Srinagar: As an outreach and capacity-building initiative in the region, Publications Division (DPD), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India organised a Media & Publishing Conference in Srinagar in association with the Public Relations Centre, University of Kashmir on Monday.
Held in the Gandhi Bhawan of the University with Prof. Nilofer Khan, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, the University of Kashmir as the Chief Guest, the event had eminent speakers including administrators, linguists, academicians, and domain experts.
In her Presidential Address, Honourable Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Nilofer Khan, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session, appreciated the collaborative endeavour of the University’s Public Relations Centre and the Publications Division of the I&B Ministry to hold this important media conference for the larger benefit of media professionals, students and the public at large.
Calling for more such collaborations in the future for the benefit of media students of the University, Prof Nilofer assured that a dedicated space shall be identified in the University’s Central Library for showcasing the journals/books which are brought out by the Publications Division from time to time. She said these publications are authentic and rich in content and deserve wider reading by the general masses.
Registrar University of Kashmir Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir said the current media conference can become a starting point for developing a lasting linkage between the University of Kashmir and various units of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The University of Kashmir, Dr Mir said, can help the Publications Division in reaching out to different stakeholders with their publications and also in undertaking various outreach activities.
Media Advisor University of Kashmir Dr Saleema Jan gave introductory remarks about the conference and its theme.
In a session on the development roadmap of the region, speakers dwelled upon the growth story in various sectors and domains. The ADG, PIB, Chandigarh Region Shri Rajinder Chaudhry threw light upon the various Outreach Initiatives by the Ministry of I&B in J&K and Ladakh. Shri Yasin M Choudhary, MD, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. elucidated upon the Perspectives of an Administrator. The Media Advisor, University of Kashmir Dr Salima Jan discussed at length the Media Landscape for Youth: Opportunities & Challenges.
The concluding session of the conference was a panel discussion on Linguistics and Publishing Landscape with a focus on the heritage and richness of the languages in the region, notable literary work done, publishing landscape, challenges, and opportunities ahead. The discussion was moderated by DG, DPD Monideepa Mukerjee and it had eminent speakers representing various languages including …
Mukerjee also invited proposals on books on Sufism and Shaivism from the region which she said will surely add value to the rich repository of the Publications Division.
An interesting talk on the Craft of Writing of English language and academic publications was given by Ajaz-ul-Haque, Producer, Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), University of Kashmir.
On this occasion, the DG, DPD also presented a copy of the September issue of Yojana to the VC. This issue of the development monthly, Yojana, gives a glimpse into the picturesque landscapes, culture, heritage, education, literature, & mysticism of the region and discusses several government initiatives ensuring progress in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region. Articles like Counter-Terrorism Scenario, Ushering Investments, Education and Skilling, Tryst with Cinematic Paradise, Sustainable Tourism, and Universal Health Coverage in J&K elucidate the pioneering achievements of the region. Yojana, published since 1957, is a development monthly published in 13 languages including Hindi, English, and Urdu.
A copy of Aajkal, another treasure trove by the Publications Division, was also presented to Prof. Khan. The literary monthly published since 1945 in Hindi and 1942 in Urdu, has a great legacy and covers different aspects of Indian culture and literature.
The Media and Publishing Conference was attended by the senior officers of PIB, CBC, DD, AIR of the region along with the officers of Headquarters, and Regions of the Publications Division. Thanking the guests and speakers for participation, DG, DPD called this a unique opportunity of learning and synergising with the stakeholders in the region. She told the media how Publications Division, as a repository of books and journals of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has highlighted subjects of national importance and India’s rich cultural heritage since its inception in 1941.
The Division has emerged as a premier publishing house of the Government of India, enriching the national knowledge repository in distinctive streams by showcasing India’s heritage with quality publications in various languages.
Also, a Book Exhibition of DPD, in association with CBC, J&K, and Public Relations Centre, University of Kashmir, was held on the sidelines of the event. Selected works of the Publications Division in various languages were on sale at the Gandhi Bhawan lawns at highly-discounted rates. Students and book lovers were seen buying these publications available in various genres and languages.
