New Delhi : In a significant initiative to promote independent journalism, the Cogito Media Foundation, in collaboration with Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and the All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC), organized a one-day national workshop on alternative media at the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Auditorium in Delhi. The event drew aspiring journalists from across the country, providing them with hands-on training in ethical reporting and digital media practices.
The workshop was inaugurated by Shams Tabrez Qasmi, founder-editor of Millat Times and President of the Cogito Media Foundation, who emphasized the critical role of honest and community-driven journalism in India’s increasingly polarized media landscape. “Young journalists must focus on truth, ethics, and professionalism,” he said, urging the creation of a stronger alternative media ecosystem.
Participants benefitted from a series of dynamic and practical sessions led by seasoned media professionals:
Dr. Javed Jamil, AIMDC Governing Board Member, delivered the keynote, highlighting the role of media in social reform and public awareness.
Suhail Akhtar Qasmi, associated with Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, offered a global perspective on journalism, discussing trends in Arab and international media.
Aditya Menon of The Quint shared key insights on field reporting, fact-checking, and transparency in digital journalism.
Abuzar Kamaluddin from the Times Group spoke about newsroom leadership and decision-making under pressure.
Muhammad Shahnawaz addressed the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and its implications for the industry.
Zubair Ahmad discussed how journalists can effectively use social media platforms to create financially sustainable media ventures.
The sessions also covered video editing, content scripting, thumbnail creation, and communication strategies for digital platforms like YouTube. Emphasis was placed on continuous learning, discipline, and research in professional journalism.
The event concluded with a heartfelt address by Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, who encouraged participants to treat journalism as a mission to serve society, not just as a profession. He also answered questions from the audience, sharing personal stories from his life in public service.
Muhammad Imtiyaz, General Secretary of AIMDC, presented the organization’s initiatives aimed at nurturing future media leaders and building alternative media networks through platforms like Cogito.
The workshop was hosted by Faizul Bari, founder of The Haque Media, and ended with a certificate distribution ceremony that acknowledged the efforts of the attendees, organisers, and volunteers.
This initiative marks a meaningful step forward in the Cogito Media Foundation’s mission to empower young journalists and expand the influence of responsible, community-oriented media in India.
