Pune: Kashmiri Journalist Safina Nabi’s Award Rescinded By MIT World Peace University Under ‘Pressure’

Pune, 18th October 2023: In a turn of events that has raised eyebrows, MIT World Peace University rescinded the Journalism for Peace Award initially granted to Kashmiri journalist Safina Nabi. The university cited a “communication error” as the reason for the cancellation, sparking debates on political interference.

The 5th National Conference on Media and Journalism, organized by the School of Media and Communication of MIT World Peace University, took place today. The conference was launched with an impressive ceremony. During this event, three journalists were to be honored with the ‘Journalism of Peace Award,’ comprising a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a memento, and a certificate.

Safina Nabi was among the initially announced recipients of the award, only to have the honor revoked on the eve of the ceremony. The news outlet ‘The Wire’ reported the story soon after Nabi was informed of the cancellation. Meanwhile, the other two journalists received their awards as planned on Wednesday.

In an official statement, MIT World Peace University clarified, “MIT World Peace University is a transparent, apolitical, and non-partisan institution. This unfortunate situation has arisen only out of internal discord. We respect Safina Nabi for her great work in journalism. It has been discussed to honor her appropriately in the upcoming big award ceremony.”