Srinagar, June 7: Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad Thursday reiterated his commitment to render full support to the development of the varsity’s Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) and Media Education Research Centre (MERC) for the “overall welfare of the student community.”
 Addressing academics and students at the valedictory function of a 14-day video production workshop—organized by the EMMRC and MERC—Prof Talat asserted that “I am committed to render full support to the development of these institutes which are providing necessary training in video production to the students. Whatever support is required for their development would be ensured.”
 Talat underscored the importance of convergent journalism in the contemporary academic scenario. “It would be good if we have a course on convergent journalism in the campus in view of its importance in the contemporary academic scenario. The varsity would render its full support for the same, as and when required,” he said.
 Prof Talat appreciated what he called the “documentaries and short-films on vital themes” produced by the MERC students under the guidance and supervision of EMMRC trainers including Shafqut Habib, Ajaz-ul-Haque, Akmal Hanan and Tariq Abdullah. The trainers guided four groups of MERC students to make documentaries on vital subjects like dying art of shawl weaving, Kalai-Heritage Vandalised, Dog Menace, Press Freedom, Drug Policy, Child Labour and Save Paper. The documentaries, made during the workshop, were screened today in the Media House Auditorium.
 Prof Talat was the chief guest on the occasion while Director Doordashan Kendra Shami Shair was the guest of honour.
 Pertinently, Prof Talat hailed the EMMRC for being “one of the top such centres in the country.” “I want this to be a case with every department on the campus. That would be a great satisfaction for me as head of this institute,” he said, assuring the student community of all possible help they require in their academic endeavors.
 “The media and television experts who had come from different parts of the country to participate in a 2-day national seminar recently rated our EMMRC as one of the best in the country which is a matter of pride for all of us. But at the same time we do not have to stop here and I suggest EMMRC to organize more such workshops for longer period and try to increase the present format of 14-days so that students get more time to work on different subjects,” Talat said.
 In her address Shami Shair said “The students have done a great job in almost every area of production, be it camera angles, narration, script, selection of shots and research. Everything has been excellent. However there are certain areas which they need to work on like editing and selection of background music.”
 Speaking on the occasion, the Director EMMRC Dr Shahid Rasool referred to the importance of convergent journalism, asserting that “media houses today are in search of students with multiple skills. That is where a course on convergent journalism has a role to play.”
 Shahid said that EMMRC is committed to provide training to the MERC students “who would earlier go outside the state for the same.” “Thankfully we have been able to conduct such workshops for the past many years now in view of the state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities at the EMMRC,” he said.
 The Head, MERC, Prof Mufeed Ahmad, gave an overview of the activities taking place in MERC, including holding of workshops, seminars and guest lectures.
 A number of journalists from print and electronic media participated in the function, which was also attended by students and faculty of MERC and EMMRC.
 The KU Registrar Prof S Fayyaz Ahmad also spoke on the occasion while Dr Saleema Jan of EMMRC delivered vote of thanks. Senior Producer EMMRC Farooq A Lone anchored the proceedings of the function. Prof Talat later distributed certificates of participation among the students who participated in the workshop.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 7 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 7 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST