The BMM Experience by Chaitanya Shah

The BMM Experience.

Bio: Chaitanya Shah is a Digital Strategist, travel blogger at Traveling Curiously.net and the Founder of Lunchex.co, a meal sharing travel community. In his free time, Chaitanya makes travel itineraries, ogles food porn and plays quidditch. You can connect with him on Twitter @chaitanyavshah

Media is really the hot thing now isn’t it? At the risk of sounding like a grandfather, I’d say that when I started my Bachelors of Mass Media I literally had no idea what it was about and what I was going to do with my life. Honest. Having failed to achieve the dream of entering an engineering college, I decided to get away from the rat race and try something totally different. A friend of mine who was already studying Mass Media from Wilson College told me about this course and solely on the basis of a whim, I applied for the course.

The biggest decision I made –

Taking this course was the first ever major decision I took in my entire life. It was scary as hell and I have to say it was taken purely on gut. I didn’t really know much about what I was getting into and boy I was in for a shock. The disciplined, organised and orderly life I had learned to live from a very early age while chasing the dreams of entering an IIT was about to go for a toss and BMM was going to teach me to ride the waves and live in the moment.

The best decision I made –

Doing BMM did have a lot of positive impact on my life.  It was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. In just three years of the course I learned to live a life completely opposite to the way I was raised. It involved last minute presentations, ‘computer crashes’, ‘industrial visits’, overnight ‘project work’, travel, chaos, broken hearts and not so sober presentations.

All this was a stark contrast to the life I lead before.

Life After BMM –

By the time I graduated from BMM, it had become a ‘cool’ course to do. There were tonnes of colleges that started offering BMM and a million students who would be graduating in the following years. I believe my batch was lucky with regards to the timing of graduation. Almost every one of us got jobs and began our careers well.

Life Lessons from BMM –

You only know the value of a course when you have to put your lessons to use. Academically, BMM made me a jack of all trades. We had 36 subjects and we gained surface level knowledge about each of them; totally pointless if you ask me.

On the flipside however, it really helped me expand my point of view and made me realise that nothing is finite or definite, unlike math problems.

BMM introduced me to different horizons and helped me open my mind to discovery. I truly started appreciating forms of expression across multiple mediums.

That is in a sense, the BMM experience for me!

Early Bird

It's only been a week or so, I set off to jog on Marine Drive at 7am in the morning. Earlier I would be stumbling from one morning chore to another. Not anymore. I lead, for now a  complete healthy life. It's really opened by mind to things around me, and opened by eyes to everyday quirks.

So, I start of slowly, gaining pace only once I am warm and well shaken. It generally takes about 800m for that to happen and I also cross the Marine Drive bridge, come out onto the open stretch. That's were fun starts. 

Uncles and aunties galore.Dog trainers, owners and dogs all strutting up and down the Marine Drive promenade. Its hilarious to see the various walking, running and jogging techniques at display. The sheer variety would baffle all the bio-mech. scientists at the R&D departments of Nike, Adidas and the likes.

The dogs I feel have the biggest ball. Running around, playing with their 'walk mates' and of course littering  the pavement.Nomenclature for these domestic bundle/trunks of joys have gotten mighty interesting ranging from the conforming Rocky to the rather bizarre Shellu (may be Sheldon?) and Timba.  

I really think an early morning jog gets you off to a bright day.It's a SHOULD DO! MUST DO !

    

Duwa

Kashmir I write a rhyme for you

Because it may lessen the grind for you.

Because you might have forgotten of joy,

I will talk of dreams, for you

I heard stories of prosperity and days of peace,

So I will sit and recount it for you.

I pray for your lost beauty not captured by age,

As a member of the race deranged.

The valleys, the flowers and sights of thine,

Have been ravaged and raped by brothers of mine.

If every glowing word was an ode to you

I’d revive it in my own blood for you.

Across the nation, when a billion hearts pray to the heavens

One heart will plead for peace to you.

