GJU second in world for launching defence journalism course

Chandigarh, 15 July – Guru Jambeshwar Science and Technology University, Hisar (GJSTU) would be the second university in the world to have defence journalism course in the Department of Communication Management & Technology. The University is second in the world to start a dedicated course in defence journalism after Boston University, USA.Disclosing this today, a spokesman of the university said that Chief of Army General Deepak Kapur, PVSM, VSM, ADC inaugurated the Defence Journalism subject in the Department of Mass Communication of GJSTU. Dr. Devinder Dayal Singh Sandhu, PVSM (Retired), Vice Chancellor of the University presided over the function. Prof Rakesh Datta, Chairman, Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh was the key note speaker on the occasion.
Speaking on this occasion General Deepak Kapoor said there were very few journalists with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to report on defence and national security issues. Moreover, dissimilar types of international conflicts in many countries continue to occur at an alarming rate.
In order to properly keep the public informed, General Deepak Kapoor said news organizations require journalists trained in the complex areas comprising defence and national security.
He congratulated the University on taking the great initiative in starting the course on Defence Journalism. 
Lt. Gen. Dr. Devinder Dayal Singh Sandhu, PVSM (Retired), Vice Chancellor of the University, said the course has been designed with the unique mission of preparing journalists to report and write competently on military affairs, national security issues and strategic problems.
The defence forces are to safeguard the country and its citizens and the citizens are always curious to know about the defence forces. War coverage is also one of the most successful branches of journalism. Newspaper sales increase greatly in wartime and television news ratings go up. War reporters often enjoy star status said, Dr. Sandhu.
Dr. Sandhu said the course, besides providing knowledge about the Army hierarchy, also highlights the military functioning.
Prof Rakesh Datta, Chairman, Department of  Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh said Print and the visual media have grown exponentially over the years and there is always a demand for skilled professionals. Increasing competitiveness has also led journalism becoming a very high stress job where deadlines must be met at all cost.
Mrs. Kirti Kapoor, President Army Wives Welfare Association, Mrs. Sukhjit Sandhu, senior officers from military, district administration, Prof. R.S. Jaglan, Registrar, Deans, Chairpersons, Teachers, Officers and students of the University were present on the occasion.