DH NEWS SERVICE
PULWAMA, May 6
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the Islamic University of Science and Technology observed World Press Freedom Week by organising a street theatre performance aimed at raising awareness about responsible journalism and the dangers of misinformation. The event, held on Wednesday, brought together students, faculty members and university officials for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation.
The street play, titled “News or Noise?”, was performed by media students of the university and directed by Dr. Haifaa Mohammad, Assistant Professor in the department. Through a creative and impactful narrative, the performance focused on the growing challenges posed by sensationalism, misinformation and the unchecked spread of unverified content on digital platforms. The play emphasised how easily audiences can be misled in the current media environment, where information travels rapidly and often without proper scrutiny.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Rabia Noor, Head of the Department, highlighted the purpose of the event. She said the initiative aimed to make people aware of the clear distinction between professional journalism and sensational content that often circulates on social media. She noted that the play carried a simple yet powerful message that not everything appearing on mobile screens qualifies as news. According to her, authentic news must be based on verification, facts and adherence to journalistic ethics. The performance attracted a large and attentive audience, including senior university officials such as the Controller of Examinations, Finance Officer, Dean Outreach, Dean of Students, Deans of various schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, research scholars and students. The audience appreciated the performance for its relevance and clarity in addressing a pressing contemporary issue. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Afroz Bisati, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, stressed the importance of street theatre as a powerful medium of communication in the digital age. He said such performances play a crucial role in spreading awareness, particularly among young people, as they deliver messages directly and leave a lasting impression.
Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals claiming to be journalists simply by virtue of having access to a mobile phone. She emphasised that professional training is essential in the field of journalism, a point effectively highlighted by the street play.
Dean of Students, Dr. Monisa Qadiri, remarked that there are widespread misconceptions about journalism today. She underlined the need for responsible individuals to take charge of the narrative and guide it towards constructive and positive change. Similarly, Controller of Examinations, Prof. Rumaan Bashir, noted that such initiatives are especially important in the present social media landscape, where distinguishing between credible news and mere noise has become increasingly difficult.
Prof. Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Head of the Department of Education, described the street theatre as an example of experiential learning aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
He said such activities provide valuable practical exposure and enhance students’ understanding beyond classroom learning.
Finance Officer Samer Wazir also appreciated the effort, stating that creative initiatives like this help audiences recognise the importance of credible news and encourage responsible media consumption at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly.
Adding to the discussion, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, a senior multimedia journalist associated with a radio programme in Srinagar, observed that people today often prefer noise over meaningful news. He described the street play as a timely initiative that effectively addresses the growing confusion surrounding journalism.
The event concluded with the felicitation of the student performers and the director, recognising their efforts in delivering a meaningful and impactful message.
