SIO to launch campaign against 'popular culture'

February 14, 2012

Mangalore, February 14: Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), Karnataka Zone is conducting a 10-day campaign on 'Popular Culture' based on the theme 'students – where are you heading towards' in school and college campuses from February 17 to 26.

Announcing this at a press meet here on Monday, Public Relation Secretary of SIO, Karnataka Zone, Syed Kazim said that the campaign aimed at creating awareness about the negative impact of western culture on students and youth.

“The campaign would focus on the philosophy and effects of popular culture, which can be better described as an octopus with several tentacles like music, films, pornography, reality shows, drinks, relationship, behavior, fashion, literature, advertisements, brand consciousness and media. It has surrounded the society from all sides and we will not be in a position to survive unless we stand up today,” he said.

Kazim said “It is unfortunate that 40 percent of the people in the country live below poverty line, one child dies every five seconds as a result of hunger and youth spend money to buy expensive valentine cards to celebrate Valentines Day.”

He said awareness will also be created against spending money to celebrate Western festivals including Valentine's Day.

“Various programmes will be conducted in schools and colleges during the campaign. Various tools like street play, poster magazine, wall magazine, campus magazine, discussion forum, handmade poster, group discussion, panel discussion, debate, lecture, social networking, cultural fest and short film screening will be used to create awareness among youth during the campaign, he said.

President SIO Mangalore Region Mushtaq Patla, District Organizer SIO DK North Kabeer, District Organizer SIO South Zameer and President SIO Mangalore City Sarfraz were present in the press meet.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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