Media’s Crucial Role in Upholding Human Rights: Insights from Mr. Om Prakash Vyas at KIIT School of Mass Communication
In today’s convergent era where the real and virtual worlds overlap, the media plays a pivotal role in safeguarding human rights. Recognizing the importance of this theme, KIIT School of Mass Communication organized a special session on “Role of Media in Protection of Human Rights”, featuring Mr. Om Prakash Vyas — an international resource person on law and human rights, a practicing lawyer in the Supreme Court and High Courts, Head of the civil society organization BHIM, and Member of the Fact-Finding Committee on Human Rights Violations with Justice Narsimha Reddy. Mr. Vyas is also the former Joint Registrar (Law) of the National Human Rights Commission of India.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Professor Himansu Sekhar Khatua, Director General, KSMC, KSOFT, and KSFMS. During the session, Mr. Vyas elaborated on various aspects of the Indian Constitution, especially the significance of the term “Dignity” as enshrined in the Preamble. He emphasized the importance of fundamental duties over fundamental rights and cautioned that while freedom of speech is critical, its misinterpretation by media professionals can sometimes propagate negative narratives. He also critically examined India’s bureaucratic structure, remarking that many government officials operate within a rigid “ABCD format,” often leading to inefficiencies.
Mr. Vyas further expressed concern over the misuse of digital media, warning of its adverse impact on young minds and their future. In his concluding remarks, he reiterated that mutual respect is the cornerstone of human rights and must be upheld in all spheres of life.
The session was hosted by Dr. Sananda Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, KIIT School of Mass Communication. It was followed by an interactive Q&A session where students engaged actively with the speaker. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Ruby Nanda, Assistant Professor, KIIT School of Mass Communication.