NATIONAL MEDIA LITERACY MISSION LAUNCHED AT RJS FORUM in 14th Global Festival of Journalism & DR. SANDEEP MARWAH APPOINTED PATRON of Positive Media.
NATIONAL MEDIA LITERACY MISSION LAUNCHED AT RJS FORUM in 14th Global Festival of Journalism & DR. SANDEEP MARWAH APPOINTED PATRON of Positive Media.
NEW DELHI -- In a decisive move against the escalating threat of digital misinformation and social fragmentation, the RJS Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH) has officially declared 2026 as the Sakaratmak Sankalp Kranti Varsh, or the Positive Resolve Revolution Year. The announcement came during a high-level investigative summit held in the capital, where veteran journalists, academics, and government officials converged to address the devastating impact of the global infodemic on the Indian social fabric. In a landmark moment for the eleven-year-old movement, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University and President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry, was formally appointed as the first Patron of the RJS Positive India Movement.
NEW DELHI -- In a decisive move against the escalating threat of digital misinformation and social fragmentation, the RJS Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH) has officially declared 2026 as the Sakaratmak Sankalp Kranti Varsh, or the Positive Resolve Revolution Year. The announcement came during a high-level investigative summit held in the capital, where veteran journalists, academics, and government officials converged to address the devastating impact of the global infodemic on the Indian social fabric. In a landmark moment for the eleven-year-old movement, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University and President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry, was formally appointed as the first Patron of the RJS Positive India Movement.
Chair the Session- Prof. K.G. Suresh, Director of India Habitat Centre
Speakers :
- Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, Head of News Media at IIMC.
- Dr.Ritu Dubey , Principal Niscort College.
- Gautam Lahiri, former President of the Press Club of India
- Sanjay Upadhyay, National President of Working Journalists of India
The forum, spearheaded by Convener Uday Kumar Manna, served as a critical platform to bridge the gap between traditional journalism and the modern digital landscape. The central thesis of the summit focused on the urgent transition from media education, which focuses on professional livelihood, to media literacy, which is now considered a vital survival skill for democratic stability. The proceedings underscored that as India continues its economic ascent toward becoming the world’s third-largest power, the integrity of its information ecosystem is as essential as its financial infrastructure.
THE SOCIAL CRISIS AND THE WHATSAPP UNIVERSITY PHENOMENON
Prof. K. G. Suresh, Former Vice-Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication and former Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), delivered a stark warning about the current information climate. He identified the rise of WhatsApp University as the primary source of cognitive distortion in modern India. Prof. Suresh argued that the social fabric is being systematically torn apart by unverified clips and narratives designed to incite communal and caste-based friction.
Information without context is a lie, Prof. Suresh asserted. He provided a forensic breakdown of how misinformation is currently weaponized. He cited a recent viral incident involving a bank employee where selective editing made a standard customer dispute appear as a targeted caste-based assault. By the time the full context was revealed—that the dispute had no communal or caste basis—the damage to social harmony had already been done. Prof. Suresh emphasized that the digital age has removed the gate-keeping institutions that once ensured factual accuracy, leaving the public vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
The forum also addressed the technical sophistication of modern deception. Prof. Suresh highlighted how high-end animation and Artificial Intelligence are now used to deceive even the most educated sectors of society. He referenced a viral video that purportedly showed a tiger attacking a forest guard in Central India. The video was shared by high-profile individuals and government officers before it was debunked as a complete digital fabrication. If the elite can be misled by such sophisticated deepfakes, the average citizen stands little chance without a national media literacy policy, he noted.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MEDIA INTEGRITY
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, speaking on the International Day of Journalism—a day his studios helped establish fourteen years ago—linked the economic survival of the media industry to its adherence to the three pillars of journalism: to inform, to educate, and to entertain. He argued that the financial stability of major media houses is directly correlated to their public trust.
Marwah provided a cautionary analysis of the economic shifts in the industry, noting that when a media outlet loses its objective balance or becomes purely critical without offering constructive solutions, its market value and audience trust inevitably decline. He pointed to the shifting ownership and financial struggles of once-dominant news outlets as evidence that the public is moving away from narrative-driven journalism toward fact-based positivity. For India to sustain its growth, Marwah argued, the media must act as a national unifier. He emphasized that the RJS movement is not about avoiding hard truths but about ensuring that criticism is constructive and serves the broader purpose of nation-building.
Uday Kumar Manna further expanded on the economic philosophy of the RJS Positive Broadcasting House. He revealed that the organization operates on a model of collaborative investment rather than traditional donations. This model has allowed RJS to publish seven major volumes of documentation, known as Yashgatha, which serve as a permanent historical record of positive Indian narratives. These books are distributed to libraries and institutions to ensure that the work being done today is preserved for the generations of 2047.
