“Print is here to stay because print is more trustworthy when there is incessant fake news on digital platforms. Everything becomes breaking news in the digital world.” This was stated by Mr. Sridhar Aranala, Vice President of The Hindu Group while addressing the students of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on 12th July,2024. Mr Aranala conducted a special session on the “Role of Media in Building Future Dynamic Professionals” which was organized by USTM’s Training and Placement Division.

In his address, Mr. Aranala emphasized the enduring significance of print media amidst the surge of digital platforms. “Print is here to stay because it is more trustworthy,” he stated, highlighting the challenges posed by fake news prevalent on digital platforms. He underscored that scientific studies favour print for better comprehension, learning, and brand recall, while the digital realm often leads to distractions and ‘digital fatigue’.

Mr. Aranala elaborated on the myriad benefits newspapers offer students, from enhancing reading and writing skills, expanding general knowledge, and building vocabulary to promoting critical thinking, global awareness, and social consciousness. He stressed that newspapers make learning engaging and enriching, helping students to connect with current events and ideas from around the world.

He advised the students to focus on their purpose, excel in their endeavors, maintain attention to their intentions, work hard, and prioritize education over entertainment. “Media influences both career trajectories and intellectual development,” Mr. Aranala noted, emphasizing that various media platforms, including traditional news outlets and digital content streams, provide essential information and insights for career growth.

“Intelligence has to be communicated for good use of it. Communication and language are therefore very important,” he stated, adding that life is driven by curiosity and inquisitiveness. He shared insights into the newspaper-making process and asserted that everyone is a natural salesperson. Discussing the adverse effects of mobile phone overuse, he advised aspiring entrepreneurs to create customers rather than merely be consumers.

Earlier, the welcome address by Nurmahmud Ali, Director of the Training & Placement Division at USTM. Mr. Rony Gupta, Regional Head of The Hindu Group, and Mr. Runjun Gogoi from The Hindu’s Guwahati office accompanied Mr. Aranala to USTM. Dr. R. K. Sharma, Advisor at USTM, and Dr. Amit Choudhury, Dean of the School of Technology and Management at USTM, also addressed the audience, enriching the session with their perspectives.

The session concluded with a dynamic interaction between Mr. Aranala and the USTM students, who engaged enthusiastically, seeking further insights and advice.