Berhampur,25/11 : The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Berhampur University marked the commencement of its two-day National Conference, themed “Unveiling the Power of Authentic Journalism: Communication in the Digital Era,” with a grand inaugural program on November 25th, 2023.
Distinguished academicians graced the occasion, including Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof Geetanjali Dash, Chief Guest Prof Ujjwal Choudhary, Keynote Speaker Prof Pitabas Pradhan, Charminar Post Graduate Council Prof Susant Kumar Baral, and Conference Convener Prof Ganesh Sethi. The event began with a warm welcome by Sushmi Mishra, setting the stage for the conference.
The inaugural began with the lighting of the lamp ceremony followed by playing Kula Sangeeta, capturing the essence of the cultural heritage surrounding the academic institution.
Prof Ganesh Sethi, the Convener of the Conference, delivered the welcome address introducing the National Conference and its aim. He delved into the depth of authentic journalism.
The dignitaries were felicitated with saplings, angabastras, and mementos, adding a touch of tradition and honour to the occasion. Prof Ujjwal Choudhary was felicitated by the Vice-Chancellor. Chairman Post Graduate Council honoured Keynote Speaker Prof Pitabas Pradhan, and Head of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Prof Ganesh Sethi facilitated the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman Post Graduate Council.
Deepika Mondal, taking the stage, introduced the distinguished guests.
Chairman Post Graduate Council Prof Susant Kumar Baral, who shared a few words as the patron of the conference, expressed the relevance of the conference topic in today’s time. He stated how fortunate this generation is to have the world on their fingertips. He concluded that with effective media, any nation can become a super power.
Keynote Speaker Prof Pitabas Pradhan, an alumnus of Berhampur University, provided valuable perspectives on media being the fourth pillar of democracy monitoring the other three pillars executing their duties. He stressed upon the discovery of internet providing a new landscape and platform for journalism and digital technology providing new opportunities for journalists and media personnel.
The Chief Guest, Prof Ujjwal Choudhary, took the podium, delivering a thought-provoking address on multimedia convergence. Primarily stating, convergence is no mare a jargon but a reality. He stated that print media is no more dominating the media sector. Now, all media organizations are depending on modern journalism where each story can be presented through eight different mediums.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Geetanjali Dash, shared her thoughts on the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication being the backbone of democracy. She congratulated the department of Journalism and Mass Communication for nearing its Golden Jubilee next year.
The inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Saurav Prakash Shit, the Organizing Secretary of the conference.
The success of the event was made possible by the collective efforts of an exceptional team. Dr. Ganesh Sethi was the Convener. Dr. Bandita Kumari Panda and Dr. Jayanta Kumar Panda, as Co-Conveners, along with Organizing Secretary Shri Sourav Prakash Shit, played crucial roles in ensuring the event’s seamless execution. Joint-Secretaries Shri Agni Kumar Behera, Dr. Neha Pandey, and Dr. Chinu Bohidar, provided invaluable guidance. Special acknowledgement goes to the students and scholars from the department of Journalism and Mass Communication, whose dedication and hardwork was instrumental in making this event a success.
Day two of this National Conference will feature an interactive session with Sri Sampat Mahapatra, former Bureau Chief, NDTV Bhubaneswar and senior journalist s chief guest.
