https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqchvh1hQXk

In the bustling streets of Srinagar, the rise of electric buses threaten the rickshaws that have long sustained hundreds of families in Kashmir. Sanna Nisar and Kaif of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, GCW M.A. Road dive into this unfolding crisis, capturing heartfelt stories from rickshaw drivers facing shrinking incomes and vanishing customers amid the push for greener transport. This poignant video explores the human cost of modernization in Kashmir, questioning whether old rickshaws would survive the electric revolution.

A group of students from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women, Moulana Azad Road, Srinagar, visited Akashvani (All India Radio) Srinagar on 18^th December 2025 for an industry exposure tour of the country’s premier public service broadcasting institution.

The visit was coordinated by Dr. Suhail Ahmad, Head, Department of Journalism (GCW M.A. Road), and Mr. Waseem Farooq, Programme Officer, Akashvani Srinagar. The visiting team led by Dr. Suhail comprised 30 students from the Postgraduate and Undergraduate batches and three faculty members—Dr. Rouf Bhat, Dr. Mudabbr Ahmad and Dr. Tasaduq Hidayat.

The day-long programme began with a briefing session in the AIR auditorium moderated by Mr. Waseem, during which senior officials interacted with the students.

In his opening remarks, noted broadcaster Mr. Ashfaq Lone spoke about the continued relevance of radio in the contemporary media landscape. Using the analogy of the wheel—an ancient invention that continues to evolve—he highlighted how radio has adapted to new technological forms while retaining its core value. He described radio as a powerful medium with unmatched reach, sharing examples from Shaherbeen, AIR’s well-known public grievance programme, where civic issues were swiftly addressed following their broadcast. He also reminisced about his long personal association with AIR and its strong ethos of public service.

Senior Programme Executive, Akashvani Srinagar, Dr. Satish Vimal described Akashvani as a vital bridge between the government and the people. Responding to student queries, he explained the difference between public service broadcasting and private FM stations, noting that while private FM channels primarily focus on entertainment, AIR shoulders the responsibility of preserving and promoting local culture and traditions. He urged students to enhance their communication skills, learn multiple languages, and nurture creativity to improve their career prospects. Dr. Satish also shared insights from his own journey from print to broadcast media and assured support from AIR for students keen to develop broadcasting skills.

Addressing the students, News Editor, Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad Shah, emphasised the need to make effective use of modern technological tools and acquire new skills to compete in the dynamic world of broadcast media. He underlined the credibility of AIR’s news service—currently the only authorised radio news broadcaster in India—and encouraged students to work consistently on their skill sets to build strong professional foundations.

In the second half of the visit, students were taken on a guided tour of various units of the station. In the Regional News Unit, Mr. Ishfaq briefed them on the daily workflow involved in preparing multi-language news bulletins. Mr. Waseem then led the group to the historic archives section, which houses invaluable records dating back to 1948.

Students also visited different studio units, including the music studio, news studio and talk studio, where Mr. Waseem explained the procedures involved in programme production. They interacted with officials from various sections, explored technical setups, and some students recorded voice samples—from news updates to literary pieces—while learning about studio operations and editing systems.

On behalf of the college, Dr. Suhail expressed gratitude to the entire AIR team for their support and for facilitating the visit. He also conveyed heartfelt thanks to the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, for encouraging industry linkages. Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen said such visits play an important role in exposing students to the rich history of such institutions besides professional practices and industry requirements.

Students described the visit as an enriching, exciting and highly productive learning experience.  Pertinently, the college is exploring possibility of signing a formal MoU with Akasvani to pave way for more student-centric collaboration.

Students from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women, Moulana Azad Road, Srinagar, undertook an industrial exposure visit to Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar on 17^th December 2025 to gain hands-on insights into broadcast media operations and deepen their understanding of public service broadcasting.

The visiting team, led by the Head of the Department, Dr. Suhail Ahmad, comprised 15 students from both Postgraduate and Undergraduate programmes, accompanied by faculty members Ms. Sadaf Bushra and Dr. Nazia Akhtar. The visit offered the students a comprehensive, first-hand experience of the pre-production, production, and post-production processes across various sections of the historic broadcasting centre.