THE INVESTIGATIVE DIALOGUE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The forum featured an intensive interaction between the audience and the panel of experts, focusing on the practical application of media literacy.
QUESTION: In an age of information overload, how can an individual distinguish between a correct narrative and a fabricated one?
PROF. K. G. SURESH: The solution lies in a graded approach to information consumption. First, we must look for the source and the context. Any information that triggers an immediate, violent emotional reaction should be treated with skepticism. I highly recommend that citizens utilize government-verified fact-check handles, such as PIB Fact Check. More importantly, we are advocating for a National Media Literacy Policy where these verification techniques are taught in schools from a young age. Media literacy is no longer an elective; it is a civic duty.
QUESTION: Is AI evolving too fast for human thinking to keep up, and does this mean the end of truth?
Gautam Lahiri : While technology like AI is evolving five times faster than human cognitive adaptation, it lacks what we call Dharma, or the ethical human compass. Technology provides knowledge, but it often leaves a darkness in the human cycle. The only defense is ethical integration.
The forum, spearheaded by Convener Uday Kumar Manna, served as a critical platform to bridge the gap between traditional journalism and the modern digital landscape. The central thesis of the summit focused on the urgent transition from media education, which focuses on professional livelihood, to media literacy, which is now considered a vital survival skill for democratic stability. The proceedings underscored that as India continues its economic ascent toward becoming the world’s third-largest power, the integrity of its information ecosystem is as essential as its financial infrastructure.
THE SOCIAL CRISIS AND THE WHATSAPP UNIVERSITY PHENOMENON
Prof. K. G. Suresh, Former Vice-Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication and former Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), delivered a stark warning about the current information climate. He identified the rise of WhatsApp University as the primary source of cognitive distortion in modern India. Prof. Suresh argued that the social fabric is being systematically torn apart by unverified clips and narratives designed to incite communal and caste-based friction.
Information without context is a lie, Prof. Suresh asserted. He provided a forensic breakdown of how misinformation is currently weaponized. He cited a recent viral incident involving a bank employee where selective editing made a standard customer dispute appear as a targeted caste-based assault. By the time the full context was revealed—that the dispute had no communal or caste basis—the damage to social harmony had already been done. Prof. Suresh emphasized that the digital age has removed the gate-keeping institutions that once ensured factual accuracy, leaving the public vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
The forum also addressed the technical sophistication of modern deception. Prof. Suresh highlighted how high-end animation and Artificial Intelligence are now used to deceive even the most educated sectors of society. He referenced a viral video that purportedly showed a tiger attacking a forest guard in Central India. The video was shared by high-profile individuals and government officers before it was debunked as a complete digital fabrication. If the elite can be misled by such sophisticated deepfakes, the average citizen stands little chance without a national media literacy policy, he noted.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MEDIA INTEGRITY
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, speaking on the International Day of Journalism—a day his studios helped establish fourteen years ago—linked the economic survival of the media industry to its adherence to the three pillars of journalism: to inform, to educate, and to entertain. He argued that the financial stability of major media houses is directly correlated to their public trust.
Marwah provided a cautionary analysis of the economic shifts in the industry, noting that when a media outlet loses its objective balance or becomes purely critical without offering constructive solutions, its market value and audience trust inevitably decline. He pointed to the shifting ownership and financial struggles of once-dominant news outlets as evidence that the public is moving away from narrative-driven journalism toward fact-based positivity. For India to sustain its growth, Marwah argued, the media must act as a national unifier. He emphasized that the RJS movement is not about avoiding hard truths but about ensuring that criticism is constructive and serves the broader purpose of nation-building.
Uday Kumar Manna further expanded on the economic philosophy of the RJS Positive Broadcasting House. He revealed that the organization operates on a model of collaborative investment rather than traditional donations. This model has allowed RJS to publish seven major volumes of documentation, known as Yashgatha, which serve as a permanent historical record of positive Indian narratives. These books are distributed to libraries and institutions to ensure that the work being done today is preserved for the generations of 2047.
THE INVESTIGATIVE DIALOGUE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The forum featured an intensive interaction between the audience and the panel of experts, focusing on the practical application of media literacy.
QUESTION: In an age of information overload, how can an individual distinguish between a correct narrative and a fabricated one?
PROF. K. G. SURESH: The solution lies in a graded approach to information consumption. First, we must look for the source and the context. Any information that triggers an immediate, violent emotional reaction should be treated with skepticism. I highly recommend that citizens utilize government-verified fact-check handles, such as PIB Fact Check. More importantly, we are advocating for a National Media Literacy Policy where these verification techniques are taught in schools from a young age. Media literacy is no longer an elective; it is a civic duty.
QUESTION: Is AI evolving too fast for human thinking to keep up, and does this mean the end of truth?
