Speaking exclusively to IndianMediaBook, Vikram Chandra, Group CEO, NDTV, said, “We wanted to do something different and together with TCS we came up with the idea of getting big Nobel Laureates on one platform get big to discuss on various issues and to think about what can make an actual change.”
The Nobel Laureates such as Leymah Roberta Gbowee, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Kailash Satyarthi, Amartya Sen, Arthur McDonald and David Trimble took part in a different panel and discussed various issues such as Whether the internet is both democratic and dangerous; The importance of scientific and medical research’ and With increasing global polarization are we heading towards more internal violence and a major global conflict?
Internet: democratic or dangerous?
In a panel discussion at Nobel Solutions Summit, the Nobel laureates have shown their concern towards the increasing penetration of Internet; whether the role of internet is democratic or could it also be dangerous?
Today internet has become a crucial topic for debate. It has huge contribution in development, but it simultaneously consists of drawbacks as well.
Speaking about the use of internet, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Nobel Laureate said, “Internet is becoming useful and ubiquitous, it is the utility like running water. If you deprive the majority of connectivity, it creates a digital divide.”
Not only common people, Indian government is now taking initiative so as to become Digital India. However, freedom of speech on the internet, is a major concern for the government who would want to continue in office and at the same time doesn’t want to appear as unfair.
“How do you balance the needs of society to prevent the dangerous elements of carrying out anti-social actions with a rule of law where the government cannot arbitrarily exercise power? Similarly a totalitarian state can use the power of the internet to clamp down on any dissenting opinion”, commented Ramakrishnan.
For Amartya Sen this conversation to some extent is the distinction between the state and the government. Sen believes that It’s not so much of the government’s responsibility as it is of the state which includes other institutions like judiciary, law, to participate in public debate and discussions.
“Every government also wants to win the next election and which shows certain amount of cynicism that comes in on the kind of conversation or communication it wants to encourage, expressed Sen.
The Indian Media industry has been largely driven by increasing digitisation and higher internet usage over the last decade. Internet has almost become a mainstream media for entertainment for most of the people.
“Internet is the future of Indian Media Industry. At NDTV, being a TV company, we have been focusing on internet in past 10-15 year and we have built-up NDTV.com, which is one of the powerful portals in the country. So, internet is something that we are paying lots of attention to and that is something which we want to continue it”, added Chandra.
According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Internet advertising will emerge as the third-largest segment, with a share of about 16 per cent in the total M&E advertising pie.
“Before the internet, we said TV is for entertainment and radio for information”, expressed David Trimble.
One of the major issues with the internet is people misusing anonymity. Anonymity is absolutely crucial in case where expressions can lead to suppression or even death.
Expressing his thoughts, Trimble, said “You can strike a balance but the balance is going to change. Anonymity is extremely vital in certain societies but it does not apply universally. If anyone could work out where Internet would be in next few years, they will make a fortune.”
In past few years, NDTV has been indulging in several initiatives from different fields Banega Swachh India, Operation Everest, Save Our Tigers, Marks for Sports, Support My School etc.
“Over a period of time, NDTV has achieved a reputation by doing meaningful campaigns and exercises that get a greater impact and difference to the society in order to bring change. We will continue to do such activities in future”, concluded Chandra.
