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The University of Kashmir's Publications Division Hosts a Media and Publishing Outreach Conference

on Sep 27, 2022

On Monday, the Publications Division (DPD), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, organized a Media & Publishing Conference in Srinagar in collaboration with the Public Relations Centre, University of Kashmir, as part of an outreach and capacity-building initiative in the region.

The event was held in the University's Gandhi Bhawan, with Prof. Nilofer Khan, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, and featured eminent speakers such as administrators, linguists, academicians, and domain experts.

Honourable Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Nilofer Khan, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session, thanked the University's Public Relations Centre and the I&B Ministry's Publications Division for working together to hold this important media conference for the benefit of media professionals, students, and the general public.

Prof Nilofer promised that a dedicated space in the University's Central Library would be identified for showcasing the journals/books brought out by the Publications Division from time to time, calling for more such collaborations in the future for the benefit of media students at the University. She claims that these publications are genuine and rich in content and that the general public should read them more widely.

The University of Kashmir Registrar According to Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, the current media conference can serve as a springboard for long-term collaboration between the University of Kashmir and various units of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Dr. Mir stated that the University of Kashmir can assist the Publications Division in reaching out to various stakeholders through their publications as well as undertaking various outreach activities.

Dr. Saleema Jan, Media Advisor at the University of Kashmir, made the opening remarks about the conference and its theme.

Speakers discussed the region's growth story in various sectors and domains during a session on the region's development roadmap.

The ADG of the PIB in the Chandigarh Region Shri Rajinder Chaudhry shed light on the Ministry of I&B's various Outreach Initiatives in J&K and Ladakh. Shri Yasin M Choudhary, MD of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd., elaborated on the Administrator's Point of View.

Dr. Salima Jan, Media Advisor at the University of Kashmir, spoke extensively about the Media Landscape for Youth: Opportunities and Challenges.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on Linguistics and Publishing Landscape, which focused on the heritage and richness of the region's languages, notable literary work done, the publishing landscape, challenges, and opportunities ahead. Ms. Monideepa Mukerjee, DG, DPD, moderated the discussion, which featured eminent speakers from various languages.

Ms. Mukerjee also invited book proposals on Sufism and Shaivism from the region, which she said would undoubtedly add to the rich repository of the Publications Division.

Ajaz-ul-Haque, Producer, Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), University of Kashmir, gave an interesting talk on the Craft of Writing in English and Academic Publications.

On this occasion, the DG, and DPD also presented the VC with a copy of the September issue of Yojana. This issue of the development magazine Yojana takes a look at the region's picturesque landscapes, culture, heritage, education, literature, and mysticism, as well as several government initiatives aimed at ensuring progress in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Counter-Terrorism Scenario, Ushering Investments, Education, and Skill, Tryst with Cinematic Paradise, Sustainable Tourism, and Universal Health Coverage in J&K are just a few of the articles that highlight the region's trailblazing achievements.

Yojana, a development monthly published since 1957, is available in 13 languages, including Hindi, English, and Urdu. Prof. Khan was also given a copy of Aajkal, another treasure from the Publications Division. The literary monthly, which has been published in Hindi since 1945 and Urdu since 1942, has a long history and covers various aspects of Indian culture and literature.

Senior officers from the region's PIB, CBC, DD, and AIR, as well as officers from the Publications Division's Headquarters and Regions, attended the Media and Publishing Conference.

Thanking the guests and speakers for their participation, the DG, and DPD described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for learning and collaboration with regional stakeholders. She told the media how, since its inception in 1941, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's Publications Division, as a repository of books and journals, has highlighted subjects of national importance and India's rich cultural heritage.

The Division has emerged as the Government of India's premier publishing house, enriching the national knowledge repository in distinct streams by showcasing India's heritage through quality publications in multiple languages.

On the sidelines of the event, DPD hosted a Book Exhibition in collaboration with the CBC of J&K and the Public Relations Centre of the University of Kashmir.

Selected works from the Publications Division in various languages were on sale at heavily discounted prices on the Gandhi Bhawan lawns. Students and book lovers were seen purchasing these publications, which were available in a variety of genres and languages.