Gautam Lahiri : While technology like AI is evolving five times faster than human cognitive adaptation, it lacks what we call Dharma, or the ethical human compass. Technology provides knowledge, but it often leaves a darkness in the human cycle. The only defense is ethical integration.
Sanjay Upadhyay : We must train the next generation to use human thinking as a filter. Positivity is not just a feeling; it is a cognitive defense mechanism against the automated spread of falsehoods.
QUESTION: Is there a danger that Positive Media will be viewed as mere government propaganda?
PROF. K. G. SURESH: This is a vital distinction to make. Positive Media does not mean a lack of criticism. If the media is not critical, its democratic role ends. The positivity we speak of refers to the intent. Our intent should be to build the nation, not to demean institutions or individuals for the sake of sensation or political gain. Constructive criticism provides a perspective that leads to a solution. Propaganda provides a narrative that leads to a dead end.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: THE CRISIS OF THE OLD BRAIN
One of the most concerning social revelations of the summit was provided by Shubhra Singh, a KV Teacher and Counselor, who addressed the psychological impact of unregulated digital access on children. Singh introduced the concept of the Old Brain effect, where excessive exposure to predatory online platforms and gaming leads to a reversal of cognitive development in the youth.
Singh warned that platforms like Roblox are being used by digital criminals to target children, leading to a state of conditioning that bypasses parental supervision. We are seeing a cognitive decline where children are losing their memory capacity and processing speeds, functioning with what we call an old brain because their mental energy is being consumed by unregulated digital stimuli, she explained. She argued that the role of positive journalism is to bring these hidden digital threats to the forefront, empowering parents with the literacy needed to protect their children's mental health.
CULTURAL ANCHORING AND GLOBAL OUTREACH
Sunil Kumar Singh, Program Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), connected the domestic media literacy movement to the global Indian Diaspora. He emphasized that positive Indian values are the country’s most potent soft power. He announced an International Mother Language Day event for February 20, noting that the Diaspora looks toward organizations like RJS to maintain a connection with their cultural roots. When our youth connect with the struggles and messages of our historical heroes, they become resilient to the negative narratives of the digital age, he said.
The forum also highlighted the importance of traditional wisdom through Jayram Saroliya, a Kabir folk singer from Madhya Pradesh. Saroliya and Karan Singh Korwal demonstrated how the timeless messages of Bhakti and truth serve as a historical template for positive communication. Their performance served as a reminder that while the medium of communication has changed, the human need for grounded, eternal truth remains constant.
STRATEGIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE ROAD TO 2047
Convener Uday Kumar Manna finalized the session by outlining the strategic roadmap for the Positive India Movement leading up to the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. Key announcements included:
1. THE 2026 REVOLUTION: The designation of 2026 as the year of the Positive Resolve Revolution, which will see the launch of localized media literacy branches across India, starting with a significant expansion in Madhya Pradesh.
2. TECHNICAL FACT-CHECKING WORKSHOPS: Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, Professor at IIMC and a Google Training Specialist, pledged to lead full-day training workshops. These sessions will provide journalists and the public with technical tools to identify deepfakes, verify image metadata, and trace the origins of viral content.
3. DOCUMENTATION AS PERMANENCE: Manna emphasized that the movement is being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and that every program is documented to ensure a permanent record. RJS has already published seven books, and the upcoming volumes will focus on the technical aspects of media literacy and the success stories of the 2047 vision.
4. COLLABORATIVE EXPANSION: The movement is inviting school administrators, like Rakesh Saini of Silver Public School, and legal professionals, like Advocate Murari Tiwari and Advocate Zohaib Rasool, to integrate positive thinking and media literacy into their respective professional spheres.
THE ANALOGY OF MAGIC AND MEDIA
The summit concluded with a unique demonstration by Jitendra Singh, a world-renowned magician and media professional. Singh used the analogy of magic to explain the current state of the media. Magic, like the media, relies on four pillars: hand dexterity, science, yoga, and perception.
When you see a magician perform, you know it is a trick of the hand and science. But when the media performs a trick without transparency, it becomes a dangerous deception, Singh said. He argued that media professionals must return to the transparency of their craft, using their platforms to inspire rather than to deceive. His demonstration served as a metaphor for the entire forum: that truth, when handled with ethical dexterity, can create a positive reality for the entire nation.
As the RJS family moves toward its 2026 revolution, the takeaway from the summit was clear. Media literacy is no longer a niche academic subject; it is a national security imperative. The fight against the infodemic requires a unified front of educators, journalists, and citizens who are committed to the intent of nation-building. By fostering a positive mindset rooted in fact and cultural pride, the RJS Positive Media and Media Literacy Forum has established a definitive blueprint for a resilient and informed India.
The caravan of positivity, as described by Manna, has evolved from a small group of journalists into a nationwide institutional force. With the appointment of Dr. Sandeep Marwah as Patron and the technical support of institutions like MCU and IIMC, the movement is prepared to ensure that the narrative of India’s future remains in the hands of those who value the truth over the trend.
