National Press Day Event on ‘Media in the Era of GENZ: Opportunities and Challenges’

Faridabad. An event on the theme ‘Media in the Era of GENZ: Opportunities and Challenges’ was organized by the Department of Communication and Media Technology at J.C. Bose University on the occasion of National Press Day. The program included speeches, a poster making competition, and detailed discussions on journalism, featuring renowned journalists Amitabh Agnihotri, Consulting Editor and Senior Journalist at TV9 Bharatvarsh, and Anil Pandey, Director of India for Children. The winning participants were awarded trophies.

Head of Department, Prof. Pawan Singh, welcomed the esteemed journalists Amitabh Agnihotri and Anil Pandey by presenting them with saplings, books, and mementos. In his welcome address, he shared details about the long experience of both journalists, inspiring the media students. Extending greetings on National Press Day, he highlighted the history of the Indian press, its struggles, and the indispensable role of journalism in safeguarding democracy, stating that the press has always been the mirror and guardian of society. He motivated the students towards impartial, courageous, and responsible journalism.

The program featured a poster making and speech competition on the theme, ‘Fighting Misinformation and Deepfakes and Strengthening Fact-Checking is the Motto of 2025′. Over 30 participants took part. The panel of judges, including Prof. Pawan Singh, Dr. Somveer, Dr. Aman Joshi, Dr. Manvi, Dr. Renuka Gupta, and Dr. Sonia Hooda, appreciated the students’ expression, understanding of the subject, and presentation while determining the results. In the poster competition, the winners were Manya (First), Hardik (Second), and Shubham (Third). In the speech competition, the winners were Aditi Singh (First), Kanishka Khanduri (Second), and Astha Tiwari (Third).

Amitabh Agnihotri, Consulting Editor and Senior Journalist at TV9 Bharatvarsh, in his characteristic style, quoted, “You speak of what is written on paper, I speak of what is seen with my own eyes.” (Tu kehta kagad ki lekhi, main kehta aankhin ki dekhi). He said one might become popular through viral videos but not respected. Journalism is a profession of respect. True journalism is what brings justice to the common people and the victims. He explained what journalism is and why it is necessary. Cautioning Gen Z, he said that while technology has made content creation easy today, journalism is not just about creating content; it is an art of struggle, patience, grassroots connection, and integrity. He stated that the path to move ahead of AI will emerge only through originality. Citing the example of fake news spread during the JP movement, he explained how a single piece of wrong information can affect society and emotions.

Anil Pandey, Director of India for Children, stated in his address that there are infinite possibilities in the field of journalism and careers in the digital age. Currently, ‘GENZ is emerging as a new challenge in the media sector,’ providing name, fame, and money. However, journalism is a profession of passion and zeal. The current generation, as viral news creators and content creators, is a generation of a golden age. At the end of the ceremony, Head of Department Prof. Pawan Singh honored the senior journalists Amitabh Agnihotri and Anil Pandey by presenting them with mementos. Saurabh Shukla and Sahil Kaushik conducted the stage proceedings and offered the vote of thanks.The program concluded with the national anthem.