Photo Story of Kullu

A Poem

When I born, I black

When I grow up, I black

When I go in Sun, I black

When I scared, I black

When I sick, I black

And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow

When you born, you pink

When you grow up, you white

When you go in sun, you red

When you cold, you blue

When you scared, you yellow

When you sick, you green

And when you die, you gray

And you calling me colored??

My Friend Rajanikant Verma has forwarded me this poem.

This poem was nominated by UN as the best poem of 2006, Written by an African Kid

Best Performer : Department of Journalism

Guests and Hosts of Pratibha Samman Samaroh

It is a matter of great pleasure that Department of Journalism has been awarded as the Best Performer Department in Pratibha- the annual Literary and Sports event of the University .

The award ceremony for the different categories in Literary and Sports activities was organised on April 25, 2008 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal.

Vertika Nanda (Programme Head, Sahara TV) was the Chief guest of the function, while Shazia Ilmi was in the Hall as the Special Guest of the function.

"Pratibha Samman" on April 25

The award ceremony for the winners of Pratibha (Annual Function of University) would be held on April 25, 2008 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal.

Noted Journalist Vartika Nanda (Programme Head, Sahara TV) would be the Chief Guest of the function, while Sajiya Ilmi (Star News) would be the Special Guest.

The students of Department of Journalism would perform a play "TRP" on the occasion.

An Evening of Bhopal Bloggers

Bloggers participating in the meeting

In a unique initiative, a meeting of Bloggers of Bhopal has been held recently at the Department of Journalism, MCU.

It was first time that any such meeting of Bloggers was held in Bhopal.

During discussion, it was felt that Blogging is a good forum to express the ideas and thoughts of an individual/organization.

Anil Gulati, Shehla Masood, Manisha Pandey, Hemeder Sharma, Sahishnu Mukherjee, Raju Kumar, Shivnarayan Gour and V V Giri were peresent in the meeting.

Apart from above mentioned personalities some students of Department of Journalism were also present in the discussion.

Newsprint price rise forces papers to hike ad rates

Newspapers across country up ad rates and seek removal of import duty as newsprint prices set to touch $1,000/t

FACED with rapidly escalating newsprint (NP) prices, Indian newspaper publishers have announced significant hikes in advertising rates, doubling them in some cases, to protect margins and tide over the crisis, even as measures are on to ask the government to remove the 5% import duty on NP and to increase government advertising rates by 50%, in addition to seeking a 30% hike in normal ad rates through the industry body — Indian Newspaper Society (INS).

Newsprint prices, which have shot up from $560 per tonne in October 2007 to $850 per tonne in April 2008, and are expected to touch $1,000 per tonne, have resulted in profit projections of most publishers going for a six. The rise in prices may continue at least till Q1 of 2009, leading some of them to go slow on aggressive plans to boost circulation and enter new markets till things stabilise. While Hindu has executed a price hike on April 1, 2008, with its All India display B/W rates going up by 16% or Rs 225 per sq cm to Rs 1,625, Bangalore-based Deccan Herald effected a more-or-less uniform 21% hike in its various categories in February 2008.

Kolkata-based Ananda Bazar Patrika Group has tweaked ad rates from April 1, 2008, and hiked it in various proportions — from a high of 94% to Rs 1,750 per sq cm for Telegraph — all editions (B/W Display& Financial — Friday-Saturday) to as low as 4% to Rs 1,200 per sq cm for Telegraph — metro edition (colour display & financial — Sunday-Thursday). Bhopal-based Dainik Bhaskar has hiked the rate for display & financial category — colour — by 75% from Rs 325 to Rs 568 per sq cm since December 15, 2008, while its sister publication DNA has hiked the same by 19% to Rs 950 for its Mumbai edition — with a further hike expected later this month. Hitavada, Malaya Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Hindustan Times, HT-Mint, Hindustan, Punjab Kesari, Eenadu and Business Standard have effected ad-rate hikes from 5% to over 30%.

