Central University of Jammu Inaugurates Two-Day National Seminar on ‘Role of Media in Promoting Indian Knowledge System’

JAMMU: The Department of Mass Communication and New Media, Central University of Jammu, today inaugurated the two-day ICSSR-NWRC Sponsored National Seminar on “Role of Media in Promoting Indian Knowledge System.” The seminar, organized under the able guidance and patronage of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, is being held in hybrid mode at the Swami Vivekanand Auditorium, Aryabhatta Block, Central University of Jammu. The event brought together scholars, media professionals, and researchers from across the country for a substantive national conversation on how modern media can serve as a bridge to India’s timeless knowledge heritage.

The inaugural ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising the dispelling of ignorance and the ushering in of knowledge. This was followed by the National Anthem, which filled the auditorium with a spirit of unity and national pride. A soul-stirring Saraswati Vandana, performed by students of the Hindi Department, invoked the blessings of the goddess of learning and set a deeply contemplative tone for the seminar.

The inaugural session was graced by an eminent gathering on the dais. Padma Shri Sh. Mohan Singh Slathia, was the Chief Guest on the occasion while Sh. Harbans Nagoke, Senior Journalist, Dainik State Samachar, delivered the Keynote address; Prof. Yashwant Sinha, Registrar, Central University of Jammu; Prof. Bharat Bhushan, Chairperson, Department of Hindi and Other Indian Languages; and Dr. Abhay S.D. Rajput, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and New Media, all graced the dais. The seminar is being convened by Prof. Paramveer Singh, with Dr. Umesh Singh serving as Co-Convenor.

Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, Central University of Jammu, formally felicitated the Chief Guest Padamshree Mohan Singh Slathia on behalf of the university. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Singh emphasised that the media today is the most effective medium for the dissemination of India’s knowledge traditions. He highlighted the growing significance of the Indian Knowledge System in the wake of the National Education Policy 2020, and observed that platforms such as social media, webinars, and digital tools offer enormous potential for taking this heritage to the younger generation in a manner that is both accessible and engaging.

In his address Padma Shri Sh. Mohan Singh Slathia spoke with great conviction about the centrality of the mother tongue in preserving and transmitting India’s knowledge traditions. He emphasized that the true propagation of the Indian Knowledge System is possible only through one’s native language, and in this context, he underlined the importance of Dogri and other regional languages as carriers of cultural wisdom. While acknowledging the reach of social media, he expressed concern over its unrestrained use and called for a more balanced and responsible engagement. He also spoke movingly about the Panchatantra tradition, noting how such ancient frameworks have ensured the transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next in an organic and enduring way.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Sh. Harbans Nagoke, Senior Journalist, Dainik State Samachar, who brought the rich perspective of four decades of journalism to the seminar. He shared that a successful journalist must possess three essential qualities, the willingness to never tire, the courage to never hesitate, and a passion for the craft that never fades. Drawing from his extensive experience, he spoke about the responsibility of media in promoting the Indian Knowledge System and the need for journalists to remain rooted in their cultural inheritance even as they navigate the demands of modern media.

Prof. Paramveer Singh, Convenor of the seminar, spoke on the relevance of the Indian Knowledge System in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. He argued that the principles embedded in India’s knowledge traditions  including sustainable living, environmental conservation, and a balanced way of life are deeply aligned with the SDG framework.

The inaugural day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Umesh Singh, Co-Convenor of the seminar, who invoked the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ : the world is one family. He observed that the Indian Knowledge System carries this timeless message of universal brotherhood, which is profoundly relevant in today’s interconnected world. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, all dignitaries, resource persons, session chairs, paper presenters, and participants for making the first day a memorable and intellectually enriching experience.

The event was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and students who participated with great enthusiasm. All dignitaries were felicitated with shawls, bouquets, and mementos by the organising committee. The seminar will continue on March 19, 2026, with further technical sessions and a valedictory ceremony.