The Cogito Media Foundation organised a one-day national workshop on Saturday at the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Auditorium, bringing together dozens of aspiring journalists from across India. The event, held in collaboration with Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and the All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC), aimed to equip young media professionals with practical skills for today’s fast-changing digital journalism landscape.
“This generation of journalists must focus on truth, ethics, and professionalism,” said Shams Tabrez Qasmi, President of the Cogito Media Foundation and Director of Millat Times, while inaugurating the event. “We need stronger alternative media to represent voices often ignored by mainstream outlets.”
The workshop featured interactive sessions by experienced journalists and media professionals. Dr. Javed Jamil, Member of AIMDC’s Governing Board, delivered the keynote address, stressing that “media plays a key role in shaping social consciousness and reform.”
Suhail Akhtar Qasmi, a journalist associated with Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, provided a global perspective on journalism, while Aditya Menon of The Quint shared field reporting and fact-checking techniques. “Transparency is essential if we want audiences to trust us,” Menon said.
Abuzar Kamaluddin of the Times Group discussed newsroom leadership, and Muhammad Shahnawaz explained the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism. Zubair Ahmad highlighted ways for journalists to use social media to build sustainable careers. “Independent journalists can earn and grow while keeping their content ethical,” he noted.
Participants also learned about video editing, thumbnail creation, scripting, and using platforms like YouTube to reach wider audiences.
The workshop ended with a special address by Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. “Use media not just as a profession, but as a mission to serve society,” he told the young journalists.
Muhammad Imtiyaz, General Secretary of AIMDC, spoke about the council’s work to nurture future leaders and build stronger alternative media platforms.
The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony.
