The Voice of Malabar Hills

It will be distributed free to households and offices in the area. The focus of the newspaper will be on issues which impact the community in general though they might not have a great relevance on the scale of a city of teeming millions. It may not be a newspaper focusing on all the issues that plague a city of over 20 million and would rather look at problems of a local nature and help give them a voice. Content would generally be dictated by local needs rather than sensationalism or national issues alone. For example if there is a civic problems affecting a few buildings in a lane we would highlight the same and work with local authorities by giving a voice to the problem which is local and not so important on any other scale. Besides this a community newspaper, as in overseas markets, would play a role in highlighting local business and creating awareness about the same. For example, giving on hand information on where to get a local to handle a plumbing or an electrical job, providing information as well as increasing reliability of local labour needs. Where one could go out to eat or order foods in the local area with regular food reviews and write ups. Similarly event lists and places of interest where one could go, information and support to talented locals who are self-employed and don’t have advertising budget, or new gyms highlighting their convenience and worth to the community, local traffic handling and congestion points to aid better flow, noise pollution, locally and controlling it, schools and their events would find a forum. It is a newspaper for the local community and hence would have regular columns for anyone local who might wish to bring forth local issues for which a voice is needed. The ideology behind it being a free newsletter is to create a local forum where the collective has a voice for local issues generally ignored in comparison to issues of a larger reach. Such a newspaper would not be a success without the support of local members and businesses who would in turn benefit as well. We are a team of individuals not motivated by profit mantra and look at it as a social initiative; hence we approach you to seek support, by participating in any manner possible, not necessarily monetary, in making this venture viable for the good of our entire neighbourhood. Contents of the Newspaper:

1. Headline: An important issue or event related to the Area. For example a detailed report on Infrastructure project which is delayed, long pending area development issues, traffic problems, law & order problems which requires attention or any event occurred which is important to the Area will be the headline. The headline will not be reported and forgotten, but will be followed up in subsequent issues or till a logical conclusion is arrived.

2. Civic and Police News: Information from Resident Associations and their works. Issues/problems which require Municipality attention and follow-up with Local Municipal ward office for resolution and informational reporting of the same. For example highlighting unattended problems of footpaths, sewerage lines, water supply issues, traffic problems, fire safety, law & order problems, these will be followed up with concerned authorities and information given in the newspaper. Reporting safety measures regarding law & order and health for citizens undertaken by both Police and Municipal authorities. Information on functioning of civic authorities – where to lodge complaint and follow-ups.

3. Children: Covering local school events, creative projects and initiatives done by students. Promoting children who have excelled in academics, sports and talent.

4. Food: Information on a particular local restaurant or food outlet, giving details of the food they serve with its specialities, ambience, rates, location and owner’s profile etc.

5. Shops: Information on a particular local shop/outlet selling clothes, life style products, home décor, fashion accessories, consumer products, showcasing their products with its specialities, rates, location and owner’s profile etc.

6. Health & Sports: Information on local health and fitness – Sport activities available locally, Gymnasiums, Yoga, Spiritualism. Covering local sports events and showcasing local sports talent.

7. Art & Culture: Information on Local events – classical/western dance, theatre, art exhibitions, book launch, literature readings and promoting upcoming local talents with respect to same.

8. Classifieds: Giving information on local availability of handyman services – electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masonry, periodic directory giving information on local businesses, hospitals, shops, professionals, doctors, restaurants, chemists, fast food, pubs, gift shops, florists, cake shops, laundry, book shops, ambulance services, dance and music classes, tuitions and others. Forum for promoting local - talented, upcoming self-employed entrepreneurs.

9. Real Estate: Information on new projects in the area. Information on the rates of sale/purchase of properties.

10. Social messages: Promoting animal welfare and initiatives for bird protection.