Sunday, September 19, 2010

National Media Conference 2010 - Valedictory Session

K.Srinivasan and Susan Koshy reporting live from Mt.Abu.


The Valedictory function commenced with a welcome dance by a young girl, Akankshya Mishra of Orissa.

The Valedictory Session on the topic "Media Action Plan for a New Social Order" has the following panelists on the dais to talk on it:

Guests of Honour -
S.S.Tripathy, President, All India Small Newspapers Association, Lucknow
Prof.Ujjwal K.Choudhary,Executive Director, School of Communication, Institute of Business and Media, Pune
Prof.Mufti Mohd Haroon Nadvi ji, President, Zamiat - Ulama Hind (Dist.Jalgaon), Jalgaon.

Presentation of Action Plan - B.K.Atam Prakash, National Coordinator, Media Wing, Mt.Abu

Coordinator - B.K.Dr.Savita, Sr.Rajyoga Teacher, Mt.Abu.

The panelists deliberated on the topic and the following media resolution and action plan is proposed:
- restore pre-independence India's media ethics and values in present day journalistic practice and profession.
- enhance media freedom by reverting to its pristine role of guiding and showing right path to human society.
- not treat media as reflector of ills of society
- strengthen and spread culture of development communication.
- discourage sensationalism in mass communication.
- extend media's support to social organisations which aim at integrity.
- support wider usage of cyber media for holistic development of the nation.
- live up to the expectations of Indian democracy, as fourth estate.

The event ends with a vote of thanks by B.K.Gangadhar, Jt.Editor, Om Shanti Media, Mt.Abu.

National Media Conference 2010 - Podcast Workshop : 190910

Susan Koshy reporting from Mt.Abu.


K.Srinivasan, Editor, PodUniversal, Chennai (www.poduniversal.com) held a workshop on the intricacies of podcasting.

B.K.Shikha coordinated the event.

After a theoretical session about podcasting, Srinivasan demonstrated a live podcasting. B.K.Binny, Manager, Public Relations & Mass Media, Global Hospital, Mt.Abu was invited to give an interview on Stress-free Living. Dr.Sanddhya of Pune was invited from the audience to interview Binny Ji. The interview was recorded in an MP3 recorder.

Kunal Panchal of Mumbai, from the audience did the editing of the recording under the guidance of Srinivasan, for uploading on youtube website.

National Media Conference 2010 - Panel Discussion : 190910

K.Srinivasan reporting live from Mt.Abu.

A Panel Discussion on the topic "Is Mass Media in Mess".

Panelists:
B.K.Sushant, National Coordinator,  Media Wing, Delhi
Madhukar Dwivedi, Editor, Mahamedha Daily, Bhopal
Dr.Manoj Lodha, HOD, Dept of Journalism and Mass Communication, North Gujarat University, Patan
Susan Koshy, Former General Manager, IDBI, & Trainer, Corporate Communications, Chennai
Anjana Yatnoor, Station Director-Incharge, All India Radio, Gulbarga
Chairperson - Prof Kamal Dixit, National Coordinator, Society of Media Initiative for Values, Bhopal
Coordinator - B.K.Komal, Executive Member, Media Wing, Mt.Abu

The panelists were of the opinion that media was not in a mess, although one of them opined in jest that the media instead created the mess.

There was a question and answer session before the conclusion of the discussions.

National Media Conference 2010 - Plenary Session II : 190910

Good morning. K.Srinivasan and Susan Koshy reporting live from Mount Abu.

PLENARY SESSION II
The day's events has started with the second plenary session on the topic "Good Governance & Mass Media".


Panelists are:

Keynote Speech - Prof. K.C.Mouli, Faculty, PRr& Advertising, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National Univ of Journalism, Bhopal
Guest of Honour -K.D.Chandola, member, Central Press Accredition Committee (PIB) New Delhi
Guided Meditation -Rajyogini B.K.Ranjan, Zonal Coordinator, Media Wing (Gujarat), Valsad
Coordinator - B.K.Nandini, Jt.Zonal Coordinator, Media Wing (Gujarat), Ahmedabad
Chairperson -Rajyogini Dadi Ratan Mohini Ji

Dr. Bhanawat emphasised the role of the media in changing the society through its communication.

