RONO HILLS, AUG 20:
Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) inaugurated the state-of-the-art Broadcast and Digital Media Resource Centre at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here on Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening media education, experiential learning and public communication at the university.
Speaking during the first live telecast from the facility, the Governor said the new centre marked another milestone in RGU’s journey in media education and public communication. Recalling the inauguration of the university’s Community Radio Station Radio Rono 91.2 FM in August 2023, he said the two facilities would have a far-reaching impact on higher education, public awareness and the development of Arunachal Pradesh.
Parnaik said the Media Resource Centre should serve not merely as a physical facility but as a hub for learning, creativity, communication and public service. It will provide students with practical exposure to broadcasting, production, editing, anchoring and visual storytelling while promoting informed dialogue, educational programming and cultural preservation.
Emphasising the influence of mass media, the Governor urged media practitioners to use the medium responsibly to promote transparency, civic awareness and social change. He suggested developing well-researched programmes on issues such as drug abuse, corruption, environmental protection, public health and social justice to build a more informed and responsible society.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to strengthen the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and empower women through the Lakhpati Didi initiative, Parnaik urged RGU to utilise the centre as an instrument of positive social transformation. He called for impactful content and awareness campaigns against drug abuse, particularly among youth, while highlighting success stories of women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups.
The Governor said the centre could also showcase local role models, innovative livelihood initiatives and community-led development efforts to inspire young people towards productive and healthy lifestyles and encourage greater participation of women in economic activities.
“Media, when used responsibly, has the power not only to inform but also to motivate behavioural change and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he said.
RGU Department of Mass Communication Assistant Professor Moji Riba said the centre was established as a modern audio-visual production and training facility to strengthen experiential learning, digital content creation, institutional communication and professional media education.
He said students would receive hands-on training across the media production workflow, including broadcast journalism, news production, anchoring, camera operation, studio lighting, audio production, video switching, programme direction, floor management, podcasting, editing, colour grading, sound design, documentary production and virtual production.
As part of the inaugural programme, the Governor also participated in a plantation drive under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, symbolising the bond between mother and child and collective responsibility towards environmental conservation. He expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire greater environmental responsibility and create a lasting green legacy for future generations.
RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Shivaraj, Registrar Dr NT Rikam, Dean Faculty of Communication Studies Prof Uttam Kr Pegu and Head of the Department of Mass Communication Prof KH Kabi were present on the occasion.