In the ocean of letters dedicated to you

Shah’s duwa will swim for you. 

Anemia and Mumbai- Maximum City, Minimum Nutrition.

     Youngsters in the city are becoming increasingly prone to developing anemia, a deficiency of haemoglobin in the blood, as they get busier with college, tuitions and jobs. In their defence, they say they are way too pressed for time to pay attention to what’s on the platter. A cup of coffee in the morning, a burger for lunch and half a pizza for dinner seems just fine to these busy adolescents. This could have serious consequences, because although anemia has many causes, the leading cause in Mumbai, especially amongst those within the 16 to 30 age bracket, is an improper diet. Around 60-70 per cent are anemic owing to an improper diet, junk food consumption and badly-timed, low-nutrition meals. Youngsters are not healthy as far as haemoglobin is concerned and their hectic schedules come with a high price. Most of them skip meals, eat too much junk and don’t consume nutrients at all. A deficiency of Vitamin B-12 and iron is the leading cause for anemia in Mumbai. These shocking facts spell out the prevalence of anemia amongst city youth and to make things worse, there are a lot of myths associated with it. A common misconception about anemia is that it is genetic. The fact is, although there are types of anemia that can be genetically passed on, they are rare. Most of the young anemic patients develope this problem due to a dangerously low intake of essentials like iron and vitamins. Another section of society severely affected by Anemia are pregnant mothers. Anaemia is one of the main reasons for increasing maternal deaths in the city, according to findings of the newly constituted maternal death committee. The committee is investigating the causes of women dying during pregnancy and delivery, which most of the time goes unreported. It is rather appalling that such important sections of society, that hold the key to the future of India are left in dire states.

Anemia is a form of malnutrition in which is a decrease in number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of haemoglobin in the blood. The typical symptoms are feeling of weakness, or fatigue and poor concentration. They may also experience shortness of breath when tired. In very severe anemia, the body may compensate for the lack of oxygen-carrying capability of the blood by increasing cardiac activity leading to perspiration, involuntary muscle movements. 

There are however different types of Anemia:

Iron Deficiency and Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:

Our body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin, necessary for red blood cell production. In general, most people need just 1 milligram of iron daily. Menstruating women need double that dose. If you diet lacks necessary amount of iron, it would lead to Iron deficiency anemia.
Vitamin B-12 and Folic acid are also essential components in hemoglobin production. Normally, our body absorbs the vitamins, but if there’s any imbalance in the hormones, the vitamins might not get readily absorbed. The result is Vitamin deficiency anemia. Because the symptoms develop gradually this condition may not be immediately recognized. Those with thyroid disease or diabetes are at increased risk for this type of anemia. Folic acid deficiency is a particular problem for alcoholics.

Haemolytic Anemia:

Anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells is known as Haemolytic anemia. In this type of anemia, antibodies produced by the immune system, in the event of a virus attack, damage red blood cells. Toxic materials such as lead, copper, and benzene can also cause the destruction of red blood cells. Blood transfusions may be necessary for some people with this kind of anemia. Haemolytic anemia can be acquired or inherited. Sickle cell disease and Thalassemia are both inherited types of Haemolytic anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia/Thalassemia:

Sickle cell anemia is also known as Haemoglobin S disease. This is a serious, life-threatening inherited form of anemia, where people with this disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and unable to squeeze through blood vessels. A patient with this disease often suffers from pain in the joints and bones. Infections and heart failure can also occur. Thalassemia is caused by defect in genes producing haemoglobin. It is most common in people of Mediterranean descent.

Aplastic Anemia:

This is one of the deadliest and most rare forms of anemia. Only 2-6 people per million have this type of anemia. The condition results from an unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells. Instead, fat cells replace bone marrow. Aplastic anemia is usually found in adolescents and young adults. Symptoms can include bleeding in the mucous membranes. Chemicals such as benzene and certain pesticides can also cause this type of anemia.

