Islamabad (Anantnag), Sep 20: Appreciating the role of media in Kashmir, senior National Conference leader and Member Parliament Dr. Mehboob Beg Thursday said the valley has produced quality journalists despite turbulent times.
 “We cannot undermine the role of media in upholding social, political and economic responsibilities particularly in Kashmir,” Beg said, speaking at a day-long debate on role of media.
 Beg was the chief guest at the inter-college debate “Media has failed to uphold the divine mandate of social responsibility?” organized by the Government Degree College Boys Islamabad (Anantnag) and district administration in collaboration with Greater Kashmir and its sister concern Kashmir Uzma. 
 “Despite the turmoil, the valley has produced some great journalists,” Beg said.
 He said that there are black-sheep in every profession but everyone cannot be painted with the same brush.
 The District Development Commissioner Anantnag Farooq Ahmad Shah, who was the Guest of the Honor, highlighted the role of media in the society. “Besides disseminating information and framing opinion, media acts as the reflection of our social system,” Shah said.
 He said that with the advent of social media like Facebook and Twitter “we are at the peak of media revolution.” “Media has a role in redressing the day-to-day problems of masses as it a watchdog over watchdog,” Shah said.
 Shah also appreciated the organizers and the media partners for organizing the debate.
 In his key note address, columnist Ajaz-ul-Haq dwelt upon the social responsibility of media.
 “Like teaching, journalism is considered to be a noble profession and we borrow this nobleness from the perception that has been created. Though we can’t have divine mandate, it is our obligation to live up to this common perception,” he said.
w Senior Associate Editor Greater Kashmir Arshad Hussain Kaloo highlighted the difficulties journalists have to face while reporting in Kashmir.
 “Reporting in a conflict-ridden place like Kashmir is not an easy task because of the pulls and pressures from different quarters,” said Kaloo.
 He said that despite all odds the journalists in Kashmir have been trying their level best to uphold the ethics of journalism. Kaloo narrated some of his experiences while reporting in Kashmir.
 About 22 colleges from the valley participated in the debate.
 Abdul Bari Bhat of Government Degree College Baramula secured first position while the second and third position was bagged by Asma Zahoor of Govt Degree College Women MA road and Adil Ali of Govt Degree College Kulgam. The consolation prize was given to Younis Kaloo of SP College Srinagar.  Earlier, a book authored by the College Principal Muhammad Yasin Shah was also released by the Chief Guest.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST