IIM Shillong successfully hosted The Media Dialogue – Conversations that Connect and Inspire, bringing together around 18 national journalists, senior editors, and media leaders from across India. Organised during the vibrant Shillong Cherry Blossom season, the conclave reflected the institute’s commitment to fostering informed public discourse, strengthening research-driven communication, and contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The visiting media fraternity appreciated IIM Shillong for creating a meaningful platform that brings together journalists, scholars, and practitioners to engage in constructive dialogue and shape development-oriented narratives.
Panel Discussion 1 – Media’s Role in Viksit Bharat 2047
Moderated by Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, the session featured prominent national journalists: Arun Kr. Pandey (News18), Prakash Dubey (Dainik Bhaskar), Vijaita Singh (The Hindu), Sarika Singh (BBC), Shyamal Yadav (The Indian Express), and Nilesh Khare (Sakal Media Group). Panellists reflected on how responsible storytelling, credible data, and fact-based journalism can enrich India’s development narrative. The discussion highlighted the media’s role in strengthening transparency, supporting informed citizenship, and ensuring that the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 remains inclusive, participatory, and grounded in lived realities.
Panel Discussion 2 – Empowering Communities Through Responsible & Inclusive Reporting
Moderated by Prof. Parijat Upadhyay, this session included insights from Oineetom Ojah (North East Live), Gunjan Sharma (PTI), Bikas Singh (The Economic Times), Arbind Gupta (Business India), and Vikram Chaudhary (The Financial Express).Speakers highlighted the importance of community-focused journalism rooted in authenticity, field reporting, and equitable representation. The panel emphasized that inclusive media practices can bridge information gaps, bring local voices to the forefront, and strengthen national integration — essential pillars for India’s holistic growth.
Panel Discussion 3 – North East India in India’s Development Story: Amplifying Regional Voices
Moderated by Prof. Rohit Dwivedi, the third session brought together distinguished journalists including Manash Pratim Gohain (The Times of India), Shyamal Yadav (The Indian Express), Arun Kr. Pandey (News18), Nitin Thakur (Aaj Tak), Deepak Yadav (Zee Business), and Umanand Jaiswal (The Telegraph).The discussion explored how Northeast India can play a central role in the country’s development narrative through strengthened regional representation and data-driven storytelling. Panelists highlighted the importance of youth engagement, cultural visibility, and sustained reportage to mainstream the Northeast’s aspirations and contributions.
Inaugural & Key Addresses
The programme began with Mr. Hemango K. Dutta, Jt. GM (Corporate Affairs), who welcomed participants and outlined the purpose of the Media Dialogue, highlighting Shillong’s cultural richness and the significance of collective communication efforts.
Prof. Basav Roychoudhury, Dean (Research), emphasized the role of research ecosystems in shaping informed narratives and pointed to the Northeast’s diversity and resilience.
Shri Kripa Shankar Yadav, Additional DG, PIB, reflected on media evolution and encouraged integrating media literacy into education.
In her keynote theme, Ms. Patricia Mukhim spoke on the value of free and independent media in strengthening India’s developmental journey.Prof. Sanjoy Mukherjee spoke on Art and Science of Questioning: Inspiring Conversations from Indian Wisdom. He emphasised the art and science of questioning, rooted in India’s ethos of seva (service) and collective progress.
In his closing remarks, Col. Dinesh Adhikari, CAO, expressed gratitude to the participants and reiterated IIM Shillong’s dedication to contributing to the growth of the Northeast through research, outreach, and institutional partnerships. Mr. Hemango K. Dutta, in his Vote of Thanks, acknowledged the media’s role as a pillar of democracy and expressed appreciation for the meaningful exchange of ideas, reaffirming IIM Shillong’s intention to sustain such dialogues in the future.
