Children, Television & Advertising

The third commercial of Ramayana. This time a melodious song from a child.

E Ganpat chal daru la.
E Ganpat chal daru la.
Are Sada thoda kam soda thoda pani mila.
Are Sada thoda kam soda thoda pani mila.
Thoda tere liye bacha thoda de na.

Literal translation in English means:

Ganpat get me a drink. Ganpat get me a drink. With little soda, simple soda get me a drink. Some for you and some for me, get me a drink.

Television advertising has been an established form of advertising and it reaches children too. In some countries there are laws which say

“A commercial with advertising that is broadcast during commercial breaks on the television must not have the purpose of attracting the attention of children under 12 years of age.”

It is ironic or rather unfortunate that here children are in lead roles.

In India also there are certain codes of ethics for commercial broadcasting, issued by the advertising council of India, specially when it involves children.

Indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment has to be avoided in all advertisement.

I believe media should not make it such a melodrama, and the same thing can be put forward in a better way.

Why blame only the media, we all are responsible, specially parents who encourage their children. Don't they realise, the damage they are causing to their children, and if they do understand and realise this, they have no right to pass on this to the teachers and society.

We all have to think, seriously before it is late.