“Media Response to Regional Resurgence" One-Day National Seminar March 20, 2010

The National Institute of Social Communication, Research and Training (NISCORT) organized a National seminar on ‘Media Response to Regional Resurgences’ at the Constitution Club, New Delhi on March 20th, 2010.

The chief guest of this programme was Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament and Chairman Parliamentary Committee on HRD. The seminar was an eye-opener for all concerned about Indian media industry and their vital role in our society. It was a serious all-day event, attended by experts from various media, Law, Social and educational backgrounds Students from other institutes also participated in the seminar showing their keen interest in the topic.

The Panel members for the first session included Mr. Colin Gonsalves, Supreme Court Lawyer and Human Right Activist, Dr. Sabiah Zaidi, Professor Jamia Milia, Dr. Chandra Bhan, Scholar and Activist speaking on Constitutional approach, Tribal Women’s Perspectives and Dalit’s Perspectives respectively. Mr. Amit Sengupta, Editor, Hard News was the moderator of the session. The second session was moderated by Mr. Ram Sharan Joshi, a Senior Journalist and the panel members were Mr. Sumit Chakravarti, Editor Mainstream Weekly, Mr. N.R. Mohanty, Ex-Editor TOI and HT, Ms. Karen Gabriel, Professor, St. Stephen’s College and Mr. Ajit Shahi, Editor, Tehelka speaking on: A sensible media approach, The Road ahead, New frontiers of Democracy and Ground Realities and Solutions respectively.

Amit Sengupta, the moderator set the proceedings on fire by putting forth a total different face of Media. He brilliantly termed the media industry as “CLUB”. He fiercely mentioned that these days’ media is operated through Tycoons, Political parties and is always into sensex and stocks. Commenting on the present scenario, he said that the whole concept of Journalism is not sweeter but bitter and salty. Sengupta focused his talk by saying that we as a Journalist should believe in “VERSIONS”.

Speaking in the inaugural session Mr. Colin Gonsalves, Supreme Court Lawyer and Human Right Activist appealed to budding journalists to have a sense of rebellion. He also commented on the current situation where most of the issues are left unnoticed by our so called “Watch Dog.” There have been various cases such as starvation, demolitions of slums, discrimination, attacks, forceful religious conversion, rape that have majorly failed in garnering the attention of our media. He further advised the future journalists to decide where to stand. All those who want to be journalists should let their tongue speak the language of poor and feel for others. There should be a feeling of outrage to begin Journalism. Those who are not ready to do so should not enter the field of media.

Speaking on the Tribal Women’s Perspectives, Dr. Sabiah Zaidi, Professor, Jamia Milia, spoke on the plight of tribal women. Commenting on the social and economic problem of this neglected group she said that they are known for poverty clubbed with illiteracy. According to her, Journalism is not just a matter of professional skill but it should come from one’s heart. Dr. Chandra Bhan, Scholar and Activist speaking on Dalit’s perspectives commented that media is responsible for painting Dalits as creatures who can not move without someone’s help. He also added that media should stop stereotyping as any achievement or progress by Dalits is neglected but any failure is glorified and highlighted in media. He also pointed out the survey done by Media Group which shows that there is not even a single case of a Dalit being hired as an anchor or joining a newspaper in the industry.

“Journalism is a Passion and media has become a Business,” said Mr. Ajit Shahi, Editor, Tehelka stressing on how media industry works on the concept of ‘Hire and Fire’ in the present scenario. He further elaborated that the concept of hire and fire has succeeded in changing the predetermined role of a journalist. A journalist should work with passion and courage to stand up in front of Government, which is possible only when there is freedom and fundamental approach. The next talk was that of Ms. Karen Gabriel, a professor at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, focusing on the ‘New frontiers of Democracy’. She started by questioning what represents national interests and gave an overview of India and representation of our India.

Speaking on adopting a sensible media approach to social and regional issues, Mr. Sumit Chakravarti, Editor Mainstream Weekly said that today there is an absolute dominance of electronic media. They set the agenda through the impact a story makes on the mind of people because of 24X7 news channels. The National media behaves indifferently to other important issues. Talking from his personal experience he said that today it is difficult to say the truth because there is fear of being branded. Today freedom of press and democracy are in danger because of business and other interest.

The final address was given by Mr. N. R. Mohanty, Ex- editor of Times of India and Hindustan Times journalists. He first described how national media is functioning under corporate and how cyber media has become a ray of rope for better future. He also spoke about the rise of the cyber media and increasing participation of the citizens through it. Mr. Ram Sharan Joshi summarized the day’s proceedings by highlighting the many issues that were raised up by the speakers and hoped that the budding journalists would have received much food for thought and action through the entire day’s proceedings. The national seminar was indeed an erudite one, replete with experts passionate about the issues they dealt with. The interaction by members of the audience showed that they had been enthused by the insights and reflections on the topical theme of the seminar. This event could not have been successful without the dedication of NISCORT family and the experts who shared their time with us.