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Role of Media in 21st Century India: Analysing Ethical Issues
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December 3, 2011 (Saturday)
Guest Speakers :
· Prof. Ashok Ogra, Director Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi (Former Vice President of Discovery)
· Dr. Anand Pradhan, Course Director, Hindi Journalism, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
· Mr. Sumit Singhal- Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Planning, and faculty at Media Institute, NDTV
Venue: Lecture Theatre II (College of Engineering)
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Organised By: College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Also Attended By: College of Law and Legal studies, Department of Fine Arts
College of Journalism and Mass Communication created a furore in the academic
life of Teerthanker Mahaveer University when budding mass communicators of this
newly established college jostled against each other to listen to three most
eminent media experts in the country. The occasion was that of the seminar on
“Role of Media in 21st Century India: Analysing Ethical Issues” held
on Saturday December 3, 2011, at Lecture Theatre II in the College of
Engineering. The three media experts included Prof. Ashok Ogra, Director-
Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, Dr Anand Pradhan, Course Director-
Hindi Journalism, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, and Mr Sumit Singhal-
Assistant Vice President (Strategy and Planning), NDTV.
The seminar took off with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Prof Ogra, Dr
Pradhan and Mr Singhal along with Prof. R K Mittal, Vice Chancellor, Prof. R K
Mudgal, Registrar and Prof Ambrish Saxena, Director of College of Journalism and
Mass Communication.
The ground for heated debate was prepared by Prof R K Mittal who in his brief
address lauded the role of media in the pre independent India, underlined the
change in its role post independence era, and emphasised the increasing need of
media responsibility especially after the advent of new media. He also talked
about the activism of media during the hyped Arushi Talwar murder case and other
such cases.
The seminar made headway with Prof. R K Mudgal talking about the ‘development
role’ of media, and its potential in shaping the future of the country.
Describing internet and social media as a binding force he elaborated how it has
revolutionised the concept of communication leading to significant changes in
the society.
Ms Ravleen Kohli, student of Master of Journalism and Mass Communication,
presented the background paper and set the theme of the seminar. She talked
about the role of media as an agent that facilitated the struggle for freedom,
and has been pushing the process of change and development during its evolution
in Independent India. Analysing the role of media she said that media that used
to be in the hands of the few is now a tool for all to use in order to make
their voices being heard by all. She said with optimism that media has started
actively participating in issues before the society in order to ensure justice
in various cases.
Taking the discourse to the next level Dr. Ambrish Saxena talked about the
freedom of the press and persistent threats to it by those who insist too much
on making it ethical. He, however, talked about social responsibilities and
expected that the media would adhere to them so as to thwart attempts for
curbing its freedom. He said that only free and independent media could render
benefits to the society.
Quoting extensively from latest books and path breaking authors Prof. Ashok Ogra
apprised the audience with the changes that the world in general and India in
particular have been witnessing over the years. He said that the role of media
has also changed in this new world order. He appeared optimistic on the role of
media and believed that Indian media would continue to contribute to society
with the highest level of responsibility.
Prof Ogra’s deep thought was followed by the radicalism of Dr. Anand Pradhan who
with his bilingual expression and use of jargons captured the minds and hearts
of his audience. He left the students captivating by infusing in them the sense
of responsibility with which they will pursue journalism in the days to come.
He also spoke about the thoughts and skills needed by the young enthusiastic
journalists in order to deliver to the society in the best possible manner. He
criticised the “feel good” journalism which he believed was being practised to
promote the capitalistic ideology.
Following him was Mr. Sumit Singhal, who seemed to have an extremely different
take to the whole issue. He maintained that amidst all the problems one needs to
maintain the ethics, but with a pragmatic approach. He was of the opinion that
no matter what happens one has to get away with all the greed and desires in
order to practise ethics, but questioned at the same time the creation of a
system which preaches the journalists of ethical values but does not take care
of providing them professional and congenial atmosphere.
The precious words of the experts were followed by a brief question- answer
session which helped in better understanding of the subject amongst the
students. Towards the end Mr Pramod Kumar, Coordinator at College of Journalism
and Mass Communication, expressed his gratitude to the media experts from Delhi,
He thanked the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of the University for their
support for making the seminar a success. He also thanked fellow faculty members
and the students.
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