QUESTION: Is there a danger that Positive Media will be viewed as mere government propaganda?
PROF. K. G. SURESH: This is a vital distinction to make. Positive Media does not mean a lack of criticism. If the media is not critical, its democratic role ends. The positivity we speak of refers to the intent. Our intent should be to build the nation, not to demean institutions or individuals for the sake of sensation or political gain. Constructive criticism provides a perspective that leads to a solution. Propaganda provides a narrative that leads to a dead end.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: THE CRISIS OF THE OLD BRAIN
One of the most concerning social revelations of the summit was provided by Shubhra Singh, a KV Teacher and Counselor, who addressed the psychological impact of unregulated digital access on children. Singh introduced the concept of the Old Brain effect, where excessive exposure to predatory online platforms and gaming leads to a reversal of cognitive development in the youth.
Singh warned that platforms like Roblox are being used by digital criminals to target children, leading to a state of conditioning that bypasses parental supervision. We are seeing a cognitive decline where children are losing their memory capacity and processing speeds, functioning with what we call an old brain because their mental energy is being consumed by unregulated digital stimuli, she explained. She argued that the role of positive journalism is to bring these hidden digital threats to the forefront, empowering parents with the literacy needed to protect their children's mental health.
CULTURAL ANCHORING AND GLOBAL OUTREACH
Sunil Kumar Singh, Program Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), connected the domestic media literacy movement to the global Indian Diaspora. He emphasized that positive Indian values are the country’s most potent soft power. He announced an International Mother Language Day event for February 20, noting that the Diaspora looks toward organizations like RJS to maintain a connection with their cultural roots. When our youth connect with the struggles and messages of our historical heroes, they become resilient to the negative narratives of the digital age, he said.
The forum also highlighted the importance of traditional wisdom through Jayram Saroliya, a Kabir folk singer from Madhya Pradesh. Saroliya and Karan Singh Korwal demonstrated how the timeless messages of Bhakti and truth serve as a historical template for positive communication. Their performance served as a reminder that while the medium of communication has changed, the human need for grounded, eternal truth remains constant.
STRATEGIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE ROAD TO 2047
Convener Uday Kumar Manna finalized the session by outlining the strategic roadmap for the Positive India Movement leading up to the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. Key announcements included:
1. THE 2026 REVOLUTION: The designation of 2026 as the year of the Positive Resolve Revolution, which will see the launch of localized media literacy branches across India, starting with a significant expansion in Madhya Pradesh.
2. TECHNICAL FACT-CHECKING WORKSHOPS: Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, Professor at IIMC and a Google Training Specialist, pledged to lead full-day training workshops. These sessions will provide journalists and the public with technical tools to identify deepfakes, verify image metadata, and trace the origins of viral content.
3. DOCUMENTATION AS PERMANENCE: Manna emphasized that the movement is being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and that every program is documented to ensure a permanent record. RJS has already published seven books, and the upcoming volumes will focus on the technical aspects of media literacy and the success stories of the 2047 vision.
4. COLLABORATIVE EXPANSION: The movement is inviting school administrators, like Rakesh Saini of Silver Public School, and legal professionals, like Advocate Murari Tiwari and Advocate Zohaib Rasool, to integrate positive thinking and media literacy into their respective professional spheres.
THE ANALOGY OF MAGIC AND MEDIA
The summit concluded with a unique demonstration by Jitendra Singh, a world-renowned magician and media professional. Singh used the analogy of magic to explain the current state of the media. Magic, like the media, relies on four pillars: hand dexterity, science, yoga, and perception.
When you see a magician perform, you know it is a trick of the hand and science. But when the media performs a trick without transparency, it becomes a dangerous deception, Singh said. He argued that media professionals must return to the transparency of their craft, using their platforms to inspire rather than to deceive. His demonstration served as a metaphor for the entire forum: that truth, when handled with ethical dexterity, can create a positive reality for the entire nation.
As the RJS family moves toward its 2026 revolution, the takeaway from the summit was clear. Media literacy is no longer a niche academic subject; it is a national security imperative. The fight against the infodemic requires a unified front of educators, journalists, and citizens who are committed to the intent of nation-building. By fostering a positive mindset rooted in fact and cultural pride, the RJS Positive Media and Media Literacy Forum has established a definitive blueprint for a resilient and informed India.
The caravan of positivity, as described by Manna, has evolved from a small group of journalists into a nationwide institutional force. With the appointment of Dr. Sandeep Marwah as Patron and the technical support of institutions like MCU and IIMC, the movement is prepared to ensure that the narrative of India’s future remains in the hands of those who value the truth over the trend.
Akanksha Manna
Head Creative Team
RJS PBH -RJS POSITIVE MEDIA
8368626368
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