Chandigarh University Hosts International Conference CommuniGate 2026 on New Media Ecologies
Chandigarh University, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), successfully organized CommuniGate 2026, a two-day international conference focused on New Media Ecologies Transforming Communication Paradigms in the Digital Age. This event provided an interdisciplinary platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and emerging researchers to engage in insightful discussions on contemporary challenges and opportunities within the evolving landscape of digital communication.
Dignitaries and Participants at CommuniGate 2026
The conference was hosted by Chandigarh University's University Institute of Media Studies (UIMS) and featured a distinguished lineup of speakers. Key attendees included:
- Prof (Dr) KG Suresh, veteran journalist and Director of India Habitat Centre
- Rabindra Narayan, MD and President of GTC Network
- Prof (Dr) Raviraj N Seetaraman, Vice-Chancellor of Chandigarh University
- Dr Nitin Kumar, Deputy Director (Research) at ICSSR
- Mimansa Malik, veteran TV anchor
- Dr Mihir Ranjan Patra, Chairperson of DCMT at GJUST Hisar
- Prof Kulveen Trehan from GGSIPU
- Pallavi Srivastava, entrepreneur and media professional
Approximately 60 research papers were presented during the technical sessions by scholars from various countries, including Nigeria, Bahrain, and Venezuela, as well as multiple Indian states such as Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
Insights on Digital Transformation and Media
Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, highlighted the transformative impact of digital technologies on communication systems. He noted that social media platforms, algorithmic systems, artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, mobile communication, and participatory cultures are collectively reshaping public discourse, cultural expression, governance, and everyday life. Sandhu emphasized that CommuniGate 2026 served as a vibrant platform for critical deliberation on these dynamics and their implications for democracy, culture, education, migration, and social inclusion.
AI and Human Touch in Journalism
Media experts at the conference acknowledged that AI and emerging technologies are revolutionizing the media landscape in the digital age. However, they stressed that the human touch remains essential for authentic storytelling and quality journalism. Rabindra Narayan, in his valedictory address, remarked that while AI enhances efficiency, it is only as effective as the prompts given by humans. He encouraged continuous learning and application of critical thinking to AI outputs. Narayan also emphasized the importance of real-world engagement, stating that real stories are found in real places with real people, and only such narratives endure.
Ethical Practices and Future Directions
Prof (Dr) KG Suresh discussed the rapid transformation of journalism due to new media, social platforms, and AI, highlighting concerns over misinformation. He called for technological competence, ethical practices, and human-interest-driven reporting. Mimansa Malik pointed out the power of digital media, urging young journalists to balance representation with ideological awareness and prioritize ethical citizen journalism, engaging storytelling, and responsible AI use for fact-checking. Dr Nitin Kumar emphasized the need for ethical practices, responsible usage, and regulation of digital platforms, advocating for a collaborative approach among technology, media, society, and policymakers to address new media challenges.
About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked institution, approved by the UGC and located near Chandigarh in Punjab. As the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab with an A+ Grade from NAAC, it offers over 109 UG and PG programs in fields such as engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, and commerce. The university has been recognized for its excellent placement record.
