Ameen Sayani: The Legendary Voice of Indian Radio

(Photo Courtesy: Hindustan Times)

In the annals of Indian broadcasting, few names evoke as much reverence and nostalgia as Ameen Sayani. With his distinctive baritone voice and charismatic on-air presence, Sayani became an iconic figure in the realm of radio, shaping the way millions of Indians experienced music and entertainment for over six decades. His contributions to the field are not just limited to his role as a radio announcer but also as a pioneer who transformed the medium, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the nation.

Born on December 16, 1932, in Mumbai, Ameen Sayani's journey in broadcasting began in the early 1950s when he joined Radio Ceylon, then one of the most popular radio stations in South Asia. It was here that Sayani's career took flight, as he honed his skills as a radio presenter and developed his trademark style characterized by warmth, wit, and a deep understanding of his audience. His breakthrough came with the immensely popular program "Binaca Geetmala," which he began hosting in 1952.

"Binaca Geetmala" became a cultural phenomenon, captivating listeners across the Indian subcontinent with its countdown of the week's top film songs. Sayani's captivating narration, peppered with anecdotes and trivia about the songs and the artists, turned the show into a must-listen for music lovers of all ages. His catchphrase "Behno aur bhaiyon" ("Sisters and brothers") became iconic, setting the stage for a musical journey that transcended geographical boundaries. The program's popularity endured for decades, making Sayani a household name and solidifying his status as the voice of Indian radio.

Sayani's influence extended beyond just entertainment. He used his platform to address social issues and promote causes close to his heart. His iconic sign-off, "Yeh hai Ameen Sayani, mitron," became synonymous with his persona and left a lasting impression on his listeners. Sayani's ability to connect with his audience on a personal level, despite the limitations of the medium, was a testament to his unparalleled skill as a broadcaster.

Over the years, Sayani's illustrious career saw him receive numerous accolades and awards, including the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in recognition of his contributions to the field of broadcasting. Despite the advent of television and the internet, Sayani remained a stalwart of the radio industry, continuing to host programs and engage audiences well into his later years.

His legendary voice will continue to evoke fond memories of a bygone era, and his influence on Indian radio will remain unparalleled. For generations of Indians, Ameen Sayani will always be more than just a radio announcer; he will be remembered as a cultural icon whose impact transcended the airwaves.

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Resume Building for Library Professionals

Building a resume for a library professional using ChatGPT involves incorporating relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that demonstrate your expertise in library science and related areas. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective resume:

1. **Contact Information:**

   - Include your full name, professional title (e.g., Librarian, Library Assistant), phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if available).

   2. **Professional Summary/Objective:**

   - Write a brief summary highlighting your experience, skills, and career goals in the library field. Tailor this section to match the specific job you're applying for.

3. **Education:**

   - List your educational qualifications relevant to library science, such as a Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or related field.

   - Include the name of the institution, degree earned, graduation date, and any honors or awards received.

4. **Certifications and Training:**

   - Mention any relevant certifications or training programs completed, such as Certified Librarian or workshops on library management and information technology.

5. **Work Experience:**

   - List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.

   - Include your job title, name of the organization, location, and employment dates.

   - Highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each role, focusing on tasks related to library management, cataloging, reference services, collection development, and user assistance.

   - Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible (e.g., "Implemented a new library cataloging system, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency").

6. **Skills:**

   - Create a dedicated section to showcase your relevant skills, including:

     - Library management systems (e.g., Koha, Evergreen, Ex Libris)

     - Cataloging and classification standards (e.g., MARC, AACR2, RDA)

     - Information retrieval and research techniques

     - Reference services and reader advisory

     - Collection development and acquisitions

     - Library technology and digital resources

     - Customer service and communication skills

7. **Professional Affiliations:**

   - If applicable, mention any memberships in professional organizations related to library science, such as the American Library Association (ALA) or Special Libraries Association (SLA).

8. **Additional Sections (Optional):**

   - Include any additional sections that enhance your resume, such as:

     - Publications: List any articles, papers, or books you have authored or co-authored.

