The Cogito Media Foundation successfully hosted a one-day national workshop on Saturday at the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Auditorium, bringing together dozens of aspiring journalists from across India. The workshop was organised in collaboration with Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and the All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC), with the aim of empowering young media professionals with practical tools and knowledge to navigate the fast-changing digital journalism landscape.
The workshop focused on building skills in ethical and impactful journalism, investigative techniques, and the role of independent media in today’s polarised environment. It featured interactive sessions by leading names in Indian and international journalism.
Inaugurating the event, Shams Tabrez Qasmi, President of the Cogito Media Foundation and Director of Millat Times, spoke about the urgent need for credible and honest journalism, especially from communities whose voices are often sidelined in mainstream media. “Young journalists must focus on truth, ethics, and professionalism,” he said, calling for a stronger ecosystem of alternative media in India.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in enriching sessions led by veteran journalists and media professionals:
Dr. Javed Jamil (Member, Governing Board, AIMDC) delivered the keynote address on the role of media in shaping social consciousness and reform.
Suhail Akhtar Qasmi (Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya) gave an international perspective on journalism, covering trends in Arab media and the global news landscape.
Aditya Menon (The Quint) shared practical insights on field reporting, fact-checking, and the importance of transparency in digital journalism.
Abuzar Kamaluddin (Times Group) discussed newsroom leadership, editorial decision-making, and managing high-pressure environments.
Muhammad Shahnawaz presented a detailed talk on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and media workflows.
Zubair Ahmad highlighted how journalists can use social media platforms to generate income and build economically sustainable media ventures.
The sessions were filled with hands-on advice and practical examples. Speakers emphasised the value of continuous learning, research, and discipline in today’s media world. They also offered tips on video editing, scripting, creating engaging thumbnails, and building strong communication skills to thrive on digital platforms like YouTube.
The day concluded with a special address by Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, who encouraged the participants to remain committed to truth, character, and social responsibility. “Use media not just as a profession, but as a mission to serve society,” he told the attendees, taking time to answer their questions and share personal experiences.
Muhammad Imtiyaz, General Secretary of AIMDC, introduced the audience to the council’s various initiatives, including efforts to nurture future leaders and build robust media alternatives through platforms like the Cogito Media Foundation.
The workshop was anchored by young journalist Faizul Bari founder of The Haque Media, and ended with a certificate distribution ceremony recognising the participation of attendees as well as the hard work of the organisers and volunteers.
This workshop marks another important step by the Cogito Media Foundation in its ongoing efforts to promote responsible journalism and strengthen the presence of alternative media voices in India.