Prof Mouli covered the impact of politicisation of public services, tarnishing the good governance model of these services. Media enjoys the status of fourth estate, the fourth pillar of democracy and therefore plays a responsible role in exposing any flaw in any governance. It enjoys the power of freedom of speech that the other three estates do not really enjoy. Instead it has in some way relegated its role to the background.
Media is also guilty of mercenary writing and paid news. Media has to revisit its values, role and responsibility in ensuring good governance in the country.

K.D.Chandola dwelled on the various points of good governance that one should adhere to while executing one's duties.

Rajyogini B.K.Ranjan has taken the stand for a guided meditation session with the delegates.

Please keep checking by periodical refreshing of the page...

Saturday, September 18, 2010

National Media Conference - Dialogues Sessions - 180910

K.Srinivasan and Susan Koshy reporting live from Mount Abu.


DIALOGUE SESSIONS
A series of Dialogue Sessions were held in the afternoon. There were five sessions held concurrently in the campus of the centre of the Brahmakumaris, Shanthivan. Each of the five sessions were handled by a panel of professional experts, deliberating on the topic, "Media Values & Strategies for Positive Change", each with a focus on the print, electronic and cyber media, and PR professionals respectively.

A synopsis of the discussions was presented later in the evening.

National Media Conference 2010 - Plenary Session - 180910

Professor U.K.Choudhary, Executive Director, International School of Business and Media, Pune continues the live blogging.


Prof Kamal Dixit earlier with Makhanlal Journalism University denounced the reflection of blatant violence in media in the name of mirroring the society. However, the decay of the civil society and the fall of the state are responsible for series of bad news.

Quoting Alvin Toeffler he espoused the role and impact of media. He urged the media not to be a blind mirror. The reflection has to be socially responsible. He lamented that the vision of pre and post independence years has gone down in media today.

Human values in civil society and politics need to be re-championed to make the right reflection in media. Further, media by itself can take a lead in changing these values. Corporatization and profit-maximization of media cannot do this job, cannot fulfill this expectation of a change in the civil society.

Gandhi, Tilak and Makhanlal Chaturvedi were writers and editors of courage, they truly represented the civil society. Their internal strength impacted on their journalism.

Prof Dixit ended by noting that he is optimistic about the future role and impact of a positive media in India. He quoted Dushyant noting that creating social unrest is not his goal, but social change is my goal, and wherever the fire of transformation burns, my our your heart, let it continue burning.
Yogesh Joshi, heading Association of Business Communicators of India, and GM Corporate Communications, Tata Group, Bombay House, Mumbai.

Speaking in the second session of the first day of the National Media Conference in Shantivan, he noted that there has been a phenomenal rise of the middle class, and today around 30 percent of the people are below poverty line as against 50 percent during independence. But the rise of middle class has also marked the decline in social morals and personal spiritualism in the society, leading to virtually a state of social disorder. Mandal to Kamandal, no politics of the middle class has given any new social vision.

Chairman of the second plenary session: Dr C V Narasimha Reddy


Raja Ram Mohan Roy edited Sambandh Kaumudi and used this publication to raise opinion against satee pratha. We need new visionary media persons like that today.


Even the leading magazine today notes that the leading defects of Indian society are corruption, unproductive bureaucracy, and vision less politics. Should not the media go full hog on to expose these and put forth alternatives.


Four issues for change of society: Vision of Satya Yug, Golden Age. Even the Constitution of India gives a futuristic vision. The vision here is being put into practice through 18 departments. Let media understand the implement this vision,.

National Media Conference 2010 - Inauguration: Sep 18, 2010

K.Srinivasan, Prime Point Foundation, Chennai, and Susan Koshy, Vice-President, GFPR, Southern Zone, Chennai reporting live from Mount Abu.

The Conference Room is fast filling up with the delegates as the inaugural session starts with an invocation song. B.K.Shashi, National Coordinator, Sports Wing, Mt. Abu welcomes the delegation. The official delegates of Brahmakumaris are assembled on the dais to welcome Justicoe G.N.Ray, Chairman, Press Council of India as the Chief Guest.

Rajyogini B.K.Dadi JankiJi, Chief of Brahmakumaris, Mt.Abu, has now taken her place on the dais.


WELCOME DANCE
The welcome ceremony is being graced by a classical dance recital.

On the dais are Rajyogini B.K.Dadi JankiJi, Chief of Brahmakumaris, Mt.Abu, Justice G.N.Ray, Chairman, Press Council of India, B.K. Om Prakash, Chairperson, Media Wing, Indore, Rajyogi B.K.Nirwair, Secy Genl, Bhahmakumaris, Mt.Abu and Rajyogi B.K.Karuna, Director, PR, IT & Communication, Mount Abu.

