IIPA organizes 8th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on "Challenges before Indian Media Today".

The J&K Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration organized the 8th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on “Challenges before Indian Media” on January 20, 2018 (Saturday). K.G.Suresh Director General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, in his presentation reflected on three biggest challenges while discussing the role of the fourth estate. He pointed out that the challenge is that we no more remember the icons and also that we don’t have role models and idols. The second challenge according to him is the insurgence of technology. He also emphasized the tremendous growth of regional media in India. As the profile of Indian viewers is changing, so the media needs to reinvent itself. The third challenge, he said is the decreasing space for neutrality in media and emphatically pointed out that the media needs to be pro-people.

Dr. S. S. Bloeria, IAS (Retd.) Former Chief Secretary, J&K was the Chief Guest on this occasion, Dr Bloeria in his address remembered his long association with Sh. Sati Sahni. While talking about Satiji’s personality, he said that his qualities of punctuality, honesty and perfectionism have rubbed off on all those that he came in touch with. Dr. Ashok Bhan IPS (Retd.), Former Director General of Police, J&K was the Guest of Honour on this occasion. Dr Bhan while paying tributes to Satiji, as he is fondly remembered, said that politicizing of media has made the fourth pillar of democracy weak. He added that although it is disturbing that media is now becoming paid, leaving no space for neutrality, there is still hope.

K.B.Jandial, IAS (Retd) Former Member J&K PSC while paying rich tributes to Late Shri Sat Paul Sahni fondly remembered his relationship with him and said that he was a the soul of Jammu’s social life. He said that Sh. Sahni, a multi-faceted personality forayed in several streams but his true love was for journalism, particularly photo journalism. He said that Sh. Sahni had an eye for detail and always followed ethical journalism.

The lecture was attended by eminent citizens of state including members of IIPA, media fraternity, Faculty and Students of Central University of Jammu and IIMC Regional Centre, Jammu and civil society.

Earlier Vikrant Kuthiala, Hony Treasure, IIPA J&K Regional Branch formally welcomed the august gathering and Introduced the Speaker and Dr Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) conducted the proceedings of the function and presented the formal vote of thanks. Er. J B S Johar, Hony Secretary co-ordinated and overlooked the entire organizing of the event.