Srinagar, Jan 29 (KNO): The Department of Communication & Journalism, Central University of Kashmir, on Wednesday commemorated Indian Newspaper Day by organizing an insightful online lecture featuring Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat, a renowned academician and former Head & Professor of Journalism, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr Arif Nazir, Head, Department of Communication & Journalism, who set the tone for the session, encouraging students to actively engage in the session, reads a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Dr Arif also expressed gratitude to the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath for unwavering support. "We are grateful to Hon'ble VC for his guidance and encouragement in making such initiatives successful", he said.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat, delivered an engaging lecture covering the evolution of newspapers in India, their contemporary relevance and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media industry. He highlighted both opportunities and challenges posed by AI in journalism.
Prof. Bhanawat also discussed the challenges newspapers are currently facing, including Declining Print Readership, Fake News and Credibility Crisis, Technological Adaptation etc.
Expressing gratitude, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, School of Media Studies, thanked the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor for his continued support in fostering academic discussions on crucial media-related themes. “We deeply appreciate the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor’s vision and encouragement in organizing such intellectual engagements, which help students and scholars.” In a time when the media industry is undergoing rapid information, such discussions help students understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, he said.
Prof Shahid stated “Newspapers are not just sources of information but powerful instruments of societal change". Further, Prof Shahid cautioned about decreasing credibility of media amid increasing trivialisation, commercialization and commodification of news.
Meanwhile, in his message to students, scholars and alumni, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, stressed on understanding the historical significance of this day which marks the beginning of newspapers in the press history of the country. In his message, VC urged students to recognize their responsibility as future journalists in upholding ethical and fact-based journalism.
The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Nookaraju, who expressed appreciation to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, the keynote speaker, faculty members, and participants.
The online lecture witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, scholars and faculty members besides, alumni. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A—(KNO)