     It is amazing how Anemia affects us, without really making us aware of the illness. This is my personal account how Anemia was affecting me for almost year and how making little changes in my daily habits has helped me a lot!I am a student of Mass Media form Mumbai University. Our course work is extremely practical, the only time we study is the night before exams. The rest of the time is running around organising events, making movies, making photographs and of course eating, drinking and having fun.

    My day started at 7.30am going right up to 6pm, now you can't just go home so early without grabbing a bite with your team, a gastronomic pat on your back for the day's hard work. In all of this, we all would skip breakfast, have a shoddy lunch. This was my routine for almost a year. Then there was the Annual Blood Donation Drive in college, and as an enthusiastic blood donor I stepped up! Blood Pressure normal. The last check point, haemoglobin count! Surprise! I was below the 12 mg count. I couldn't donate blood. I was very disappointed. Sharing this with my family doctor, I was thankfully enlightened about my anemic state. Since that day made time for breakfast, lunch and an hour for exercise. There has been a significant improvement in my health. I do feel a lot fitter, fresher and can read for longer durations.

Many individuals like me are prone to Anemia. It is essential that people are made aware of this curable illness as it affects the performance greatly in various spheres of life. In a nation that aims to be a super power in the near future it is very important that it's mothers and children are healthy!

Youtube Sensations

       The internet has brought in a lot of jobs, a lot of money and a lot of entertainment to our disposal. It has been more than anything, a platform for the common man to showcase tallent. Now that may be your singing talent, your cooking prowess or anything that has value in terms of entertainment. This post tries to look at the wonders on Youtube who managed to capture our attention!

   The first one the list is Justin Beiber. Rising up from the Youtube channel star to became a prodigy of sorts in the media eye. Though he is highly criticized for his voice, it's interesting to see how, he has managed to become a popular among the kids around the world. Yes, he has also managed to release an ALBUM!


    Everybody has a friend, who is just brilliant at cracking people up. It's these sort of guys who can add new dimensions to entertainment, in ways never thought before. The second on the list is an office favourite at Leo Burnett Mumbai, where I worked as an Account Management Intern.

    The Annoying Orange, elevated "Wassssaaaaa" into a higher decibel. PUNs. PUNs and simply annoying. When I first saw the Annoying Orange video, I couldn't stop laughing for a whole 10 minutes. Being a Hindi film fan, I always like to have a sense of the ending, even before I get there, so the Annoying Orange, meets my fit.


    Now, they say everybody has got a talent, everybody is unique. I didn't believe all that until I saw the next person on my list of Youtube Sensation.

    50 Cent, David Guetta, Kathy Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Usher and many more, do I have to say more? Why even Britney Spears did a video with the Youtube Star Keenan Cahil. Lip-syncing his way up the charts Keenan can claims enough popularity  to be along side all the stalwarts of  the American music industry.


    The last on the list is a VIRAL, in it's true sense. Now everybody wants a video that goes VIRAL in their Marketing campaign, but the fact is that few really make it. I love this video, because it is hilarious, not to mention I did dig deep into the whole promotion aspect of the video to use as a case study for my exams.

134,151,095 views when I posted this.


  All these many views in just FIVE MONTHS ! Kathy Perry's Last Friday Night was a huge success and was backed by a complete set up of the character of Kathy Beth Terry, that Kathy Perry plays.
It is amazing how the Internet and Youtube has allowed, and made possible for so many people to have access to information and share it.


    Not forgetting to mention the Parody genre that has really caught up. The video also features Rebbeca Black, who was a one hit wonder with the song "Friday", again I am not sure if it was a parody, or a serious music attempt.


I stare at possibilities in wonderment.




(No copyrights intended on the videos embedded in the post.)

