Governor of Sulaymaniyah Province in Kurdistan Autonomous Region of Iraq visits IIMC

New Delhi: Interacting with the students of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) on Tuesday, Dr Haval Abubaker, Governor of Sulaymaniyah province in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, said Indians are playing a very significant role in the progress of modern Iraq. He said more than 25,000 Indians who live in Kurdistan today, are not only the partners in development of Iraq, but also a mini-Hindustan resides in Sulaymaniyah through them.

Dr Abubaker informed the students about the unveiling of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Sulaymaniyah recently and described the statue as a symbol of India’s presence in the province. He added that the words ‘Kurdistan’ and ‘Hindustan’ are identical. Emphasising on the cultural role of India as a world leader, Dr Abubaker asserted that being one of the oldest civilisations and still continuing with the values of humanity and peace, India can lead the world to a sustainable path of peace. He cited the example of India’s cultural heritage found in Sulaymaniyah.

The Governor of Sulaymaniyah further said that IIMC has provided the world with professional communicators. “You provide oxygen to all humanity by providing right information to people. During the recent times, when problems like terrorism, corruption, pollution, conflict, weapons, Covid and other epidemics are plaguing the entire planet, the journalists have a more responsible and bigger role to play in educating the people,” he said. Dr Abubaker also underlined a paradigm shift in the field of communication with smartphones and stressed on the need of ethical journalism.

In the beginning, Dean (Students Welfare), IIMC, Prof (Dr.) Pramod Kumar, welcomed Dr. Haval Abubakar in the IIMC and highlighted the importance of Indo-Iraq ties. Course Director of Advertising & Public Relations, Prof (Dr) Anubhuti Yadav briefed the Governor about the IIMC.

Dr Abubaker also discussed various issues related to journalism and mass communication with the IIMC faculty. He also visited the IIMC’s community radio station, ‘Apna Radio 96.9 FM’ and Pt. Yugal Kishore Shukla Library and Knowledge Resource Centre. He appreciated the collection of rare books on mass communication in the IIMC library. Library-in-Charge Dr Pratibha Sharma presented him IIMC publications. Dr. Abubakar was accompanied by his associate Mr. Shamal Abubakar. Prof Sunetra Sen Narayan, Prof Shaswati Goswami, Dr Rinku Pegu, Dr. Rachna Sharma, Dr Rakesh Upadhyaya, Dr Meeta Ujjain and Dr Pawan Kaundal were also present.