Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, March 2025 – Somaiya Vidyavihar University, a multidisciplinary institution with over 80 years of legacy, has successfully concluded Media Manthan 2025. The event explored the complex relationship between media, democracy, and the public sphere, sparking critical discussions on the role of media in shaping public discourse. Hosted by the Department of Mass Communication, Somaiya School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in association with the Press Club of India and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, the event featured an international conference and conclave with top journalists, media professionals, and scholars.
The conference opened with an inspiring inaugural session featuring Chief Guest Prof. B K Ravi, Vice Chancellor of Koppal University; film director Mr. Anil Sharma; Ambassador TP Sreenivasan, Faculty of Eminence; and Prof. V N Rajasekhran Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Prof. B K Ravi’s keynote on Journalistic Metamorphosis set the tone for dynamic discussions.
Distinguished speakers addressed critical issues like the impact of digital media on democracy, responsible journalism, corporate communication, and gender in the public sphere. Highlights included Dr. Tamilselvi Natarajan’s session on media literacy and fact-checking, and a lecture by Mr. Yogendra Puranik, Japan’s first elected non-Japanese MLA, on international communication and public opinion.
Day one also featured research paper presentations on media, digital communication, and social influence, covering themes such as social media’s impact on politics, activism, and gender representation.
Day two included engaging sessions like Ms. Anushka Guha’s talk on the intersection of art and retail marketing, a discussion on gender and the public sphere by Prof. Manjula Bharathy, and a panel on The Journalist, The Politician, and The Public: Who Shapes Whom?, featuring Dr. Milind Kokje (BioSpectrum Asia), Sahil Joshi (India Today), and Ms. Vaishna Roy (Frontline), moderated by Ms. Chetna Israni (Morning Star BrandCom).
In the valedictory session, Mr. Gautam Lahiri, President of the Press Club of India, joined Prof. Nandakumar Gilke, Registrar of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Prof. G N Devy, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Mr. Lahiri praised the university’s efforts and highlighted the Press Club’s role in upholding press freedom, while Prof. Devy reflected on the historical role of Indian media, stating, “From the middle of the 19th century till the middle of the 20th century, Indian media played an active role in gaining independence for this country. That part of the sociological engagement of the media needs to be studied fully.”
Media Manthan 2025 successfully created a platform for informed dialogue, reinforcing media accountability and its vital role in safeguarding democratic values.
About Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU)
Somaiya Vidyavihar University is one of India’s premier private universities with over 80 years of legacy in delivering quality, multi-disciplinary education. Located in Mumbai, the university spans 50 acres, serving over 10,000 students across diverse domains like Management, Engineering, Design, Humanities, Library & Information Science, Religion, Culture, Sports, and Music. SVU offers students the ‘Freedom of Possibilities’ through major-minor combinations, a vibrant global alumni network, a cutting-edge incubation center, and an active placement cell.
Read Also : Entering 2025, TA Leaders’ Success Built on More than Just Hiring, Says The Josh Bersin Company
People Analytics Teams Still Struggle to Deliver Business Impact, Warns The Josh Bersin Company
ESG and Women’s Leadership: Driving Sustainability and Inclusion
Learning and Development Trends for 2025: Shaping the Future of Workplace Learning
