Convocation at Indian Institute of Mass Communication

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata- The Most powerful and the most Merciful. Hon’ble Minister of Information and Broadcasting; Railways; Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India & Chancellor, IIMC, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji; Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju Ji; Vice Chancellor, IIMC, Dr. Pragya Paliwar Gaur Ji; and Chairman, IIMC Society, Shri Raghavan Jagannathan Ji; other dignitaries. Sabko Namaskar!

I extend my warm congratulations to all graduating students of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. This is a proud moment for you, your families, and your teachers who have guided you through this demanding yet meaningful journey. Founded nearly 60 years ago, IIMC has produced generations of journalists and communication professionals serving our democracy and public life.

IIMC occupies an important place in India’s media and communication ecosystem.

IIMC is very young in its avatar as a Deemed University, a status it got in January 2024. Within two years, IIMC has introduced three MA degree programmes and Ph.D. programme. I have been told that another three more MA courses are in the process of launching this year. This is a monumental shift. I hope these MA courses in specialised areas will meet the evolving needs of the media and communication sector in India and abroad. I am sure IIMC will continue its legacy as the country’s premier mass communication school with these courses also.

I am pleased to know that IIMC is taking the lead in propagating the lost wisdom from the Indian Knowledge System through classroom teachings. IIMC has also set up campus incubation centres to foster media innovation and entrepreneurship beyond the classroom. Upgrading institutions like IIMC also puts the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat into action by fostering informed citizens, accountable governance, and a competitive knowledge economy. I trust that IIMC’s new facilities will strengthen digital labs, AI-based learning, data journalism, and modern studios—enabling students to drive innovation, not just follow it.

In recent years, the media landscape has transformed dramatically. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, immersive storytelling, and social platforms have redefined how stories are created and consumed. The transformative vision of AVGC—Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and the broader Creator economy—is redefining the contours of storytelling and communication in India. Recognizing its immense potential, the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi ji has placed strong emphasis on this sector through initiatives such as the National AVGC XR Mission and the establishment of Centres of Excellence to nurture world-class talent and innovation. For young media professionals, this sector represents the convergence of technology and imagination.

In the journey towards Viksit Bharat, the role of media—especially in the era of social media—is both powerful and profound. You are stepping into a world that needs credible voices more than ever before. While Social media has encouraged expression, but it has also amplified misinformation and polarization. Words have consequences. Images shape perception. Narratives influence thought. At a time when information travels faster than verification, the responsibility of accurate, ethical, and evidence-based reporting becomes central to nation-building. During Operation Sindoor, while security forces were engaged in safeguarding national interests on the ground, an equally critical battle was being fought against misinformation, and fabricated narratives circulating across digital platforms. In today’s hyperconnected world, misleading visuals, edited clips, and unverified claims can spread faster than facts, shaping public perception and even influencing international opinion. Students graduating today, this underscores a vital lesson. The ability to counter fake narratives swiftly and transparently is as important as operational success itself.

Our Indian economy is growing at a rapid pace. Our digital ecosystem is expanding. Our global influence is rising and rising. In this journey, communicators will play a defining role—bridging divides, building trust, and fostering informed citizenship. Whenever I attend functions organized by media houses, I make one consistent request: dedicate atleast 2 pages to positive stories about the developments taking place in the country. A nation’s progress must find space alongside its problems. Today, I make the same request to you. Wherever your professional journey takes you, please amplify stories of innovation, social reform, entrepreneurship, and national development. Balanced journalism does not ignore challenges—but it must also illuminate progress. Same goes for the graduating students from the Advertisement and Public Relations. As communicators and influence-makers, you will shape aspirations, amplify national priorities, and build narratives that inspire progress. As you enter the professional world, remember that your creativity is not just a commercial tool; it is a catalyst for transformation. Use it with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to shaping a confident, inclusive, and forward-looking India.

Dear friends, Technology will continue to evolve. Platforms and mediums will rise and fall. But the core values of journalism and communication—accuracy, fairness, accountability—must remain non-negotiable. May your work contribute to an informed, resilient and Viksit Bharat. May you illuminate the world with truth, creativity, and integrity. I wish you all a future filled with purpose, success and a positive impact.

Jai Hind!
Long Live Mother Bharat!