Workshop on CR: Experts discuss role of radio:

The Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.C. Sobti said
here today that the commissioning of transmission of the newly set-up PU
Radio “Jyotirgamaye” is yet another landmark in the University’s commitment to tackle
certain social problems which can not be treated in isolation of education.
    Addressing delegates assembled on the occasion of “Community Radio Awareness
Workshop” being organised by the School of Communication Studies under the aegis of
Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia, Prof. Sobti said with the setting up
of the community radio station on the campus not only the students and teachers were
going to be benefited but the lot of community at large – including the uneducated
poor, deprived, destitute and disabled – is also going to be ameliorated.  The radio
will also target social evils like dowry, female foeticide, drug abuse besides
fostering social amity and family relationships.  Prof. Sobti called upon the mass
mediapersons to report with utmost care and caution with fairness and unbiasedness for
the social welfare.  
    The Vice-Chancellor hoped that the university will now be in a better position
to take care of the needy and spread the messages of development, particularly about
environment protection, health, education and other current issues.  The PU Radio, he
said, has been realisation of his dream three years after initiation of the project.  
He repeatedly spoke high words of praise for the department Chairperson, Dr Mohanmeet
Khosla for her contribution in setting-up the Radio Station, describing her as “the
most dynamic chairperson and a very hard task master”.
    Dr. R. Sreedher, director, CEMCA, said the policy of union government
permitting setting up of Community Radios was a classic example of government’s policy
of allowing transparency in working and to bring the voice of the voiceless heard.
    Mr Inderjeet Grewal a senior representative of the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting spoke on how community radio was different from other broadcasting set-
ups, and the basic objectives of making people involvement in the development
process.  
    Ms Supriya Sahu, Director BC, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
presented the presidential address.  The Doordarshan Chandigarh Director, Dr K.K.
Rattu termed the commissioning of the PU Community radio as a significant
development.    The journey of radio, he said, is the journey to reach to the people
to connect the messages with minds.  He highlighted the importance and role of radio
in the world’s biggest democracy as India.  
    Discussion and presentations were also held on broadcasting code, guidelines
advisories, do’s and don’ts, content generation, recording and editing techniques,
live transmission archives and records.    
Prominent among experts who presented their views on the first day of workshop
were: Mr Vipin Sharma and Mr Ikram Rajasthani, both renowned broadcasters; Mr
Hisamuddin Faruqui from the IGNOU; Mr Aaditeshwar Seth, IIT Delhi; Dr Pradip Kumar
Misra, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University; Mr Karan Minz and Ms Arti Jaiman from from
Community Radio Forum.
                                            Press Note
No.606
AK/PS