During the tour, Senior Engineer Mr. Vinod Arya provided an overview of the technical infrastructure and functioning of the broadcasting systems, explaining studio operations, transmission technology, and signal flow mechanisms.
Senior Producer Mr. Talha Jahangir briefed the group on programme production workflows, including planning, scripting, and on-ground execution.

Assistant Director News Mr. Shabir Dar and Editor Mr. Mudasir Amin detailed the stages of news production, from news gathering and editorial decision-making to bulletin preparation and adherence to ethical standards.
Additionally, IT Expert Mr. Ashfaq Sibtain familiarised the students with the digital and technological frameworks that support modern broadcasting operations.

The exposure visit proved to be an enriching learning experience, helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world media practices.

Dr. Suhail expressed gratitude to the Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar team for their warm cooperation and valuable guidance. He also thanked the college Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, for her continuous support and encouragement for the department’s academic and industry-oriented activities. Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen emphasised that such industry exposure opportunities play a vital role in shaping students’ professional competence. Pertinently, several alumni of the journalism department are currently working in various capacities at DDK.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, organised a guest lecture by Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad Shah, News Editor, Regional News Unit (RNU), All India Radio (Akashvani), Srinagar, on December 9, 2025.

During his lecture, Mr. Shah traced his professional journey from print journalism to broadcast media and public service broadcasting. He introduced All India Radio as India’s largest public service broadcaster and described AIR Srinagar as one of the oldest and most trusted radio stations in the country. He provided students with a simplified insider view of the functioning of the Regional News Unit, explaining the stages involved in radio news production, bulletin structuring, and editorial decision-making.

Sharing experiences from the AIR newsroom, Mr. Shah emphasised radio’s continuing relevance in India in terms of reach, credibility, and public trust. He discussed the skills students need to develop for a career in radio journalism and outlined various career opportunities in broadcasting, including roles such as newsreader, announcer, and programme executive. He also suggested practical exercises for students to simulate the news production process followed at All India Radio.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, Principal of the college, extended a warm welcome to the guest speaker and appreciated the department for organising sessions that bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. She observed that such interactions help students understand the practical realities of newsroom functioning beyond textbooks. Highlighting the credibility of All India Radio as a public service broadcaster, she stressed the importance of accuracy, balance, and responsibility in journalism, especially in an era marked by information overload and unverified content.

The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Suhail Ahmad, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Dr. Suhail highlighted the guest speaker’s rich professional journey across print journalism, broadcast media, and academia. He noted that Mr. Shah’s earlier association with the department as a faculty member made the occasion a meaningful homecoming. Emphasising the relevance of radio in the contemporary media landscape, he underlined that despite the dominance of television and social media, radio continues to remain a vital and credible medium.

Dr. Suhail also placed on record his sincere thanks to Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, Principal, GCW M.A. Road, for her continued support in strengthening academia–industry linkages.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, with students actively engaging with the resource person on newsroom practices, ethics, and career prospects in broadcast journalism. Ms. Sadaf Bushra presented Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the college administration for its support and guest speaker for sharing his professional insights with the students.

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women, Moulana Azad Road, Srinagar, organised an insightful guest lecture on AI and Marketing on 20^th November 2025.

The session was conducted by Mr. Dhruv Choksi, Senior Marketing Officer at Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad (MICA), who interacted with students on the fast-evolving intersections of artificial intelligence and the marketing industry.

In her opening remarks, Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq appreciated the journalism department for organizing the session, terming Marketing Communication as an important and dynamic career path.

Prof. Yasmeen said the college steadily works towards its vision of nurturing confident, skilled, socially responsible learners who are able to make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Programmes such as today’s lecture are an integral part of that commitment, enabling students to connect theoretical understanding with real-world application. Today’s interaction is also essential in helping students learn about the professional opportunities in the communication ecosystem,” she added.

Earlier, while introducing the session and the guest speaker, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad said, “What you learn in theory becomes far more valuable when it is connected with current professional practice- and that is precisely the purpose of today’s interaction.”

