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IIM Nagpur Hosts Media Conclave 2025 on ‘Role of Media in Viksit Bharat 2047’

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IIM Nagpur Hosts Media Conclave 2025 on ‘Role of Media in Viksit Bharat 2047’

Nagpur, August 31, 2025 — The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur) hosted its first-ever Media Conclave on the theme “Role of Media in Viksit Bharat 2047.” The event brought together top editors, media leaders, academics, and thought leaders to discuss how the media can help shape India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The conclave was inaugurated by Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Co-Founder of DeepTech for Bharat Foundation (AI4India.org) and former CEO of Prasar Bharati, alongside IIM Nagpur Director Dr. Bhimaraya Metri. The opening session also featured senior media figures including Shri Anuj Singhal (CNBC Awaaz), Shri Rakesh Khar (TV9 Network), Shri Pratap Somvanshi (Hindustan Hindi Daily), and Shri Neeraj Thakur (Outlook Business). Faculty members from IIM Nagpur joined the ceremony, marking a milestone for the institute’s engagement with media and public discourse.

Setting the Tone: A National Perspective

In his keynote address, Shri Vempati described this as a defining moment for India. He stressed that the success of Viksit Bharat 2047 will depend on the choices made today, particularly as the country’s demographic dividend is short-lived. He called for media that combines freedom of expression with national responsibility, warning against external influences. “Media must put the nation first,” he said, while encouraging positive storytelling, trust-based journalism, and the use of technology for the public good.

Dr. Metri, welcoming dignitaries, described the conclave as a “first of its kind” for IIM Nagpur. He highlighted India’s economic transformation—from $1 trillion in 2007 to more than $4.3 trillion today—and emphasized that the 21st century will belong to India. According to him, the media will play a pivotal role in shaping this journey, much as IIM Nagpur aims to contribute through its work in cybersecurity, sustainability, leadership, and expansion to new campuses in Pune, Goa, Hyderabad, and Singapore.

Panel 1: Media as a Catalyst for Viksit Bharat 2047

The first panel, moderated by Prof. Prashant Gupta, explored how media can become an active driver of development.

  • Anuj Singhal (CNBC Awaaz) spoke on the dangers of polarization in news and stressed constructive criticism with a positive outlook to build public trust.
  • Rakesh Khar (TV9 Network) argued for moving beyond the traditional “3Cs” of Cinema, Comedy, and Crime, proposing instead “7Cs”: Context, Credibility, Constitutionality, Confidence, Creativity, Constructive Criticism, and Collaboration.
  • Pratap Somvanshi (Hindustan Hindi) emphasized that rural voices must be included in national discourse, as inclusive growth is central to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
  • Neeraj Thakur (Outlook Business) underlined the need for editorial independence and credibility, calling for stronger research to counter biased global narratives about India.

Prof. Gupta concluded the session by highlighting the importance of balance, credibility, and inclusivity in journalism.

Panel 2: Media Empowering Nations and Enterprises

The second panel, moderated by Prof. Yatish Joshi, examined the broader role of media in shaping societies and economies.

  • Shailesh Pande (Tarun Bharat) championed the importance of vernacular media, predicting that as Gen-Z matures, print media will regain influence due to its depth and permanence.
  • Partha Maitra (Times of India) urged Indian media to confidently project the “Indian dream” rather than emulate the American model, shaping India’s voice on the world stage.
  • Manikant Soni (Dainik Bhaskar) called for journalism to once again act as an unbiased mirror of society, cautioning against distortions and emphasizing objectivity.

Prof. Joshi wrapped up the conclave by thanking speakers and participants, noting that the event successfully opened conversations on how Indian media can foster national progress, strengthen democracy, and support India’s global ambitions.

A First for IIM Nagpur

The conclave marked IIM Nagpur’s growing role as a hub for public debate and thought leadership. By bringing together media professionals, academics, and students, the event highlighted the interplay between journalism and nation-building as India prepares for 2047.

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