On 29th and 30th July, 2011 eminent journalist Kuldip Nayar visited the National Centre for Advocacy Studies. This visit was an extension of NCAS’s advocacy support initiative in South Asia.  Nayar has written extensively about the socio-political relations between India and Pakistan and India’s role in the Peace Movement in South Asia.

'Role of Media in peace-building in South Asia'
July 30, 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

National Centre for Advocacy Studies in collaboration with Pune Union of Working Journalists and Department of Communication and Journalism, University of Pune had organised Mr. Kuldip Nayar's lecture on 'Role of Media in Peace-building in South Asia' mainly for journalists and journalism students at Patrakar Bhavan.

The programme was attended by media students, journalists and the general public.

Ms. Sehjo Singh, Executive Director, NCAS explained the motive behind organising the lecture and also briefed the audience about work done by NCAS. Dr. Ujjwala Barve, Head, Department of Communication and Journalism introduced Mr. Kuldip Nayar.

In his speech Mr. Nayar, traced the events since independence that have led to the present situation. He spoke elaborately about the 'darkest period' of post independence era- the national emergency of 1975. He recounted how freedom the press was strangled then and how the press. 
 
Talking about terrorism, he observed that terrorism is only talked about but no one is really fighting it or taking the pain to know what are its root causes.
 
In reference to the role of media, Mr. Kuldip Nayar discussed Indo-Pak relationship and how media is in no way helping the two nations build a strong brotherly relationship. Mr. Nayar pointed out that the politicians and the media of both the countries are extremely crooked and notorious which in turn is paving the path of enmity between the two countries.
 
The interaction following his speech raised a number of issues like sting operations, Kashmir issue, corruption, Anna Hazare's agitation etc. Sharing his views on the Kashmir issue Mr. Nayar said, “We’ve had enough. No partition will happen on the basis of religion, caste, etc”. He also expressed his anger about the way the politicians are trying to divide the country on the basis of religion, caste, etc. which in turn is being further sensationalised by the ruthless media.
 
Mr. Nayar reminded the journalists of their duties which, according to him, have long been forgotten. He said, “Journalism is a profession that is something beyond but today that something beyond has completely vanished.” Journalism is now becoming a big money-making business and a profession thirsty of the sensational. The media should work in the direction of keeping the secular nature of the country intact.
 
Mr. Prasad Kulkarni, Secretary, PUWK proposed the vote of thanks. Amit Narkar was the compere for the event.

‘Why Mumbai?’
July 30, 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

National Centre for Advocacy Studies in collaboration with Maharashtra Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy; Yuvak Kranti Dal, Sarhad and Department of Communication and Journalism, University of Pune had organised Mr. Kuldip Nayar's special interaction with youth on the topic 'Why Mumbai?' at Gandhi Bhavan, Kothrud.

The programme was attended in large number by youth and activists of various organisations.

Ms. Sehjo Singh, Executive Director, NCAS explained the thought behind organising the lecture and also briefed the audience about work done by NCAS. Mr. Anwar Rajan of PIPFPD introduced Mr. Kuldip Nayar.

In his speech, Kuldip Nayar expressed his concerns for Mumbai since it is always on the terrorist’s hit list. He raised two questions for the audience to ponder and argue upon. Firstly, with Mumbai becoming the regular target of the terrorists, “Why not declare Mumbai a Union Territory?” And secondly, “Why is Mumbai not cohesive?”

Mr. Nayar stressed on making Mumbai a Union Territory. Adding to its advantages he said, “The decision making process will be quicker and the power to handle issues would be increased manifolds.”

He pointed out that because of its polarised environment Mumbai is an easy target. The anti-social elements take undue advantage of it and try to disturb the equilibrium of the city. Mr. Nayar further stated, “The politicians are equally responsible for today’s state of affairs in the city. They have divided the entire city on the basis of caste, religion, etc."
He pointed out that not even a single point from the Sarkaria Commission’s report on centre-state relationship was implemented. He gave his valuable suggestions on building a strong centre-state relationship and how the citizens of the country can play a vital role in making the country less vulnerable to the terrorist activities.

His speech was followed by a Q and A session. Ketan Sule, a student argued, "Today you’ll make Mumbai a UT, tomorrow terrorists will attack Bangalore then you’ll declare Bangalore a UT. Slowly the entire nation would be declared a UT. That can never be a solution.”

Aalap Bharucha, another student commented, “Weak intelligence is the biggest setback for the nation which is proving to be advantageous for the terrorists."

In response to these comments Mr. Nayar urged every Indian to act as an informer. Every citizen should be an eye for the nation, he said.

Mr. Nayar concluded by saying that his Union Territory solution may or may not work but it has slight chances of turning the society more cohesive.

Dr. Kumar Saptarishi, Chairman, Maharashtra Gandhi Smarak Nidhi proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Atul Sulakhe anchored the programme.