“Press Freedom – Trials and Tribulations: The Journey of the Indian Press in the Last Five Decades”

Type of Activity: Annual Lecture for students

Date/ Duration of Activity (from-to): 20^th June 2024

Time: 11:30-15:00

Details of Resource persons: Dr. Swati Bhattacharjee (Senior Assistant Editor, Ananda Bazar Patrika), Prof. Subir Ghosh (Professor and Author)

of Participants: 100

Objective of the event: To inform and educate the students about the historical challenges faced by the press in India through practical examples.

Brief description of the event: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in collaboration with the Department of History organised the Gour Kishore Ghosh Memorial Lecture on 20^th June, 2024. It was entitled “Press Freedom – Trials and Tribulations: The Journey of the Indian Press in the Last Five Decades”. The invited speakers included Dr. Swati Bhattacharjee and Prof. Subir Ghosh. The speakers and guests were felicitated with plants and commemorative plaque.

The first speaker highlighted the role of press and the challenges it had faced since Emergency. She even illustrated the modalities through which the modern state clamps down freedom of press. The second speaker Prof. Subir Ghosh in his captivating lecture gave glimpses of the life and times of Gour Kishore Ghosh who despite the harsh conditions imposed by Emergency stood up to defend the integrity of the press. A documentary on the life of Gour Kishore Ghosh was screened for the students.

Outcome of the event: The event was a great success in apprising students about the overwhelming challenges the press faces to effectively conduct its business.