Nagpur, 6.9.2026

The two-day IIM Nagpur Media Conclave 2026 concluded at the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur on Sunday, bringing together policymakers, media leaders, industry representatives, Padma Awardees, academics, professionals and students for deliberations on media, leadership, public communication and the changing global order.

Organised around the theme “Media, Leadership and the New World Order,” the conclave provided a national platform to discuss the role of responsible media, ethical leadership, technology and youth in nation-building.

The conclave commenced on September 5 with an inaugural session presided over by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. Shri B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited, attended as the Chief Guest. Prof. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, and Prof. Yatish Joshi, Chairperson—Brand and Media, IIM Nagpur, were present on the dais.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Gadkari highlighted the role of media in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting informed public participation. “An independent, impartial and fair media are very important for the progress and development of democracy,” he said.

Describing credibility, goodwill and honesty as valuable assets in the 21st century, he encouraged media professionals to uphold conviction, commitment and professional ethics while effectively communicating matters of public interest.

Prof. Metri said India’s young population would play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s development and global position. He emphasised the responsibility of educational institutions in equipping young people with knowledge, critical thinking, ethical judgement and leadership capabilities.

Shri Prabhakaran encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship and contribute to national economic growth. Recalling his entrepreneurial journey and the development potential of Gadchiroli, he said, “I saw opportunities in the soil of Gadchiroli, and today it is yielding encouraging results and writing a new story in the world of steelmaking.”

The first day featured keynote sessions by Shri Vijay Joshi, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Press Trust of India, on managing media organisations in the age of artificial intelligence, and Shri A. K. Bhattacharya, Editorial Director, Business Standard, on leadership, economic reforms and the emerging global order.

A special Padma Conclave featuring Padma Shri awardees Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, Dr Dhananjay Sagdeo and Shri Subhash Sharma focused on leadership, public service, healthcare communication, grassroots engagement and natural farming.

The conclave concluded with a valedictory address by Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Government of Maharashtra, who underlined ethics as the common thread connecting media, leadership and the emerging world order.

Highlighting India’s demographic and intellectual strengths, Adv. Shelar cautioned that the energy and potential of the country’s youth must be guided by a strong ethical foundation. “We must remain conscious of attempts to influence and divert the energy of young India. Our youth must be informed, alert and guided by a strong ethical foundation,” he said.

He emphasised the interconnected roles of culture, media, technology and leadership in India's journey towards becoming one of the world’s leading nations. “Communicate to create understanding, not merely to attract attention. Before you speak, understand the issue. Before you share, verify the facts. Before you use technology, think about its human purpose,” he said.

Earlier, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee and cultural activist Amit Waikar delivered a keynote address on “Beyond Borders: How India Communicates with the World.” Addressing students, he described young Indians as the country’s influential global communicators.

Prof. Metri reiterated IIM Nagpur’s commitment to preparing a future-ready workforce and contributing to the development of Maharashtra and the country through partnerships, knowledge and people-oriented initiatives.

The two-day conclave emerged as an important forum for reflecting on the responsibilities of media and leadership amid rapid technological transformation and changing global realities. Across its sessions, speakers underscored the importance of credibility, ethical judgement, responsible communication and the constructive engagement of India’s youth in nation-building.

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Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

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