GANDERBAL: A two-day workshop on ‘Creative Writing’ organized by the Department of Communication and Journalism (DCJ), School of Media Studies, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), commenced at varsity’s Tulmulla campus Thursday. The workshop began with a condolence meeting held in the memory of the mother of Dr. Arif Nazir, Associate Prof. and Head DCJ, who passed away yesterday after a brief illness, and in the memory of founding VC CUKashmir, Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
Inaugurating the event, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, School of Media Studies remarked that the workshop was intentionally scheduled to coincide with World Television Day to give practical meaning to the commemoration of the day. “Television as a medium brought families together, but today, technology caters more to individual needs. While the television set as a reception instrument may be considered obsolete, the content it delivers remains relevant, having transformed into new formats,” Prof Rasool said. He highlighted how television, initially undervalued as an educational medium, thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic by proving its utility in education.
Keynote speaker, Mr. Ajaz-ul-Haque, Head Producer at the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC), University of Kashmir, echoed similar sentiments about the evolution of television. “Television as a device may be fading, but the power of the picture remains timeless,” he said. He emphasized the harmony between visuals and words in media, noting, “Pictures speak a thousand words, but words sometimes provide the clarity that visuals can’t. As media students, understanding when to use what effectively is crucial.”
Another keynote expert, Mr. Ashok Ogra, in his address, said, “We need to explore the questions surrounding media and silence, examining their distinctions and the significance of each individually.” He elaborated on the transition from the communication age to the information age, emphasizing the unique qualities of both radio and television. He asserted that we should prioritize inspiration over mere information.
Dr. Asif Khan, Sr. Assistant Prof. conducted the event and Dr. Akhter Bhat, Assistant Prof. proposed the vote of thanks. The workshop will continue tomorrow with interactive sessions, discussions, and practical activities aimed at exploring the evolving role of creative writing in television and other media platforms in the modern age. scholars Ms Insha Mushtaq and Ms Sadia Wani were the rapporteurs.
