Organised by Institute of Media Studies (IMS), Utkal University in partnership with KIIT and ICCSR, the three-day media mahakumbh being held at KIMS auditorium, was inaugurated by Chattisgarh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan who gave a clarion call to use the digital technology for the welfare of masses and strengthening of democracy.

In his speech, Harichandan highlighted the role of Utkal Kesari Dr Harekrushna   Mahtab in preserving democracy and press freedom.
“During the National Emergency, Dr Mahtab – through his hard hitting columns ‘Gaon Majlish’ – had sent the message across that democracy cannot die and the rights of citizens cannot be threatened,” he said.

Prof Upendra Padhi, Chairman of National Media Conclave and Director of IMS, in his welcome address, highlighted the theme of the conclave and its usage for social good.

Vice Chancellor of Utkal University Prof Sabita Acharya, in her presidential address, said digital technology and media can enable a greater democracy by encouraging larger participation of people.

Prof BP Sanjay of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in his opening remarks, underscored the technology driven, technology centric world where Digi-Tech has emerged as a disruptor.

Prof Ramon Guillerermo R Tuazon, Secretary General, Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC), emphasized on the essence of using Digi-Tech in crucial areas like food security, climate change, agricultural production etc.

Books ‘National Education Policy: Transforming India’ authored by Prof VL Dharurkar and ‘Health Communication’ and ‘Gaon Katha’ penned by Prof Fakir Mohan Nahak were released on the occasion.

Prof. KV Nagaraj, pro-vice chancellor of Assam Central University, was conferred with Life-time achievement award for his outstanding contribution to the field of media education. A lecture in memorabilia of Late Prof Sunil Kant Behera was delivered by Prof Nagaraj.

On the day, two sessions – ‘Digital Technology (Media): Need for a robust hybrid education system’ and ‘Policy and programmes for enhancing gender inclusivity in digital ecosystem’ – where experts from academics and communication shared their thoughts.

On the Day-2 of the conclave two plenary sessions and six parallel paper reading sessions will be held where 130 research papers will be presented.

Like previous years, this year too, the conclave will mark the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of Odisha Dr Harekrushna Mahtab and remember his contribution to journalism. Beginning November 21, the three-day media-mahakumbh will be held at KIMS Auditorium, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.

Addressing media persons here on Sunday, conclave chairman and director of IMS Prof. Upendra Padhi said the annual meet, which is known as India’s biggest media and communication extravaganza, will witness the conglomeration of country’s top media luminaries, academics, policy makers, and communication experts who will exchange their ideas and explore a roadmap in the field of media and communication. The three-day conclave is broadly themed around the subject ‘Digital Technology, Media and Democracy’.

While Chattisgarh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harchandan will grace the inaugural day of the conclave as the Chief Guest, Odisha Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak will be the Chief Guest for the valedictory day.

Prof Sabita Acharya, Vice Chancellor of Utkal University, Dr SK Nanda, retired IAS, Prof Navaneeta Rath, Chairperson, PG Council, Utkal University, Prof VL Dharurkar, former Vice Chancellor of Tripura University, Dr Nishamani Kar of Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti and Prof KV Nagaraj, former Pro-Vice Chancellor, Assam Central University will preside over different sessions of the conclave.

The conclave will spread across various sessions which includes ‘Digital Technology (Media): Need for a robust hybrid higher education system’, ‘Skilling, upskilling and reskilling in Digital age’, ‘Policy options and programmes for enhancing social and gender inclusivity in digital ecosystem’, ‘Social Media opportunities and perspectives’, ‘Digital media regulation in India and Social Media ethics’, ‘Artificial Intelligence, legality of Digital language’, ‘Gender equity, access and participation in the Digital eco-system’.

The conclave will have a lecture in memorabilia of Late Prof Sunil Kant Behera, who was a pioneer of media education. Prof. KV Nagar will deliver the first memorial lecture. This year, the conclave will honour two legends of journalism and mass communication – Prof. KV Nagaraj and Shri MB Jayaram – with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Around 700 media practitioners and academics from different parts of India and Southeast Asia countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will present papers on various subjects related to media and communication.