KARGIL : Scholars, media academicians and researchers from across the country on Friday reflected on the evolution, contemporary relevance and future trajectory of Hindi journalism during the opening day of a two-day National e-Conference at the University of Ladakh’s Kargil Campus.
The conference, themed “200 Years of Hindi Journalism: Indian Knowledge Systems, Vernacular Media, and Cultural Renaissance”, is being organised by the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication, Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat.
The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, while Dr. Milorai Modi, Vice Chancellor (I/C), Arunachal Pradesh University, participated as Collaborating Chief Patron.
The conference brought together academics and media experts to examine the contribution of Hindi journalism to public discourse, cultural preservation and democratic engagement over the past two centuries, while also exploring its place within the broader framework of Indian Knowledge Systems and vernacular media traditions.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Prem Taba, Head (I/C), Department of Mass Communication, Arunachal Pradesh University, underscored the importance of sustained academic engagement with the changing landscape of Hindi journalism. Dr. Shriprakash Pal, Coordinator, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Ladakh, and Convener of the conference, outlined the objectives of the academic exercise and its relevance in the contemporary media environment.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration, and Dr. Jaffar Ali Khan, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ladakh, highlighted journalism’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage, fostering democratic values and nurturing informed citizenship.
The inaugural session also featured an address by Prof. Pramod Kumar, Head, MA Strategic Communication, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, who attended as Chief Guest. Delivering the keynote lecture, noted media scholar Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat traced the historical journey of Hindi journalism and examined its continuing relevance amid technological transformation and changing audience preferences.
Following the inaugural session, the conference moved into its academic phase with two plenary sessions moderated by Dr. Punam Kumari. The discussions featured presentations and scholarly interventions by Prof. Amitabh Srivastava, Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, Dr. Shailesh Shukla, Dr. Vikas Rajpopat and Dr. Nawaz Khan Thouba.
The speakers engaged in detailed deliberations on the intersections of Hindi journalism, Indian Knowledge Systems, vernacular media traditions and cultural discourse, while also examining emerging challenges and opportunities confronting regional-language media in the digital era.
The first day concluded with a broad consensus on the enduring relevance of vernacular journalism in strengthening cultural identity, promoting linguistic diversity and enriching democratic communication in an increasingly interconnected media landscape.
