In a jam packed gathering at Media Auditorium, “Lost in Terror” a book written by former BBC journalist and author Nayeema Mahjoor, was released on Tuesday at University of Kashmir in collaboration with Penguin India, Jammu and Kashmir Mahjoor Foundation (JKMF) and Media Education Research Centre (MERC).

The session was started with the Power Point Presentation on a book named ‘Witness’ which carries works of nine photographers from Kashmir, which was followed by book reading segment by author, who read out some of her favourite passages from the book. 

The reading was followed by a panel discussion, which was comprised of Justice (retd) Bashir Ahmad Kirmani, Faruq Masudi, Film Maker and Coordinator, MERC, Prof Neerja Mattoo, Academician, Riyaz Masroor, BBC Correspondent, Prof Nasir Mirza, senior faculty, MERC.

 Faruq Masudi, while talking about the book said “the book has been written in very lucid and simple manner, which makes it comprehensible for all sort of audiences.

Referring to the criticism that the book faced through various reviews and critical analysis, he said that a book is a book, meant to be read and not judged.

 While praising the book and referring to certain reservation, Riyaz Masroor, on the occasion of launch said “art is all about the struggle of reminding the masses about the past, impressing upon some bigger points,” adding that journalists tell stories by beats and novelists tell stories from art. “Earlier men used to write stories and women used to read, however, the author has changed the trend,” he said.

 Prof Neerja Mattoo, while speaking during the panel discussion said “the author has witnessed something which others have not, and it is not just about fiction, but under current of truth,” adding that the book talks about humiliation of a women and violation of her privacy.

 Senior MERC faculty, Nasir Mirza while speaking said “the author has actually done a very great job,” adding, “Being a journalist, there is a lot of authenticity, fairness in her work. Mirza further said that the book is an individual story as well as a nation story”.

 At the end, Justice (retd) Bashir Ahmad Kirmani while summing up the entire discussion on the book said “ultimately the purpose of entire literature is to make the masses think that what the way forward is.”

The entire session was moderated by Gowhar Geelani, a Srinagar based journalist.

Guest