Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 8: Senior journalist Pardeep Dutta delivered 14th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on the theme “Embedded & Exposed: A Journalist’s Immersive Experience and Vulnerability,” organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) J&K Regional Branch.
Pradeep Dutta called upon the media persons to challenge the fake narratives peddled by anti-India forces, with robust counter-narratives. Saying that besides being journalists, we also belong to a nation and anything wrong narrative against India must be countered without any inhibition.
Dutta said that maintaining objectivity is the biggest challenge for war journalists, especially when confronted with the complex and competing storylines and fake narratives churned out from all sides. Illustrating the harsh realities on the ground, he recited the poems that he has penned from conflict zones, shedding light on the struggles faced by the people in these areas and providing a unique perspective on the human cost of war.
Listing dangers of reporting from the frontlines in the conflict zones, Pradeep explained how war journalist’s like him had to face unimaginable dangers, risking life and limb to report from the frontlines. He narrated his own experiences in Ukraine and Israel as a testament to the perils of war journalism, having had multiple close calls with death that left an indelible mark.
B R Sharma, IAS (Retd) and Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch, while paying tribute to Late Sat Paul Sahni in his address, said that the journalism in the era of social media is witnessing transformational changes. However, it is the ethical and moral responsibility of journalists to build narratives which are in the national interest, he added.
Dr Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd) and Patron IIPA J&K Regional Branch, in his presidential remarks, said that Sat Paul Sahni as a journalist had the courage to speak the truth.
Earlier, Director Seminars M M Gupta welcomed the key speaker & members to 14th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture. Prof Alka Sharma, Hony Secretary IIPA J&K Regional Branch, presented the vote of thanks and while the proceedings were conducted by Prof Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA JKRB.
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