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.

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.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar organised an industrial exposure visit to the Srinagar bureau of The Hindu, one of India’s oldest and most reputed national newspapers, on May 29, 2025.

Students of PG Sem 3 and 2, and Integrated Sem 8 were part of the visiting team, accompanied by Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad.

During their industrial visit, the students interacted with senior journalist and bureau chief of The Hindu, Mr. Peerzada Ashiq who comes with an experience of nearly three decades.

Early on in his illustrious career, Mr. Ashiq’s inspiration was veteran broadcast journalist, Mr. Karan Thapar. His early stint at Thapar’s studio had a significant impact on Mr. Ashiq’s career. The on-the-job practical experience boosted his confidence.

Mr. Ashiq’s passion for writing led him to contribute to the weekly supplement of local leading English newspaper ‘Greater Kashmir’.

Mr. Ashiq cited some examples where reporting was quite challenging and shared some valuable tips to navigate them.

He referred to The Hindu’s distinct reporting style, that has earned it a respectable place among the leading newspapers of India.

While the journalism landscape is evolving, Mr. Ashiq said it has also opened up myriad opportunities for aspiring journalists. He stressed on the importance of reading for not only increasing the knowledge base but also improve the language and writing skills.

On the occasion, Head of the journalism department, Dr. Suhail said such interactions with veteran journalists help students gain valuable insights that shape their professional journey. He said The Hindu’s legacy and commitment to quality journalism are truly inspiring.

He thanked Mr. Ashiq for sharing his wealth of experience, imparting valuable lessons to the students and inspiring them to pursue excellence in journalism.

Students of PG Sem 3 and 2, and Integrated Sem 8 were part of the visiting team, accompanied by Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad and Dr. Mudabbir Ahmad.

During their industrial visit, the students interacted with senior journalist and Special Correspondent of The Indian Express, Mr. Bashaarat Masood, and Srinagar correspondent of the national newspaper, The Tribune, Mr. Adil Akhzer.
Mr. Bashaarat has been covering Jammu and Kashmir for two decades. Mr. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012. He joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. Mr. Bashaarat started with the campus beat, covering University of Kashmir before handling the important beats of Politics and Security.

Mr. Bashaarat shared his inspiring journey of switching from computer applications to journalism, courtesy his stint at The Indian Express after a brief internship with UNI. He credited Mr. Muzamil Jaleel, the then bureau chief of Indian Express in Srinagar and now the Deputy Editor of the daily, for mentoring him and many other aspiring journalists from Kashmir.

The students were fascinated by Mr. Masood’s experiences and insights into the field. He shared some of the most impactful stories he worked on, highlighting the challenging situations he faced and how he overcame them.

Mr. Bashaarat also referred to the robust award-winning Investigative Unit of The Indian Express headed by veteran journalist, Ms. Ritu Sarin. He also referred to the work of noted Express investigative journalist, Mr. Shyamlal Yadav known for his RTI-based investigations.

The students also interacted with Mr. Adil Akhzer of The Tribune with a decade of journalistic experience. Earlier, he covered health and aviation beats in Chandigarh. Earlier, he worked with The Indian Express. Citing his experience of working outside Kashmir, Mr. Adil said the broader scope of working in places like Chandigarh sharpens the journalistic skills.

The visit provided the students with an opportunity to learn from seasoned journalists and gain practical insights into the world of journalism. The interaction with Mr. Bashaarat and Mr. Adil not only inspired the students but also gave them a deeper understanding of the profession.

The Indian Express Srinagar bureau’s warm hospitality and willingness to share knowledge and experiences with the next generation of journalists were greatly appreciated by the students and their faculty.

The visit was aimed to provide aspiring journalists with practical exposure to newsroom functioning and first-hand insights from experienced media professionals.

The session commenced with an introduction and opening remarks by Dr. Suhail Ahmad, Head, Department of Journalism, GCW M.A. Road. He emphasized on the importance of field engagement for journalism students.

The visit featured engrossing interaction with senior journalists of Rising Kashmir. Senior Special Correspondent, Mr. Abid Bashir spoke about the ethical challenges and responsibilities of journalists, drawing on personal anecdotes from his reporting career.

