Satya Prasad Raturi memorial panel discussion and interactive session on challenges for journalism in Uttarakhand
UKNATIONNEWS BUREAU
Dehradun: In a befitting tribute to journalist, writer and above all, a true Gandhian, Satya Prasad Raturi on his 115th birth anniversary, a panel discussion and interactive session on current challenges for journalism in Uttarakhand was organised at WIC, Dehradun.
Late Shri Satya Prasad Raturi was the editor of Himachal Saptahik, Mussoorie Times and penned several books on Uttarakhand- Garhwal Gaatha, Dharti ka Janm, Hamara Garhwal and Tehri ke Jan Sangharsh ki Swarnim Gaatha. When he died in 2006 at 98, he was writing his autobiography, Ek Patra aur Patrakaar ki Kahani. And even though he couldn’t complete his book, his legacy lives on through his precious writings.
Like Leeladhar Jagudi, writer Journalist and Padmashri Recipient and chief guest for the event, said, “Some of my earliest poems were published in Satya Prasad Raturi Ji’s newspaper Himachal Saptahik. If someone knew how to inspire the next generation, it was him. Satya Prasad Raturi Ji focused his energies and has written extensively for Uttarakhand. When he wrote he wrote not just as a journalist but also a litterateur.”
Speaking at the Occasion, Special Guest Yogesh Bhatt, State Information Commissioner, said, “An event like this is the need of the hour. There was a time when journalism had a purpose and it had intellectuals. Sadly, journalism today has become purposeless.
We are the ones responsible for external and internal changes.” said CIC Bhatt.
The panel discussion was moderated by award winning journalist, Rahul Kotiyal. The Founder Editor of Baramasa, Kotiyal kept the panelists, and the guests engaged through the session.
The panelists consisted Jai Singh Rawat Journalist, Amar Ujala, Jyotsna, Journalist, Sahara Samay, Rajiv Nayan Bahuguna, Veteran Journalist and Dr Harsh Dobhal.
Jai Singh Rawat Journalist, Amar Ujala, journalist and a writer for 45 years, said, “Media is the reflection of society and media helps us document it. The world is now a global village. Quite a few things have changed but several challenges remain. The biggest challenge now is reliability.”
Rajiv Nayan Bahuguna, Independent Journalist, Writer, Traveller, and Folk Singer, spoke his unabashed style. Bahuguna who has worked in Rajastan Patrika and Bihar Khabar among several other media organisations including NBT, Hindustan, Outlook etc said, “In both these places, all festivals and culture are not just celebrated but are also written about in the newspapers. Garhwali, Jaunsari, Kumanoni newspapers or films can never be as successful if there isn’t enough effort. What is needed is the dialect, the idioms should all be used, even if in Hindi.”
Dr. Harsh Dobhal, visiting Professor, School of Media and Communication Studies, Doon University spoke on how Journalism has changed with technological advancements. “In the past 20-30 years the media story has grown exponentially. Sadly, media is now run as a business. Journalism is earning through non journalistic means. If the fourth pillar needs to be alive, government needs to play a part.”
With more than two decades of experience in electronic media, Jyotsna of Sahara Samay, said, “an event like this just before Hindi journalism day is so crucial. Media channels are now opening by the dozen for investment. What is needed is pro people writing, writing on issues closer to people.”
Other dignitaries present at the event were former DGP Shri Anil Raturi and Additional Chief Secretary Shri Radha Raturi, Former LBSNAA Padamveer Singh, SIDH Founders Pawan Gupta and Anuradha Gupta, Ghanshyam Smriti evam Kalyan Samiti’s Shri Shashi Bhishan Joshi, Social Development for Communities Founder Anoop Nautiyal, Samay Sakshya Founder Ranoo Bisht, Dr Yogambar Sigh Barthwal, Yogesh Dhasmana, Shri Madan Duklan, and Aranya Ranjan.
The evening wound up with the packed WIC hall with dignitaries, well-wishers, friends and family remembering Satya Prasad Raturi ji.
