Friday, September 5, 2008

“Role of Journalism In Making And Unmaking Of Indian Democracy”

"Role of Journalism In Making And Unmaking Of Indian Democracy"
In order to understand the responsibility of journalism in social change Philosophical Society of Dev Samaj College for Women today organized a seminar on the theme "Role of Journalism in Making and Unmaking of Indian Democracy". In the seminar, Ferozepur media journalists shared their views with the students of the campus.
Among them Mr. Anirudh Gupta from The Tribune, Mr. Dinesh Sharma from Times of India Mr. Joginder Singh Kumar and Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Sodhi from Hind Samachar Group, Mr. Anil Malviya from Dainik Jagran, Mr. Tapinder Singh and Mr. Malkeet Singh from Ajit, Mr. Rakesh Sharma from Amar Ujala, Mr. Gurvinder Singh from Desh Sewak , Mr. Mahavir from Dainik Bhaskar, Mr. Vijay kakkar from Dainik Tribune, Mr. Madan lal Tewari from Chardi Kala and Mr. Parminder Singh from Nawan Zamana highlighted the issues and challenges journalism is facing in the contemporary times.
In the first session of the seminar Navdeep, Harpriya and Gurmeet appreciated the role of journalism in bringing the lay men problems to national arena. Giving an account of the Nanda BMW hit and run case and Jasicca lal Murder case, they said that it is only though the stories of media that a lay person can think of justice in the country.
In the second session Anirudh Gupta spoke on the role played by the print journalism in the national freedom struggle. He highlighted the role played by Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders in disseminating the nationalist struggle for freedom, by writing extensively in the newspapers. He said that India is a democratic secular nation and the duty of press is to safeguard these principles. Joginder Singh Kumar in his presentation said that journalism is not only a profession it is a dedicated service to society. He said that there are many pressures under which journalists work but it is the live enthusiasm in them, to change the society, which makes them go and work in every difficult situations.
Tapinder Singh and Anil Malviya highlighted the need of a vigilant press to ensure that human rights are not violated and shared their solidarity to human development. They said that any policy of the government for development should begin from below.
Principal Dr. Madhu Prashar appreciated the role being played by the journalist in the country. She said that print as well electronic media is working hard to check corruption in the country and it would certainly prove as a deterrent factor for such activities.
Many students raised significant questions in the seminar. Sakshi raised her dissatisfaction over news channels, which prolong news, which has not much national concern. Quoting an example she said that "few months back, for the whole day, the electronic media showed news associated with a wrestler, Khali. The whole day they telecast news on what Khali eats? What Khali drinks? How far is it justified is a matter of concern? Another student Jyoti and Gurmeet suggested mediapersons to bring more news related to women issues and rights. Among others who addressed the participants were Kuldeep Singh of Punjabi Department and Ambuj Sharma of Department of Philosophy. Amandeep and Prabhdeep, president, Philosophical Society gave the vote of thanks.