A medium is variously defined as a means of effecting or conveying something,
Building up relationship, a channel of communication—to inform, influence and involve.
Print media is one of the powerful media—especially the newapapers, magazines.. Though the print magazines cannot be substituted completely, in the recent times they are supplemented/ complemented by electronic magazines- popularly referred e-zines.
Nilacharal (https://nilacharal.com/) occupies a unique place among the e-zines. Making a successful march towards the 200th issue nilacharal provides wholesome quality entertainment on-line. It is a browsers delight.
It is aptly named Nilacharal. NILA(moon) does not distinguish between desert or forest, a city or village, rich or the poor. Nilacharal has an universal appeal ranging from the children , to the corporate magnates.. it is unique and universal.
Nilacharal is bilingual, both tamil and english. The language employed in the magazine is enjoyably readable without being pedantic.
The writers to the magazines usually are not hired, and they are you, I and we..
They contribute to the magazine with a sense of involvement and sense of participation to make nilacharal occupy its unique place. Nilacharal covers a variety of subjects—topics of information, entertainment and interest. There is hardly a topic which is not covered.
To mention a few, there are articles on contemporary social issues, secular politics, various religious faiths , information on tourist spots, politics, personalities, education, Et al.
Nilacharal focusses on the youth as it believes that they are our future citizens contributing to the greatness of our country. Under the caption of Smart students it offers various programmes for the youth , their personalty development….. Nilacharal also hosts a students’ special contest and awards a text book each week. There are a couple of other contests to kindle the creativity among the visitors.
Another interesting and unique characteristic feature of the the magazines is face to face interviews with celebrities in varied fields-musicians, politicians, actors, social activitists. The interviews are not of the run of the mill type but tries to bring
out the best by judicious and choicest questions. The literary aspect is not forgotten as nilacharal has short stories poems , humorous essays.. Added attraction to the readers are astrology. Cine reviews, satirical essays(nakkal Nayagam), and recipes, and the inevitable serial stories.
Nilacharal also offeres freelancing and volunteering opportunities. It’s nice to know that Tamil speaking people from all over the world contribute to this volunteers - run web magazine. Unlike many voluneer based organisations, nilacharal has always been prompt and punctual for the past 4 years.
It’s nice to see that the Tamil spirit is still alive through Nilacharal.