A Panel discussion on "Crisis Communication - The Lessons to be learnt from American Crisis for Media and Politicians" was held at Hotel Palmgrove, Madras at 4.30 PM. on Saturday the 6th October 2001. The panelists included 

Mr S Narendra,( former Information Advisor to Indian Prime Ministers and Government of India ), Mr E V K S Ilangovan (Tamilnadu Congress Committee President), Dr S P Kirubanidhi ( Bharatiya Janata Party President for Tamilnadu), Mr J Jayaseelan (Chief News Editor, Raj TV) and Mr R Bhagwan Singh (Senior Journalist) were the panelists.  Mr T Kannan (Former Joint Director News and News Editor of All India Radio and State owned Doordarshan) was the anchor. 

It may be noted that Dr S P Kirubanidhi is the President of the local Bharatiya Janata Party which is currently the Ruling Party in India.  Mr E V K S Ilangovan is the President of the Congress Party which is the main Opposition Party in India. 

Mr Ilangovan and Dr Kirubanidhi made a fervent call to rally behind a united National effort against Terrorism and remain vigilant against disruptive forces.  In the joint statement issued by them they also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Srinagar.  They also agreed for a a need to look beyond politics in tackling the menace of terrorism. The Foundation feels proud in bringing the Senior Leaders of the Ruling and Opposition Parties together.

Mr.S.Narendra,  expressed the view that in times of national crisis, the media has the responsibility to function in a professional manner in disseminating unbiased information, as speedily as possible. 

Mr.Jayaseelan agreed on the need for a focal point for obtaining authoritative information but regretted there is no such arrangement in the state so far.

Mr.Bhagwan Singh, Senior journalist, felt lack of a sense of patriotism among
the various sections of the people is a problem in obtaining, transmitting and absorbing the information inputs in terms of crisis. 

Mr.K.Srinivasan Founder of the Prime Point foundation welcomed the gathering and initiated the discussion

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