LOKMAT News Network | An international symposium on ‘Human Rights for Communicators: An approach to Peace Journalism’ was jointly organised by MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication and DISHA International Foundation for the students of journalism, law and other courses at Arya Bhatt Hall, on Tuesday.

A delegation from Europe addressed the gathering, while Adv Asim Sarode, human rights lawyer, was the chief guest and vice chancellor of MGM University Sudhir Gavhane presided.

Gavhane, in his inaugural speech, said democracy strengthens press, which in turn, safeguards democracy. He also highlighted the importance of human rights in the contemporary Indian society and the role of media in preserving democratic values.

Dijana Puskar (president, NGO IUVENTA, Serbia) spoke on their ongoing project in India on ‘Global Citizenship and Human Rights.’

Luca Frongia (president, Association TDM2000, Italy) spoke on the key values of International Human Rights and United Nations Charter of 1945.

Adv Sarode expressed his concern about lack of powerful mechanism in India regarding human rights implementation and hence the role of media to bridge this gap.

He revealed that Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar had pioneered peace journalism with their credibility and motivating the masses for a peaceful freedom struggle.

Milisav Milinkovic of Serbia, Anna Sarkisyan and Andras Lorincz of Hungary and Ismi Novia of Indonesia, Kerron Vaishnav (founder and national secretary of DISHA Foundation) also expressed their views.

Ankushroa Kadam (Chancellor, MGM University), Prof Pratap Borade, Principal Rekha Shelke and Dr Prerna Dalvi were present.