Odisha: Organiser Editor Prafulla Ketkar calls for truthful & credible digital journalism to counter misinformation

BHUBANESWAR: Organiser editor Prafulla Ketkar has urged media professionals and digital content creators to uphold truth, credibility and social responsibility, emphasising the need for rigorous verification and accountability in information dissemination. Addressing the concluding session of a workshop on responsible content creation in Odisha, Ketkar called on young creators to leverage digital platforms to counter misinformation, showcase constructive grassroots initiatives and promote social harmony. He cautioned that while technological advancements had expanded communication opportunities, they had also heightened the risks of misleading information, divisive narratives and the manipulation of public opinion. More than 300 young writers, digital content creators and citizen journalists from across Odisha participated in the Kahuchi Odisha: Young Writers & Creators’ Workshop, organised by the Suchana ‘O’ Sachetanata (SoS) Trust at the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar. The workshop culminated in a ceremony titled Samruddhi Ra Sambhabana, focusing on the role of young creators in promoting Odisha’s development, preserving its cultural heritage and strengthening informed public discourse. Organised in association with the Department of Culture, Government of Odisha, the event brought together media professionals, government officials, linguists, educationists and emerging creators to deliberate on responsible communication, information awareness and the potential of digital platforms to foster a more informed and cohesive society. Credibility matters more than the medium Recalling his experience of covering the 1996 Bihar Assembly elections, Ketkar described an encounter in the Sitamarhi region that illustrated the importance of evaluating information. He met a man who used a radio, television and newspaper to understand current events. Asked which medium he trusted most, the man explained that radio provided news, newspapers helped him assess its validity and television was primarily a source of entertainment. The incident, Ketkar suggested, demonstrated that audiences could distinguish between receiving information and verifying its credibility. He expressed concern that established media organisations risked weakening their credibility when they followed digital trends without maintaining rigorous verification standards. Whether information appears in print, on television or online, he said, its accuracy and responsible presentation remain paramount. Drawing a parallel between nature and culture, he observed that culture disconnected from nature risks becoming distorted. Similarly, information separated from awareness and accountability can turn media into a vehicle for misinformation rather than public enlightenment. In the digital environment, emotionally charged messages, videos and photographs can spread rapidly before their authenticity is established. Such content can influence public opinion and intensify social tensions. Ketkar urged creators to examine the accuracy of their material, provide sufficient context and consider its wider consequences. Popularity, technological sophistication and follower counts, he stressed, cannot substitute for integrity and commitment to truth. Social Media campaigns require scrutiny Ketkar cautioned against treating the scale of online campaigns as an accurate reflection of public opinion. A widely circulated protest or controversy does not necessarily represent the views of the wider population or accurately reflect developments on the ground. Referring to protests in France, Italy, Ireland and Germany, he questioned how movements initially associated with concerns such as education, recruitment, infrastructure or affordable housing could expand to encompass wider political and ideological issues. He also questioned the use of generational labels such as Gen Z to describe young people participating in protests, suggesting that digital platforms and other influential actors could shape how movements were presented and understood. For journalists and digital creators, he said, the essential questions are who defines a movement, who claims to represent its participants and whether the information being circulated reflects their actual concerns. Ketkar urged creators to investigate the origins of information, examine the interests behind particular narratives and distinguish genuine public grievances from attempts to manipulate perception. Viral posts and trending hashtags, he argued, should be treated as subjects for investigation rather than automatic evidence of public sentiment. Technology is reshaping generations Ketkar observed that rapid technological change was transforming how people communicate, learn and consume information. Differences in outlook can emerge even among people separated by only a few years because their experiences of technology and information differ. Young people who depend heavily on digital platforms for education and information may develop different expectations about credibility, attention and learning from earlier generations. He recalled how family members traditionally helped bridge generational differences. When communication between parents and children became difficult, elder siblings, cousins or other trusted relatives often helped resolve misunderstandings. Today, technological transformation can create new differences in outlook and behaviour. Ketkar urged families, educators and content creators to understand these changes and develop more effective ways of communicating with younger audiences. From trunk calls to Artificial Intelligence Tracing India’s communications journey, Ketkar recalled the days of trunk calls and telegrams, when long-distance telephone calls required booking through the post office and operators helped establish connections. Telegrams encouraged concise messages because charges depended on the number of words used. Radio expanded mass communication, while television introduced a visual dimension to news and entertainment. Satellite television in the 1990s transformed viewing habits by offering audiences multiple channels. Mobile phones, internet access, search engines and social media subsequently accelerated the flow of information. Also Read: Chinese Smart Vehicles Face Espionage Scrutiny: Norway finds cars recording sensitive activity near military bases Today, content can reach large audiences almost instantly, but the volume of material available also makes verification more challenging. Ketkar stressed that artificial intelligence and other technological tools could assist content production and distribution but could not replace human judgement, contextual understanding and accountability. Technology should facilitate human life rather than determine how people think and behave. He called for responsible use of emerging technologies, guided by ethical principles and appropriate safeguards. Creators must retain responsibility for verifying facts and considering the consequences of publishing information. Promote positive and constructive content Addressing young participants, Ketkar urged them to use digital platforms to highlight constructive initiatives rather than contribute to negativity and social divisions. Community projects, local development efforts, cooperation among people and the preservation of cultural traditions across Odisha deserve wider recognition, he said. Creators should communicate such stories effectively and take […]