The Aam Admi Party definitely shook things up in Delhi. An inspiring tale of the common man taking on the big guys, a group of 30 budding scribes in Hyderabad are looking at creating a similar tale of success, but at a different level. Ink to Change is a news portal that invites readers to contribute on important issues that they feel society must address. Brainchild of a bachelor’s in mass communication student, Anam Mirza, the team behind Ink to Change are a 30-strong team of fellow students, aspiring journalists and even a couple of intermediate-studying children.
Explaining why she felt the need to launch the website, which will be up and running in a few weeks’ time, the 19-year-old says, “As a student pursuing journalism, I have interned at a couple of news agencies in the city and felt that not many real stories are being reported. The idea came to me around a week ago and now I have the whole team.”
What makes Anam a bit of a celebrity herself is her last name which she shares with sister and ace Tennis star Sania Mirza. Big sister Sania showed her support when Anam held a pre-launch event on Tuesday. Looking visibly happy, she said, “I am not a very emotional person. But looking at Anam doing so much has indeed moved me. She came to me and my manager with the idea on December 11. Within a week, she has a whole team in place. I really hope Ink To Change reaches heights not only as a website but also in terms of their contributions to the society.”
Sania was also able to draw celebrities like fellow Tennis player Somdev Devvaraman and film stars Manchu Vishnu and Sushanth Akkineni to the event. Manchu Vishnu, a close friend of the Mirza’s, also wished Anam good luck. “Anam is like the little sister I would love to have. It is nice to see her taking so much responsibility. I am happy she chose a platform like social media because that is indeed the trend today. If we look at the Delhi elections, we understand the power of the social media.”
Considering that the Mirza’s are constantly in the public eye in the city, Anam feels she’ll add an edge to the reporting as she knows what it’s like to be the subject of scrutiny as well. “Being on the other side of the situation, I understand the impact of being a victim to the media and would not want to put anyone in that situation. But I’ve always wanted to be a journalist. Even as a child, I remember taking printouts of my own newspaper titled Mirza Times!” she shares.
Ink to Change will be up and running from January 15, 2014. Her team at the moment has already been designated their positions, including a Production Manager, with her at the helm as the Editor-in-chief. However, they are looking to expand. The website will be updated once a week with five current stories and five case studies, she informs. Interested writers can send their ideas to inktochange@gmail.com.