Though industry heads like Dainik Jagran CMD MM Gupta and Dainik Bhaskar publisher Girish Agarwal say this is part of the routine annual ad rate hike, the quantum of the hike tells us the desperate situation publishers are in today. The hike is logical as, the world over, newspapers operate on two basic revenue models: advertising and circulation (subscription). In most cases, cost of producing and delivering a newspaper is much higher than the (cover) price it is sold at. Ad revenue makes a newspaper profitable. This not only makes the price affordable for the readers but also generates margins for the publisher. “NP comprises 50-60% of total costs for a newspaper, and so the most logical solution to counter the impact — passing on the cost hike to readers — becomes a tough choice as the Indian market is very price sensitive and operates on close to free-price points,” says Mr Gupta. Concurs Ananda Bazar Patrika CEO Dipankar Purkayastha: “A slight to moderate increase in ad rates is a better alternative as affordability of newspapers is a big issue in a country where income levels are low.” Some like MD of Hindu Group, N Murali, also former chairman of Indian Newspaper Society NP committee, says: “Ultimately we have to serve the reader and the advertiser — neither of whom can be sacrificed at the expense of other.” Media auditors like Meenakshi Madhavani, CEO of Spatial Access and founder-CEO of Carat India, say that burdening advertisers only for the purpose is not done. “Cover prices of newspapers have to be realistic and so it’s time we saw an end to combo offers and other unrealistic pricing that is being subsidised with advertisers money.” Adds Leo Burnett India’s chairman & MD Arvind Sharma: “Cost of inputs has gone up, but so have ad rates. The question is, are these ad rate hikes proportional to cost input hikes.” Reports say that barring select big media houses, other publishers are slow-pedalling their expansion and circulation drives. While unconfirmed reports say that DNA is going slow on its proposed launches in new markets, Mint from HT Media stable has decided to shelve its expansion plans — its CEO Rajeev Varma refused to speak on this issue. “Prices of not only NP, but also crude, coal, freight, payroll and consumables have also increased, and so this regular hike will not help solve the crisis, as few months down the line NP is expected to go up further,” says Mohit Jain, director at Times Group and chairman of Newsprint Committee of INS. He adds that building up circulation and quality readership cannot be ignored, as these factors are crucial to draw in advertisers.

According to Mr Gupta, after the sudden fall in Chinese NP exports and capacity shutdowns in North America and few European mills, Indian newsprint manufacturers have started demanding prices on par with international producers, even though their quality is not as good as imported newsprint. On their part, Indian mills refute the charge and say that costs have increased for them too as raw materials like pulp, ONP, petroleum products, freight and coal has affected them too. Emami Paper ED PS Patwari says investments on fresh capacities are also being mulled by few mill owners and this means there has to be disposable cash with paper mills to go for expansion. Newspaper publishers have pressed the panic button in government circles. Mr Gupta, as part of a delegation of publishers, has made a representation to the finance ministry to remove the 5% import duty on NP. “We, through the aegis of INS, are proposing a hike of at least 30% on ad rates and a further hike of DAVP rates by 50%.” However, some like Mr Murali say that the removal of import duty is a case of barking up the wrong tree, even as Mr Gupta feels that the rates — which the government specifies — are based on NP prices of $500 per tonne and do not account for the 70% jump in prices since then. “Data shows that Indian ad spends are just over 0.4% of its GDP, even as countries like China and Malaysia are close to 1%, and so there is much space to grow,” says Mr Agarwal. That may be the reason that despite such a bad time, Deccan Chronicle group launched its financial daily recently.

Source:

The Economic Times

Time-Table of June Exam.

This is the Time-Table of Master of Journalism Exam to be held in the month of June-2008.

News You can Use (Older Students Transferred)

Here is news about some older students of Department of Journalism. They have been transferred. These are:

Prasoon Mishra, Alok Mishra, Sudeep Kumar and Anil Choudhary (all MJ Alumni, working with the Rajasthan Patrika) has been transferred from Jaipur to Bhopal.

Sagar S. Patil (MJ alumni) and Ravi Mohan Surgainya (SJ Alumni), who were in Umar Ujala, Kanpur have have now transferred to Amar Ujala, Dehradun.

MCU -Third Winner in Youth Parliament

Students of University during their participation in Youth Parliament

The Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal has been adjudged as the Third Winner in the Youth Parliament competition organised by Pandit Kunjilal Dubey Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Bhopal.

Five students of Department of Journalism namely, Ramvir Gurjar, Dhiraj Rai, Ganesh Mishra (MJ Students), Nisha Singh and Hariom Verma (SJ Students) have been selected for Special Skill Honour (Vishesh Dakshta Samman).

The honour would be conferred in a function in the last week of April.

