The Department of Journalism at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University recently played host to a national seminar, "Journalism Today and Tomorrow." The event brought together editors from Surat's esteemed print and digital media houses to discuss the changing role of journalism in society and the new challenges presented by digital media.
The event was well-attended, with distinguished personalities like University Vice Chancellor Dr. K.N. Chavda, Registrar Mr. Rameshdan Gadhvi, and Coordinator of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department Dr. Bharat Thakor in attendance. Prof. Dr. Kiran Mittal, along with students studying in the field of journalism and journalists from print and digital media, also marked their presence at the seminar.
The seminar provided a robust platform for industry experts to engage in insightful dialogues with the next generation of journalists, offering crucial guidance for those eager to carve out a career in this dynamic sector.
Highlighting the significance of staying abreast with modern technologies, Vijay Singh Chauhan, the local editor of Divya Bhaskar, emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptability to stay relevant in the profession amidst a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The News Editor of Gujarat Mitra, Dharmesh Kukadia, emphasized the importance of a journalist having extensive knowledge, transcending a single subject area. Kukadia asserted that mastering the language, coupled with a thorough understanding and effective use of modern tools, is critical to thrive in the changing media environment.
Jaswantsinh Brahmbhatt, co-editor of Bharat Yuva Abhiyaan, pointed out the increased responsibility of journalists in the social media age. While news is readily available online, Brahmbhatt stressed the role of journalists in providing accurate representation of these events.
Nareshbhai Varia, the editor of Dhabkar Dainik, emphasized the historical significance of Surat in the context of Gujarati journalism and urged future journalists to appreciate their critical role in society, reminding them that journalism is not a part-time endeavor.
Manoj Shinde, editor of the Saamana daily newspaper, reflected on the changing scope of journalism, stressing its role in upholding democratic values. Shinde used examples from the Indian freedom struggle to illustrate the far-reaching impacts of journalism over the decades.
In the digital age, Ashokbhai Patel, a senior journalist at Gujarat Guardian, expressed concern over the shifting role of traditional newspapers. Patel underscored the importance of complete knowledge and linguistic proficiency, advising future journalists to value truth and accuracy in their reporting.
Digital media editors Virang Bhatt from Khabarchhe.com and Javlant Nayak from Seedhi Khabar.com focused on the influence of digital media in shaping public opinion, highlighting its critical role in delivering news instantly to a widespread audience.
Kuldeep Sanadhya, Editor of Hindi Dainik Loktej, spoke on the responsibility of national newspapers in creating the nation's image internationally. He shed light on new challenges surfacing in the digital media era, stressing the need for journalists to master various news presentation skills beyond news reporting. Sanadhya noted the surge in digital newspaper readership, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Closing the seminar, Ashok Khakholiya, editor of Voice of Trade Hindi daily, reinforced the importance of national newspapers in portraying the nation on the global stage. The event left a profound impact on the attendees, providing invaluable insights into the complex realm of modern journalism.
