Jammu, Jan 6:
The Jammu Writers Club at Abhinav Theatre Complex became the center of intellectual gathering today as prominent academic, administrative, and legal luminaries converged for the launch of “Column & Discourse,” the second book by noted author and media professional Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam.
The book, which compiles Dr. Rissam’s published news columns spanning from 2022 to 2025, was unveiled by a distinguished panel of guests who hailed the work as a vital record of contemporary socio-political life in Jammu & Kashmir.
The event featured a “who’s who” of Jammu’s intellectual and administrative circles: (Chief Guest); Prof. R. D. Sharma (Former VC, University of Jammu), (Guest of Honour); B. R. Kundal, IAS (Retd.) (Former Chief Secretary, J&K), (Distinguished Guest); Rohit Kapoor (Senior Advocate & Former Judicial Member, NCLT) and (Special Guests); Sanjeev Pargal (President, Press Club of Jammu) and Mohit Kandhari (Bureau Head, The Pioneer).
The speakers emphasized the importance of Dr. Rissam’s ability to bridge the gap between complex governance issues and the common citizen.
“This book is a thoughtful contribution to contemporary public discourse that reflects ground realities, helping connect policymakers and the wider community.” — Prof. R. D. Sharma, Former VC
Former Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal commended the timing of the release, noting that Dr. Rissam’s writing captures administrative challenges in a relatable language. Meanwhile, Rohit Kapoor highlighted the author’s “nuanced” approach to legal and constitutional questions, expressing hope that the book would spark deeper thinking on democracy and civic rights.
A Reflection of J&K’s Evolution
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam shared that the compilation is more than just a collection of articles; it is a repository of years of reflection on society, governance, and culture. “The hope is to encourage informed conversations within Jammu & Kashmir,” Rissam stated.
The proceedings were conducted by Advocate Akshey Gupta, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sandeep Singh. The function saw a heavy turnout of civil society members, journalists, and heritage enthusiasts.