“Media and communication landscape has changed dramatically over the years. Communication is no longer linear but integrated, data-based and consumer-centric. Integrated Marketing Communication used to figure only as a minor topic under Advertising, but today it has evolved into a full-fledged discipline. This reflects the growth of marketing as a strategic, research-driven and technology-enabled field,” said Dr. Suhail.

Mr. Choksi began by explaining how AI has moved from being a futuristic concept to becoming a practical, everyday tool powering decision-making, audience insights, consumer behaviour analysis and content personalisation.

He elaborated on the emerging roles that AI is shaping in modern marketing—from automated content generation and data-driven campaign optimisation to predictive analytics and conversational customer engagement.

In his talk, he highlighted the growing demand for professionals who can combine creative thinking with technological proficiency. He shared real-world examples of AI-enabled branding, social media strategy, and targeted advertising, giving students a clearer understanding of how the field is transforming.

The resource person also encouraged students to familiarise themselves with AI tools early, noting that upcoming marketing careers will prioritise adaptability and digital fluency.

During the session, students engaged in exercises, including the use of AI tools to generate marketing ideas, with the resource persons guiding them with better prompts to get desired results.

The teaching staff members present on the occasion included Dr. Nazia Akhter, Dr. Haifaa Ahsan, Dr. Rouf Bhat, Dr. Mudabbir Ahmad and Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Fazily.

During the interactive Q&A session, students and staff members discussed opportunities and ethical concerns related to the use of AI in media and marketing. Mr. Choksi appreciated the students for engaging actively and asking informed questions.

The session concluded with formal Vote of Thanks by Assistant Professor, Ms. Sadaf Bushra. She expressed gratitude to Mr. Choksi for offering students valuable exposure to contemporary industry practices.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Government College for Women,
Moulana Azad Road, Srinagar, organized an educational field trip along the Pampore
Awantipora axis on November 13, 2025 as part of its experiential-learning initiative. The visit
was designed to provide students with exposure to real-world reporting environments, field
observation, and practical journalistic exercises.
Students from Semester 5 (FYUGP), Semester 9 (Integrated Programme), and Semester 4
(Postgraduate) participated in the trip, which was flagged off by Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen
Farooq. In her brief address, Prof. Farooq advised the students to make the best use of the field
visit to explore environmental, social, and developmental issues.
The group, accompanied by Dr. Suhail Ahmad (Head of Department), Dr. Rouf Bhat (faculty
member), and Ms. Riffat (office assistant), began the journey from the college campus and
made several halts en route.
The first stop was the Chatlam Wetland Reserve, an important satellite wetland of the Dal Lake
system. Students observed the wetland’s biodiversity, interacted with locals, and discussed
conservation challenges related to encroachments and seasonal water fluctuations.
At Pampore, the students visited saffron fields to study traditional cultivation methods, market
trends, and the impact of climate change on production. They interacted with local growers
who shared concerns about erratic rainfall, declining yields, and market constraints. The
students also carried out a short photo-documentation exercise as part of their field-reporting
component.
The group later visited the Avantiswami Temple complex, a heritage site protected by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Officials from the ASI briefed them on the historical
and architectural significance of the site and on preservation measures being undertaken.
Subsequently, the team proceeded to the Vasturvan Hills near the Islamic University of Science
and Technology (IUST), Awantipora—a site of historical and cultural interest. The scenic
setting provided students with the opportunity to engage in landscape photography and reflect
on the relationship between natural and cultural heritage.
The visit concluded at IUST, where the students attended a Business Fest organized by the
university. They interacted with students and faculty members, gaining insights into campus
media, start-up ventures, and youth entrepreneurship.
The field visit integrated elements of field reporting, environmental observation, and cultural
documentation, offering students a multidimensional learning experience. It helped strengthen
their journalistic understanding of Kashmir’s ecology, economy, and cultural heritage.
HOD Dr. Suhail and the students thanked the worthy Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq
for facilitating the field trip, terming it as a productive exercise and hoping for more such
opportunities in near future.

