Mangaluru :The maiden National Seminar organised by Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO), was inaugurated by prominent media personality Ms. Vasanthi Hariprakash onThursday,March 9th at Paneer campus, Deralakatte.

The seminar which saw participation of nearly 25 delegates from across the country was based on the theme “Media Convergence – Opportunities and Challenges”. The inauguration was presided over by Mr Vishal Hegde, Pro Chancellor of Nitte University.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Vasanthi emphasised the need for increased rural reporting by the present media.

“I believe there has never been a better time to be in the media as convergence has given a better platform for journalists to explore technology and use it in the right way for ethical journalism,” she opined.

Throwing light on the importance of the accessibility of media in the rural places of the country, she gave a call to budding journalists to be the new winds of change that keep the values of humanity and journalism flying high.

“In par with media convergence, the media personnel have also become multi-taskers and mastered the skills of news dissemination. Be responsible and sensitive-storytellers. Let your stories not mislead the readers but guide them towards the truth” she added.

Ms. Vasanthi also talked about how Dakshina Kannada is a celebration of convergence with various languages and cultures seamlesly melding together. She urged students to make use of this opportunity to adapt to the new media paradigm.

Mr Vishal Hegde, in his presidential speech,suggested the media students not to get carried away by the convenience of new media, but use it for a better future.

He also applauded the media students of NICO for their initiative in conducting a National Seminar and wished them luck.

Prof. Raviraj Kini, the Head of the Department of NICO, Ms. Anisha Nishanth, faculty co-ordinator of the seminar and Sanal Anthony, student co-ordinator were also present at the dais.

The seminar was followed by a panel discussion lead by Prof. Varadesh Hiregange, Director of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Manipal University; Prof. Chandra Mouli, HOD, Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies and Dr. Ronald Anil Fernandes, senior journalist;focusing on the theme “Media Education and Convergence” and “Print Journalism in the Age of Convergence”.

The delegates presented research papers on issues such as usage of media among the youth and the impact of media convergence on education.

The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Ms. Divyashree, Regional South Head of BIG FM.

She pursuaded the students to convert their passion to ‘paychecks’ and shared her life experiences as a media professional.

The fourth edition of the media fest – Beacons will be held on March 10 and 11 which will see participation of nearly 200 students from in and around Karnataka.