One-Day Seminar on Society and Communication Development in the Information Age Organized.
Shimla:
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, organized a one-day seminar on the theme “Society in the Information Age: The Evolutionary Journey from Early Humans to Modern Humans and the Development of Communication.” The seminar was chaired by Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Addressing the seminar, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman said that the evolutionary journey from early humans to modern humans is, in essence, also a journey of the continuous evolution of human communication. Communication has played a vital and decisive role at every stage of the development of human civilization. The journey of communication, which began with early humans expressing their thoughts and emotions through signs, gestures, sounds, and cave paintings, has now evolved into the era of the internet, social media, digital media, Artificial Intelligence, and global communication networks.
Dr. Chaman stated that the emergence of modern humans, Homo sapiens, is the result of a long-term biological, social, and intellectual evolutionary process. Through intelligence, language, social cooperation, and communication skills, human beings not only developed themselves but also transmitted knowledge, culture, traditions, and civilization from one generation to another. In this context, communication has remained a fundamental foundation of human progress and a major instrument of social transformation.
He further said that the present era is widely recognized as the Information Age, in which information has emerged as a valuable resource and a source of power. Technologies such as the internet, smartphones, social media, digital platforms, and Artificial Intelligence have made communication unprecedentedly fast, extensive, and global. Information and Communication Technology has brought far-reaching transformations in education, the economy, governance, journalism, entertainment, and social life.
Dr. Chaman sensitized the students to the emerging challenges of the Information Age and said that, alongside the numerous benefits of technological advancement, society is also confronted with serious challenges such as digital inequality, cybercrime, fake news and misinformation, privacy and data-security concerns, excessive dependence on technology, online addiction, and the changing nature of employment due to Artificial Intelligence and automation. He emphasized that students and citizens must use digital technology responsibly, judiciously, and creatively. He urged the students to verify the authenticity, credibility, and reliability of any information before accepting or sharing it.
Dr. Chaman further observed that an Information Age society is characterized by global connectivity, rapid communication, a knowledge-based economy, digital technology, and innovation. In the present scenario, digital literacy, media and information literacy, data privacy, and critical thinking have become essential skills for every citizen.
Documentary on the Evolutionary Journey from the Origin of Earth to Modern Communication Screened
During the seminar, an informative and engaging documentary titled “The Journey from the Origin of the Earth to Human Evolution and the Development of Communication” was screened. The documentary presented, in a systematic, factual, and impactful manner, the origin of the Earth, human evolution, the emergence of language and early forms of communication, and the subsequent development of modern digital and global communication systems. The screening provided students with an engaging opportunity to understand the close relationship between the evolution of human civilization and the development of communication.
Students Share Their Views
During the seminar, Galaxy Thakur, Bunty, Shivang, and Manish, students of B.A. Second Year, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, presented their views on the theme. Similarly, Rakhi, Isha, and Rahul, students of B.A. Third Year, also expressed their views on the role of communication in the development of human civilization and the growing influence of media and digital technology in the Information Age.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, congratulated the faculty members and students of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication on the successful organization of the seminar. He stated that the objective of the programme was to familiarize students with human evolution, the gradual development of communication, and the changing nature of society in the Information Age, while inspiring them to become responsible, aware, discerning, and digitally empowered citizens.
On the occasion, Manshirat Kaur and Deepika Thakur, students of the First Semester of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, along with Mridula Singh, Neha Kumari, Haripriya, Ananya, Meenakshi, Harshita, Shashikant, Narayan Singh, and Shivani Rani, students of B.A. Third Year (Generic Subject), were specially present, along with other students.
The seminar provided students with valuable insights into human evolution, the historical journey of communication, and the opportunities and challenges of the Information Age, while encouraging them to use media and digital technologies in a responsible, ethical, and judicious manner.