I travel from Bandipora to my college in Srinagar every day— a 70 km drive. All through the drive, a thought bothers my mind. Because each day, as I pass the gates of the college, I come across a sight that pierces my heart.

Small children loiter by the roadside, selling socks, pens, or simply begging for a few rupees. Their faces are covered in dust, their hands are rough from labour, their shoes are tattered while their innocent eyes speak of pain, hunger, and hopelessness.

What shocks me is how educated and supposedly elite people walk past them as if these children are invisible. Expensive cars stop at the traffic lights, with the people inside them sipping coffee and talking about “development”, while right beside them, the children are losing the essence of their childhood.

What kind of society have we become where indifference is the norm and compassion rare?

Several provisions exist in the law to combat the menace of child labour — from the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, to the Right to Education Act, 2009. These laws are aimed at ending child labour and ensuring free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. Yet, the streets of Jammu and Kashmir tell a completely different story.

Laws exist only on paper. Child welfare exists only on social media. Free education is still a dream for millions of children. While across India, millions of child labourers toil throughout the day to earn a living.

Numbers that should send shivers down our spines are reported in the media and forgotten the next instant- between April 2024 and March 2025, about 44,902 children were rescued from exploitation in India — of these, nearly 90 % were from child labour. Estimates suggest around 13.2 million children (aged 6-14 and adolescents 15-18) were engaged in child labour in 2024.

These numbers reveal a harsh truth- child labour still exists because we as a society have failed to take responsibility. Too often, officials make promises during campaigns but forget them when it comes to real groundwork.

Childhood — the most beautiful phase of life — is being crushed under the burden of survival. The elite talk about progress and development, but what about those who can’t even spell the word “school”? The contrast is painful, and yet we stay silent.

It’s time to wake up.

The government must not only make laws but also ensure their strict implementation.

Social welfare workers must be active on the ground, not be confined to office desks.

And we, the educated citizens, must stop being mere spectators.

Let us report, raise our voices, and support NGOs and local initiatives that rescue and educate these children. Each of us can make a difference — by refusing to ignore what we see every day. Because the question is not only why child labour exists, but why do we allow it to continue?

The event featured screenings of critically acclaimed documentaries and interactive sessions with experts focusing on the influence of documentary films in shaping public opinion and driving social transformation.

The programme began with an introductory session, which included a short video titled “Glimpses from 2023 Film Fest” revisiting highlights from the department’s previous collaboration with FSA.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mitu Varma, Director of Film South Asia (FSA), introduced the organization and its vision. She emphasized the vital role of documentary films in informing, entertaining, and transforming lives across the globe.

“FSA conducts screenings, discussions, and workshops throughout South Asia to promote regional non-fiction cinema and connect it with international audiences,” she said.

“We believe that documentary films are a powerful medium that not only represent our region internationally but also serve as an instrument of social awareness, introspection, and change,” Ms. Varma added.

In her address, Principal of the college, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq appreciated the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication for partnering with Film South Asia.

“It is through such efforts that learning extends beyond the classroom, inspiring students to think critically and creatively. This collaboration not only provides our students an opportunity to engage with meaningful cinema but also connects them with filmmakers who use their craft as an instrument of social awareness and change,” she said.

Referring to the unique genre of documentary filmmaking, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq said, “In an age of fleeting images and quick narratives, documentaries remind us of the importance of patience, depth, and authenticity.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, Head, Department of Journalism, Dr. Suhail Ahmad referred to the department’s previous collaboration with Film South Asia in 2023, which featured documentary screenings, interactive sessions, a workshop, and an exhibition.

“Film is a powerful medium, and the documentary genre, in particular, plays a crucial role in capturing reality and representing real people, places, events, and issues. Beyond informing and educating audiences, documentaries also serve to document history, preserving memories of important events and experiences. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for students to explore unique storytelling techniques and the creative possibilities within the documentary form,” Dr. Suhail said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Principal for her constant support of the department’s initiatives.

The forenoon session featured the screening of the documentaries “When Pomegranates Turn Grey” and “6A – Akash Ganga”. The afternoon session began with the screening of “Trans Kashmir”, a documentary directed by Mr. Akmal Hanan and Ms. Surabhi Dewan.

