, sometimes seeing where a popular picture or video came from.
• Audio-Video Analysis: They monitor for any unusual activity, checking that the information is true.
• Legal Know-How: Because they understand media laws and ethics, their findings are accepted by the court if required.
• Fact-Checking: They check and confirm all the information, so nothing is assumed to be true.

Why is Forensic Journalism on the Rise in India?

There is a growth in the digital world in India along with more fake news. All the time, news and rumors, factual or not, circulate widely on social networks. This makes it difficult for regular people to distinguish between real and fake information. Here, forensic journalism plays the role of a truth serum for the media. Forensic science helps to identify what truly happened, keeps innocent people safe from traps and assists police in faster crime solving. 

For example, when such a video is shared widely, a forensic journalist does not simply pass it on. They examine the video’s information, listen for any changes in the audio and verify the place and time. It is only after all the facts are checked that they release their report for publishing.

Advice for Turning into a Newsroom Sherlock

If solving puzzles excites you and you wish to really influence people, forensic journalism could be the job for you. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and some private universities like JECRC now have courses that bridge the gap between journalism and forensic science. They prepare you to detect misleading news, check source credibility and make use of advanced tech for checking information.

There Is A Promising Future for Those Aspiring to Be Detectives

The calling of forensic journalism is as important as its responsibilities. It means being honest in a world with thousands of lies spreading in seconds. Since the demand for skilled forensic journalists is growing, you now have a great opportunity to use your detective skills and enter the newsroom.

If you’re feeling ready to play detective in journalism, now is the time. Fantastic mysteries are around us; will you be the one to solve them? If yes, contact us for career counselling or simply take GMCET to start your career. 

Neeraj Ghaywan’s life and achievements are far from ordinary. Think about what it’s like to leave your engineering job as a graduate, move to the corporate world and switch to making films purely to communicate important messages. That’s what Ghaywan chose to do, and as a result, he’s now considered one of the leading filmmakers in Indian cinema.

Masaan was Ghaywan’s first film, and many people discovered him when this movie came out. Masaan, which takes place in Varanasi, confronts viewers with difficult matters like caste, grief and redemption. At the Cannes Film Festival in 2015, it not only claimed awards; it touched people and made them talk. Here was someone who was ready to show society its own image and ask the difficult questions.

Ghaywan continued to explore new ideas after that. His latest project, Homebound, which debuted at Cannes in 2025, goes even further. It looks at who we are, where we come from, and the legacy of hardship passed down, focused on the stories of people seldom shown in typical films. There is something special and new in Ghaywan’s focus on Dalit themes, caste issues and the privileges a few factions hold in Indian cinema.

What separates Neeraj Ghaywan from others is that he always stays true to who he is. For a long time, he concealed his Dalit identity, though today, he shows it with pride in his life and in his profession. His films aren’t only meant to entertain; they also fight stereotypes and open discussions that are important for India.

Ghaywan does this by telling stories that are moving, natural and related to the lives of Indians, and this is reshaping the future of Indian cinema. He is not limiting himself to making movies; he is making a positive impact.

In the bigger picture, Neeraj Ghaywan is here to show who deserves to stay at the top, and he’s surely changing the way we see it all. This is why audiences across the world, as well as in India, are appreciating his creativity, courage and his bold new voice

Neeraj Ghaywan’s life and achievements are far from ordinary. Think about what it’s like to leave your engineering job as a graduate, move to the corporate world and switch to making films purely to communicate important messages. That’s what Ghaywan chose to do, and as a result, he’s now considered one of the leading filmmakers in Indian cinema.

Masaan was Ghaywan’s first film, and many people discovered him when this movie came out. Masaan, which takes place in Varanasi, confronts viewers with difficult matters like caste, grief and redemption. At the Cannes Film Festival in 2015, it not only claimed awards; it touched people and made them talk. Here was someone who was ready to show society its own image and ask the difficult questions.

Ghaywan continued to explore new ideas after that. His latest project, Homebound, which debuted at Cannes in 2025, goes even further. It looks at who we are, where we come from, and the legacy of hardship passed down, focused on the stories of people seldom shown in typical films. There is something special and new in Ghaywan’s focus on Dalit themes, caste issues and the privileges a few factions hold in Indian cinema.

What separates Neeraj Ghaywan from others is that he always stays true to who he is. For a long time, he concealed his Dalit identity, though today, he shows it with pride in his life and in his profession. His films aren’t only meant to entertain; they also fight stereotypes and open discussions that are important for India.

Ghaywan does this by telling stories that are moving, natural and related to the lives of Indians, and this is reshaping the future of Indian cinema. He is not limiting himself to making movies; he is making a positive impact.

In the bigger picture, Neeraj Ghaywan is here to show who deserves to stay at the top, and he’s surely changing the way we see it all. This is why audiences across the world, as well as in India, are appreciating his creativity, courage and his bold new voice