Insight into media responsibility and community engagement shared at national conference on ‘Media, Society, and Science’ held at Graphic Era Hill University

Insight into media responsibility and community engagement shared at national conference on ‘Media, Society, and Science’ held at Graphic Era Hill University

Dehradun, Oct 13

An intense discussion took place on the decisive role of effective communication and community collaboration during natural disasters at a national conference on “Media, Science, and Society” organized at Graphic Era Hill University, here today. Experts not only highlighted the responsible role of media but also shared innovative approaches and practical suggestions for disaster management in Himalayan regions, which will serve as guidance for future strategies.

Addressing the conference, Vice-Chancellor of Graphic Era Hill University, Dr. Amit R. Bhatt, said that this conference is not just a celebration of academic achievements, but an opportunity to view media as a powerful tool for sustainable development and nation-building. He emphasized the disciplinary nature of the media ecosystem and stated that this is not just a conference, but a movement for a sustainable future.

At the conference, Executive Editor of NDTV, Sushil Bahuguna, said that today, every child holds the power of media in their hands, directly connecting them to society and the environment. He expressed concern over corporate media, stating that it primarily works on profit and advertising, often neglecting stories of ordinary people. According to him, in the next ten years, traditional corporate media will fall behind because content that is impactful and lively—content that makes people feel real engagement—will prevail. Sushil Bahuguna stressed that love and connection with the surrounding environment, the Himalayas, and life itself give content emotional depth and authenticity.

Using examples from the Himalayas and mountain life, he explained how local communities reduce soil erosion through step farming and sustainable practices. Sushil Bahuguna emphasized that personal engagement and in-depth research are essential in content creation, as these uncover untold stories and real experiences. Trust in the stories of ordinary citizens creates genuine impact, not merely political or corporate perspectives.

The keynote speaker, Professor, Chairperson, Incubation Centre, IIMC Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, stated that cities and nature themselves tell a story of resilience and adaptation. She urged journalists, scientists, and students to bring innovation and science to the general public. According to her, innovation cannot happen alone; real solutions emerge through collaboration among people, communities, and institutions. She also stressed media literacy and responsible content creation, explaining that every individual, whether a consumer or creator of content, can share messages connected to society and the environment in an accurate and oimpactful way.

During the conference, experts held a panel discussion on the role of media and society during natural disasters. Active participants included environmentalist and activist Sachidanand Bharti, ONGC scientist Dr. R.J. Azmi, Infrastructure Head of Graphic Era and Professor Dr. Subhash Gupta, Head of Media and Mass Communications Department Dr. Taha Siddiqui (moderator), and Professor Dr. Reema Pant from the Department of Environmental Science.

Three technical sessions were organized at the conference. In these sessions, teachers, researchers, and students from Graphic Era University and other universities presented more than 30 research papers. The topics included environmental changes, digital innovation, disaster communication, the relevance of social media, and artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting contemporary issues.

This national conference was organized by the Department of Media and Mass Communication at Graphic Era Hill University. The event was attended by Registrar Dr. D.K. Joshi, Dr. Aakriti Dhoundiyal Badola, Ashmita,Sandeep Bhatt, Girija Shankar Semwal, along with faculty members and students from the department. The program was hosted by Dr. Himani Binjola.