Chennai: Tamil News Channel, News18 Tamil Nadu has taken a proactive initiative to underline the woes of Common man from different walks of life by inviting them to voice their grievances on “Kaalaththin Kural”, it’s signature Prime Time debates show.
Hosted by ace journalist and Editor, M Gunasekaran, Kaalaththin Kural aired on 21st April 2020 featured 12 commoners from a marginalized background that included tailor, painter, eatery owner, fisherman, anklet unit worker, part-time professor, housewives, etc.
The show displayed difficulties faced by citizens of different walks across the various districts during this lockdown period, its impact on their livelihood with an appealed to the government to address their issues. The show has evoked overwhelming response across sections with many distinguished personalities admiring the democratic approach exhibited by ‘Kaalaththin Kural’.
Chief Editor, M Gunasekaran was emotional as he described the episode as close to his heart. Expressing his happiness, he said, “We are overwhelmed by the spontaneous response from our viewers. Usually, TV debates are dominated by politicians, analysts activists, and other public personalities. This had become a cliche, and at some of the time it turned out to be a platform of propaganda and mudslinging. Many regulars on TV panels don’t have an ear to the ground, and can’t understand the gigantic ramifications of the world’s biggest/largest ever lockdown. It is not merely about washing hands and staying at home. This has far-reaching implications and there are millions of tales to be told.
So, for a change, we invited 12 commoners from marginalized sections, living in various towns of Tamil Nadu. They were from different people walks of life and professions like a tailor, painter, pavement vendor, housewives, mechanic, auto driver, etc.
They spoke from their heart. They explained their ordeal in the time of lockdown. They are worried about their future since they are unsure of what it has in store for them.
We got a tremendous response from our viewers. Kaalathin Kural has truly become a platform of the voice of voiceless.
I am particularly glad that one govt servant instantly offered to help the pavement vendor as he had openly appealed for help from govt servants.
Rarely we get such excellent feedback from viewers for debate shows. It was a hit because poor people poured their hearts out. True words from ordinary folks are always powerful.”
