Jalandhar April 4 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- The inaugural session of the highly anticipated two-day workshop, “Empowering Women in Media: Future Journalists for a Greener Punjab,” commenced today at the Skill Development Centre, Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya (HRMMV), Jalandhar, marking a significant step towards fostering environmental awareness and journalistic excellence among young women.
The workshop, a collaborative initiative by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), CMS VATAVARAN, New Delhi, and Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, is being organized under the Environment Education Programme (EEP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. The program aims to equip aspiring women media professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become powerful voices for a sustainable future.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Mrs. Navroop, the officiating Principal and Head of the Punjabi Department at HRMMV, who delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the importance of women’s contributions to journalism and environmental advocacy. Dr. Anjana Bhatia, Dean of Innovation and Research at HRMMV, highlighted the institution’s commitment to empowering students through such skill-development workshops.
Mr. Sabyesachi Bharti, Deputy Director of CMS VATAVARAN, shared the organization’s vision
Mr. Sabyesachi Bharti, Deputy Director of CMS VATAVARAN, shared the organization’s vision for nurturing stewards of the planet through impactful storytelling and capacity building. Leading the workshop sessions is Mr. Manish Chandra Mishra, Assistant Editor at Mongabay-India, a DW Akademie Fellow, and a graduate of the Oxford News Marketing Program. Mr. Mishra, with his extensive experience in environmental journalism, is set to provide immersive training in critical areas such as fact-checking, storytelling, multimedia journalism, data analysis, digital safety, and social media engagement.
The workshop has garnered enthusiastic participation from more than 65 female journalism students representing more than five leading colleges in Jalandhar, demonstrating the strong interest and dedication among young women to pursue careers in media and contribute to environmental awareness.
Ms. Vasanti Rao, Director, CMS VATAVARAN, said, “At CMS VATAVARAN, we believe that empowering young women with the skills to tell impactful environmental stories is essential for creating a sustainable future. Through initiatives like this workshop, we are committed to strengthening voices that can inspire change, influence policies, and drive collective action for planetary well-being.”
Dr. Ajay Sareen, Principal of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, said, “Empowering young women to become bold, informed storytellers is at the heart of our institution’s mission
Dr. Ajay Sareen, Principal of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, said, “Empowering young women to become bold, informed storytellers is at the heart of our institution’s mission. Through this workshop, we are not only strengthening their journalistic skills but also inspiring them to become champions for environmental sustainability. We are proud to partner in this important initiative that nurtures leadership, responsibility, and positive change.”
“This workshop is a crucial step in cultivating informed voices that can effectively communicate the urgency of environmental issues and inspire positive change,” stated Dr. K.S. Bath, Joint Director, PSCST. This sentiment echoed throughout the inaugural session, setting a hopeful and empowering tone for the days to come.
The workshop will continue tomorrow
The workshop will continue tomorrow, April 5th, and conclude with a felicitation ceremony at 4:00 PM, where institutional representatives will be honoured, and participation certificates will be awarded to all attendees.
About CMS VATAVARAN (http://cmsvatavaran.org/) CMS VATAVARAN works to nurture stewards and leaders for planetary well-being. It leverages communication technologies to strengthen capabilities, curate collaborative spaces, and drive transformative engagements through storytelling, capacity development, conservation forums, and collaborative campaigns.
About the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (https://pscst.punjab.gov.in/en) The Punjab State Council for Science & Technology is an autonomous society under State Department of Science & Technology. It serves as State level node of Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and think-tank of Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Govt. of Punjab.
About Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya (http://www.hrmmv.org/) Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, is a premier institution dedicated to women’s education and empowerment. With a strong focus on academic excellence, skill development, and social responsibility, HRMMV nurtures future leaders across various disciplines. The institution actively promotes environmental awareness and sustainability through its educational programs and initiatives.