आवेदन आमंत्रित हैं - अन्तिम तिथि ३० अप्रैल

माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी राष्ट्रीय पत्रकारिता एवं संचार विश्वविद्यालय, भोपाल के पत्रकारिता विभाग द्वारा संचालित विज्ञान पत्रकारिता में पी जी डिप्लोमा (P G Diploma in Science Journalism) और M.J. (Master of Journalism) कोर्स में प्रवेश के लिए आवेदन करने की अन्तिम तिथि ३० अप्रैल है।

इन पाठयकर्मो में प्रवेश के इच्छुक विधार्थी एक सादे कागज पर अपना नाम, पिता का नम, पत्र व्यव्हार का पता, जन्म तिथि,एजुकेशन योग्यता, जाति प्रमाण पत्र, स्थाई निवास प्रमाण पत्र, पाठ्यक्रम का नाम आदि समस्त विवरण देते हुए साथ में दो पासपोर्ट आकर का फोटो और विश्वविद्यालय के पक्ष में Rs 350 का डिमांड ड्राफ्ट लगाकर विश्वविद्यालय के त्रिलोचन नगर, भोपाल स्थित पते पर भेज सकते हैं।

SC, ST के उम्मीदवारों को 250 रूपये का डिमांड ड्राफ्ट लगाना होगा ।

इन पाठ्यक्रमों में प्रवेश हेतु एक जून को देश के आठ केन्द्रों भोपाल, कोल्कता, लाख्नाऊ, पटना, रांची, जयपुर, नॉएडा, और खंडवा केन्द्रों पर होगी। किसी भी विषय में स्नातक विद्यार्थी P.G. Diploma in Science Journalism पाठ्यक्रम और M.J. Course में प्रवेश की योग्यता रखते हैं।

M.J. कोर्स की अवधी दो वर्ष एवं विज्ञान पत्रकारिता पाठ्यक्रम की अवधि एक वर्ष की है।

विज्ञान पत्रकारिता एक वर्षीय कोर्स है और कुल सीट 25 हैं। साथ ही इस कोर्स में 1000 रूपये की प्रतिमाह छात्रवृति भी है।

विश्त्रित जानकारी के लिए फ़ोन नम्बर 0755-4290230 पर सम्पर्क किया जा सकता है।

आवेदन का प्रारूप

1. आवेदित कोर्स का नाम : .....................................

2. कैम्पस प्राथमिकता : A. भोपाल
B. नॉएडा

3 आवेदक का नाम :.....................................

4. पिता का नाम ................................................

5. जन्म तिथि : ..................................................

6. पता ( पिन कोड एवं फ़ोन नम्बर) : ...............
...................................................

7. शैक्षणिक योग्यता : .........................................
(मार्क शीट की कॉपी साथ में भेजें)

8. वर्ग : सामान्य, अनुसूचित जाति,
अनुसूचित जनजाति, अन्य पिछड़ा वर्ग
(जाति प्रमाण पत्र संलग्न करें)

9. डिमांड ड्राफ्ट का विवरण :

10. क्या मध्य प्रदेश के मूल निवासी हैं :

आवेदक का हस्ताक्षर

नोट : आवेदन पत्र के साथ दो पासपोर्ट आकर के फोटो भी संलग्न करें

News You can Use

Two students of Department of Journalism have given some presentations before the managemnt of Rajasthan Patrika Newspapers Limited.

If you want to read/view their recomendations, kindly visit the under mentioned link:
www.dojmcu.blogspot.com

Vikalp (April 11)

We are pleased to inform that from now "Vikalp" -The weekly lab journal of Department of Journalism would be available on the Internet (www.departmentofjournalismmcu.blogspot.com).

In this series here is the first digital edition of Vikalp (Above).

We are also glad to announce that anyone, who is associated with media or interested in media can send their comment for the publication in Vikalp (in the form of Letter to Editor, Article, Feature etc.) .

Reshuffle in DB Corp. Ltd.

Being related with media, our blog (www.departmentofjournalismmcu.blogspot.com) is giving some information of media world that may be useful for many surfers.

The Dainik Bhaskar Corp. Limited management has shifted some key positional personalities recently. The new shiftings are :

• Dainik Bhaskar:

Prabhat Singh , Resident Editor, Chandigarh.

Avanish Jain has been transferred from Kota to Bhopal Corporate Editorial.

Manoj Binwal is the new Executive Editor of Dainik Bhaskar, Udaipur. He has succeeded Kirti Rana, who is now the Executive Editor of Shriganganagar.

Indushekhar Panchauli has assumed his office as the Executive Editor of Kota edition.

Ashish Vyas has been promoted with the designation of Executive Editor and has been give the assigned to look the Ajmer edition.

Manish Dave has been promoted as Deputy Editor of Raipur Bhaskar.

Lakshmikant Pant is the Edition In'charge of Sikar.

Pradip Dwivedi has been transferred to State News Room, Jaipur.

Shyam Sharma is the new Edition In'charge (News Editor) of Alwar.

• Divya Bhaskar:

Kana Bantva, Executive Editor (News), Ahemdabad

Vipul Vaidaya has been transferred to Rajkot with the Edition In'charge position.

