Vallabh Government College Mandi Hosts Seminar on the Evolution of the Internet in India.
Shimla:
The Journalism and Mass Communication Department of Vallabh Government College Mandi held a one-day seminar titled “The History and Development of the Internet in India: An Interesting Journey,” chaired by the department head, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chaman highlighted the internet’s transformative role in India, noting that the country now boasts over 700 million internet users, making it the second-largest mobile internet market globally, just behind China. He credited initiatives like “Digital India” and “Make in India” for significantly enhancing internet accessibility and spurring growth in sectors such as social media, e-commerce, and online education.
Dr. Chaman acknowledged the dual nature of the internet, discussing its benefits and challenges. He pointed out issues like misinformation, cyberbullying, and identity theft, stressing the importance of critical information evaluation in today’s digital landscape. He warned of the negative impacts of excessive internet use, including diminished real-life interactions and mental health concerns.
The seminar featured a video documentary that explored both the positive and negative ramifications of internet usage. Assistant Professor Aditi Sharma traced the origins of the internet in India, beginning in 1986, with academic connections to the US National Science Foundation Network, and its commercial expansion in 1995.
Students presented research papers on various aspects of the internet’s influence in media, covering topics such as community media, photojournalism, and cinematography.
Professor Surina Sharma, principal of the college, commended the department for organizing the seminar, which was attended by faculty and students actively engaged in discussions about the internet’s impact on society.
The event underscored the significance of understanding the internet’s evolution and its implications for the future.
