Research and a forward-looking vision are essential in media education, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, VC, Tezpur University

To commemorate the foundation day of the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), various departments of the University are organizing a series of special lectures, initiated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh. In this series, the Department of Mass Communication and Media organized a special lecture on ‘The Changing Landscape of Media Education in the Digital Age,’ with Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, Assam, as the keynote speaker. As a renowned academician and prominent figure in the media world, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh emphasized the importance of forward-looking education in the field of media. He stated that media education is extremely relevant today. Society cannot exist without communication. Therefore, it is essential to understand communication models. Emphasizing the need for research in media education, Prof. Singh said that research gives rise to new ideas. Prof. Singh said that in today's digital age, where digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the face of media, providing students with a future-oriented and practical education is essential. New media has become the fastest medium. We can transmit information from one part of the world to another in a matter of seconds. He emphasized that journalists' responsibilities have increased today. They must present credible and authentic content, while raising awareness. Misinformation can spread violence and hatred in society. He urged journalism students to be responsible and accountable. Prof. Singh said that the world is full of information today. Everyone should act as a filter, verifying information before accepting and transmitting it. He cited McLuhan's communication model and described it as relevant to the teaching process. He said that a good teacher also learns from their students and improves themselves.

Presiding over the session, CUSB VC Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh stated that the university is celebrating its foundation day, commemorating the foundation stone laying ceremony held on February 27, 2014, at its permanent campus. This is a matter of pride for every student, staff member, and faculty member of the university. He emphasized that the establishment of higher education institutions has a clear purpose. Universities are not merely for the granting of degrees. Their goal is to develop society and the nation through quality education and research. Prof. Singh stated that journalism is not just a profession; it is a passion, a mission, and a responsibility. Media literacy is essential for every field, including agriculture, the environment, and rural development. Journalism is not for its own sake, but to provide direction to society for nation-building. Public Relation Officer (PRO) Mohammad Mudassir Alam stated that after the formal inauguration of the programme, Prof. K. Shiv Shankar, Dean and Head, Mass Communication in his welcome address, briefly sharing the context of the lecture. Other faculty members Prof. Atish Parashar, Dr. Sujit Kumar, Dr. Anindya Deb, Dr. Anuj Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor Dr. Neha Suryavanshi, and students from various departments were present. This special lecture was nicely compered by Dr. Neha Suryavanshi.