The Score Magazine May 2017 | Page 14

DIRECTOR'S NOTE Director, Strategy and Planning Ajay Prabhakar Director, Business Development Pragash VM Director, Marketing & Operations Sneha Ramesh Editorial Advisor Nikila Srinivasan Creative Director George Vedamanickam Creative Designer Manasi Doshi Content Contributors Sumit Suvarna Aditi Sarawagi Sriram Ravishankar Shreya Bose Souvik Chakraborty Pramita Bose brand partners Playback singer Sonu Nigam attracted controversy when he tweeted about the use of loudspeakers for religious purposes on April 17. The singer stated that he wasn't a Muslim but he is woken up by Azaan in the morning and asked when this forced religiousness will end in India. In the following tweets the singer also mentioned about temples or gurudwaras using electricity to wake up people who don't follow their respective religions. What followed was a bevy of voices both in support and opposition. These days we as a people get offended very easily without thinking for a minute. This led to a cleric offering a reward to shave Sonu Nigam's head amongst other things. The singer took it upon himself to shave his head during a press conference to make a point about the insanity of the situation. I was surprised to see the number of people who got offended without verifying the series of tweets by the singer. Just 3 tweets can instigate huge drama and violence. We have seen similiar situations in the recent past with the song 'Hymn for the weekend', and Snapchat CEO's views about the Indian Market for their app. Where is the media that shouted for freedom of speech and a secular India? Whether it is for Azaan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri or any sort of religious processions, high volume levels have to be brought under control. The government should have a proper noise control mechanisms in place across cities and states. We should also take collective responsibility to verify news on the internet before we jump the gun. PRAGASH VM Director - Business Development subscribe to us at www.thescoremagazine.com thescoremagazine.com thescoremag www.highonscore.com @highonscore highonscore [email protected] +91 95000 12975 DISCLAIMER: Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and illustrations. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publication and accordingly no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof. Advertising copy and artworks are the sole responsibility of the advertisers. http://www.motherteresafoundation.org.in The Score Magazine is proud to support the Mother Teresa Foundation and urge our readers to join us in giving back a fraction of what we have been given.