International Seminar on Role of Media in Promoting India-Nepal Relations
Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU), Bhopal, India in association with Media Action Nepal (MAN), Kathmandu University and B.P Koirala India- Nepal Foundation (BPKF) has successfully organized a two –day long international seminar on role of media in promoting India-Nepal relations. The seminar organized from 3-4 April, 2017 at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur discussed number of issues concerning the role of media in promoting Indo-Nepal relations.
The seminar hosted a variety of sessions from Role of Media, Media Dynamics, and Media Education to the Cultural, Spiritual and Social Commonalities and Socio-Political Scenarios between the two countries with speakers from the fields of Media, Education and Politics.
The opening session inaugurated by Hon. Surendra Kumar Karki, Minister for Information and Communication observed interesting insights from the distinguished speakers including Professor B.K. Kuthiala, Vice Chancellor of Makahanlal Chaturvedi University (MCU), Prof. Jay Raj Acharya-seasoned diplomat, Mr. Tarun Vijay, Senior Journalist of India, Dr. Deepak Sharma, Dr. Sagar Sharma and Dr. Nirmala Mani Adhikary. The session was moderated by Mr. Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal.
Minister Karki said that the media should positively contribute in strengthening long cherished relations of two countries. He further said, “There is no country across the world where economic growth is emancipated by political influence. Thus the media should support in enabling stable political environment”.
Prof. Kuthiala stressed on the need to improvise the relation between Nepal and India. He urged the media persons and academicians to realize the eastern knowledge and philosophy rather than seeking to copy western ideas.
Speaking as eth chief gust during the valedictory Hon. Prabhu Shah, former minister and chairperson of parliamentary committee on International Relations said, “Media of both the countries should be free from politics in order to flourish countries together.”
The seminar focused on discussing Nepal India Relations from several perspectives. Panelists speaking in the seminar stressed that the peace, prosperity and economic development of the South Asia depends on sound Nepal-India Relations. They urged Media sector from both countries to be objective while reporting on issues related to Nepal India relations.
Senior Journalist and Editor of Annapurna Post Yubaraj Ghimire said that there is a lack of will in sorting out problems that are seen on surface at present context. The seminar attended by a total of 93 persons from India and Nepal observed different opinions of the session chairs, panelists and facilitators including Mr. Madhav Sharma, Media Advisor to the President of Nepal, Dr. O. P. Yadav, Editor of DD News, India, Mr. Satish Sharma, Editor, Garhwal Post, India, Dr. Avinash Bajpai, MCU, India, Dr. Nirmala Mani Adhikary, Convener of the Seminar, Dr. Deepak Prakash Bhatta, Director, Nepal Center for Security Governance, Nepal, Mr. Kishor Shrestha, First Vice President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC), Dr. Pavitra Shrivastava, MCU, India, Mr. Gajanan Namdeo, Chief Editor, Tarun Bharat, India, Ms. Babita Basnet, Editor of Ghatana ra Bichar newspaper, Dr. P. Sashikala, MCU, India, Mr. Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal (MAN), Prof. P. Kharel, senior journalist, Dr. Arun Bhagat, MCU, India, Prof. Dr. Suresh Raj Sharma, Founder VC of KU and Mr. Mukul Kanitkar, Akhil Bharatiya Joint Organizing Secretary of Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, India.
Concluding the seminar Prof. Kuthiala declared that the MCU would provide with 27 separate scholarships to Nepalese students aspiring to pursue higher education in journalism at the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. “Media Scan-a printed surveillance assessing the news published by the National Media of Nepal and India will be carried out.” He announced.