SAARC Journalists Forum (SJF) Conference at Delhi University: Shaheed Zia’s Dream of Establishing SAARC Remains Unfulfilled Even Today; Journalists Must Take the Lead. Delhi
A significant international conference and tree plantation program was organized yesterday (6 February) at the historic Gandhi Bhawan, located in the North Campus of Delhi University, under the initiative of the SAARC Journalists Forum (SJF). The event featured detailed discussions on enhancing mutual relations among South Asian countries and the role of journalism in addressing contemporary challenges.
In the discussion session, the chief guest and special speakers remembered with deep respect the contribution of Bangladesh’s late President Ziaur Rahman in establishing SAARC. They stated that the great objective and ideals with which he envisioned the establishment of SAARC have not yet been fully realized. Mutual suspicion, distrust, and the misuse of misinformation among member countries are the primary reasons for this stagnation. To overcome this crisis, journalists from SAARC countries were called upon to act as bridge-builders.
The chief guest at the event was Professor Dr. Alok Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), which coordinates 120 universities across India. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. K P Singh, Director of Gandhi Bhawan.
Speakers emphasized the application of Gandhi’s ideal of ‘truth’ in the current era of ‘fake news’. Experts shared opinions on how journalism can ensure regional stability and mutual coexistence. Additionally, the relevance of Gandhi’s thoughts on nature was highlighted in addressing the challenges of climate change.
The conference, organized by the SAARC Journalists Forum India Chapter, was also attended by Dr. Raju Lama: Chairman, SJF Central Committee (Nepal), Abdur Rahman: Secretary General, SJF Central Committee (Bangladesh), Asif Hasan Nabi: Vice President, SJF Bangladesh Chapter, Dr. Aniruddha Sudhanshu: President, SJF India Chapter, Rahul Samanta: President, SJF Sri Lanka Chapter.
Furthermore, journalist leaders from various SAARC countries, university teachers, and a large number of students participated in the conference.
On behalf of the SJF Bangladesh Chapter, Vice President Asif Hasan Nabi and Central Secretary Abdur Rahman presented a special magazine titled ‘SAARC Horizon’ to the chief guest and the presiding officer. At the end of the discussion, the dignitaries planted saplings in the Gandhi Bhawan premises as a symbol of strengthening regional relations.