5th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on "Landmarks in Journalism in J&K"

Create professional environment through Institutional Building

The J&K Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration organized the 5th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on “Landmarks in Journalism in J&K” on December 13, 2014 (Saturday). Sh. Mohd. Syed Malik an eminent journalist, who has contributed to the journalism of the state and rest of the country, was the key note speaker. He is former executive editor of Sunday Observer and writes extensively on political, electoral and war reporting for various publications at the national level. The lecture was attended by eminent citizens of state, members of media fraternity, members of the branch and civil society.

Jenab Mohd. Syed Malik while acknowledging the perfectionist and professional attitude of Late Sh. Sahni said he was an institution in itself. Tracking back the history of press since 1947, he said that the trend of institutional functioning did not come to state of J&K whether in terms of governance, press or other structures. For almost two decades after independence press in the state did not enjoy the level of freedom as in the rest of the country, yet some of the committed journalist carved out their way in establishing the credibility of press in the state. 

He said that despite increase in newspapers, readership the influence of press has not kept the pace with times. According to him there is a big disconnect between the reality and what the press reports. He also said one can feel the rural – urban bias in the contemporary press reporting and observed that there is change towards business of journalism instead of creating an environment of professionalism. He said that the young journalists should equip themselves mentally, academically, and intellectually to increase their ambit of influence while immunizing politically while reporting.

Sh. B R Sharma, IAS, Financial Commissioner, Planning and Development Department, Government of J&K in his presidential remarks said journalism is critical and essential part of the society. He said journalist is essential element of journalism and plays a critical role of making an impartial communication through media. He stressed upon the need for strengthening the institutional functioning.

Mrs. Prem Sahni while thanking IIPA for instituting this lecture series presented two exclusive photographs of Mubarak Mandi Complex

Earlier while paying a tribute, Sh. Soujanya Kumar Sharma, KAS said that Sh. Sahni was a multi-dimensional personality having the privilege of covering all the four war of India and Pakistan. He said that Sh. Sahni was having an eye for detail and would capture instances that are now part of rare collection. Having a great command on language Sh. Sahni’s contribution in forms of articles and books is precious.

Prof. Alka Sharma, Director (Seminars), IIPA J&K Regional Branch conducted the proceedings of the function and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary presented the formal vote of thanks.

More about the address (Click Here)