NCMJ focuses on media & society-‘Emerging Landscape’

As the convenor of National Conference on Media and Journalism (NCMJ), Prof Dhiraj Singh played a key role in curating an event that brought together some of the most prominent voices in media, films, technology and society. The National Conference on Media and Journalism (NCMJ conference, held on October 21-22, focused on the theme “Media and Society – Emerging Landscape” exploring how the media shapes societal perceptions, amplifies them through the power of AI and creates new intersections of cinema and journalism.

NCMJ 2024 gathered trailblazing thinkers from across media fields, including journalism, film, advertising, and public relations. Speakers and thought leaders discussed everything from the impact of AI to the cultural significance of media in shaping social dialogue.

In the ever-changing world of media and communication, Prof Dhiraj Singh, Associate Dean & Director of the Department of Media & Communication at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), stands as a leader shaping the future of media education.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Prof Dhiraj Singh, says, “This year’s theme could not be more relevant, as we stand at a critical juncture where the media continues to shape, influence, and transform society in ways that were once unimaginable.”

With over two decades of experience in media—including leadership roles in newspapers, television, and digital media—Prof Singh has established himself as a visionary, leading the department at MIT-WPU. He was previously Executive Director at Lok Sabha TV, which has now become Sansad TV.

Veteran actor Rajit Kapur and former NDTV Executive Editor and now co-Founder of The Red Mike Sanket Upadhyay, both of whom shared wisdom from their rich careers. Kapur, known for portraying historical figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and PM Modi, said, “The enduring importance of storytelling in a fast-paced digital world. Upadhyay reinforced the demand for ‘authenticity in media’, adding that “audiences want to know what is right, not just what is popular.”

Senior Syrian Journalist Dr Waiel Awaad delivered a compelling talk on the media's role as a ‘catalyst for societal change’, emphasizing that “Freedom of Speech is no more free”. He also urged young journalists to act as both activists and peacemakers.

Other influential voices such as Siddharth Kak, anchor of the beloved Doordarshan series ‘Surabhi’, emphasized the power of storytelling, echoing the sentiment that “technology may not last long, but a good story lasts forever”.

The conference also featured Pranjali Singh Parihar, actress and influencer, who spoke about how serials and films in shaping societal perceptions. “I understood the role of media and journalism through cinema because I am an artist,” Pranjali added.

Neil D'Silva, an acclaimed horror writer, stressed the importance of showcasing Indian folklore in horror cinema, citing the success of films like ‘Tumbbad’ and ‘Stree’ as examples of this rich storytelling tradition.

A unique element of the conference was the way Prof. Singh facilitated a dialogue around the future of journalism. Sujay Gupta, Group Editor of O Herald Publications, spoke about how journalism must adapt to the digital medium, while still preserving the “legacy of journalistic integrity”, as demonstrated by Kesari, Pune's historic newspaper. This perspective was echoed by Rajkishor Tiwari, Editor-in-Chief of Buland Bharat TV, who examined the “dual nature of technology”, recognizing its potential while cautioning against its pitfalls.

In a broader discussion on media's role in social change, Ravi Capoor, former CEO of Sansad TV, emphasized the need for ethical media practices in a world increasingly driven by technology. This thread of discussion was powerfully concluded by MIT-WPU Founder President Dr. Vishwanath Karad, who spoke on modern-day challenges such as terrorism and the need to balance “technology, peace, and education”.

Rahul V Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, thanked Prof. Singh for his vision and leadership in making the conference a resounding success. He stressed the importance of community engagement and inspired attendees to think critically about global issues, reinforcing the need for thoughtful leadership in shaping a sustainable future.

Prof Dhiraj Singh’s role in shaping the NCMJ as a platform for critical conversations on media, technology, and societal change was monumental. His work continues to drive forward the dialogue on the future of media education, ensuring that the media remains a powerful tool for social good.