National Conference on “Media and Law”: Issues and Challenges in contemporary times held at Parul University

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.