Citizen Journalism Blog

Initially, I wasn’t sure how to tackle this issue. It started with the visit of the Chief Minister and then, handing over cheques from several parties to the bereaved parent. I find that issue not up my valley. I am not there to promote who is more generous.

Then, it followed with a sit down media briefing. That too I find too ‘dry’. We have seen, heard, read and know about dengue. Dengue kills. We know that but we have never really come face to face with those who suffered.

Finally, when I have packed my camera and was about to get out of the room, some veteran reporters approached the bereaved father and asked him a string of questions. I said veteran because only they can asked the poor man till he was on the verge of tears.

Newbies like me will have too much consideration and compassion and will choose to leave the poor man alone. But veteran reporters are seasoned to sadness. They asked question after question. So, I took out my video again and just shoved it to the father’s face because he was rather soft spoken and I can’t hear him.

I guess I have gotten a gist of the human side of the sufferings due to dengue. He lost two daughters. He is a very faithful man to Allah and it is something that we should admire. His faith is very humbling. Inspite of his sadness, he reminded other parents to be extra cautious if their children are ill.

We went to his house to get a photo of his daughters. We met his wife. She asked not to be filmed or have any photograph taken. And that’s the video I produced after thinking hard over it.

I think we do not need any more dry and cold reporting. We need to inject some emotions into our videos. And I hope parents who had watched it will be extra alert to their children’s health.