Media must works as catalyst in rural areas: Governor

Raipur, May 05, 2011

The media should expand its domain in the rural pockets to make the locals acquainted with the opportunities of socio-economic development. The media can play vital role of catalyst for economical, social and cultural development of the rural areas. The media’s efforts can bring uniform development in the entire country. The words were expressed by Governor Shekhar Dutt while he was speaking during the inaugural session of the two-day national symposium on ‘media education at the crossroads’ that commenced at Kushabhau Thakre Journalism and Mass Communication University (KTJMCU) on Thursday.

“It is high time to establish new standards for media education so that this field could explore new pinnacles of excellence. In fact, norms at national level should be framed for media education,” he said. Dutt felt that the elements like knowledge, investigation, analysis and expression should have broader role in media education.

He pointed out that availability of expert teaching faculties for media education would always be a challenge task. “With rising demand of media-oriented courses, there will be equally high demand for expert and experienced teaching faculties. Another challenge is to induct faculties having both academic qualifications as well as practical experience,” he said.

The chairman of Press Council of India (PCI) Justice GN Ray, who presided over the inaugural session of the symposium, said – “Media is fourth estate of the democracy and it has always played its part emphatically.”

He too advocated for updation of courses related to journalism and mass communication with changing time. He said the media persons should not only be well conversant with history and geography of the country but also with its socio-cultural ambience.

The state Assembly Speaker Dharamlal Kaushik, who was special guest on the occasion, said – “Besides one of the mediums of subsistence, the media contributes in developing the society and the nation.” He said education and training enhances an individual’s natural skills.

On the occasion, the vice chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi Journalism and Mass Communication University Bhopal BK Kuthalia, KTJMCU Sachidanand Joshi, several journalists from different parts of the country and students pursuing studies in media were also present.