Bhubaneswar: Journalism is an essential service that is indispensable to democracy. The media has a distinctive role to play in bringing communal harmony which in turn will preserve the secular fabric of a democratic country, said experts while addressing the induction programme of MJMC at Utkal University.
The four-day induction programme for Masters in Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) students of Utkal University organised by the Post Graduate Department of Public Administration in Bhubaneswar was concluded on Saturday.
On the first day, eminent media personality and academician Prof. Pratap Aditya Mishra said newspapers played a very crucial role in the freedom movement of India. Journalism is the triumph of truth over falsehood and the art of presenting truth objectively is expected at every point of time. He advised the students to practice journalism without fear or favour.
Associate Editor and News Anchor of OTV Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra voiced his opinion on the work and duty of the journalists which is above all for the development of the society, meant for the common people in their innate nodes of life. The role of media to provide true and unbiased news is very important in educating society and people at margins were his propositions, he added.
Addressing the programme, noted writer and Editor of “Katha” Dr. Gaurahari Das reiterated on the fact that in the contemporary times, media becoming a medium for displaying political power which is a matter of worry. It is affecting journalists to provide true, impartial and factual news. Journalism is now considered as a new science on earth in which creative writing is emphasized. The ability of intricate writing would never shed its luster in the age of tech marvels including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), he stressed.
Former Higher Education Secretary Dr. Partha Sarathi Mishra emphasized on the students to be trained according to the needs of print, electronic and digital media industries. As a result, they can show their creative talent in the media and acquire the skills to face all the challenges easily, he said.
Among others, Prof. Padmalaya Mahapatra and Assistant Professor Dr. Jyotirmayee Tudu spoke during the programme which was chaired by Head of the Department and Coordinator of MJMC Dr. Pratima Sarangi. Assistant Professor Dr. Hemanta Kumar Dash delivered the welcome address while Dr. Ramakanta Mahananda curated the event.
Bureau Chief of Times of India, Bhubaneswar Ashok Kumar Pradhan opined on rigorous training for the new generation of journalists as they need to be made aware of their importance in the changing environment and unprecedented norms of media expansion, across all the spheres and genres. Publication of excellent quality textbooks is essential for grooming of aspiring journalists who can properly streamline the power of media to inform and enlighten the masses was his message for the students.
A plantation program was also organised during the event to mark the beginning of new entrants.
