Indore, 25th October 2017: Signis MP & CG Region held a regional seminar on the topic, “The Media impact on Society in the context of growing Intolerance” at Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra, Indore on 16th October 2017.
The programme began with a prayer song and lighting of the lamp. Students from Ish Creation Communication Centre sang the bhajan melodiously under the leadership of Sr. Ganga SSpS. Mr. Bapu Parmar, the editor of Masihi Akhbar gave the introduction of the resource persons and Fr. John Paul welcomed the dignitaries as well as participants from different parts of Madhya Pradesh. Indore Christian Media Forum members were also present in the seminar.
The resource persons pointed the core issue with appropriate examples from daily life. The Patrika Indore editor, Amit Mandloi spoke on the impact of media on society. He said that in present time we can’t imagine the existence of media without social media. The way good currency removes bad currency from circulation in economics, the same way good thoughts have the potency to remove bad thoughts from the society. This in return can make people tolerant and society good.
Hotline News Agency, editor-in-chief Raja Sharma shared his views on intolerance. He said that intolerance begins from family then to society and thereafter to other areas, e.g. politics. Nowadays, intolerance and addiction of new technological trends are going on together. Social Media somehow affects our thinking and these days youngsters are getting addicted to it. 90% fake and false news are available on social media and there is a need to choose the truth. He stressed saying, “Journalist should be journalist but not activist”, in the field of media.
Rev. Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal SVD, Bishop of Indore Diocese and Fr. Xavier T. SVD, Provincial of SVD congregation were the guest of honour. They both addressed the August gathering and inspired everyone with their thought provoking words.
Bishop Chacko said that God gives everyone ample opportunities in life. People also do get the chances. To think good or bad depends upon the thinking of the person. While by remaining closer to God we think good and positive.
Truth means Sat or satya. Highlighting the importance of truth in media Fr. Xavier T spoke about the role of Satprakashan in spreading truth in the society. He also pointed the issues of growing intolerance in the society and ways to tackle it.
The one day seminar ended with a question and answer session. Many students and inquisitive participants asked questions pertaining to the topic and clarified their doubts. Mementos were presented to the resource persons. Their views and opinion on the topic enlightened the participants. And finally, Fr. Joby Anand proposed the vote of thanks to everyone.
Sumit Dhanraj
(The writer is a freelance journalist and educationist.)