Lucknow: On Saturday, media students of the Lucknow University (LU) were welcomed by Dainik Jagran group at Bharatendu Natya Academy, Lucknow. To witness the three day ‘Samvaadi’ festival students associated with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Lucknow University were called to attend the conversation between profound personalities.
Several successful personalities played their part as a source of experience and knowledge on this day. However, the highlight of this festival became an insightful address by the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and erstwhile editor-in-chief of Prabhat Khabar, Mr. Harivansh Narayan Singh who’s experiences and knowledge left out a lasting impression on people’s mind.
It was two in the afternoon when the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and former journalist Mr. Harivansh Narayan Singh was warmly welcomed by the Dainik Jagran group. Mr. Anant Vijay, a senior journalist who was a host of the program at first showed gratitude on his arrival and introduces him to the people subsequently. Afterwards, the conversation started, “It is heartening to see such young and enthusiastic minds in the room.” – Mr. Harivansh praised people and students to become part of the festival. Moreover, he commended Dainik Jagran group on its initiative to organize Samvaadi festival. He said that “Such initiative contributes to the exchange of ideas and knowledge and today Dainik Jagran as a responsible media group stand on my expectation."
Furthermore, Harivansh Narayan Singh's dialogue was very important for the people and especially for the budding journalists. During his initial dialogue, he shared his life experiences with the people. Stating his journey from the start of his struggling days, he also mentioned the life lessons he learned throughout his journey. He said that, “as a son of poor farmer I had lifted my responsibilities at very young age. It was a period when I was supporting my father in his responsibilities but at the same time, I am focused towards my education as I knew that only education can uplift my situation.” He further highlighted his journalistic journey and gave insights to the media students. He shared his experience with the students while suggesting them to develop reading habits. “The biggest weapon of journalism is language. Read as much as you can.” He lastly stressed upon the power of reading habit while quoting this sentence in his conversation to media students.
Moreover, Mr. Harivansh Narayan expressed his views on society and societal changes. He said, “society especially today's new society, is losing its values and principles.” Continuing his point further, while referring to his native village, he said that ‘whenever I go to my village today, I do not feel the spiritual and inner peace which used to be there earlier.’ Meanwhile, he also mentioned his three books based on individuality, spirituality and sense of unity famously known as ‘Kalash’, ‘Path’ and ‘Kailash’
Also, he made an argument that our society is now cutting its root from villages. Considering it as a prime reason for the loss of traditional legacies he firmly said that “today we are around problems, anxiety and depression because we have ignored our traditional values and abandoned our villages.” However, he addressed different people but specifically guided the youth. He told young people to respect their ancestral legacies and follow their traditions, values and principles.
Lastly, the conversation successfully brought up to the end where Mr. Harivansh Narayan Singh highlighted his experiences with various prominent people from the field of politics and media. He admired the work of great people and lightened the principles they shared.
The cohort of media student overwhelmed with the new learning and showed gratitude towards Mr. Harivansh Narayan. Moreover, they also thanked the Dainik Jagran group for organizing an insightful program. The group of students lead by Rajat Singh, Saurabh Mishra and Avani Dixit also interacted with the State Editor of Dainik Jagran Mr. Ashutosh Shukla and Regional Edit Head Mr. Dharmendra Singh. Students were also got an opportunity to be guided by the editorial staff of Dainik Jagran on this occasion.
The Head of Department (H.O.D.) of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Lucknow University Prof. Mukul Srivastava praised students for showing interest in the festival. He encouraged students for looking forward to learn new things. Finally, the festival ended on a good note, creating good memories and endorsing learning among media students.
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