Bringing the Freedom of the Law into the Media World
As the law plays a vital role in shaping the society, the media plays an equally valuable role of giving the citizens an edge to understand it. Vadodara based Parul University, brought this social principle to life by organising a National Conference on “Media and Law: Issues and Challenges in Contemporary Times”.
The conference was a joint initiative of the University’s Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Law, with the main agenda of creating an idea sharing platform looking into all the issues which may hinder the freedom of the press in the nation. The event housed some of the most prominent personalities in the media industry namely Ramesh Menon, winner of the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism, Avinash Gawai, National Secretary, Public Relations Council of India, amongst other dignitaries.
The conference bring together experts in the fields of media and law, who presented their research papers on various key topics, which are crucial in today’s context. The speakers were successful in highlighting some of the most vital areas in the legal and journalism world, analysing the complementary relationship between the two, and how they can continue harmoniously contributing to the well-being of the society as a whole.
Some of the topics which were shared include, media and press censorship, the media and social inclusion, along with lively discussions on policies which obstruct the freedom of the press, and the law should act as a safeguard to a journalist’s well-being.
In addition, the Parul University students also got the opportunity to practically engage with legal and journalism experts, who shared their professional expertise with the students, along with the ethics associated with the fields. The platform was also successful in shading a light of inspiration within the budding students, painting within their minds a vivid image of their life after graduation.
“I am more than grateful to be a part of this conference, being a journalism student, it was truly mind opening to learn that my future field does not function in isolation, but it brings together various elements of the society. I was truly inspired by this event and want to continue seeking this kind of understanding for my own” said Priya Yadav a student of BA Mass Communication.
The University has been constantly following such an integrated approach to education, which seeks to harmoniously blend the various programs offered in Parul University, by establishing a point of relation between them. This national conference was amongst such initiatives, as it managed to bring together the students of Law and the students of Journalism.
“Joint events such as this conference serves the purpose of showing our students that education is not in isolation, everything in society is interrelated, and works together in harmony so as to achieve a common goal of making the society a better place, and the students will always remain aware of the contemporary issues in our world today,” said the University’s Vice President, Dr Parul Patel.