Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communication, Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar organised a day-long workshop on ‘Investigative Reporting: Principles & Practice’ on 8th April 2025. Around 70 student participants attended the workshop from various batches including PG Sem 3 and Sem 1; IG Sem 8 and Sem 6; UG Sem 6, 4 and 2.
Senior award-winning journalist, Mr. Hakeem Irfan Rashid was the resource person for the workshop. Currently associated with ‘The Economic Times’ newspaper as an Assistant Editor, he also reports from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh region. With 15 years of experience, Mr. Irfan has also been the recipient of Ram Nath Goenka Award for his investigative reporting on Coal Scam and 2G scam. He is also a World Press Institute Fellow at the United States. He was associated with the India Today Group, DNA (Zee Media Group) and has reported extensively on crime, corporate and politics in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere.
The workshop was divided into four sessions. In the first session, the resource person spoke about the relevance and importance of investigative journalism in contemporary times. In the second session, Mr. Irfan shared his own experiences in investigative reporting, including his award-winning investigative reporting series. He referred to the challenges faced during the course of the investigation and the huge impact his reporting made.
In session 3, Mr. Irfan delved into the art of investigative reporting, including the research and interviewing techniques, building sources and maintaining their confidentiality, analyzing documents and data.
In session 4, Mr. Irfan shared valuable tricks of the trade, including the tips of framing compelling investigative stories, and the key skills and qualities required for investigative journalists. The last session was also dedicated to hands-on exercises in which the students were engaged in brainstorming ideas, pitching and other steps of the planning process.
In the concluding part of the workshop, the resource person answered the queries of the students in an engaging session. The resource person was felicitated on the occasion by the worthy Principal.
In her welcome address, worthy Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq referred to the critical role played by investigative journalism.
“In today’s world, where information is power, investigative journalists are the watchdogs who ensure that the truth is uncovered and the public is informed. Their work requires courage and a commitment to uncovering the facts,” she said.
Prof. Yasmeen said the workshop served as an opportunity for students to learn from an experienced professional, and understand the nuances of investigative reporting.
Appreciating the efforts of Journalism department in inviting experts from different areas to interact with the students quite regularly, she said it is one of the best ways to gain and update the knowledge and skills.
She advised the students to follow ethics and eschew sensationalism. She also listed the merits of print journalism in the age of electronic and digital media owing to the scope of in-depth reportage.
Earlier, Head, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad briefed the audience about the objectives of the workshop and the impressive profile of the resource person.
He referred to the in-depth research undertaken by investigative reporters to uncover the facts hidden from the public eye. He also referred to the tedious, time consuming and risky nature of investigative reporting, which makes the work of such journalists even more important.
“Investigative reporting has given journalism its most glorious moments. No wonder, it is regarded as the journalism of the highest order. Investigative reporters are held in reverence for their work. Infact, they are like celebrities so much so that many Hollywood films are based on the work of investigative reporters including the classic ‘All the President’s Men’, and the more recent award winning movies like ‘The Post’ and ‘Spotlight,” said Dr. Suhail.
A detailed feedback form, filled by the students, reflected the success of the workshop including the key takeaways from the different sessions. Assistant Professor, Ms. Sadaf Bushra presented Vote of Thanks. Other faculty members present on the occasion included Dr. Nazia Akhtar, Dr. Naseema Akhter, Dr. Rouf Bhat, Dr. Mudabbir Ahmad and Dr. Haifaa Ahsan.
