Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child gives children the right to speak freely and express their concerns. Ironically children in Jammu and Kashmir, who comprise 56% of the total population, hardly have any outlet available to express themselves. Since general trend in Kashmir media is that the political news dominates the headlines (as opposed to culture, sports and infotainm
ent), younger people feel alienated from the newspapers. At the same time greater exposure, essentially due to satellite and internet boom, has made them more curious about the world. There is greater realisation among this segment of restive population of Kashmir that happenings around the world impact their daily situation. Since interest in passive form of media (Radio, TV Etc) is waning globally young people want to interact with- and contribute to news media. They want to exercise control over what information they receive. Despite the stated preferences for the Internet as a news and information source and the growing interest in personal devices that facilitate citizen journalism (i.e. digital gadgets), majority of young people still value more traditional media sources and formats, because they are perceived as being more accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. More over barrage of so-called ‘stealth’ marketing techniques in the mainstream media have made children especially vulnerable because they lack the cognitive skills to understand the persuasive intent of television and online advertisements. Overall children live and grow up in a highly sophisticated marketing environment that influences their preferences and behaviors. Realizing the importance of engaging young people, since they will be the next thinkers, leaders, and voters, Kashmir Observer has decided to launch “YOUNG KASHMIR”, a weekly supplement devoted to young in the age group of 18 and below. YOUNG KASHMIR would strive to enhance children’s interpersonal skills and encourage their interest in reading and writing. We intend to motivate and enable them to write and to act as active agents in their own lives and in the life of their communities. We intend to incorporate content that young people can use in their everyday lives and tie it to events and initiatives that inspire them to act. Besides the eight page pull-out will feature stories, sketches, poems and information produced by the children that is bound to depict the reality of their surroundings – at home, school and the community at large and reach out to key decision/policy makers in the districts and the state. Over a period of time, workshops will be organized to train young reporters, teach them art of creative writing, drawing cartoons, art work and photography.
