STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Department of Journalism and Media Studies and the Translation Club, Utsaah-Club Consortium, JU, in collaboration with the Voice of Dogras, successfully organized a one-day writing workshop titled “Writing Our Jammu: From Culture to Creativity, Jammu Di Kahani, Jammu Di Zubani,” here on Friday.
The workshop aimed to encourage young writers to explore their voices in their own languages and present the cultural, social, and historical narratives of Jammu through meaningful and responsible storytelling in different languages of Jammu.
Under the visionary direction of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, JU, the workshop was designed as an intensive, hands-on learning experience where participants were introduced to the craft of writing rooted in personal experience, local culture, and historical context.
The event was graced by Pradeep Dutta and Naveen Nawaz as chief guests.
The resource persons for the day were noted authors Vikram Singh and Colonel Ajay Raina, both of whom brought their expertise and deep understanding of Jammu’s social fabric to the sessions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Meena Sharma, Chairperson, Utsaah, Club Consortium of Jammu University, said, “It is very inspiring to see passionate students and faculty members come together for supporting linguistic diversity and cultural understanding.” She also appreciated the efforts of the Coordinator, Translation Club, Prof. Garima Gupta, for the success of the workshop.
Prof. Garima Gupta, Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and Coordinator, Translation Club, JU in her welcome address emphasized the need to articulate regional stories in different languages and involve experts from backgrounds other than academia to broaden the horizon of the students.
Pradeep Dutta asserted the power of most “captivating story” which comes from the heart, resulting from ground reality and humanistic chords. He cautioned the students not to rely on ChatGPT for storytelling as it lacks the vocabulary, emotions and true human feelings that respects the dignity of human lives. Naveen Nawaz emphasized on the importance of thinking in the local languages, as they help in forming a true connection with the audiences. He also asked students to read literature and research Dogra history to strengthen the Dogra culture.
During the contextual remarks by Manu Khajuria, Founder, Voice of Dogras, that is registered both in J&K and the United Kingdom, highlighted the importance of telling an honest story and the dangers of single story. She further emphasized on preserving local narratives and appreciated the initiative by the University of Jammu for promoting creative and responsible storytelling among youth.
Prof. Dushyant Kumar Rai said that the role of storytelling can symbolize joy, nostalgia and tie different cultures. He acknowledged the efforts of the resource persons, and participants for bringing out the ideas on table and sharing stories in a compelling wayby using different innovations in the present times, making the workshop meaningful and successful.
Other faculty members present during the workshop included Dr. Pardeep Singh Bali, Dr. Ramiyan Bhardwaj, Dr. Ravia Gupta and Dr. Kumerjit Chajgotra.
