Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) J&K Regional Branch organized 14th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on the theme ‘Embedded & Exposed: A Journalist’s Immersive Experience and Vulnerability. Pradeep Dutta, senior editor at Times Now Jammu delivered the lecture..
While delivering the Lecture, 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. Based on his experiences, he has been consistently challenging fake narratives
amidst the chaos and always succeeded.
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. From navigating minefields and dodging sniper fire to witnessing unspeakable atrocities, the psychological and physical toll of covering war is immense.
Yet, fearless journalists persist, driven by a fierce commitment to truth-telling and a determination to shed light on the darkest corners of human conflict. He said that journalists have to learn the art of deciphering silence and have to develop the art of storytelling, without compromising on ethics.
B R Sharma, IAS (Retd) Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch while paying tributes to late Sat Paul Sahni in his address said that the journalism in the era of social media is witnessing transformational change. However, it is the ethical and moral responsibility of journalists to build narratives which are in the national interest.
He further said that truth should be communicated ensuring full neutrality. Dr Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd) 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. While sharing his views on the theme, he said that unfortunately many times truth is the biggest casualty during the media reporting. Citing various past incidents from the Jammu & Kashmir, he said that the power of the media is exploited to build fake narratives which negatively impact the history of the region. He said that both the vernacular media and national media has the responsibility to be objective and committed to truthful reporting.
The lecture was preceded by a heartfelt tribute to late Sat Paul Sahni by KB Jandial, Vice-Chairman, of IIPA J&K Regional Branch Earlier, Director Seminars Er. M M Gupta welcomed the key speaker & members to 14 th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture. Prof Alka Sharma. Secretary IIPA J&K Regional Branch presented the vote of thanks and while the proceedings were conducted by the Prof Anil Gupta Joint Secretary, IIPA JKRB.
