"Mulaquat" with Shri M S Bitta

The second meeting of the Indian Media Centre (IMC) initiative "Mulaquat", intended to provide an opportunity for journalists to interact with eminent public figures, was held on October 24, 2009 with Mr. Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, former Punjab Minister, former President of Indian Youth Congress and Chairman of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front. Mr. Bitta played a gracious host and welcomed the IMC members in the sprawling lawns of his 14, Talkatora Road residence.

The proceeding began with Mr. K G Suresh, General Secretary of the Delhi chapter of the IMC, expressing thanks to Mr. Bitta and elaborating upon the aims and objectives with which the organisation was formed. In his address, Mr. Suresh highlighted the tremendous work done by Mr. Bitta on the anti-terror front. He dwelt upon the various initiatives of the organisation in this regard and requested Mr. Bitta to grace the national convention if the IMC to be held in January, 2010. This was followed by a formal introduction of the IMC members present on the occasion.

Mr. Suresh then requested Mr. Bitta to address the gathering and express his views on the vexed issues facing the country, most importantly, the issue of terrorism which he has continued to fight fiercely, despite several attempts on his life. The gathering of media persons had and exhilarating experience as Mr. Bitta narrated several incidents and shared exciting observations about people and situations.

This was followed by an interactive session where Mr. Bitta fielded questions from the IMC members present on the occasion. The discussion concluded with the closing observation by Mr. Bitta, where he said that if right-minded people with positive approach reach the top-positions in the government, it is possible to bring about a realistic change in the country. He empasised that media has an extremely important role to play here and praised the various initiatives of Indian Media Centre intended to promote excellence in media. Mr. Bitta expressed his desire to work closely with Indian Media Centre in all its future initiatives.

This was followed by a vote of thanks by Mr. Dharamveer, treasurer of the Delhi chapter of IMC. A copy of Indian Media Centre publication ‘Media Critique’ was presented to Mr. Bitta by IMC general secretary Mr. K G Suresh. Mr. Joseph Garthia presented the honorary membership form to Bitta and a memento on behalf of the IMC was presented to Mr. Bitta by Mr. Sri Krishna.

-By Anubhav Srivastava

Indian Media Centre, Delhi Chapter - About us

Indian Media Centre, Delhi Chapter – A Profile

The Indian Media Centre, Delhi Chapter, began its activities over five years ago. The chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Sh K G Suresh, National Secretary and Chairman of the Chapter as also Mrs Rajni Nagpal, General Secretary, has been able to make a mark for itself in the national capital’s media circles within a short span.  One of the successful activities undertaken by us has been the Monthly Talk. We have had the privilege of hosting senior journalists such as Rahul Dev, Vitusha Oberoi, Shekhar Iyer, Sanjay Basak, K A Badrinath, Anshuman Tiwari, K V Prasad, Shyam Lal Yadav, Abha Yadav, Satya Prakash, Vijay Kranti and Harpal Bedi, for discussion on various subjects.

We also organized a talk by Richard Benkin, internationally acclaimed minority rights’ activist, on ‘Combating Global Terrorism’. To develop health consciousness among media professionals, we organized two health camps in association with Delhi-based health NGO Subhadra Nambudiri Foundation – an Ayurved Camp by Dr. T D Rao, SMO, CGHS and a Yoga Camp by Yog Expert, Sh Nawal Kumar. Another important initiative has been the ‘Mulaquat’ meeting leaders from diverse fields in an informal manner in their home environment. Former PM and JD(S) President Sh H D Deve Gowda, former Union Minister Shanta Kumar, All India Anti Terrorism Front leader M S Bitta and BJP Spokesman Prakash Javadekar, have hosted such meetings in the past.

‘Parichay’ or getting familiarized with social organizations is another innovative programme of the chapter wherein organizations are invited to present their case before the members. ‘Ekal Vidyalaya’ was the first organization to join this initiative. The Delhi chapter has also organized several seminars on subjects such as ‘Values and Professional Standards in Journalism’, Contemporary Challenges and Media etc which have witnessed participation from eminent dignitaries such as former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Editor in Chief of the Pioneer Mr Chandan Mitra, former Editor of The Tribune Sh Hari Jai Singh and former Editor of The Hindustan Times and MP H K Dua. The organization has also honoured veteran journalists such as Sh Dina Nath Mishra in the past.

ABOUT INDIAN MEDIA CENTRE

Independent, critical and assertive media is an integral part of a participative democracy. Only a powerful and robust media can perform the duties expected of the fourth estate of a democratic polity. Ironically, there has been an explosive growth of media and its influence on the Indian society even as it is losing credibility and respect at an alarming speed.

Although there are countless institutions and trade unions trying in their own ways to protect and defend independence and freedom of media and improve its quality, a compelling need was felt to have an independent and powerful professional institution comprising Publishers, Editors, Senior Journalists, Media Educators, Public Relation Executives and concerned citizens to come on a common platform to meet the challenges Indian media faces. Indian Media Centre is a humble attempt to play that role. It is an independent, non-profit institution dedicated to the highest standards in journalism - print, electronic and Internet. It was launched in 2005 by a team of media professionals and concerned citizens in their quest for professional excellence.

Indian Media Centre focuses on the following five major concerns:

1.     Professionalism and ethics;

2.     In-service training of media professionals, including those in marketing etc;

3.     Improving and strengthening media education;

4.     Protecting and defending independence and freedom of media;

5.     Highlighting through international networking denial of freedom to media persons and attacks on them anywhere in the country and abroad.

IMC is successfully publishing a quarterly magazine - MEDIA CRITIQUE - focused on media trends and analysis. It offers latest developments in Indian and international media to keep media persons informed of developments and trends. It is edited by Delhi-based senior journalist Mr K G Suresh. Its Website - imconweb.com - carries everything that is worth knowing so far as media is concerned.

Indian Media Centre has functional Chapters in 22 states including Chandigarh, Punjab, Himachal, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Bihar, Orisa and Andhra Pradesh. Convenors have been appointed in several states, including Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, J&K, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Membership of IMC is by invitation. Our membership is increasing day by day.