Srinagar: Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Kashmir University, Wednesday remembered Mudasir Ali, one of its cherished alumni and a noted young journalist who passed away in November last year.
The department organised ‘Mudasir Ali Online Memorial Session’ in which it invited speakers who discussed ‘Journalism during pandemic: Opportunities & Challenges’ and paid tributes to the late journalist whose untimely death had left everyone shocked.
A galaxy of media professionals working for local, Indian, and international media, and the faculty and the students of the department marked the occasion.
Mudasir Ali was a 2005 graduate of MERC. He worked as Senior Editor at ‘Greater Kashmir’ and regularly contributed to ‘The Wire’ news portal.
Riyaz Masroor, J&K BBC Correspondent, Mehmood ur Rashid, Op-ed Editor Greater Kashmir, and Zafar Iqbal, Associate Editor MOJO, were the invited speakers while as Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir Registrar KU was the guest of honour on the occasion.
In his remarks, the Registrar complimented the department for conducting the session and conveyed the appreciation of the Vice Chancellor for the same.
“There is a lifelong connect between teachers and the taught,” he said while expressing condolences to the bereaved family.
“Mudasir was a gem of a person who stood for value-based journalism,” he said.
Dr Nisar described Infodemic as one of the biggest challenges along with pandemic in contemporary times.
“The situation has generated interest in healthcare reporting which needs more attention,” he said.
Zafar Iqbal in his presentation described the pandemic as a mixed bag for journalists where there are concerns for ensuring the safety while reporting the story from the ground.
“Describing pandemic as the biggest story of our times, Mehmood-ur-Rashid said: “Pandemic is still unfolding, and we do not know in how many ways it may affect us.”
Riyaz Masroor talked about the changes journalism as a profession had undergone recently.
“Do not consider change as a challenge. The challenge is how to adapt to the change,” he observed.
Jehangir Ali, a noted journalist and brother of Mudasir Ali, was the special invitee on the occasion.
He thanked the department for organising the event in memory of Mudasir.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Masood Hussain, Editor, Kashmir Life, Sameer Yasir, Correspondent The New York Times, Dr Muslim Jan, formerly Senior Editor at MERC.
Showkat Shafi, Dy. Registrar KU, and Suhail Akram, Correspondent The National were also present on the occasion.
Emotional scenes were witnessed during the session when condolences were conveyed to Ali Muhammad Wazir, father of late Mudasir Ali who watched the proceedings online.
The proceedings of the memorial session were conducted by senior faculty and former HoD MERC Nasir Mirza.
“Mudasir has become immortal as he lives in our memories,” he said while highlighting the objectives of the session.
Earlier Dr. Aaliya Ahmed, HoD MERC, talked about Mudasir Ali’s journey from being a hardworking and dedicated student to an inspiring journalist.
She also expressed her gratitude to the media experts for gracing the occasion.
Webinar co-ordinator Dr Syeda Afshana, Associate Professor MERC, presented the vote of thanks.
Participants prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and strength and courage to the bereaved family.
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