Pune Institute cancels award to Kashmir-based journalist under alleged political pressure
Pune Institute cancels award to Kashmir-based journalist under alleged political pressure - Pune Pulse
By: Pune Pulse
October 19, 2023
Pune: Kashmiri journalist Safina Nabi, who was selected as the recipient of a media award established by the journalism school operated by the Maharashtra Institute of Technology-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Pune, was dismayed to learn that her award had been cancelled on the eve of the award presentation ceremony, which took place on the institute’s premises on Thursday.
According to sources, the university’s management cancelled the award in response to political pressure from right-wing groups. The institute’s officials have declined to comment on the matter.
Nabi’s report titled, “The Half Widows of Kashmir,” which was published in Scroll, was chosen as the winner in the category of ‘Journalism that promoted empathy, understanding, and inclusivity in society.’
The report highlighted the ongoing plight of the ‘half widows’ of Kashmir, who have been denied their property rights for decades following the disappearance of their husbands.
The Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting provided assistance with the reporting of the story. Nabi’s report was selected as the winner by a seven-member jury. Nabi was informed of her selection as the award recipient via a phone call and email from Dhiraj Singh, the Director of the Department of Media & Communication at MIT-WPU, on October 11.
As per the information provided, originally scheduled to depart on October 17, she received an unexpected call on the afternoon of October 16 from an unidentified faculty member, who informed her that the award had been cancelled and advised her against travelling to Pune. According to Nabi, the institute had been in constant communication with her for a week, discussing travel arrangements. The caller explained that the award was being cancelled due to significant political pressure faced by the university for honouring Nabi.
As per the information received, Rajeesh Kumar, an assistant professor at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, who had been her primary point of contact called Nabi and confirmed the cancellation of the award, expressing his apologies.
Nabi then requested that the institute provide written confirmation and an explanation for the decision. However, Dhiraj Singh subsequently contacted her, reiterating the same reasons for the cancellation and refusing to provide any written documentation.
Madhupriya Dhanwate
