Department of communication, SLAFaculty of Uttaranchal University, organized a National Webinar on ‘Rural Journalism’ on the occasion of “Hindi Press Day” on 30th May, 2020 with Mr. Yogesh Bhatt, Senior Journalist & Former Chief Editor, Amar Ujala, and Dr. Mukesh Bora HOD – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, SLA as the Keynote Speakers.
The enlightening session, with over 70 active participants, started with the Welcome Address by Vice Chancellor/Dean, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna. He apprised the students with basic knowledge regarding Print Media and Rural Journalism.
The first Keynote Speaker, Mr. Yogesh Bhatt talked about the glamorous face vs. real face of media. He emphasised over old system of media in the country. He mentioned the incidences from past to make students understand how media’s role is changing with time. Speaking on Raja Ram Mohan Roy, he maintained that he was a religious and social reformer, widely known for his role in the abolition of the practice of Sati. He was a scholar and knew Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, English and Arabic. He fought against the perceived ills of Hindu society at that time. He talked about Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s newspaper Mirat-ul-Akhbar and asked students to read that online and analyse the content. He said that early journalism was all about development communication which we need in current scenario also.
The 2nd Speaker Dr. Mukesh Bora filled the participants with tremendous information concerning the topic. He discussed the problems faced while covering the rural arenas. He told the participants about some sole communication flow theories which are essential for a journalist to know and understand. The key points of the discussion were rural reporting in India and use of traditional media in rural areas in which he emphasised why rural reporting is required in India and what are the reasons of ignorance.
In the second half of the event, the Keynote Speakers took up doubts and queries of the participants. The participants were not only academicians but also included people from media industry, researchers and online content developers. A wide diversity participated in the webinar with eminent personalities from all over India. The audience discussed the topic pretty well and also celebrated “Hindi Press Day” together by giving wishes to the entire media fraternity.
Ms. Smriti Uniyal , Coordinator – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, SLA (Faculty Convener) concluded the session with a positive ending and Vote of Thanks on behalf of DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, SLA, Uttaranchal University. The whole webinar was managed by Mr. Ved Prakash (Co-Convener) and Mr. Pawan Dabral (Organizing Secretary).
