Journalism Rooted In Empathy, Not AI, Say Experts At National Seminar In Odisha

Koraput (Odisha): Journalism will continue to remain a deeply human profession driven by empathy, authenticity and a profound understanding of communities, and neither Artificial Intelligence (AI) nor social media can replace the role of journalists, experts unanimously observed at the conclusion of a three-day National Seminar-cum-Workshop at the Central University of Odisha on Wednesday.

The seminar, titled “Journalism at the Grassroots: Trends and Challenges in the Age of AI and Social Media,” brought together leading academicians, senior journalists, media professionals, research scholars and students from across the country to deliberate on the changing media landscape and the future of grassroots journalism in the digital era.

The programme, held from August 3 to 5, witnessed participation from journalists representing Koraput district and its surrounding regions, including Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Jeypore, Sunabeda, Semiliguda, Damanjodi and Laxmipur, besides faculty members and students from the Central University of Odisha and several State and Central universities.

The valedictory session was presided over by Central University of Odisha Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. C. Panda. Prof. Asima Sahu, Vice-Chancellor of Khallikote Unitary University and Vice-Chancellor (In-charge) of Berhampur University, attended as the chief guest.

Senior journalists Rajaram Satapathy, Akshaya Kumar Sahoo and Ajaya Kumar Sahu attended experts. Dean of Students' Welfare) Dr. Minati Sahoo, finance officer Dr. Duryodhan Sethy, seminar convener Sumit Kumar Behera and head of the department of journalism and mass communication Dr. Sourav Gupta were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Rajaram Satapathy said journalism has undergone sweeping technological changes over the past few decades, yet its fundamental principles remain unchanged.

“The platforms may have changed, but the core values of journalism—truth, objectivity, verification and public interest—continue to define credible reporting,” he said, adding that responsible journalism has consistently acted as an agent of positive social transformation.

Sharing his professional experiences, senior journalist Akshaya Kumar Sahoo described journalists as an essential bridge between citizens and policymakers.

“Fact-based reporting from rural and grassroots communities often compels governments to respond through welfare programmes, developmental initiatives and policy interventions. Journalism performs its highest public service when it amplifies the voices of those who are otherwise unheard,” he said.

Speaking on the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence, Ajaya Kumar Sahu said AI offers enormous possibilities for improving newsroom efficiency, data analysis and content production. However, he warned that excessive dependence on AI could weaken originality, creativity and critical thinking—qualities that remain indispensable for professional journalism.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. C. Panda urged journalism students to develop a deeper understanding of the realities faced by ordinary people, particularly those living in rural and tribal areas.

He observed that stories emerging from remote regions often shape public discourse and influence government policy by bridging the communication gap between citizens and decision-makers.

Earlier, Dr. Sourav Gupta welcomed the participants and said the seminar had been designed as a unique blend of academic deliberations and field-based training, enabling students to experience rural realities first-hand and produce meaningful public-interest stories.

Presenting the workshop report, convener Sumit Kumar Behera said the participants had gained valuable insights into rural reporting from experienced journalists and media scholars, strengthening their understanding of community-centred journalism.

Dean of Students' Welfare Dr. Minati Sahoo appreciated the initiative, stating that practical exposure is essential for developing socially responsible journalists. Finance Officer Dr. Duryodhan Sethy expressed hope that such academic engagements would encourage objective and unbiased journalism in an era increasingly influenced by misinformation and digital manipulation.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Pradosh Kumar Rath, Assistant Professor in the department of journalism and mass communication.

One of the major highlights of the three-day event was an intensive workshop for rural journalists of Koraput district, where participants discussed practical challenges in reporting from remote and tribal regions, including limited infrastructure, digital transformation, misinformation, ethical reporting and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence.

The organisers said the seminar sought to strengthen the interface between academia and the media industry while preparing the next generation of journalists to uphold the values of accuracy, accountability and public service in an increasingly technology-driven information ecosystem.