Youth for Governance Fellowship – Government Talk Series For Website

Mysuru, September 17, 2025 – As part of the Youth for Governance Fellowship – Government Talk Series, a special session on “Strengthening Civic Participation in Urban Areas – Role of Media and Communication” was held at the EMRC Auditorium, University of Mysore. The event brought together media students, governance experts, and civil society leaders, and was jointly organised by the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), University of Mysore, Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), and Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM).

The session aimed to engage youth in discussions on civic participation, particularly in the context of urban India, where media and communication play a critical role in shaping public opinion and citizen action.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Bharath Joshi, Chief of the Political Reporting Bureau, Deccan Herald (Bengaluru), voiced concern about the declining interest of today’s youth in political news. He pointed out that while politics influences everyday life—directly or indirectly—young people often underestimate its importance. “The decisions taken by the government affect every aspect of our lives, from education and employment to urban infrastructure and the economy. Knowing whom to support and why makes political news indispensable,” he remarked. He also lamented that the habit of engaging with in-depth political reporting has been eroded by the preference for quick updates, memes, and superficial social media content.

Shri Ravi Shankar, CEO of AIM High Consulting (Bengaluru), focused his talk on the role of protest and constructive dissent in democracy. He explained that protest should not be seen as confrontation alone but as a meaningful tool to demand accountability and drive reform. “Start by asking questions. Don’t protest with stubbornness, but with clarity and purpose. When protests are constructive, they become a powerful force for social change,” he told the audience, encouraging students and fellows to use dialogue and collective action effectively.

Adding another dimension, Dr Basavaraju R. Shresta, Executive Director of GRAAM, underlined the role of youth as the “conscious keepers of the times.” He observed that in any society, only around 5% of individuals consistently consider the greater good, while the majority tend to follow their lead. However, he cautioned that today’s younger generation consumes much of its news and political information through social media platforms, which are algorithm-driven. “Social media often shows you only what you like to see, not the entire picture. This creates echo chambers that can distort your understanding of real issues. To be responsible citizens, you must step beyond these bubbles and seek a balanced perspective,” he advised.

In her presidential remarks, Prof Sapna M. S., Director of EMRC, emphasised the central role of media in facilitating discussion and dialogue in society. She expressed concern that many young people today are detached from crucial debates on governance and global events. “We need spaces where deliberation happens. Too many youngsters are satisfied with passive consumption of content without engaging critically. Real strength lies with you—the youth. You must not become mere reel-makers for entertainment but change-makers for society. It is not just about dreaming; it is about converting those dreams into meaningful action,” she urged.

The event concluded with an interactive session, during which students and fellows raised questions about the role of the press, responsible social media use, and how young citizens can make governance more participatory. The speakers collectively stressed that building an informed, active, and questioning youth is vital for strengthening democracy and civic life in India’s urban spaces.