WELCOME ADDRESS
B.K.Om Prakash is delivering his welcome address.

He is speaking on the significance of vision in life. The highlight of the current world is corruption and negativity. The media has an important role in influencing the change needed in the current world. Presently, the media gives prominence in their coverage of the 4 Cs, viz, crime, cinema, cricket and celebrities with their sensations not necessarily of the positive nature. The media need to input information and education. To effect this change in the society, we need to change our mindset first.

We need to empower our souls through Rajyoga, enabling us to be empowered from above. The  media should be able to give the products positively productive in the society.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE
B.K.Karuna is invited to the podium to deliver the objectives of the Conference.

He speaks of the 24/7 role of the media, where news is on real time basis. Thus the media is high activity and stress profession. Therefore, the delegates are invited to the Conference to share 'no news'. They are invited to refresh and be energised for a more efficient execution of work once back to office. Dadiji's slogan "Give happiness and get happiness". Peace is also news... better news. Therefore, seminars, panel discussions and dialogues have been arranged with this objective in mind. In conclusion, he requests the delegates to take advantage of this opportunity.

GREETINGS
B.K.Nirwair, who is a senior brother in the Brahmakumaris, is invited to share his wisdom in his greetings.

Expressing a very warm welcome, he reminds that the Media Conference is conducted annually, and the event is becoming more significant every time. He congratulated those delegates who are attending more than the first time.

B.K.Nirwair touches on the New Society.The New Society is one  with the Supreme God. However, the newspapers including the one he holds in his hand, contains derogatory information about prominent personalities of the country. There needs to be a realisation for good news.

CANDLE LIGHTING
 The function continued with the lighting of candles by the principal guests on the dais.

CHIEF GUEST ADDRESS
Justice Ray is now delivering his address to the delegates. He recalls his visit to the Brahmakumaris' (BK) centres in India and abroad. He lauds the role of the BKs in bringing about a new society that is positive and energised.

He observes that while the media is churning out news on a real time basis, what is the type of news and its impact on the people of the country? He reminiscences on the history of the media, especially the print medium. Today, media has become corporatised and influenced by the market forces. Media has become insensitive. Large scale abrasions have taken place in the media especially in the big media houses. The media as the watchdog of the nation and the conscience of the society, has now changed. Media has now trivialised news for the sake of sensation.

The media has a responsibility its reporting. This is generally not being observed due to the deterioration of values at work. He appears to the media to adhere to values in work. Profit will follow. As the fourth estate and the conscience keeper of the society, vision is primary. Values is primary. He appeals to the delegates to take a look at the state of affairs of the media. He expresses shock at the abrasion of the values by the media houses who resorted to paid reporting in the previous year's elections.

He feels communications is tainted in India. He appeals for serious introspection in media, before the society decides 'this much and no more' in tolerance of the media's tainted image. It is the solemn duty of
the media to adhere to values and ethics.

 Rajyogini B.K.Dadi Janki Ji is being invited to share her words of wisdom and her blessings. She is a tireless, 94-year old active and energised person who still travels round the world, meeting spiritual delegates.

BLESSINGS OF DADIJI
Dadiji said she says 'Om Shanthi' thrice - one to say 'What am I', second is 'Who am I' and third 'Why am I'.

She talks of the teachings of the Supreme Father. She says in spite of reading the many scriptures since 5 years old, she felt ignorant. Today, touching on the compliment that she is of stable mind in spite of her age, she says her focus in life is clear. Be not deceived and do not deceive. We must 'realise' ie. look internally at ourselves. We may be aware about others. We must instead be looking internally and be honest with ourselves. We must transform to be transparent and be truthful. This leads to happiness and removes depression. When we transform and improve, the world will transform and improve. What we need to do, we need to do today and not postpone. Baba used to say, 'if not now, then never'.

We need peace and love. Where there is peace, there is power. We need courage and patience too. With the power to lead the life, we need to lead others to peace. Let us recognise ourselves as children of God.

She concluded with a three-minute silence and meditation with the delegates.

The function concluded.

