Malayali Media Forum (MMF), Kuwait held a media seminar and conference on Friday in which well-known Indian journalist J Gopikrishnan spoke about ‘Indian Media: Challenges and Opportunities.’ The mega event titled, ‘MMF Media Seminar & Conference 2012’ brought together several media persons, Indian community representatives and business leaders who deliberated on the gravity of value erosion taking place in the media world and discussed ways to cleanse it from corruption and dishonesty.
During the media seminar, Gopikrishnan, the journalist who unearthed the 2G Spectrum scandal in India, spoke about the unholy alliance between corporates and media in advancing and covering up corruption in India. He said Indian media today faced a grave challenge of fighting value erosion and media fraternities could help resist such trends and cleanse it from further decay.
The seminar, held from 10 am till 1 pm at Caesars Dakshin Restaurant Abbassiya, was moderated by General Convener Sajeev K Peter. Convener Girish Ottapalam welcomed the participants.
In the evening, the media conference was inaugurated by Vidhu P Nair, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy Kuwait at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Auditorium, Abbassiya. Gopikrishnan, in his keynote speech, gave a snapshot of the emerging trends in Indian media following the spurt of several social media networks. He also shed light on the alarming scale of corruption in India where corporate mafia and people in high places collude with media barons to further their shady deals.
Program Coordinator Sathar Kunnil welcomed the gathering that consisted of eminent members from Indian Diaspora, leaders of various organizations, cultural activists and business leaders. Gulfmart Country Head Dr T A Remesh released a souvenir by handing over the first copy to Souvenir Convener Sam Painummoodu. BEC Director and GM, E D Titus delivered a felicitation speech. Guest of honor Gopikrishnan presented a memento to Vidhu P Nair. Siddique Valiyakath presented a memento to Dr Remesh while Thomas Kadavil honored Titus. Johnarts Kalabhavan unraveled a caricature of Siddique Valiyakath on the occasion. General Convener Sajeev K Peter presided over the conference while Convener Girish Ottapalam proposed a vote of thanks. Sheetal Rajeev Menon anchored the event.
Cultural program that followed the conference opened with a Mohiniyattom dance recital by Bhavan’s Rhythmscapes teachers Kalamandalam Reshma Gopinath, Kalamandalam Manju and Archana Kalakshetra. A dazzling Bharatanatyam dance was presented by the Rhythmscapes students.
Musical program was presented by singers of Strings Kuwait, Anwar Sarang, Sai, Julia, Sheetal and Sreekumar and Faizal. The cultural program was coordinated by Cultural Convener Nixon George.
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