Special Classes of SJ

Jagdeep Saxena, Scientist at the ICAR, New Delhi in Department

Jagdeep Saxena, a well-known Sceintist of country, has paid a visit to the Department of Journalism. He was in the department to take some special classes of Science Journalism.

"Pratibha"- The Annual Function Begins on April 09

"Pratibha"- The annual Literary Competition of University would be held from April 09 to April 11, 2008.

Competition would be held under various categories such as Debate, Elocution, Poewr Point Presentation, Web Site Designing, Essay Writing, Feature Writing, Quiz etc.

Those willing to participate in Pratibha should contact the concerned authorised Teachers.

मीडिया कुछ हद तक अपसंस्कृति फैलाने का काम भी कर रहा है- मधुसूदन आनंद

आज अगर दादा माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी जीवित होते तो समकालीन पत्रकारिता का स्वरुप कैसा होता। मुख्य धारा की पत्रकारिता में सामाजिक सरोकारों को लेकर उनका कितना हसक्षेप होता। ऐसे ही कुछ सवालों को उठाते हुए नवभारत टाइमस, दिल्ली के सम्पादक मधुसूदन आनंद जी ने आज माखन दादा के जन्म दिवस पर आयोजित स्मृति व्याख्यान को संबोधित किया।



श्री आनंद के अनुसार, समकालीन मीडिया परिदृश्य बेहद सकारात्मक, संभावनापूर्ण, शिक्षित और रोज़गार परक है परन्तु साथ ही मीडिया कुछ हद तक अपसंस्कृति फैलाने का काम भी कर रही है, इसमे कोई शक नही है।



इस अवसर पर कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता कर रहे न्यायमूर्ति आर डी शुक्ला ने मीडिया के व्यवसायीकरण का तीखे शब्दों में विरोध किया और साथ ही आदर्शों और मूल्यों पर आधारित पत्रकारिता का आह्वान भी किया।



व्याख्यान के बाद मधुसूदन आनंद एवं अन्य आगंतुकों ने पत्रकारिता विभाग के विद्यार्थियों से विशेष चर्चा की।

Remembering 'Dada'

Madhusudan Anand Ji, while delivering a Lecture in the Department

Madhusudan Anand, Editor, Navbharat Times, Delhi (Second From Right), Rajesh Sirothia (Outlook) and Soni Ji in a function organised at the Department to mark the Birth Anniversarry of "Dada"

Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi "Smriti Vyakhan"

The University is organising a special function to mark the Birth Anniversary of Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi on April o4th, 2008.

"Smriti Vyakhan" is being organised every year to mark the Birth Anniversary of Dada.

Madhusudan Anand, Editor, Navbharat Tims, New Delhi would be the chief guest of the programme, while Justice R.D.Shukla, former Chairman, Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission, will chair the function.

The topic of Vyakhan is "Present Scenario of Media" .

Function would be held at the University Campus (B-38, Press Complex, Maharana Pratap Nagar). It is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM in Morning.

Happy Holi

Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, wishes you all A Very Very Happy and Colourful Holi.

"Yuva Sansad" to be Organised on March 29

Pandit Kunjilal Dubey Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Bhopal in association with Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal is organising "Yuva Sansad" on March 29, 2008.

This is a part of a series of such a competition. Yuva Sansad is being organised in different Universities/Institute of the State and in final there will be three winners. Institutes with the ranking of First, Second and Third would be awarded with a prize money of Rs 5,000 Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 respectively.

Interested students of the University should contact Shri Ramkrishna Napit of Department of Journalism.

There will be a rehearsal on March 27, 2008. So, students should register prior to the above mentioned date.

विज्ञान पत्रकार बनना चाहते हैं !

देश के मीडिया में इन दिनों विज्ञान से जुड़ी खबरों का कवरेज लगातार बढ़ता जा रहा है। कई बार विज्ञान से जुड़ी ख़बरों को देखकर आपकी भी इच्छा होती होगी की विज्ञान के छात्र होने के नाते हम यदि इस ख़बर को लिखते या सुनाते तो यह ज्यादा रोचक होता।

यदि आप विज्ञान पत्रकारिता में रूचि रखते हैं तो माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी राष्ट्रीय पत्रकारिता एवं संचार विश्वविद्यालय, भोपाल के पत्रकारिता विभाग द्वारा संचालित विज्ञान पत्रकारिता में पी जी डिप्लोमा (P G Diploma in Science Journalism) कोर्स में प्रवेश लेकर अपनी इस इच्छा को एक नया आयाम दे सकते हैं।

यह एक वर्षीय कोर्स है और कुल सीट 25 हैं। साथ ही इस कोर्स में 1000 रूपये की प्रतिमाह छात्रवृति भी है।

वर्ष 2008-09 के लिए होने वाले प्रवेश के लिए अप्रैल माह के प्रथम सप्ताह में प्रकाशित होने वाले रोज़गार समाचार और रोज़गार एवं निर्माण में विज्ञापन प्रकाशित किए जायेंगे। प्रमुख समाचार पत्रों में भी विज्ञापन आएंगे।

विशेष जानकारी के लिए विभाग के फ़ोन नम्बर 0755-4290230 पर भी सम्पर्क कर सकते हैं।

A Workshop on Development Journalism

Department of Journalism, MCU is organising a one-day Workshop on Development Journalism on March 13, 2008.

