Newspaper English: a book for fields beyond journalism

‘Newspaper English’, a book on lucid journalistic writing was released by Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, vice chairman of University Grants Commission here on Sunday.

“This book on the importance of writing in a plain, simple and clear manner for the media, is useful not just for journalists and students of journalism but people from other fields too, such as academic writers, Patwardhan said.

Ujjwala Barve, head, Department of communication and journalism at the Savitribai Phule Pune University located at Ranade Institute, Virendra Sharma, registrar Flame University, Vishal Soni, CEO Vishwakarma Publications and Abhay Vaidya, resident editor, Hindustan Times were present at the event.

“Besides providing guidance for research students and writers, the book will also help people who lack the qualities of articulation. There are many cases where people can write well but lack equally good articulation. The basic principles of writing in the book can also help people in improving their speaking skills,” said Patwardhan.

Prof. Kiran Thakur, a former head of SPPU’s department of communication and journalism is currently an adjunct faculty at Flame University. He has worked as a professional journalist for over three decades in various news organisations.

Thakur presented an overview of the book which focuses on the basic skills of news writing and the common mistakes committed by journalists.

Virendra Sharma urged journalists and those aspiring to enter journalism to use the book as a tool to excel in news writing.

Abhay Vaidya, resident editor, Hindustan Times, shared numerous anecdotes from his days as a student of Prof. Thakur at the journalism department. He said that Prof. Thakur always had a subtle sense of humour and he always urged his students to ensure simplicity and lucidity in their writing.