JU workshop: ‘Creativity lies at the heart of human progress’

Jammu, Aug 03: Department of Journalism and Media Studies in collaboration with the Department of English, University of Jammu on Thursday organized a daylong workshop on “Expression of Creativity in 21st Century”, wherein Dr Arpan Yagnik, an acclaimed TEDx speaker and Associate Professor, Pennsylvania State University, USA was the resource person.
The proceedings of the workshop were declared open by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor JU, as he welcomed the resource person in the University. He appreciated the organisers for taking a “very topical theme” for the workshop.
“Dr Yagnik with his international exposure and expertise in the teaching of creativity would be able to expand the mental horizon of our students,” he said. He further expressed hope that this would also be a value addition to the innovative Design Your Degree recently launched by the University.
The inaugural session was presided over by the Rector Bhaderwah Campus, Dean Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Registrar, University of Jammu Prof Rahul Gupta who expressed how creativity is the buzzword today and said that such workshops should be organised frequently to ensure that the University produces future-ready students.
Others present on the occasion included Prof Sucheta Pathania, Dean Faculty of Arts and Head, Department of English, Prof Shyam Narayan Lal, founder head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Prof Monika Sethi, Associate Professor, Department of English and Dr Garima Gupta, Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies.
The workshop aimed to explore and celebrate the diverse forms of creativity that are emerging in the modern era. It witnessed a vibrant turnout of students, faculty and scholars from various fields of study.
Registrar, Prof Rahul Gupta, highlighted the significance of creativity in shaping a progressive society and emphasized the need to embrace new modes of artistic and intellectual expression.
While addressing the participants, Prof Shyam Narayan Lal said the world around is rapidly changing, and creativity is now more vital than ever. “Through this workshop, we seek to encourage our participants to embrace new forms of artistic expression and adapt to the technological advancements that are reshaping the creative landscape,” he shared.
Dean Faculty of Arts and Head, Department of English, Prof Sucheta Pathania said that creativity lies at the heart of human progress, and in the 21st century, it has taken on new dimensions, fuelled by technology and cultural dynamism.
Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Dr Garima Gupta highlighted the importance of creativity in media and journalism and emphasized the need for continuous exploration in this vibrant field.
Earlier, Dr Arpan Yagnik conducted the workshop in two different sessions. The first one was about sensitization, which included a discussion about ‘Alien, Creative Freedom, Silo of Safety and Confines of Conformity’ related to creativity. The second session of the workshop extended beyond technical skills.