CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Chief Guest and senior journalist Girish Pankaj said that the original image of Narad, regarded as the first journalist, has been wrongly portrayed and needs correction. He highlighted that press freedom across the world faces several challenges. No ruling authority fully accepts press freedom, and therefore political and administrative interference remains deeply embedded in it. The freedom of the press often depends on the reactions of those in power. He also pointed out that the credibility of the media has been reduced due to issues like paid news, fake news, and technologically generated problems such as deepfakes.
Hindi professor Dr. Vishala Sharma, associated with Maharashtra, said that the press holds a significant place in the world. The journalistic perspective originating from Devarshi Narad has now extended to social media. Positive journalism plays an important role in national development.
Manoj Kumar, editor of the research journal Samagam, said that cinema has distorted the image of Narad Ji. Journalism can be practiced by following Narad Ji’s ideals. Technology has increased press freedom but has reduced credibility. He remarked that regardless of who holds power, authority often prefers flattery. Modern journalism shows a lack of independent and unbiased reporting.
Dr. Narendra Tripathi, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (KTU unit), said that Narad Muni is a source of inspiration for journalism. Independent and impartial journalism faces numerous crises and challenges. News writing and dissemination depend entirely on a journalist’s intelligence and network. Legal provisions are essential to safeguard press freedom.
On this occasion, Sanjeev Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Sriparna Tarafdar from Kolkata, and Dr. Sandhya Dwivedi from Firozabad also expressed their views.
Journalists, writers, journalism educators, and students actively participated in the program.
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