In-house Seminar

This in-house seminar provides a focused analysis of the role of contemporary media in India as a significant promoter of ultranationalist ideologies. The discussion will dissect how certain segments of broadcast, print, and digital media have contributed to the shaping of a political discourse centered on aggressive nationalism, majoritarianism, and a redefined national identity. The seminar will examine the mechanisms through which media narratives are constructed, including selective news coverage, polarized panel discussions, and the amplification of populist rhetoric. It aims to understand the socio-political and economic drivers behind this trend, including media ownership patterns, market competition, and the symbiotic relationship between media outlets and political establishments.

A crucial part of the discussion will be dedicated to the implications of this media-driven ultranationalism for India’s domestic fabric and its foreign relations, particularly with its neighbours in South Asia, including Bangladesh. The seminar will explore how cross-border perceptions are influenced and often distorted by these narratives, potentially exacerbating regional tensions and impacting diplomatic ties. We will analyze the impact on minority communities within India and the broader challenge to secular, pluralistic values. By placing the Indian experience in a global context of rising nationalism, the seminar seeks to foster a nuanced understanding of this complex phenomenon. The ultimate goal is to formulate a clear perspective on the strategic challenges this trend poses for regional stability and for Bangladesh’s foreign policy calculations, encouraging a dialogue on how to navigate an increasingly complex and emotionally charged information environment in the subcontinent.