Friday, September 17, 2010

National Media Conference 2010 - Live Blogging - 17 Sep 2010

K. Srinivasan, Prime Point (Chennai) and Susan Koshy (Vice President, Southern Zone of Global Forum for Public Relations GFPR) reporting live from Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

It is past six o'clock in a shower-blessed evening at the Brahmakumaris' Centre, Shanthivan when the delegates from the media are given a warm reception. We find the attendance of several hundreds of them at the venue.



PRAYER SONG & DANCE
A prayer song has just been delivered followed by a colourful and animated dance recital.

WELCOME ADDRESS
B.K.Atam Prakash, National Coordinator, Media Wing, Mount Abu in his welcome address said that there has been various revolutionary changes that has taken place in India. However, the most important revolutionary change for our betterment is the imbibing of values in our lives.

BLESSING ON THE OCCASION
Rajyogini Dr.B.K.Nirmala, Director, Gyan Sarovar Academy, Mount Abu, has given an inspirational talk as a blessing on the occasion.

ABOUT BRAHMAKUMARIS AND THEIR VALUES
B.K.Mrutujaya, Vice Chairperson, Education Wing, Brahmakumaris has now taken over at the podium, briefing the audience about the history, purpose and value beliefs of the Brahmakumaris. He is emphasising the role of the Brahmakumaris in bringing about a value-based education to the current generation of students.

He emphasises the importance of positive thinking and moral values while imparting education.

He heralds the role of the media as the medium in bringing the kind of news that influences people in their thinking, opinion and approach. The media therefore are moral guides. In the current world, deceit and corruption are being tolerated.

A proactive role by the media can influence in a big way in bringing back good life values. If we become source of spiritual light to eradicate the moral pollution, we can bring India back to its original spiritual glory, and also a new social world, clean from spiritual contamination. Thus B.K.Mrutujaya concluded his talk on a motivational note.

GREETINGS
Rajyogini B.K.Usha, Sr.Rajyoga Teacher & Management Trainer, Brahmakumaris, in her greetings to the delegates, emphasises the importance of vision in our living. She says that a clear vision in our life would enable us to lead a purposeful life. The media has a crucial role in creating an awareness among the people about this. The media has a great responsibility in influencing the people positively with messages of peace and prosperity in order to establish a new society. There was a purpose in the delegates being in the profession of media broadcasting. This unique capability and responsibility has been recognised by God. The delegates need to recognise their responsibility.

People these days are wanting to experiment and do new things and new ventures. The media people can guide these people in their mission by guiding them through value based reporting and creating of proper awareness among them.

While conveying her good wishes to the delegates, she implores them to develop good attitudes and powerful thinking through meditation, which helps in this direction.

Rajyogi B.K.Munni, Programme Director, Brahmakumaris, Mount Abu says the place the delegates have arrived to is a pilgrimage centre, where one leaves something and also takes something from it. She asks them to leave behind any burden that they might have in life and might have carried along with them. And she implores them to take good from their experience during their stay here. Rajyogi Munni says she has been lucky to be associated with Gandhiji during his time and also with the Dadi Prakash Mani of the Brahmakumaris. She was glad to say that the Brahmakumaris has grown to be present in 8500 centres in over 130 countries with over 22000 dedicated brahmakumaris serving.

B.K.Karamchand, Zonal Coordinator, Chandigarh is presenting his vote of thanks. He says all the media should have an inculcation of positive approach, and play a role in uniting India, remove hypocricy in the society and influence it towards value-based existence. For this, the media should have a value-based working.

There will be panel discussions and dialogues during the two-day media conference. There will be dialogues for the print and electronic media, IT and PR. He is requesting the delegates to attend the morning sessions from 7am.  The centre houses the world's largest solar energy plant, as well as its 25000-capacity auditorium. He concluded with a request to the delegates for active participation during the conference.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

National Media Conference 2010 - Live Blogging Begins

K.Srinivasan reporting from Mount Abu - September 16, 2010.
Mount Abu is getting ready for hosting the National Media Conference 2010. About 2000 media, PR and communication professionals are expected to participate in the three-day conference. A grand reception is being planned for the delegates on September 17th evening. On September 18th morning, Janki Dadi (94 years), Chief of Brahmakumaris, will be inaugurating the sessions. On September 17th and 18th, they have planned various panel discussions, workshops, dialogues and cultural sessions.
We will be reporting live from the venue on the proceedings.
We have taken a podcast interview from Br.B.K.Karuna, Director, PR, IT and Communications, who is the livewire of this event, on the upcoming events. Please watch his interview

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