English news channel Times Now on Tuesday decided to take the case of the Women and Child Development department in Madhya Pradesh’s Devas, over some of its employees celebrating their colleagues’ birthday in the office by dancing while a song was playing in the background:
Officials of the Women & Child development department in Madhya Pradesh’s Devas were seen dancing and celebrating in the office on the birthday of one of the officials pic.twitter.com/Emn0wjM1ig
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 17, 2018
With the tagline, “Women and Child department turns party hub” flashing on the screen, the anchor was seen commenting that less work and more celebration was going on in the office. The correspondent too toed a similar line by commenting that the government officials needed to understand that it was more important to work than make merry. He also claimed that following the incident, the District Magistrate has promised a probe.
Soon questions were raised by various social media individuals over the officials being unnecessary targeted for what looked like an innocent bit of fun on a joyous occasion:
Can’t they celebrate? Why is media against celebration? Celebration, festival, singing, dancing, socialising are the tools to make a society more harmonious? Is the work place a prison? Stupid. https://t.co/abE0KSGCYZ
— Vivek Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 17, 2018
As per @TimesNow there should be no fun, no happiness in offices. Hope they don’t celebrate anything in their office. Sad ppl https://t.co/HqtLCHX2B0
— चौधरी जी (@SamitLive) April 17, 2018
Parallels were also drawn with the private sector where some companies encourage a daily dance activity for five minutes to induce positive energy in the employees:
In MNC’s and several private companies, 2-5 minutes morning dance activity is organized to counter work rush and motivate employees to keep happy and cheerful throughout the day. If work is stalled then its a problem or its definitely okay in break time. @ChouhanShivraj https://t.co/jYZhstzm5a
— anurag (@ansrvs) April 17, 2018
People also called out the “holier than thou” behaviour of the media, when it itself is known for organising various festivals or events, some of which have been marred by molestation charges:
So what is bad about it, if the colleagues share moment of joy ? It only improves bonding.
Why the whole media goes to feast on free drinks and food in celebrities parties.
If govt officials can not time out for small celebration? https://t.co/Evj6cThSX0— S K Mittal (@SKMittal63) April 17, 2018
They can’t celebrate birthdays of colleagues? Why is this news? Why are journalists so uptight? https://t.co/B8QvXWldA8
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) April 17, 2018
It remains to be seen as to what are the findings of the probe by the District Magistrate and whether the administration would be forced to take some action following the unnecessary focus by the media.
