While many social media users celebrated because of #PakistanIndependenceDay and #IndiaIndependenceDay, some discussed unfortunate events around the globe, on online platforms this week. Netizens posted about the floods in Kerala and British author V. S. Naipaul’s death. On August 12, users shed light on issues surrounding youngsters as it was #InternationalYouthDay.
Stolen plane
A US-based airline ground agent stole an empty Horizon Air turboprop plane, took off from Sea-Tac International Airport and fatally crashed into a small island after being chased by military jets that were quickly scrambled to intercept the aircraft. While some netizens took it lightly, many expressed their horror over the incident online.
[Twitter]
@BenjiBacker:
Why are so many people joking about the stolen plane? It was a suicide, could’ve hurt many people, set an island on fire, scared thousands, and is damaging a company. Totally inexcusable.
V.S. Naipaul dies
British author Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul’s family announced that the Nobel prize winner died at the age of 85, last Saturday. Naipaul travelled across the world, and wrote about India, Africa, the Islamic world, and South and North America in his novels and nonfiction works. Social media users remembered his contributions to literature, discussed his controversial opinions and sent their condolences to his family.
[Twitter]
@SalmanRushdie:
We disagreed all our lives, about politics, about literature, and I feel as sad as if I just lost a beloved older brother. RIP Vidia. #VSNaipaul
Kerala floods
Continuous heavy rains caused flooding in the Indian state of Kerala. With many people losing their lives and thousands getting displaced because of the catastrophic conditions, social media users took to online platforms to express their concerns, call for help and appreciate those who are contributing.
[Twitter]
@16Sreejesh:
Kerala is suffering from extreme floods. Let’s stand together and help overcome this situation. Hats off to all the brave-hearts who are risking their own lives to help us in this difficult time.
#InternationalYouthDay
The occasion was observed on August 12, highlighting the great importance attached to the welfare and progress of the youth. Some social media users posted about the importance of empowering the youth and others took the opportunity to highlight the mistreatment youngsters face in some parts of the world.
[Twitter]
@gunjann7:
The idea of this day is to ensure that challenges faced by youth around the world today – no access to education, lack of safe spaces, discrimination, etc. – are given the attention they need. #InternationalYouthFay2018
#AzadiMubarak (Pakistan’s Independence Day)
August 14 marked Pakistan’s Independence Day and the country’s citizens from across the world celebrated the occasion. Many took to online platforms to share their greetings and thoughts. Some commented on their expectations regarding the country’s future and the recently elected Prime Minister, Imran Khan. The Urdu hashtag #AzadiMubarak (Happy Independence Day) was trending.
[Twitter]
@waseemmasood1:
For a new tomorrow, for a new beginning, let’s pray for a bright future. #AzadiMubarak
India’s Independence Day
Indians across the world celebrated independence on August 15 and took to their social media accounts to spread their greetings.
[Twitter]
@NayeshaHealth:
Saluting India! Each bud blooms in its true colours; each day is a celebration of unity and harmony. Let’s not take our independence for granted, let’s do our bit to make India a better place.
#UndeclaredEmergency
What happens when a government tries to muzzle journalists and news channels? Twitter users in India called it an #UndeclaredEmergency. Indian editorial cartoonist, Satish Acharya @satishacharya tweeted about getting his opinions shut down by his editor. The posts kicked up a storm on social media. Many Indians started discussing freedom of expression and free press in the country.
[Twitter]
@bilal_motorwala:
A 200-member government team is watching how the media covers [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, Amit Shah says. Is this democracy or dictatorship where surveillance is being done on media? #UndeclaredEmergency
