11th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on Social Media

The J&K Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration hosted 11th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on the topic of “Social Media: Right of Free Expression or Threat to Peace & Harmony”. Mr. Praveen Swami, Group Consulting Editor of Network 18, New Delhi delivered the memorial lecture while Sh. B R Sharma, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, IIPA JKRB presided over the function. In his scholarly and illuminating lecture on the topic, Praveen Swami made a strong case for allowing free speech and expression and argued that there is no empirical evidence to corroborate the relationship between social media and disharmony perceptions. Recalling many historical international and national incidents of violence, he said that such incidents occurred even when social media was not in existence. Giving data of communication shutdowns, he reiterated that word of mouth has always been an effective channel of communication in such incidents. Praveen Swami was of the opinion that empirical evidences should be taken into account while framing social media policies to ensure and encourage free expression. Looking at the brighter aspect of social media, he said that this new form of media has helped in raising and amplifying the voices of a common man. Referring to his memorable interactions with late Sat Paul Sahni, he disclosed that late Sh. Sahni had great insight of Jammu and Kashmir and its people. Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd.), Patron of IIPA, J&K Regional Branch and former DGP, J&K Police emphasized upon the mix of self-restraint and enforcement that can bring in some kind of discipline and responsible behaviour among users of social media. He said that the serious challenge that Government faces now is harmonising the right to freedom of expression through social media on the one hand and maintaining peace and harmony by preventing misuse of social media. He was of the view that the State, the legislature and the Courts must intervene to ensure that the right to expression is not used as a license to cause social disaffection thereby threatening the unity and integrity as also health of the economy. Sh. B R Sharma, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of IIPA, J&K Regional Branch who presided over the Memorial Lecture, said that the freedom of speech should not be treated as an absolute right and reasonable self-restraint should be exercised. He cautioned about the misuse of social media for disturbing social harmony which is the essence of our great nation. Referring to the recent Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, he said that there is need for judicious checks and balances on the use and abuse of social media with some penal provisions in the larger interest of the peace, harmony and integrity of the nation. While setting the tone for the lecture, Sh. K B Jandial, IAS (Retd), Director Seminars said that India is the world’s largest open internet society and in order to ensure the judicious use of social media, these companies have been made accountable to the Constitution and the laws which will help in strengthening peace and harmony. Er JBS Johar, Vice-Chairman, IIPA paid glowing tributes to the memory of late Sat Paul Sahni and described him as multifaceted personality. Describing him as one of the most revered journalists of his time and a moving spirit of the IIPA, he said that it was fortune of many to have worked with him. Prof. Alka Sharma, Hony Secretary, presented the vote of thanks while the proceedings were conducted by the Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary. Among others, the event on virtual mode was attended by S N Tripathi IAS ( Retd), Director General IIPA, New Delhi, Smt Prem Sahni, wife of late Sat Paul Sahni and other family members, office bearers and members of IIPA. It is pertinent to mention that IIPA J&K Regional Branch instituted the memorial lecture in the memory of Sh. Sat Paul Sahni, who was one of the founding members. As a veteran multi-media journalist of yesteryear, he had a rare distinction of covering all the first four wars India fought in 1947, 1962, 1965 & 1971.