The workshop will start at 10:00 am in morning. The venue for programme is Institute for Local Self Government, Near 6 no. Bus Stop, Bhopal.

Workshop on Science Journalism

Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal in association with Sapre Museum, Bhopal is organizing a workshop on Science Journalism on March 14, 2008.
The venue for the workshop is Sapre Museum for Newspapers, Kolar Road, Bhopal. Workshop will start at 10:00 AM.

Lecture on New Media

New Media is the future of coming years. It will dominate all other media. New Media is a cheap source of communication along with global reachness. These are the opinion of Balendu Sharma Dadhich, Editor, prabhasakshi.com-a well reached and reputed Hindi web portal.

Focussing on the growing importance of New Media Dadhich says Bolgging is a cheap and easy mean of communication.

"Although it (bloging trend) grown rapidily in the last decade of the past century but in India it has witnessed a tremdious growrth only after 2003", Dadhich said while delivering a lecture on New Media organised at the Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication,Bhopal.

Balendu Sharma Dadhich while Delivering Lecture at the Department

"Relibality of content is a serious matter for all Internet users. There are some portals and sites which are of public nature and which are widely popular among net users but all contents are not reliable", he further added.

Later, Dadhich answered the questions posed by young Media students.

He is a well known name in web world and has authoured some books.

Balendu is a reciptant of coveted 'Most Valuable Professional 2007' award from Microsoft.

‘Media Should Avoid Loaded Language’:Coughlin

Mainstream journalists play a major role in the protection and maintenance of communal harmony in a multicultural society. Media should avoid the culturally loaded language. These are the opinion of Kathryn M Coughlin, President, Global Research Group, a US-based think-tank on the Islamic World.

“Generally, media don’t give proper coverage for peaceful news. Instead it gives more coverage to the news related with violence and communal disharmony”, Kathryn said while delivering a lecture on “Mutual Sharing in Multicultural Democracy” on Friday in city. The lecture was organized by Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal. Citing the examples of Danish Cartoon controversy and Macedonian election coverage in the media, Coughlin said that media didn’t followed ethical values while reporting these happenings.


“The election coverage of Macedonia by media was just like a civil war reporting and amazingly peace march of Baghdad on prophet cartoon controversy was not news worthy for The New York Times or The Washington Post”, she mentioned.

Meanwhile, emphasizing the religious dissonance in the contemporary society, the US citizen mentioned that “politicians are also responsible for communal division of the society at some extent”.

“They merely talk about communal division because it is hard for them to talk on bigger issues like development, health and education”, she added.

Warning the people regarding the role played by media, Coughlin further said that media can even misguide people on some wider issues.

The American Center Mumbai cultural affairs specialist Tasneem Kalsekar was also present on the occasion.

A large number of students were present in the function and they were asking some relevant questions to Coughlin.

Lecture by Kathryn M Coughlin

Kathryn M Coughlin, President, Global Research Group, a US-based think-tank on the Islamic World will give a lecture on "Mutual Sharing in Multicultural Democracy" on February 08, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the Department of Journalism.

Special Exam. for Old Students

The Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of journalism & Communication, Bhopal is organizing a Special Examination for old students. Those who have appeared in the final semester exam of university but are not cleared in one or two papers of any other previous semester can take this opportunity as a golden chance.

The examinaton would be organised in the month of June-2008.

Last date for application: March 15, 2008.

For detailed information and application form, please visit the University site
mcu.ac.in

Wish You Happy Republic Day

The Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal wishes you all Very Very Happy Republic Day-2008.

Remembering Dada

Remembering Dada, the University is organizing a Smriti Sandhya on January 30, 2008. Marking the occasion of Death Anniversary of Pt. Makhanlal Chaturvedi, our source of inspiration, all are invited to attend the function.

Dr. Prabhudayal Singh, freedom fighter and a noted writer, will be the chief guest of function while Shri Bhupal Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Barkatullah University, Bhopal will chair the function.

