On this occasion, Director, IIMC, presented the report. Smt. Stuti Kacker, Director, informed the august gathering that Post Graduate Diploma Course in Hindi Journalism, Post Graduate Course in Journalism in English, Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations, Post Graduate Diploma Course in Radio and TV Journalism and Diploma Course in Development Journalism were concluded successfully. The Director also conferred diplomas to these students.
The Minister presented awards to the students of the Post Graduate Diploma Courses. On this occasion, Additional Secretary, Shri Uday Kumar Varma, Media Heads, the faculty of the IIMC and distinguished guests were present.
Here is the full text of the convocation address by Shri P. R. Dasmunsi, Minister of Information & Broadcasting:
"Director of IIMC and Joint Secretary of the Ministry Shrimati Stuti Kacker, distinguished guests, faculty members, employees, my dear graduating students of IIMC and ladies and gentlemen.
• It is really a matter of pride and privilege for me to again address the young post graduates students of journalism- print and electronic media, advertising and PR courses of IIMC on the momentous occasion of the 41st Convocation of this premier institute. Convocation in the life of an Institute is an important milestone. It gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect- from where we started, where we are today and where we aspire to be tomorrow.
• As you all know this great institute was established in 1965 by the then Information and Broadcasting Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi who later became Prime Minister of India. She was aware of the empowering power of information. She conceptualized this institute to provide trained information and media professionals to communicate change and development among our people. In the last four decades this vision has grown and IIMC is serving the nation by training hundreds of journalists, media and information professionals and development communicators.
• Today I would use this opportunity to pay my heartfelt tributes to our great leader late Indira Gandhi and all other renowned personalities and faculty members who were associated with this vision called IIMC.
• The Convocation is also an occasion to look forward, as time has come to think big. As you all know the Indian media industry is growing at much faster pace than our economy. It is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. A recent industry report states that in the last four years, the Indian media and entertainment industry recorded a cumulative growth of 19 percent on an overall basis. The report also predicts the industry is estimated to grow at compound annual growth rate of 18 percent in the next five years.
• This growth rate is almost unparalleled in the world. But to maintain and enhance this growth rate, the industry requires a large number of trained media professionals otherwise shortage of skilled and qualified professionals will hurt the growth rate of the industry.
• I sincerely feel that IIMC can play a greater role in providing good, creative and trained professionals to the industry in adequate numbers. Therefore IIMC needs to enhance capacity, start new and specialised courses and training programmes geared to the manpower needs of the industry. Our government is also giving top priority to the education sector. In fact the Prime Minister has rightly termed the 11th Five Year Plan as "Education Plan".
• I am very happy to announce that we have decided to upgrade the IIMC as an International Media University. The Planning Commission has already approved the proposal and my Ministry is working to make this Institute into a world class media education, training and research University, by an Act of Parliament. This will fulfill the growing demand of the media industry to provide more trained and qualified professionals.
• But as an international media university, the role and responsibilities of IIMC are also going to increase tremendously. As Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said and I quote "A university stands for humanism, for tolerance, for progress, for adventure of ideas and for the search of truth. It stands for the onward march of the human race towards ever higher objectives. If the universities discharge their duty adequately, then it is well with the nation and the people. But if the temple of learning becomes a home of narrow bigotry and petty objectives, how then will the nation prosper or people grow in stature".
• I hope that as a University, the IIMC will remember these words. I also hope that the IIMC will continue to provide journalists and media professionals who are not only truthful, ethical, fair, credible but also sensitive to the feelings of the people and society involved with nation building in a constructive manner.
• I strongly believe in free media but freedom demands responsibility. The Indian press had played a leading role in our freedom struggle and many of our freedom fighters were also great journalists. Overall, I appreciate the role of Indian media in nation building and strengthening the roots of democracy in the country.
• But unfortunately, the growing competition among media companies, if I may say so unhealthy competition is threatening all journalistic norms and values. It is certainly a matter of serious concern, as my ministry is receiving many complaints from the general public and concerned citizen groups. There are numerous instances of media excesses and media trials, fake sting operations, criminal tress-passing of privacy, glamourisation of criminals and mafia dons, promotion of hatred among communities and inflaming of raw emotions. This is a very dangerous trend not only for media but for democracy and all humanity.
• Before I conclude, I would like to say that, never in the past, has there been so much hope and expectation from India than at present. For young adults like you, the road ahead is long but the journey promises to be exciting. Have a constructive attitude and think in terms of solutions, not in terms of problems. Face each challenge not with "why you can't" but "how you can" and do remember that great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones. Remember you carry a heavy responsibility in creating an informed and empowered citizenry.
• I offer my best wishes to all those who are receiving diploma today. As you move ahead in life, may you realize your dreams. Think of the future with hope and expectation but with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Carry with you the courage of your convictions and the determination to succeed. I congratulate you all on this occasion and wish you great success in life."