Hyderabad, Oct.21: A delegation of 14 senior editors and journalists from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir embarked on a week-long tour of Telangana, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the region's media landscape and government schemes.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Hyderabad, under the leadership of Additional Director General Shruti Patil, hosted the delegation and provided a detailed briefing on the workings of the media and the role of the PIB.
Patil elaborated on various state and central government initiatives implemented in Telangana, offering a historical and cultural overview of the state.
She highlighted the distinct media environments within Jammu and Kashmir and Telangana, noting the unique challenges and characteristics of each region. "When we talk about the media scenario between Jammu and Kashmir and Telangana, we must understand and accept that media in the Kashmir Valley is different from the media in Jammu. Similarly, Telangana has its own unique media landscape," Patil stated.
Telangana's socio-economic progress was a focal point of the discussion, with Patil emphasizing the state's high rankings in innovation, education, and GDP.
She credited Hyderabad's growth as a tech and pharma hub to consistent governmental efforts.
"Hyderabad has almost crossed Bangalore in terms of being an ideal capital for tech development. Telangana is also India's pharma capital, with major biotech and pharma industries based here, including Bharat Biotech," Patil added.
The itinerary for the J&K delegation included visits to several key institutions. The team was scheduled to visit Incois, a state-of-the-art tsunami warning center, and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), a premier institution focused on food and nutrition research. Patil highlighted NIN's recent dietary guidelines tailored for different sections of Indian society, underscoring the institute's regional and national impact.
Further, the delegation was set to explore the National Skills Training Institute (NSKT) to observe the implementation of central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme. Meetings with Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Krishan Reddy were also on the agenda, alongside interactions with journalists from Tier 2 and 3 cities as part of the PIB's outreach program, Vartalap.
Patil emphasized the cultural richness of Telangana, distinguishing its unique identity from Andhra Pradesh despite the shared Telugu language. The delegation's cultural exploration included visits to the Golconda Fort, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, and potentially Ramoji Film City and Hyderabad's famous bazaars.
Addressing the media dynamics in Telangana, Patil pointed out the presence of politically affiliated newspapers and channels, a trend prevalent in southern states. "Every political party here has a newspaper or a channel attached to it. However, there are also neutral and objective publications," she said. Prominent Telugu dailies like Eenadu, Andhra Jyoti, and Sakshi were mentioned, along with major English papers such as Deccan Chronicle, Asian Age, Hans India, and New Indian Express. Urdu newspapers like Etemaad, significant for their readership, were also highlighted.
The tour aimed to foster understanding and collaboration between journalists from J&K and Telangana, showcasing the diverse media practices and government efforts in Telangana. The delegation's interaction with local journalists and officials promised a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences, contributing to the broader narrative of India's regional diversity and development.