Published On : Fri, Apr 5th, 2019

Dangers of Fake News highlighted at National Conference

Advertisement

The damaging impact of fake news and possible measures to curb it were discussed at a national conference that was attended by academics, journalists, students and social activists. The two-day National Conference on ‘Impact of Fake News on recent European Politics’ co-funded by Jean Monnet Erasmus+ programme was organised on 4th and
5th April at Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology in association with the Department of Mass Communication, RTM Nagpur University.

The Chief Guest for the inaugural function was veteran journalist Mr. Vijay Satokar, Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Amravati. The Guest of Honour for the programme was Dr. Neeraj Khaty, Director, Board of Examination and Evaluation, RTMNU. Mr. Abhijeet Deshmukh, Director, Lokmanya Tilak Jankalyan Shikshan Sanstha, presided over the ceremony.

Dr. Vivek Nanoti, Principal, Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology and Chairman of the Conference, Dr. G. M. Asutkar , Vice Principal of the institute, Dr. Moiz Mannan Haque, senior faculty of the Department of Mass Communication and Co-Chair of conference, Dr. Bhumika Agrawal, Convener, and Dr. Maithili Barahate, Co-convener of the conference were seated on the dais.

Dr. Bhumika Agrawal briefed the gathering about Erasmus plus Programme of Jean Monnet under which the institute received the grant. She also gave details about the conference and the course module which the institute runs. Dr. Moiz Mannan Haquenemphasized the importance of educating media users and empowering them with the
skills to reject fake news on different media.

Dr. Vivek Nanoti spoke about how the European countries are dealing with the menace of fake news. He encouraged the participants to take maximum benefits of the course module and enrich their profiles. In his presidential address, Mr. Abhijeet Deshmukh said it is futile to discuss on social media about those things which are unamendable and unchangeable. He stressed that instead of spending time on social media, today’s youth should utilize it in gaining knowledge. Dr. Neeraj Khaty appealed to the gathering not to believe Fake News. He also said that people should
use social media sensibly and check the source before sharing.

Mr.Vijay Satokar, in his inaugural speech, congratulated the institute for its efforts in organising such events. He exhorted the participants to be cautious and even adopt social boycotting so as to curb the growing impact of fake news. On this occasion, the conference proceedings were also released. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr.
Maithili Barahate. The programme was compered by Dr, Mugdha Jagdale.

At a panel discussion in the afternoon, Dr. Vinod Asudani, Dr. Anjali Patil and Dr.Moiz Mannan Haque were the experts who interacted with the participants on the various facets of fake news. They elaborated the social, political, legal and ethical aspects of social and mainstream media. The experts gave several examples to
illustrate the dangers and damaging potential of fake news.

The Chairman of the Sanstha Dr. Satish Chaturvedi, Secretary Mrs. Abha Chaturvedi, and Director, Governing Body Mr. Dushyant Chaturvedi conveyed their best wishes for the conference and congratulated the organizers of this conference. Mr. Pratik Gandhi and Damien Hanet of Edulab, Mumbai and Dr. Dharmesh Dhawankar, Head of Mass Communication Department, RTMNU also sent their wishes for the success of the conference. Dr. Sadanand Deshpande, Dr. Rakesh Himte, Dr. Sumita Rao , Dr. Rozina Rana, other heads of department, faculty members were prominently present for the conference. The conference was attended by delegates in large numbers.

Many delegates presented their papers in the conference. Mr. Ketan Bodhe, Mr. Himanshu Taiwade, Dr. Deepali Marghade, Mr. Parag Naik, Dr. Ruta Khande, Dr. Mugdha Jagdale, Mr. Rohit Jasutkar. Mr. Pawan Raut worked hard for the success of the conference.