Central University of Jammu organises lecture on “Defence and Strategic Studies in Journalism Perspective: Scope and Relevance”

JAMMU: The Department of National Security Studies (NSS), Central University of Jammu (CUJ), under the patronage of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, organized a special lecture today on “Defence and Strategic Studies in Journalism Perspective: Scope and Relevance”. The lecture was delivered by Prof. (Retd.) V. Natarajan, formerly Head of the Department, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu. The session commenced with a warm and heartfelt welcome address by Dr. Anuradha Choudhary, Assistant Professor, NSS, who highlighted the pivotal role of media in reporting issues related to defence, national security, and strategic affairs.

She emphasized that informed and responsible journalism is essential in shaping public understanding of national and international security concerns. This was followed by an introduction of the distinguished guest by Dr. M. Venkataraman, Prof., NSS, CU Jammu, who introduced the distinguished speaker, Dr. V. Natarajan, Retired Professor, lauding him as an experienced, versatile, and accomplished academician, journalist, and filmmaker. He underlined the growing significance of journalism and mass communication in the contemporary information-driven world, especially in the context of national security and defence reporting.

Dr. Neeta Rani, HOD, NSS, while setting the thematic tone for the session, remarked on the contemporary relevance of defence journalism and geopolitics. She outlined the career opportunities available for young scholars and professionals in the field, encouraging students to explore defence reporting as a specialized and impactful domain.

In his special lecture, Dr. V. Natarajan offered an insightful overview of the intersection between Defence and Strategic Studies and Journalism, emphasizing its growing relevance in contemporary media. Drawing on the conflict dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, he underscored the media’s responsibility to remain informed, ethical, and balanced while reporting on sensitive security issues. He highlighted the importance of defence journalism in shaping public opinion, informing policy, and reporting on global conflicts with accuracy and responsibility.

Dr. Natarajan discussed key aspects of military strategy, international relations, and media ethics, stressing the need to balance national security imperatives with the public’s right to information. Concluding his address, he spoke on emerging trends in investigative and defence reporting, and the educational and professional opportunities available in journalism focused on strategic and security affairs.

Dr. R. Sudhakar, Associate Professor, NSS, CUJ moderated the Q & A session and facilitated the interactive discussion that focused on media ethics, national security, and defence communication. As a token of appreciation the Guest Speaker was felicitated with a momento by the Department of NSS.

The formal proceedings came to a close with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Ekta Manhas, Assistant Professor, NSS, CUJ, who acknowledged the patronage of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Jain and the convenors of the programme Prof M. Venkataraman and Dr. R. Sudhakar for organizing such events. Dr. Ektha further lauded the contribution of the distinguished speaker and all faculty members for extending their cooperation in making the event a grand success.

Special thanks was extended to research scholars and participants in making the event successful. The event brought together students, scholars, and faculty members of other departments to explore the interdisciplinary intersections between defence studies, strategic affairs, and the field of journalism and mass communication. The event was well-received and appreciated for its academic depth and contemporary relevance.