By A Correspondent
He’s moved from journalism to communications strategy, but writing and matters of national interest have always been dear to him. Ashraf Engineer, former journalist with Hindustan Times, Times of India, Mid-Day, Maharashtra Herald and also an author and currently Principal Consultant at Pitchfork Partners, has launched a digital platform for commentary, called Allindiansmatter.in, on issues that matter to India. It is a “home for conversations with and about the country,” he said.
The website was launched on February 17 with columns by Ranjona Banerji, senior journalist and columnist (and MxMIndia Consulting Editor); Tushar Gandhi, activist and great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Engineer himself.
Banerji wries about what happens when the media abdicate their responsibility. Gandhi has kicked off a three-part series on the India of the Mahatma’s dreams. Engineer, meanwhile, argues that India is rediscovering itself through the Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Added Engineer: “All Indians Matter is a citizen’s effort to engage – through commentary by a variety of writers on a wide range of issues – with everyone who cares about India, its Constitution, its liberal and secular values. It is a response to the political, social and economic situations we find ourselves in. Normally, it would be the domain of the news media, but it’s been found wanting in the past few years. As a result, many of the issues that should be highlighted are sidelined and the voices that should find a megaphone are muffled. Allindiansmatter.in is a simple, clutter-free website that shines the spotlight on the commentary, cutting out complex navigation, multiple sections and visual dazzle. The writing is what it’s all about, and that’s the way it’ll stay even if it evolves into something bigger.”
He added that the initiative is personal one. The website finds an extension on Twitter (@allindianscount), Facebook and Instagram (@allIndiansmatter).