Following the screening, Mr. Akmal Hanan, who works as a producer at EMRC, University of Kashmir, shared the experiences behind the making of the documentary. He offered a glimpse into the resilience of the trans gender community of Kashmir as they pursue their struggle to secure basic human rights.

In a joint interaction session moderated by Dr. Suhail, the two guest speakers- Ms. Varma and Mr. Hanan- answered a range of questions from the audience including the relevance of documentaries in engaging audiences in the age of short-form content and social media, the documentary filmmaking approaches, relationship between journalism and documentary storytelling, role of documentaries in preserving history and amplifying marginalized voices and the role of documentaries in bringing about social change.

The experts shared insights on the evolving landscape of documentary production, emerging opportunities for filmmakers, and the importance of socially relevant storytelling. Students actively participated in the question-and-answer session.

Ms. Sadaf Bushra, Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism, presented the vote of thanks. Ms. Midhat Zia, student of integrated PG programme, moderated the proceedings of the programme.

If there was a place other than my chest where I could place my heart, it would be in Wagna Salamabad.

Why would I do that? Well, sometimes you reach a place so heartbreakingly beautiful, that you want to leave your heart behind. Wagna is such a place. Located in the mountains of Baramulla district, it holds a part of my soul somewhere in a corner of the village.

I visited the place back in 2023 for the wedding of a distant relative. As I travelled towards the village, I gazed at the breathtaking scenery outside the window. I gasped when the car reached a point on the road where the fields appeared as steps, one upon another. It felt like I was climbing towards heaven.

The moment I arrived at Salamabad, a fresh breeze soothed me and offered a warm welcome. I felt as if new life had been installed into my body. To reach the house of my relatives, I had to walk through the fields, following a beautiful, crystal-clear stream flowing alongside.

After the long walk, I finally reached my destination.  As I entered the house, the scent of mud uplifted me. It was a clay house with tiny rooms, beautifully maintained. A kind, old woman kissed my hand, hugged me and guided me to the room. Settling down, I checked my phone only to realize that there was no network. I had lost connection to the internet and all social media apps- essentially, I got a break from my phone.

The next day, they sent me with a little girl to the stream to freshen up. The moment the stream water touched my face I felt all my worries washing away with each splash.

A single day there felt full of life. I wandered through the village with that little girl and came across ducks-adorable, noisy and unbelievably resilient. Theses have become extinct in urban areas. They basked in the sunlight, tending to their feathers after a long bath in the stream.

By evening, I was sitting in the field, breathing in the fresh air. I saw the mobile towers in the distance which reminded me of the city I live in-full of noise and hustle, where the time flies. But here, time wanted to slow down.

When I left Wagna, I left my soul behind, which I had been united with during the days I spent in that beautiful village.

It’s a beautiful evening- the sun casts its warm, golden glow on the lush green grass of the meadow and makes it look absolutely ethereal and magical, as if the grass itself is glowing. I therefore stop seeing the sun.

There’s nothing else to be seen, just a long vast stretch of land covered with grass. Some wildflowers here and there give it a pop of color: pink, yellow, orange. The sky is a vast sea of blue in comparison. I therefore stop seeing the sky.

There are some people far-off in the distance. They are taking pictures of themselves. But the horizon seems like a perfect confluence of two worlds where everything is in harmony. I therefore stop seeing the people.

In the meadow, there are big, ugly transmission towers that carry electricity from a distant river to a distant city. But there are bugs buzzing over the wildflowers on the meadow floor. I therefore stop seeing the steel towers.

Along the narrow road that cuts right across the meadow, there are cars chugging along- white, grey, black- all drab and hideous. But I see a hoopoe looking for worms right in front of me. I therefore stop seeing the cars.

At the end of the meadows is a mountain range, and their snowcapped peaks look beautiful. I can feel the gentle breeze on my skin, and warmth of the sunlight making me realize that this is peace. Peace is in little moments of life, the ones that we have stopped seeing. I always come to this place whenever I want to take a step back from life and just exist. I then stop worrying about my problems.