IIM Shillong Hosts National Media Dialogue
Shillong, November 14, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong successfully hosted a significant event titled “The Media Dialogue – Conversations that Connect and Inspire.” This dialogue brought together approximately 18 national journalists, senior editors, and media leaders from various parts of India. The event was held during the picturesque Shillong Cherry Blossom season, reflecting the institute’s commitment to fostering informed public discourse and contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Purpose of the Media Dialogue
The Media Dialogue aimed to create a meaningful platform for journalists, scholars, and practitioners to engage in constructive dialogue and shape development-oriented narratives. Participants appreciated IIM Shillong for its efforts in strengthening research-driven communication and enhancing the quality of public discourse.
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussion 1 – Media’s Role in Viksit Bharat 2047
This session was moderated by Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, and featured prominent national journalists including 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).
The panellists discussed how responsible storytelling, credible data, and fact-based journalism can enrich India’s development narrative. They emphasized the media’s crucial role in strengthening transparency, supporting informed citizenship, and ensuring that the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 remains inclusive and participatory.
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).
The speakers highlighted the importance of community-focused journalism rooted in authenticity and equitable representation. They stressed that inclusive media practices can bridge information gaps, elevate local voices, and strengthen national integration, which are essential for India’s holistic growth.
Panel Discussion 3 – North East India in India’s Development Story: Amplifying Regional Voices
This session was moderated by Prof. Rohit Dwivedi and featured distinguished journalists including Manash Pratim Gohain (The Times of India), Shyamal Yadav (The Indian Express), Arun Kr. Pandey (News18), Nitin Thakur (AajTak), Deepak Yadav (Zee Business), and Umanand Jaiswal (The Telegraph).
The discussion focused on how the Northeast can play a pivotal role in the country’s development narrative through enhanced regional representation and data-driven storytelling. The panellists underscored the importance of youth engagement, cultural visibility, and sustained reportage to mainstream the Northeast’s aspirations and contributions.
Inaugural and Key Addresses
The programme commenced with Hemango K. Dutta, Jt. GM (Corporate Affairs), welcoming participants and outlining the purpose of the Media Dialogue. He highlighted 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 out the Northeast’s diversity and resilience. Kripa Shankar Yadav, Additional DG, PIB, reflected on the evolution of media and encouraged the integration of media literacy into education.
In her keynote address, Patricia Mukhim spoke on the value of free and independent media in strengthening India’s developmental journey. Prof. Sanjoy Mukherjee discussed the art and science of questioning, drawing inspiration from Indian wisdom and the 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. Dutta concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the media’s role as a pillar of democracy and expressing appreciation for the meaningful exchange of ideas.
Future Dialogues
IIM Shillong aims to sustain such dialogues in the future, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a vibrant media landscape that contributes to informed public discourse and national development.
Conclusion
The National Media Dialogue at IIM Shillong served as a significant platform for engaging discussions on the role of media in India’s development narrative. By bringing together diverse voices from the media fraternity, the event highlighted the importance of responsible journalism and inclusive reporting in shaping the future of the nation.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the event held on November 14, 2025, at IIM Shillong, and aims to reflect the discussions and insights shared during the Media Dialogue.
