Reflections on CIA 1 and 2 

CIA - 1 

Topic:- Stray Dog Issues in Kannur Raise Safety Concerns for Residents and Students

Reflection

For my CIA 1 project, I took on a problem that hits close to home for people living in Kannur. It’s something that messes with everyone’s day-to-day life—especially students and anyone who has to commute. Once I actually started talking to people and digging into the issue, it really struck me how often things like safety just slip through the cracks unless someone takes the time to write them down, ask questions, and pay attention.

I picked up a lot of reporting skills by just being out there—watching what was happening, figuring out who really shapes the community, and listening to different sides of the story. When I sat down to write my blog, I realized how important it is to tell these stories honestly, without blowing things out of proportion. Working on CIA 1 gave me a real boost. I feel more confident now, and I know I can spot and report on stories that matter to my hometown.

Pitch :

Residents of Kannur have been talking about an influx of stray dogs in the area along the Hennur - Bagalur Road adjacent to United International School. The increase in the number of stray dogs in and around the area has raised concerns among residents, students, and commuters regarding their safety and how convenient the area is to them.

Residents living in the surrounding housing layouts have stated that every day there are large quantities of stray dogs present on the surrounding streets at both morning and evening. Daily commuters and students travelling to school each day have said that they are uncomfortable commuting daily to their destinations because they occasionally are attacked by multiple dogs and chased by dogs travelling in groups.

Parents picking up their children from school during busy times have said that they are worried about their children travelling to and from the school at peak times because of the number of pedestrians that are in the area. Similarly, daily public transport commuters using the bus stops near the area have reported that there are many stray dogs that are present during the late evening and at night and that the number and presence of stray dogs create uneasiness and fear for them while walking in the area at night.

Local civic authorities have received numerous complaints from residents about this issue. Temporary measures were taken at first – e.g., removal of some of the dogs. Residents feel that long-lasting solutions need to be put into place, such as continuing with sterilization and vaccination programs of stray animals on a regular basis, and better communication between civic authorities and residents.

The residents of Kannur believe that while public safety is important, humane management solutions for stray animals must be accomplished. They are hopeful that continual action will reduce fears, and allow everyone to move about in the neighbourhood in safety.

CIA - 2 

Topic:- Understanding Urban Social Challenges: A Field-Based Interview Study

Reflection:

CIA 2 really taught me a lot because I had to actually talk to someone and listen, not just read or write. Doing the interview showed me how much it matters to ask tough questions in a way that’s respectful, and to give people space to tell their stories.

I got better at listening and taking notes, and I learned how to organize what I found out so it made sense. This assignment also opened my eyes to social issues that usually don’t get much attention. Compared to CIA 1, I had to dig deeper and really think about what I was doing. It pushed me to grow as a journalism student.

Content:

Urban life in Indian cities isn’t easy for everyone. Neglect, isolation, and a lack of support still hit vulnerable communities pretty hard. For this assignment, I wanted to see what’s really going on, so I spoke directly with people who work on the ground every day.

Talking to a social worker opened my eyes. They’re right there with communities that deal with abandonment, poverty, and barely any access to basics. What stood out? Emotional support matters—a lot. So does showing up, again and again, and getting everyone involved. That’s how problems start to shift.

Of course, working in cities isn’t simple. Social workers bump into big obstacles: not enough resources, stigma, and people who just don’t know what’s out there to help them. Even with all that, these organizations still find ways to help. They bring relief, one person at a time.

After this conversation, I couldn’t ignore how crucial empathy and patience really are. If you want to tackle tough social issues, you have to stick around for the long haul. Real change? It’s slow, but it starts in the community—with people who keep showing up, day after day.