Hyderabad: Dr. MCR Human Resource Development Institute of Telangana on Monday welcomed 30 international delegates for a two-week ITEC Training Program on Media Management. Participants from 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America will attend the course from September 15 to 27, 2025, at the Jubilee Hills campus. The initiative is supported by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Media as the fourth pillar of democracy
Welcoming the delegates, Institute Vice Chairman and Director General Smt. Santhi Kumari, IAS, described media as the “fourth pillar of democracy.” She explained that journalism is more than a profession. It acts as a watchdog of society, provides a voice to the voiceless, and connects citizens with their governments.
She said journalists now operate in a time of constant change. For example, AI-powered fact-checking, mobile journalism, multimedia storytelling, and social platforms are reshaping every newsroom. However, she cautioned that these advances also bring risks. They spread misinformation, weaken public trust, and create new ethical challenges.
“The strength of journalism rests on integrity as much as innovation,” she told the participants. Therefore, she urged them to keep accuracy, fairness, and responsibility at the core of their work.
Training designed for global journalists
The program will give participants first-hand exposure to India’s diverse media ecosystem, which is unique for its multilingual and regional reach. In addition to lectures and interactive workshops, delegates will visit major newsrooms and cultural sites. As a result, they will gain practical insights into how Indian journalism balances tradition with modern reporting.
Course Director Dr. Madhavi Ravulapati, Professor and Head of the Centre for Law & Public Administration, explained that the training was designed to go beyond academic teaching. “It creates space for dialogue, sharing of best practices, and building partnerships that strengthen a free and ethical press,” she said.
India’s commitment through ITEC
She added that the program would help participants develop strategies to reinforce media institutions in their home countries. Furthermore, she stressed that India remains committed to global cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building through the ITEC initiative.
