Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Prominent journalists, academics, and senior bureaucrats gathered at the Amar Singh Club in Srinagar on Sunday to pay glowing tributes to the late Shri Sat Paul Sahni, a veteran journalist, author, and former Information Commissioner, during the 15th Shri Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture.
The event was organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, in collaboration with the Amar Singh Club. The memorial lecture, themed “Media and Viksit Bharat – 2047”, explored the evolving role of media in shaping India’s developmental and democratic vision.
Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, School of Media Studies and Dean Academic Affairs at the Central University of Kashmir, delivered the memorial address.
He emphasized that media’s credibility, ethical standards, and technological adaptation will be decisive in realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, IAS (Retd), former Advisor to the Governor, was the Chief Guest. In his address, he underlined the enduring importance of responsible journalism and truth-based reporting in an era of digital disruption.
The session was presided over by B. R. Sharma, IAS (Retd), Chairman, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, and former Chief Secretary of J&K, who highlighted Sahni’s remarkable contribution in building bridges between governance and the media fraternity.
Notable among the journalist present on the occasion, Muhammad Aslam Editor Kashmir News Service, Ayaz Hafiz Editor Rising Kashmir, Farzana Mumtaz Editor News Kashmir, Nazir Masoodi of NDTV, Chasfeeda Shah Editor Kashmir Scan, Khurshid Qureshi Executive Editor Onlykashmir, Bilal Bashir Bhat Editor Srinagar Jang, Ajaz Ahmad Editor Era of Kashmir and others.
Earlier, Dr. G. N. Qasba, Vice Chairman IIPA J&K, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary, shared the background and significance of the memorial lecture series. Tributes were also paid by Dr. Ashok Bhan, Patron of IIPA J&K.
Besides a galaxy of journalists, activists, and journalism students from across Kashmir also attended the event. The proceedings were expertly moderated by Ms. Mantasha Bin Rashid (KAS).
Amar Singh Club Secratary Nasir Hamid Khan presented the vote of thanks.
Participants lauded the organisers and said such programmes should be conducted regularly to remember the contribution of personalities like Shri S.P. Sahni, who dedicated his life to the service of truth and public awareness.
Sat Paul Sahni, remembered as one of Jammu and Kashmir’s pioneering journalists, had an illustrious career spanning several decades. He served in key editorial and administrative roles, authored insightful works on media and governance, and was widely respected for his integrity, intellectual depth, and commitment to journalistic ethics.
