Srinagar, Oct 05: The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, in collaboration with the Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, organized the 15th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on Sunday, honoring the life and legacy of the eminent journalist and former Director General of Information, Sat Paul Sahni.
The event witnessed the presence of Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, IAS (Retd.), Former Adviser to His Excellency the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, as the Chief Guest.
The distinguished lecture was delivered by Professor (Dr.) Shahid Rasool, Dean of Academic Affairs at the Central University of Kashmir. Other notable dignitaries included Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd.), Chairman of IIPA J&K, B.R. Sharma, IAS (Retd.), Secretary, IIPA J&K, Professor Alka Sharma, Vice Chairman IIPA J&K Dr G N Qasba. Secretary Amar Singh Club, Nasir Hamid Khan and other members of the organizing committee also attended the program.
In his welcome address, Dr G N Qasba, Vice Chairman IIPA, highlighted the extraordinary life of Sat Paul Sahni, who was born in 1922 and began his career as a journalist in 1948 with The Times of India. Sahni went on to serve as Bureau Chief of United News of India in Srinagar and held the post of Director General of Information in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
A prolific journalist and photographer, his career spanned over six decades, during which he covered four major wars — 1948, 1962, 1965, and 1971 and documented significant historical, cultural, and political events in Kashmir and across India. His collection of rare photographs, including the posthumously published Nehru’s Kashmir, remains a valuable record of the nation’s heritage.
Sat Paul Sahni was not only an accomplished journalist but also a mentor, social activist, and cultural enthusiast.
He was actively associated with the Amar Singh Club and was a founding member of the IIPA J&K Regional Branch, contributing to the development of the institute for over 30 years.
His dedication to ethical journalism, public service, and social responsibility continues to inspire new generations of journalists and civil servants.
Delivering the lecture on “Media and Viksit Bharat @2047,” Professor Rasool emphasized the transformative role of media in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
He underlined six critical contributions of media, including strengthening democracy, promoting knowledge and innovation, fostering social cohesion, championing developmental journalism, driving behavioral change, and representing India globally.
Professor Rasool also highlighted the importance of engaging youth and leveraging digital media platforms to create a participatory and informed society.
He stressed that ethical journalism, credibility, and accountability remain the cornerstone of a media landscape capable of contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The lecture was part of an ongoing series inaugurated in 2010, which has featured eminent journalists, scholars, and administrators, including Ved Bhasin, Raj Chengappa, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, and Pardeep Dutta. Each edition has explored topics ranging from media ethics and governance to social media, press freedom, and national development.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, and participants for upholding the memory of Sat Paul Sahni and reinforcing the values of truth, integrity, and public service in journalism.
B. R. Sharma, Chairman, and Dr. A. K. Bhan, Patron of the IIPA J&K Branch, appreciated the efforts of Dr. G. N. Qasba, Vice Chairman (Kashmir), G. M. Andrabi, Joint Secretary, and Bashir Ahmad Shah, Executive Committee Member, for successfully organizing the event.