
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jammu campus observed World Radio Day by organizing a special lecture on the “Role of Music in Communication” on Friday.
The programme was an initiative of ‘Asmita’, the Cultural Society of students of IIMC Jammu. Prof Pankaj Mala Sharma, former Head, Department of Music, Panjab University, Chandigarh, was the keynote speaker on the occasion. She highlighted the deep connection between traditional art forms and contemporary media practices.
Prof Sharma elaborated on the concept of the five tattvas (Pancha Tatva) such as earth (Prithvi), water (Jal), fire (Agni), air (Vayu)and ether (Akash) and describing them as divine forces that form the foundation of Indian artistic and musical traditions. She emphasized that art forms such as music are timeless, continually evolving yet never losing their relevance.
Drawing parallels between ancient knowledge systems and modern media, she observed that the Vedas laid the groundwork for disciplined expression, narrative construction, and dissemination of ideas principles that remain central to today’s press, radio, and mass communication.
The session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which students engaged in a thoughtful discussion with Prof Sharma on music, culture and media communication.
Dr Dilip Kumar, Regional Director, IIMC Jammu underlined the continuing relevance of radio and sound-based media in the digital age. He encouraged students to draw inspiration from India’s rich cultural and musical heritage to become more sensitive and effective communicators.
Earlier, Dr Vinit Kumar Jha Utpal, In-charge, IIMC Events, introduced the guest and highlighted the significance of World Radio Day.
The programme was moderated by Tanisha Kohli, a student of New Media. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Gulshan Kumar, Coordinator, Cultural Society. All the students of New Media, English Journalism and Hindi Journalism along with the faculty participated in this programme.