National Press Day Celebrated at Information Center with Seminar on Changing Dynamics of the Press; Media’s Evolving Role Promotes Consumerism

Jaipur : The Department of Information and Public Relations celebrated National Press Day, declared by the Indian Press Council, with a one-day seminar on November 16. The theme of the seminar, held under the chief patronage of Additional Director Mrs. Alka Saxena, was The Changing Dynamics of the Press.

Addressing the seminar at the Information Center, Chief Guest Mrs. Alka Saxena highlighted that the changing nature of the press has also transformed the department’s work methodology. Initially, print media was the sole medium for disseminating government policies and initiatives. Now, electronic media, social media, and digital platforms play a significant role in outreach. She emphasized that public relations are rooted in positive and truthful information.

Deputy Director of the Literature Division, Mr. Rajneesh Sharma, noted that the role, objectives, and focus of the press have evolved over time. Before independence, media’s goal was national freedom, whereas, after independence, its core shifted to national development. Currently, the press aims to shape public opinion in the global village. He pointed out that information now travels rapidly but often raises questions about its credibility, stressing the role of vigilant citizens in countering misinformation.

Deputy Director Mr. Ashish Khandelwal elaborated on the growing use and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in media. He remarked that the social media era has commodified humans, inundating them with excessive information. He criticized the sensationalism in presenting ordinary news as “breaking” stories and warned of increasing market-driven trends in media. Highlighting the influence of AI, he stated that technologies like deepfakes blur the lines between truth and lies, predicting a future where humans might become subservient to AI unless they unlock their vast potential.

Deputy Director Mr. Lokesh Chandra Sharma discussed the evolving role of media in legislative assemblies, while Public Relations Officer Mr. Gajadhar Bharat captivated the audience with his original poetry.

The seminar also featured insights from Joint Director of the Municipal Corporation Heritage Department, Mr. Motilal Verma, Deputy Director of News, Ms. Shipra Bhatnagar, and Assistant Directors Mrs. Kavita Joshi and Mrs. Suman Mantuval. Assistant Public Relations Officers Mrs. Rachna Siddha and Ms. Anjalika Panwar presented poetry.

The event was skillfully hosted by Public Relations Officer Mrs. Sapna Shah and Assistant Public Relations Officer Mr. Chandrashekhar Pareek. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Deputy Director and Information Center In-charge Mr. Leeladhar.