Special Classes on Defence Journalism

Mr. Ranjit Kumar, Defence Correspondent, Navbharat Times, Mumbai will be in Bhopal for three days. He will take special classes on Defence Journalism.

Mr. Kumar will take these classes on January 27, 28 & 29. It would be an additional session than the regular classes of Defence Journalism, which is being taken by Mr. Shiv Anurag Patairia, Lokmat Samachar, Bhopal.

S J Students will cover the "Vigyan Manthan Yatra"

The students of Post Graduate Diploma in Science Journalism (PGDSJ) are going on a tour to cover the "Vigyan Manthan Yatra".

The 'Yatra' is a Train Journey for the yong students of Madhya Pradesh to visit some Scientific Institutions of the country. This Yatra will halt at three places namely, Pune, Bangaluru & Kanyakumari.

The 20 coach special train will be flagged off by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on January 28, 2008 at Habibganj station, Bhopal.

Approximately 1,000 students (Future Scientists, termed by the State Government) will go on the special journey.

Interestingly, the train will have a special coach as a "Conference Hall". Students can watch films in this hall. It be utilized fordiscussions, panel discussions etc.

The journey will end on 06th February, 2008.

Admission Will Start from the First Week of April

New intake in the Master of Journalism (MJ) course of the University will start from the first week of April.

MJ is a two year course.

Convocation Ceremony on April 05

The Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal is organizing its second Convocation Ceremony on "April 05, 2008".

This convocation would be for the students passed in the year of 2005 and 2006. The ceremony would be organized at Bhopal. The venue for the function would be made public later.

It is kindly requested to all the passed students to attend the Convocation Ceremony.

Interested candidates should contact Mr. Avinash Vajpayee, Placement Officer of University for further details. His can be contacted on his Mobile no: 09425392448.

V. T. Joshi Passes Away

Noted journalist V T Joshi passed away at Bangalore on Sunday night. Joshi, a highly respected figure in the journalist fraternity, worked at Bhopal for a long time as a Special Correspondent of The Times of India and The Hindu.

Aouther of "Pakistan-Zia to Benazir", he was also associated with the Makhanlal University. At present Joshi was associated with 'Media Critique' (Media Meemansa-Hindi), the quarterly published bi-lingual media journal of University.

Although now he is no more with us, but he will remain in the hearts forever.

A Tribute to late V T Joshi

By Remembering his writing

INDO-PAK PEACE: PROSPECTS AND PITFALLS

Author - VT Joshi

How productive are the recent peace initiatives in Indo-Pak ties likely to be? Will they yield fruitful results this time or again lapse into a quagmire of despondency as has happened so often in the past several years and decades?

These questions stare the people in the face in the whole of the subcontinent and go well beyond in South Asia. The answer has to be necessarily a mixed bag of hope and despair, of great expectations and deep frustration. There are positive as well as negative signals. The touching scenes of long lacerated family reunions as the Lahore bus service resumed, portray the human face of Indo-Pak impasse and must move the mountains. But the frequent exchange of rhetorical threats and verbal missiles between the leaders of the two countries make the mountains weep, instead.

The ardent desire of the common people of India and Pakistan for peace and normal good neighbourly relations between the two belligerent nations was never in doubt, and has survived the vicissitudes of history and politics. If a proof was ever needed it was there in the warm exchange of visits between the recent delegations of members of the two parliaments (called National Assembly in Pakistan) and businessmen. Their visits are expected to be followed soon by those of cultural and artistes’s delegations. These and various other aspects like the resumption of full diplomatic ties and prospects of the long stalled SAARC summit being held in Islamabad in January next, are happy tidings in the incipient thaw in bilateral relations after long months and years of tension and turmoil. But was it necessary at this stage to speculate that there would be no bilateral talks between the prime ministers on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in the Pak capital?

Perhaps quite significant was the reception organized in Islamabad reportedly by Jamaati-I-Islam of Pakistan for the Indian MPs’ delegation led by the most ardent and indefatigable champion of Indo-Pak amity, Mr. Kuldip Nayar, eminent journalist and Rajya Sabha member. It is another matter that the Jamaat chief (“Amir” of the Jamaat, as called there), Qazi Hussain Ahmed had once declared in a Karachi public meeting in the late 1980s’ that his ambition was to “plant the green flag on the Red Fort” in Delhi. The Qazi Sahib’s impressive flowing gray beard, which he sports with loving care, was jet black at that time. Years of dogmatic strife have hopefully mellowed him.

