For the homemaker

AVM, THE big production banner in entertainment circles, is popular as it caters for women viewers. It churns out mega serials, tear-jerkers and family entertainers with an eye on the home-makers.

It has a half-hour programme (from 8.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.), Monday to Saturday, devoted exclusively to topics that would appeal to women.

Titled "Mangaiyar Choice", the programme is into its 157th episode now.

The signature tune is fast-paced and the logo depicts a woman on a two-wheeler, flitting across the small screen in the flash of an eye.

The half-hour is crammed with a package of several programmes. One wonders why the slot is so crowded?

I, for one, feel that sufficient time should be allowed for viewers to assimilate what has been shown.The programme begins with a recipe demonstration - channa pakoda, greens omelette, broccoli soup etc. The recipes are simple and clearly explained.

The broccoli soup, preparation of which was demonstrated in a recent show, looked appetising. The method was conveyed in a manner that could be followed easily.

In the talk shows on health, Dr. Prema enlightened us on eye problems such as glaucoma, Dr. Veerabagu on dental care and Dr. Selvam on geriatrics. The simple exercises and advice on care of the elderly were indeed practical and relevant.

But the topics for each session seem to be chosen in a haphazard manner - one day it is eye care, on another it pertains to women's health and the next day it is on care of the elderly.

It would be more ideal for the presentations to be theme-based, with a whole week dedicated to a particular subject.

Tips on counselling and demonstration of various handicrafts follow the health talk, in quick succession. Any three programmes instead of five, I think, should be sufficient for a daily half- hour programme.

The part of the slot that focusses on counselling is good and the advice by Sivashankari, very relevant. Being well-read and widely-travelled, she is an ideal choice as guest on the show.

The views she expressed on attitudinal change were particularly interesting. Viewers are sure to welcome it if she were allotted more time on the show.

However, the compere, Priya, though warm and friendly, tends to be too fast and monotonous, practically rendering the viewers breathless.

It is an age-old conception that women's programmes should necessarily include cookery, handicrafts and child care. And "Mangaiyar Choice" too seems to be following the beaten path.

But, with more and more women pursuing careers and joining the workforce, it would be welcome to get counsellors to advise on problems that women face in the workplace such as harassment, discrimination and the like. Successful working women, who have made it to the top, could be invited to speak.

On the whole, the intention of the producer is undoubtedly good, though the quality of the programme could be enhanced so that viewers would watch "Mangaiyar Choice" not just as a matter of chance while channel surfing but definitely by prior choice.

THARA MOHAN RAO

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