Jaipur, 21st November 2024: To inspire and educate the next generation of photojournalists, the Imagine Photojournalist Society hosted the 10th edition of the Jaipur Photojournalism Seminar at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) on Tuesday. The one-day event saw the gathering of `distinguished experts from various fields of photojournalism, media, and politics, who shared their valuable insights about photo journalism literacy with the audience, primarily consisting of media students from various institutions in Jaipur.
The seminar brought together renowned professionals, including Mr. Rohit Parihar, senior journalist; Mr. Purushottam Diwakar, International Photojournalist; Prof. Ina Shastri, Vice Chancellor of Banasthali Vidhyapith; Ms. Neeru Yadav, Sarpanch lambi Ahir Village; Mr. Sanjay Awasthi, Head of IOM – UN Migration; Mr. Anshuman Shastri, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Banasthali Vidhyapeth; Mr. Ravi Yadav, Hindi Poet and Actor; Mr. Ayodhya Prasad Gaur, General Manager at Cairn Oil and Gas; Mr. Hemjit Maloo, Director of Veena Music; and Prof. Sachin Batra, Dean and Director of Public Relations at Amity University.
In the beginning of the seminar the Chief Guest, Mr. Rohit Parihar shared his journey in the field of journalism. Mr. Parihar stated “Photojournalism transcends the act of capturing pictures; it serves as a vital bridge between compelling storytelling and reality. For young minds, photojournalism fosters critical thinking, cultivates empathy. It also offers an opportunity to amplify marginalized voices, chronicle historical moments, and drive meaningful change, underscoring its essential role in shaping a more informed and compassionate society.”
Following the event Mr. Purushottam Diwakar elaborated on the theme of the seminar, “The Real Thrill of Photojournalism.” He highlighted the unparalleled excitement of capturing real moments in challenging environments, such as the Indian border, which cannot be replicated by AI-generated images.
Prof. Ina Shastri, Vice Chancellor of Banasthali Vidhyapith, and Mr. Hemjit Maloo, Director of Veena Music, stressed the importance of being a good human being first before becoming a photojournalist, pointing out that the ethical and emotional responsibility of photojournalists is as important as their technical skills.
The seminar also included the showcase of a digital magazine named “Jeene Ka Andaaz”. Produced by camera commandos, the magazine included the work and creativity of young photojournalists. The event ended with a vote of thanks from Mrs. Leela Diwakar.
The seminar provided an exceptional platform for students to gain insight into the evolving world of photojournalism and its significance in modern media. It was an enriching experience that further emphasized the role of photojournalists in shaping narratives and making a lasting impact on society.