The Indian External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, seems to specialise in making statements every now and then with a distinctly anti- Pak ring around them. Are such wanton pronouncements harping on worn- out, futile slogans and shibboleths day in and day out, (as indeed those of the pontific deputy prime minister, L. K. Advani, as well) really necessary to pave the way (or queer the pitch) for the long awaited “dialogue” between the two countries on various issues plaguing their relations. Puerile talk about the so-called confidence building measures (CBM) sound hollow in this context. (Cross border violence notwithstanding).
In refreshing contrast is Sinha’s counterpart, Pakistan’s suave foreign minister, Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri, whose public statements seem designed, at any rate, not to vitiate the atmosphere. As revealed in his numerous interviews and press reports Kasuri exudes a modicum of warmth and encouraging expectations. It is Kasuri who has been emphasizing the acceptance of the Indian proposal for a composite dialogue on all issues including Kashmir. To a question by this writer on the most pragmatic solution to the K-problem, in a BBC programme, Kasuri was candid and considerate in his observations. He remarked we are not aiming at a “solution” right now, but concerned about the resumption of talks – “Talks about Talks”, as he put it. About the allegations of cross border terror he regarded the views of most Indians to be rather “one sided”.

After his return from Washington on completion of his ambassadorial assignment in the United States in 1990 Dr. Karan Singh made a profound remark in an interview to a weekly magazine. The sole purpose of the External Affairs Ministry appeared to be to “keep denying” whatever Islamabad says on every little minor issue, he averred. Instead, considering the size and potential, Pakistan should be regarded as Mexico to the United States, he beseeched. What Karan Singh did not specifically mention but clearly thought deplorable was (and is) the mutual obsession of India and Pakistan with each other.

After a visit to the two countries in the early 1950s’ Taya Zankin observed that Pakistan was “obsessed with India” and “India with herself” -- (obviously in those halcyon days of the Nehru era). The situation has not changed much since then except that the situation has degenerated into mutual obsession with a nuclear edge.

An indication of the goodwill and robust pragmatism that exists among most of the thinking sections both in India and Pakistan is provided by the two successive series of weekly BBC programmes – “Question Time India” and “Question Time Pakistan”. The distinguished panelists of both the countries (in separately conducted programmes) deal with a wide range of questions on national and international events from enlightened studio audiences. A clear common strand is unmistakable in favour of a quick resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafrullah Khan Jamali's appearance in the last episode of “Question Time Pakistan” was its crowning glory. He emerged as the most sensible, suave, considerate PM with impeccable expression and impressive command over the English language. It is to be ardently wished his command also extends to his authority as PM. A striking contrast to President General Musharraf’s all too familiar bluff and buster, Jamali appears to be a perfect foil for the Indian prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee. Left to themselves the two prime ministers are sure to bring about an amicable settlement of all bilateral issues and usher in a new era of peace and stability in the subcontinent. The pity is that events in the troubled neighbourhood Jamali is not known to call the shots. Inshe Allah, one can only hope that circumstances change enough to give the two premiers the vision and courage needed for the purpose.

Meanwhile, on the Indian side there are some welcome signs of fresh thinking. Mr. Vasant Sathe's plea for "facing the Kashmir issue squarely and discuss it in all its dimensions" (in an article in Hindustan Times) comes as a breath of fresh air in the prevailing suffocating atmosphere when the recent peace initiatives by the prime ministers of India and Pakistan appear to be in serious danger of losing their momentum and bringing the whole process back to square one, as has happened so many times in the past, (as already pointed out) in spite of the restoration of full diplomatic relations and Lahore bus service, visits of trade delegations and contingents of parliamentarians etc.

It is time to realise that the K-issue is the main stumbling block in the path to normalisation and strive to remove it instead of harping on old familiar, failed efforts like “step-by-step” approach, “confidence building measures”, “People-to- People Contact” and all that crap.
Sathe has also suggested that the discussion on Kashmir could be held in the framework of UN resolutions. Pakistan can certainly be challenged on this score and asked to accept the resolutions in toto, and vacate POK as the first step. Will it ever do it?

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who is the only prominent Indian leader to have openly and consistently advocated the conversion of the Line of Control as the only practical solution to the K- problem, has made yet another sensible in a recent TV interview – “To invite the world famous statesman, Nelson Mandela, to mediate between India and Pakistan”. It is a pity that leaders of eminence like I. K. Gujral and Natwar Singh rejected it in the same T.V. programme on the special plea that India has taken the stand against third party mediation. It is another matter that Nelson Mandela burnt his fingers by innocuously offering help as NAAM chief sometime back when it should have been seized upon but India rejected it out of court with unjustified contempt and incalculable harm. Even so Mandela deserves to be persuaded to mediate even at this crucial juncture.

