The long awaited North Bengal’s premier media fest on the slogan “Connect, Collaborate and Create” finally begins. Esperanza 4.0 takes off successfully with a number of renowned speakers on day one. Let us dive straight into what the esteemed guest speakers shared.
Mr Arjun Gourisaria: The first speaker, Mr. Arjun Gourisaria, the renowned Indian film editor, spoke on how AI has complete access to the collective memory that the entire planet shares but not the personal inner workings of our memory, the way the human brain functions. Social media is benefiting everyone today and it’s all through technology. AI operates within the boundaries of existing knowledge and serves as a facilitative tool.
Mrs. Anuradha Sharma: the second speaker of the day, discussed why climate change is often unnoticed by the political parties. She highlighted the shortage of media coverage on this issue and laid stress on how the media has a responsibility to anchor it. She challenged all aspiring journalists to have the zeal of an activist but with the integrity of a journalist to bring about this matter to light.
Mr Sonam B Wangyal: Historian Mr. Sonam B Wangyal discussed the history of Darjeeling and Sikkim, discussing their connection and British control. Darjeeling was ceded to the East India Company in 1835, while Sikkim became a British protectorate in 1861. Wangyal’s book, “Sikkim and Darjeeling: Division and Deception,” provides a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.
Ms Chandrayee Mukherjee :Chandrayee Mukherjee discussed the integration of AI in news production, highlighting its benefits such as increased speed and efficiency, surmounting language barriers, and advanced tools like Helliograf, cyborg, and Lynx insight. She also highlighted the risk of misinformation and the need for human judgment in source accessibility. However, she also talked about how AI will continue to play an increasingly important role in news production by serving as an augmented force rather than replacing human journalists.
Mr Vivek Chhetri: Vivek Chhetri discussed the impact of Kevin Carter’s photograph “The Vulture and the Little Girl” on the media, emphasizing the importance of humanness in journalism. He emphasized the challenges journalists face in the age of AI, including job threats and the need for better judgment and contextual understanding. Chhetri emphasized the importance of human journalists for their ability to uncover hidden truths and how they are still essential in this age of AI.
Ms Mudita Raj: The last speaker of the day, Mudita Raj, discussed AI’s impact on creativity, emphasizing the human element in storytelling. She argued that AI is a collection of past works, not a replacement. She highlighted new generation AI software’s ability to create motion pictures and music, but emphasized that AI empowers creativity.
As Day 1 of Esperanza 4.0 comes to a close, it’s clear that the media landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by both technological advancements and the growing importance of pressing global issues. The speakers illuminated the complexities of AI’s integration into journalism, the historical significance of regional stories, and the responsibilities the media has in addressing underreported crises like climate change.
Esperanza 4.0 has taken off on an exciting note, reflecting its slogan “Connect, Collaborate, and Create.” As we move into the next few days, the stage is set for more groundbreaking discussions and collaborations, reminding us that the future of media lies at the intersection of innovation, responsibility, and human insight.
-Rügono Seyie