     - Presentations: Highlight any conferences or workshops where you have presented on library-related topics.

     - Volunteer Experience: Include relevant volunteer work, especially if it demonstrates your commitment to community engagement and literacy initiatives.

9. **References:**

   - Optionally, you can include a section for references or indicate that they are available upon request. Ensure you have obtained permission from your references before including their contact information.

10. **Formatting and Design:**

    - Keep your resume clean, professional, and easy to read.

    - Use a legible font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and an appropriate font size (11-12 points).

    - Use bullet points to organize your information and make it easier to scan.

    - Proofread your resume carefully to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Remember to tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you're applying for. Good luck with your job search in the library profession!

📚 Meet Sameeksha Manerkar: Book Reviewer and Graphic Designer

Hello, literary enthusiasts and design aficionados! Allow me to introduce Sameeksha Manerkar, a multifaceted talent who seamlessly weaves her passion for literature and design into a captivating blend of words and visuals.

📖 Book Reviewer Extraordinaire:

Sameeksha is not just a reader; she's a curator of literary experiences. With a discerning eye for compelling narratives and a knack for insightful critique, Sameeksha's book reviews transcend mere summaries. Her reviews, featured on www.sameekshaa.com, offer a journey into the worlds created by authors, providing both avid readers and authors with valuable perspectives.

🎨 Creative Virtuoso in Design:

Beyond the written word, Sameeksha is a skilled graphic designer whose visual creations breathe life into ideas. Her design portfolio showcases a harmonious blend of creativity and functionality, revealing her ability to convey messages visually. From book covers to promotional materials, Sameeksha's designs leave a lasting impression.

Get to know more about Sameeksha by reading her virtual interview with "Innovating Reading and Taste On the Go!"

Please tell us more about yourself

I'm a England literature student, freelancer and content creator in love with reading, reviewing and promoting books. I started reading as a teenager and in 2019 my reviewing journey began. I'm also a recognise creator by the born on Instagram team. My aim is to turn more non-readers into readers.

How long have you been blogging? Tell us more about the idea behind your blog.

I started reviewing book in 2019 where I shared my reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Instagram. I started my blogging journey in 2021 as I wanted to share more than just book recommendations. The blog helped me talk about my personal story, series I watched and loved, book recommendations, quotes that inspire me.

What genres of books do you generally follow and review?

Romance is my top favorite. Other genres I love are Historical fiction, mystery, thrillers, classics, mythology and self-help books.

According to you, what makes a good book? The plot or the author?

The plot is the key.

How does a certain book achieve its "Best Seller" status? Also what are your tips to newbies in the Book Writing Platform?

For a book to turn out bestseller, first it needs to have a quality storyline and plot. Secondly patience and good use of social media to your advantage. TIPS would be patient, consistency is the key, and do not stop experimenting and learning new thing.

What is it that Book Bloggers should look out for?

Look out for promoting books the best way you can, and enjoying the process is the priority.

How much time does it generally take from receiving a book to posting its review? What is the general flow that you follow?

It takes me almost a month to read, review and create content around the book.

In this scenario of information overload and binge reading habits, your blogging and Instagram posts have opened up a new avenue for book enthusiasts. What is your message for like minded people?

Read and review books because you love doing it. It's your comfort zone so do not stress about reach, followers, end of the day your love for books matter the most.

What advice would you share for naïve book bloggers?

Be honest, real and patient with this process

How many books do you read in a month? And how many are on your shelf right now as TBR?

I read around 15-20 books a month, and TBR well it's never ending, I have stopped counting!

Any three books which are very close to your heart and why?

Take a chance on me (the complete Sehgal saga) by Sapna Bhog because they are my comfort characters and my love for romance books was boosted after reading this book, 1984 by George Orwell as it helped me cherish the intense storylines and great writing style, and A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini for inspiring me every time I feel low.

Has it ever happened that you felt as if you were one of the characters in the book? Which was that book?

I see a hint of myself in books written by my favourite authors Shilpa Suraj, Alisha Kay, and Andaleeb Wajid. They write such amazing and inspiring female characters that I start considering myself as one of them.

