SmSing On Eid

Baba Umar
RISING KASHMIR
Srinagar, Dec 23

“Have a blessed day--Eid Mubarak.” This might have been the SMS text that felicitated you on this Eid, probably sent by one of your acquaintances. But was it enough?

“It would have been better to show up on Eid,” says a noted Kashmiri poet and social activist Zarief Ahmed Zarief. “If the person really intended to wish you, he should have joined you on this special occasion rather than drop SMS’.”

Visiting one’s relatives on the eve of Eid was the tradition followed with full fervor in Kashmir; however, many believe the induction of mobile phones in the valley has punctured this age old practice.

“Where a brotherly embrace on Eid was obligatory part of celebration and interpersonal contact a norm, SMS’, I guess, are widening the gaps,” he adds.

On the other hand, interpersonal communication has obtained a new meaning with technology opening up new channels of communication. SMSes on cell phones have become extremely popular modes of communication. Perhaps it's easier to text a ‘salaam’ over SMS rather than travel across town to greet a friend. But with so much of cell phone technology, the essence of interpersonal communication takes a back seat.

Dr Sabeha Mufti, a communication expert and lecturer in Media department of Kashmir University, says “Accepted SMS and email may be very easy, and it facilitates communication. But somehow, there is a failure of the personal touch as the people are not exchanging views face to face.”

Likewise, a Kashmiri software professional, Suhail Gulzar Wani, who is currently working in San Mateo CA, US, says in an e-mail interview, “I guess it takes you away form your relatives and friends. You think you have done you part by SMSing, but the reality is something else.”

Younger people of the valley seem to be more disposed towards modern gadgetry. They want to solve their problems within a jiffy. And here interpersonal communication becomes a tragedy, which otherwise, Zarief believe, is holistic.

“Face-to-face interpersonal communication is holistic, reliable and helps us comprehend the message completely.” says Zarief. “Using SMSes is good, but the days of Eid, people should try visit their relatives and friends rather than greet them via SMSes, provided they are not staying at longer distances.”

Sounds like an interesting opinion. But how many of us actually want that to take place next Eid?