The Kala Nidhi Department of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) today organized a book launch and discussion on the book, "Prabhas Joshi of Jansatta." The book has been edited by senior journalist, author, and President of IGNCA ‘Padma Bhushan’ Shri Ram Bahadur Rai.

The program was presided over by Shri Ram Bahadur Rai. Senior author and journalist Shri Banwari Ji was present as the special guest. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA delivered the keynote address, while Dr. Ashok Vajpayee, former Minister of Uttar Pradesh Government and President of Bharat Seva Sansthan, presented his views as the special speaker. In the opening phase of the program, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration), IGNCA, delivered the welcome address.

In his presidential address, Shri Ram Bahadur said that the book "Prabhash Joshi of Jansatta" was created to remember Prabhashji again. It was created with the aim of enabling the new generation to know, recognize, and understand him. He also said that Prabhashji was the only Hindi editor who also launched an English newspaper. He started the Chandigarh edition of the Indian Express, and then Jansatta. He said that Prabhashji's personality was deeply noble. He never held grudges against his colleagues. He gave them complete freedom. He said that there was continuity in Prabhashji's life; how we understand that continuity depends on us. Whatever Prabhashji wrote, he never wrote in reaction, but with complete conviction. Prabhashji is needed today and always will be. He did not pursue success, he pursued meaningfulness.

Special guest Banwari Ji said that given the extraordinary person Prabhash Ji was, it's natural for a book published on him to be extraordinary. This book is an intimate memoir of Prabhash Ji. It's well-written, well-read, and I wish it's widely read. Mr. Banwari spoke about interesting aspects of Prabhash Ji's life beyond journalism. He emphasized that there's continuity in his life and writing, and that evaluating him based on a particular period of his writing would be unfair.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi said that this book attempts to showcase Prabhashji, his various dimensions, and the diverse facets of his journalism. Given the kind of journalism and the kind of editors we see today, learning about Prabhashji feels like learning about a fairy tale. People will ask, "Did such editors exist?" He put aside all feelings of love and hatred and simply fulfilled his duty as a journalist.

Special speaker Dr. Ashok Vajpayee, while speaking on Prabhash Joshi's extraordinary journalism, said that no amount of discussion would be enough to highlight Prabhash Joshi's place. At the beginning of the program, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, in his welcome address, said that this book is special because it focuses on the towering figure of journalism, Prabhash Joshi. Manoj Mishra conducted the program and delivered the vote of thanks. Senior journalist and former editor of Jansatta, Rahul Dev, also shared his thoughts in the discussion.

The book discussion session featured a meaningful discussion about the public's interest in the book and the relevance of Prabhash Joshi's journalistic approach. In their remarks, speakers noted that Prabhash Joshi symbolizes an era in Indian journalism when the pen served as a vehicle for both ideas and values. His journalism established a strong tradition of public authority in Indian society.

The programme was organised in the IGNCA's Samvet auditorium, in which many senior journalists, scholars and students from across the country including Delhi participated.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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