Do your family / friends support you in this venture of book blogging?

I have been extremely grateful because they have been my first and foremost support. Especially my sister who has been a pillar for me, supporting strongly, helping me work towards my dream, understanding my overwhelming situations, and inspiring me to get better.

What’s your preferred medium to discuss books – your blog, Twitter or Instagram?

Blog and Instagram

What tips would you share for getting more likes / followers on Instagram handles for book reviews?

It's a two way street, if you want engagement in your posts than you should be also willing to take out time and engage on others content, and try unique content goes a long way.

Social Media is ever evolving. How do you adapt yourself to this scenario?

Accept, Adapt, Learn, Experiment, Create, Repeat

Do you think likes / reviews on Instagram handles has a deep impact on the psychology of the readers?

Yes they do

What are your favourite Bookstagram accounts?

reader_viddh, creaty_rich, readnmarked, confuzzledreader, reader_sm, readers_and_creators, bookish.fame

Who inspired you to Book Blogging?

My obsession to reading books, clicking pictures, and recommending books to every person I came across.

Who are your favourite Book Bloggers?

Vidhya, Richa, Nitisha, Purnima, Bhavik, Anushree, Prerita, Sukaina, Aman, Mugdha, Vishal

🌐 Connect with Sameeksha:

Instagram

Amazon

Twitter 

LinkedIn 

Website

Building on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Librarians

The concept of the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Librarians" is inspired by Stephen R. Covey's influential book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." While there isn't a universally recognized set of "7 habits" specifically tailored for librarians, many professionals in the library field have adapted and applied Covey's principles to their roles. Here's an adaptation that reflects the qualities and practices often associated with effective librarians:

1. Be Proactive:

• Take Initiative: Actively seek opportunities to enhance library services and address patrons' needs.
• Anticipate Needs: Proactively identify potential challenges and develop solutions to ensure smooth operations.

2. Begin with the End in Mind:

• Set Goals: Establish clear goals and objectives for library programs, services, and initiatives.
• Vision and Mission: Align actions with the library's mission and vision, focusing on long-term impact and sustainability.

3. Put First Things First:

• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on activities that align with strategic priorities and deliver the most significant impact.
• Time Management: Allocate time effectively, balancing daily responsibilities with long-term projects and professional development.

4. Think Win-Win:

• Collaborate: Foster collaborative relationships with colleagues, patrons, and community partners, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared goals.
• Negotiate Effectively: Seek solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved, promoting cooperation and positive outcomes.

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:

• Active Listening: Listen attentively to patrons' concerns, feedback, and information needs, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
• Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and respectfully, ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and comprehensively.

6. Synergize:

• Teamwork: Encourage teamwork and collaboration among library staff, leveraging diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Partnerships: Build partnerships with other organizations, institutions, and stakeholders to enhance library services and community engagement.

7. Sharpen the Saw:

• Continuous Learning: Invest in professional development, staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in library science.
• Self-Care: Prioritize personal well-being and work-life balance, recognizing the importance of self-care in sustaining long-term effectiveness and resilience.

While these habits provide a framework for excellence in librarianship, it's essential to adapt and personalize them to fit individual strengths, organizational contexts, and evolving professional landscapes. By embodying these principles, librarians can cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and service that benefits patrons, communities, and the broader field of library and information science.

Book Review #22: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit is a fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was first published in 1937 and is a children's book, although it is popular with audiences of all ages. The novel follows the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who sets off on a quest to find the Lost Treasure of Smaug the dragon, accompanied by a wizard, thirteen dwarves, and a troll.

The Hobbit is one of Tolkien's most famous works, and is considered a major influence on the development of modern fantasy literature. The novel has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and has been adapted into several films, radio plays, and video games.

The Hobbit is a classic adventure story that is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. It is a tale of friendship, courage, and adventure, and is filled with humour and wonder. Tolkien's vivid descriptions of Middle-earth bring the story to life, and his characters are both relatable and memorable.

I highly recommend The Hobbit to anyone who is looking for an exciting and engaging read. It is a timeless classic that is sure to be enjoyed for generations to come.