VT Joshi
17 July 2003

Courtsey:
www.samarthbharat.com/indopakthaw.htm

Commission Receives 80% Applications from Govt. Officials: Kejariwal

The majority of applications received by the Central Information Commission under the Right to Information Act, 2005, are filed by the Government officials. The cases of promotion, salary, transfer and related matters come in huge number before the Commission for hearing. These facts have been made public by O.P. Kejariwal, member, Central Information Commission, New Delhi.

"Eighty percent application filed before the CIC are of Government officials, either serving or retired", said the Central Information Commissioner.

Kejariwal emphasized that the RTI Act, passed by the Parliament of India in the year of 2005, overrides all the existing Acts of the land, even the Officials Secret Act, 1923.

"The applicants should file very short and crispy application instead of detailed description in order to save the time of Commission and applicant itself", Kejariwal further appealed.

The Information Commissioner was speaking in a Media Workshop organized on Right to Information at the Academy of Administration, Bhopal on Saturday. It was organized by Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Information Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh State Information Commission, P.P.Tiwari said that there is a need of greater need of awareness among the people regarding this right.

“In coming days the facility to file an application through telephone under the RTI would be possible through out the country”, he said.

Although the Act has empowered people at great extent but still there are so many hindrances in this regard, Tiwari further added.

Comparing the functions of Central Information Commission with the Press Council of India, another major institution established by the act of Parliament, Achutanand Mishra, a veteran name in Journalism and the Vice-Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication said that “unlike the PCI, CIC is empowered with the penalty chagrining authority”.

Commission Recieves 80% Applications from Govt. Officials: Kejiriwal

The majority of applications recieved by the Central Information Commission under the Right to Information Act, 2005, are filed by the Government officials. The cases of promotion, salary, transfer and related matters comes in huge number before the Commission for hearing. These facts have been made public by O.P. Kejiriwal, member, Central Information Commission, New Delhi.

"Eighty percent application filed before the CIC are of Government officials, either serving or retired", said the Central Information Commissioner.

Kejiriwal emphasised that the RTI Act, passed by the Parliament of India in the year of 2005, overrides all the existing Acts of the land, even the Officials Secret Act, 1923.

"The applicants should file very short and crispy application instead of detailed description in order to save the time of Commission and applicant itself", Kejiriwal appealed.

Seminar Organized on Environment Reporting

The Department of Journalism in association with the International Media Foundation organized a two-day seminar on Environment Reporting at Pachmarhi in Hoshangabad district.

The seminar held on January 12-13, 2008 was attended by some 60 students of journalism and by some mainline journalists.

Abhilash Khandekar as a Coach in the Department

Mr. Abhilash Khandekar, State Chief (Madhya Pradesh) of Dainik Bhaskar is playing a role like a coach of Sports Journalism in the Department of Journalism. He will take the special classes on Sports Journalism in the Department.

It is worthy to mention here that Mr. Khandekar has so much interest in the field of Sports and he was a sports journalist in his past career.

One Day Media Workshop on 'Right to Information'

The Department of Journalism, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication, Bhopal is organising a one day Workshop on "Right to Information" on January 19, 2008. The department is organising this worshop in association with Madhya Pradhesh Academy of Administration, Bhopal specially for the media personalities of the State.

Mr. O.P. Kejriwal, Central Information Commissioner (member, Central Information Commission, New Delhi) will preside over the one day funtion to be held in the Auditorium of Academy of Administration, near Shahpura Lake, Bhopal.

Mr. Achutanand Mishra, Vice Chancellor of the University will chair the presiding function of the workshop, whereas Mr. P.P. Tiwari, Chief Information Commissioner, Madhya Pradesh Information Commission will be the special guest. Ms. Mala Shrivastava, Director-General, MP Academy of Administration would also attend the workshop.

Many experts will also attend this workshop. This would start at 10:00 AM in the morning and it is expected to end at 5:00 PM in the evening.

Regular Classes Begins from 7th Jan

The regular calsses of the Mater of Journalism (MJ) IVth Semester would start from January 7th, 2007. The Science Journalism Classes would be regular as it is.

Brajesh Rajput in Department

Mr. Brajesh Rajput, Special Correspondent, Star News, Bhopal will take some classes in the department. He will teach skills of TV Script writing to the students.

Mr. Rajput is a young journalist and he has a lot of experiences in the field. The Star Correspondent would also teach the practical approaces of the TV Journalism.

Lalit Shastri Will Take Classes

Mr. Lalit Shastri, Principal Correspondent, The Hindu, Bhopal would take the special classes for the students of Master of Journalism (MJ) & Science Journalism (SJ). He will take his classes till January 6, 2007.

Please notice that it would be his first experience as a teacher of Journalism. He is here to interact with the students with his 17 years of experience in Journalism.