Two-Day National Conference on “Media, Society and Public Discourse in the Digital Age” Begins at J.C. Bose University

 Highlights :
• Conference Emphasizes Indian Values and Global Discourse
• Media Must Play a Vital Role in Changing the Negative Narrative Tarnishing India’s Global Image: Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari
• Credibility and Accountability Biggest Challenges in Digital Age: Padma Shri Alok Mehta
• Media – Powerful Medium of Communication and Guardian of Democracy: Prof. Rajive Kumar
• Maintaining Truth and Authenticity of Facts is the Biggest Challenge for Media: Prof. Atul Mishra
• Conference is an Effective Step Towards Finding Solutions to Future Challenges in the Digital Era: Prof. Pawan Singh

Two-day National Conference on “Media, Society and Public Discourse in the Digital Age” organized by the Department of Communication and Media Technology of J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, begins here today. 

The Conference inaugurated with traditional lamp lighting. The session was graced by Chief Guest Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Guest of Honour and keynote speaker Padma Shri Alok Mehta, veteran journalist, and presided over by Vice-Chancellor of J.C. Bose University, Prof. Rajive Kumar. The University followed sustainable practices by completely avoiding single-use plastic throughout the conference.

Prof. Atul Mishra, Dean (Academic Affairs), delivered the welcome address and described the conference as a milestone for scholars, faculty members and students. He stressed that the biggest challenge in the digital age is maintaining the truth and authenticity of facts, and hoped the conference would show a new path forward.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajive Kumar said that Media is no longer merely a means of communication, but it has become the strong guardian of democracy. Students are the main stakeholders of this conference. This platform will give them an opportunity to present their ideas and original thinking. He highlighted the crisis of credibility in the digital age and motivated participants to connect with practical knowledge.

Chief Guest Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari described Haryana as “Hari ki Bhoomi” and called Lord Krishna’s message in the Gita the greatest example of mass communication in the world. He explained the power of information through episodes from the Ramayana and praised outcome-based learning and NEP-2020, recalling the contribution of D.S. Kothari. He strongly highlighted the negative perception and biased narrative created by western media about India on the global stage and urged young media professionals, especially Gen-Z, to strengthen India’s identity through skill development and awareness. 

Keynote Speaker Padma Shri Alok Mehta, veteran journalist and Padma Shri recipient, spoke candidly on the current landscape of journalism. He stated that in today’s digital age, truth, facts, credibility and accountability are the greatest challenges. He conveyed a powerful message to the younger generation: “The future of the nation lies in your hands; therefore, you must be not only educated but also skilled and aware.

Prof. Pawan Singh, Chairperson, Department of Communication and Media Technology, presented the conference outline and said this event will prove an effective step in understanding the changing relationship between media and society and finding solutions to future challenges. Besides, technical sessions, the conference will have a dedicated Industry-Academia Dialogue and Cultural Evening featuring performances by University clubs and a Kavi Sammelan.

He informed that as many as 350 research articles have been received from across the country for the conference, out of which 150 high-quality papers have been selected for presentation. The two-day conference will feature 10 sessions with more than 50 speakers, including 7 Vice-Chancellors. Participation of 60 experts from industry and 32 from academia is expected across the sessions, and 19 video messages have also been received for the conference. A documentary showcasing the journey and activities of the Department of Communication and Media Technology was screened on the occasion.

On this occasion, the Conference Souvenir and a book titled “Digital Communication” edited by Prof. Pawan Singh were formally released. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajive Kumar honoured all guests by presenting them framed sketch portraits and mementos.

Prof. Anuradha Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Media Studies, proposed the vote of thanks. The session was well coordinated by the organizing team, including Co-Coordinators Dr. Rahul Arya, Dr. Sonia Hooda and Dr. Akhilesh Tripathi. The session concluded with the National Anthem.