For this event, DBICA brought together thinkers, visionaries and like minded people on an interactive forum. The Chief guests included Mr. Jeyabaskar, a poet and media expert, Retd. Prof. Pa Sivakumar, Prof. Watson Solomon of the Media Dept. of SRM University, Mr Valan a teacher from Don Bosco, Perambur and Saranya, a student of Queen Mary`s College.
Taking part in the seminar were over 250 students from various Salesian Institutes, including Rosary Matric, Our Lady`s Chetpet, St Anne`s Matriculation Hr. Sec. School, St. Bede`s and the Don Bosco institutions from Perambur, Egmore and Aynavaram
In his introductory message Prof. Pa Sivakumar emphasised the fact that we are very much influenced by the media. Our educational processes have become more business-like and the elite get the best out of it. the marginalized institutions are lagging behind in information.
Mr. Jeyabaskar, the noted poet and literary scholar began by asking whether we have radios to listen, we have innumerable television channels and a lot of entertainment which occupy our senses, but never make us think.
Prof Watson Solomon spoke on how we could take in the richness of the media and apply it in our learning. He spoke about our consumptive culture where we take in so much of information without knowing what is necessary
Mr Valan gave his insights on the influence and impact of media. He said that media should not be a stumbling block but a stepping stone for students
Saranya, a college student, from Queen Mary`s, representing the students, made valid points to reflect on. She made a thought-provoking statement ``Is media there to help us or destroy us?``. Today`s youth seem to be going behind the negative values which are being presented attractively than the positive. She spoke on advertisements and its strong sense of appeal which even has its control in a household.
The meeting ended with the showing of a video which analysed the image presented by the media on student life and education.
Published 15/10/2009