Senior Health Correspondent Mr. Mansoor Peer elaborated on the editorial decision-making process, highlighting how news is selected and prioritized, and emphasizing the importance of balanced coverage. He also shared insights from his years of experience covering the health beat in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Reporter, Mr. Irfan Yatoo highlighted the day-to-day challenges of ground reporting and stressed the importance of verifying facts in an age of misinformation. He emphasized the crucial responsibility of verifying facts before publication, especially in today’s digital era where misinformation and unverified claims can spread rapidly through social media. He stressed that credibility and accuracy must remain the cornerstone of ethical journalism, even under pressure to break news first.

Multimedia Reporter, Mr. Malik Zeeshan spoke on use of technology in journalism, underlining the growing role of social media, digital tools, and the shift toward digital-first platforms.

The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, followed by a tour of various sections of the newspaper setup. The visit proved to be an enriching experience for the students, offering them a valuable glimpse into the dynamic world of journalism beyond the confines of classroom learning.

The panelists included Dr. Raashid Maqbool, Assistant Professor, Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir; Ms. Shahana Butt, Correspondent/ Producer at Press TV and Ms. Naveed Iqbal, Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. The event was held at the college conference hall and was attended by students from various batches of PG, IG and UG programmes of journalism besides the faculty members of the department.

In her Welcome Address, worthy Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq referred to the multifaceted crisis of professionalism in journalism. She said two of the panelists happen to be proud alumna of the college and as the college celebrates its 75 years

“Social media has blurred the lines between professional journalism and citizen journalism, making it challenging to distinguish between credible and non-credible sources. Unqualified individuals are presenting themselves as journalists, often prioritizing sensationalism over fact-based reporting. The pursuit of clicks and views has led to sensationalized reporting, compromising journalistic integrity and accuracy,” Prof. Yasmeen said.

She said the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation has eroded public trust in journalism, making it essential to reclaim the profession’s credibility.

“The crisis of professionalism undermines the work of dedicated, professional journalists who adhere to ethical standards. The spread of false information can have serious consequences, including the manipulation of public opinion and the erosion of democratic institutions. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards salvaging the professional journalism space and restoring public trust in the media,” Prof. Yasmeen added.

She referred to the possible solutions to such problems including media literacy whereby public can be educated on how to critically evaluate information and sources. “Infact, just last week, we hosted a Media Literacy Workshop for our faculty members with exactly the same objectives,” she added.

Referring to panel discussion format chosen for the event, Prof. Yasmeen said such events are testament to our college’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and debate.

Prof. Yasmeen expressed gratitude to the panelists for sharing their time and expertise with the students and hoped that the discussion would yield valuable takeaways for the participants.

The programme spanned three sessions. The first session was dedicated to the opening remarks by each panelist in which they defined and contextualized professional journalism. The experts shared their own experiences and insights from news industry and even academia.

The second and main session was dedicated to the Panel Discussion in which the panelists discussed the myriad challenges being posed to professional journalism and suggested various strategies to maintain professional integrity.

It was followed by the Question & Answer session with participant students and faculty members posing queries and seeking examples, elaborations and clarifications from the experts.

The panelists spoke about the current trends and future prospects in news industry. They referred to the changing audience needs and preferences. More importantly, they suggested the tips and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

In the concluding session, the panelists shared their final thoughts on the theme before taking questions from the participants.

Earlier, while introducing the theme of the programme, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad sought to contexualise the event citing the concern voiced by students, media educators and journalists about non-professionals masquerading as journalists and encroaching on the space meant for journalists.

While spelling out the objectives of the programme, Dr. Suhail flagged the sensationalistic content and delivery being peddled in the name of news.

“However, while we lament the current state of journalism, we must look to leverage our core strengths, the core principles of our profession to salvage or recover that lost space which we are so concerned about,” he added.

Dr. Suhail underlined the importance of individual initiative in journalism. “While formal education provides a foundation, it is the individual student’s effort to stay curious, read widely, and develop their skills that ultimately shapes their journalism career,” he added.

He flagged the concern about students not reading enough these days. “Reading is essential for developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad knowledge base – all crucial for effective journalism. By acknowledging these requirements, students can take ownership of their learning and professional development,” Dr. Suhail added.

The guest speakers were felicitated by the Principal on the occasion. The Vote of Thanks was presented by Assistant Professor, Ms. Sadaf Bushra. Dr.Nazia and Dr. Naseema were the rapporteurs of the programme while Dr. Rouf, Dr. Haifa and Dr. Mudabbir helped with the logistical arrangements.