Before The End

This a a short story I wrote as an assignment in college. I hope you like it. Critiques are welcome.Please do comment on the blog or email me on chaitanya1317@gmail.com

Before The End: Chapter1: Dusky End

1. Dusky End

July 18 2055, the sun slowly sets over the horizon and dusk fills in on the sky. Life in the Big Apple as always, a nonstop hum-drum of activity but for Jack Milford, life stopped and everything around him. His mind in turmoil seemed the only thing that seemed to move. Loss of life, in the nano age is something that happens to oldies beyond the age of 100 not to young boil bloods like Anna, his girlfriend. Jack’s eyes were swollen with tears, he was “Jack” ass, and Anna always said so. The pizza was a bad idea.

Sunday afternoons were boring and cooking food, not even a distant thought. The usual pizza had gotten to Anna and she was dying to have Falafel, quite literally she did. A flurry of flashbacks flooded his mind; he shared an ocean of memories with Anna. Just then he heard a knock on the door and stirred out of the timeless memories and moments of the past, from the day he proposed to her; the day they moved into their apartment, all dissolved and out into reality, Jack was dazed. He moved to open to door, to see a police search team.

“Mr. Milford?” asked, Chief Harris a tall, well built, blonde haired and grey eyed officer. Jack nodded and opened the door.

“Mr. Milford we have come here to have a look around your apartment, we do have a search warrant and I need to interrogate you.” Harris said looking at Jack.

“Sure, anything you want” Jack said still a bit dazed. “Could we sit in the living room while my team does its work?” Harris. “Yes, not a problem”

“So Mr. Milford, or could I call you Jack?”

“Yes please do.”

“Alright, so tell me Jack what exactly happened?”

“Well, I was having a bath, when the pizza we had ordered arrived. I heard her opening the door, paying the pizza guy. Then silence. I yelled out to Anna to close the door properly but I didn’t get a reply. Worried, I quickly finished my bath and came out.” A tear rolled down his face.

“Go on then.”

“I saw her, fallen at the door, I rushed to her and saw her heart beating like crazy and her breath was heavy, there was only a small cut on her palm. I rushed her to the hospital down the block.”

“You did not see the pizza boy did you, not even a glance?”

“Not at all”

Tears of anger, frustration and grief rolled down his face and for the first time he had no one with him in this helplessness. The search team, was done with the job, and reported clean. Harris figured he’ll be on a long day.

“All right Jack, the apartment is clean; I’ll be off to the hospital and find some lead in the case. I’ll get right back to you as soon as I find something.”

“Sure sir.”

Chief Harris was a full blooded skeptic, bred on murder novels and stories. He doubted Jack even though it was out-stretched. He planned to have Jack’s back watched all through.

The walk to the hospital wasn’t very long. Harris met up with Dr.Wong, who treated Anna. Dr.Wong was a short man, with a stark white shirt, well combed hair. He had the really very intellectual kind look. Harris approached him.

“Dr.Wong? Hello I am Chief Harris.”

“Hello Mr. Harris, I was expecting you.”

“Yes, could you tell me about how Anna Sharden actually died?”

“Well Mr. Harris, it’s the weirdest case I have ever seen. She had high pulse rate, heavy breathing and a small cut on her palm, which by the way would not stop bleeding. It is confirmed that she did not have hemophilia.”

“So what killed her?”

“We tried to initiate clotting on her cut, but the moment we applied medicine she had something like an allergic reaction. It didn’t take long for her condition to deteriorate and within 5 minutes she passed out.”

“Do you have any idea about what happened to her? I’d like to have an autopsy report sent to me any ways. I’ll get back to you soon. Thank you.”

“Welcome, Mr. Harris”.

The day just got queerer! Harris’s sad smiled explained it all to his team, boss ain’t that happy and head home quietly.

Harris left a text message to Jack about the meeting with Dr.Wong and said he’d tell Jack if something new comes up.

It was his daughter’s birthday; the little princess had turned 5! The night glow of his watched showed 9pm and then went off, black, as the dark New York sky.