The event concluded with a keynote address by Tribhuvan University’s Rector Prof. Dr. Khadga KC, marking the end of discussions that brought together academics, journalists, and media experts from across South Asia to address the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age.
More than 200 media educators, scholars, and researchers from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka participated in the conference, which served as a platform for regional collaboration in addressing contemporary media challenges while promoting academic discourse on the future of journalism in South Asia.
The key points of Prof. Dr. KC’s keynote speech focused on global communication, Nepal’s challenges and opportunities, and the role of academia in fostering competent human resources.
Keynote Speech Summary
Prof. Dr. Khadga KC delivered a keynote address at the two-day Kathmandu Conference on Communication and Media, organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University. He began by expressing gratitude to the organizers, faculty, students, and participants, particularly highlighting the efforts of Kundan Sir and his team for their dedication in making the event a success. Prof. KC commended the department for its rapid progress and promising academic journey since its inception, emphasizing its role in fostering media research and education in Nepal.
He acknowledged the challenges of balancing administrative duties with academic pursuits, apologizing for his delayed arrival due to prior commitments, including welcoming foreign scholars and awarding scientists through the Research Directorate of TU. Prof. KC praised the department’s leadership for creating a vibrant academic environment and leveraging its infrastructure to host seminars, workshops, and conferences that engage both local and international stakeholders.
Global Communication and Nepal’s Role
Prof. KC then transitioned to the core theme of his speech: global communication, international soft power, and Nepal’s role in this context. He explained that global communication goes beyond the transfer of goods and services, focusing instead on the dissemination of knowledge, ideas, and opinions. He cited the example of King Birendra bringing a printing machine from Biratnagar to Kathmandu as a form of communication that inspired innovation and progress.
He emphasized the interconnectedness of global communication, international relations, and diplomacy. Effective communication, he argued, is essential for implementing foreign policy and safeguarding national interests. Unfortunately, Nepal’s diplomats often face criticism for their inability to communicate effectively on global platforms, which undermines the country’s diplomatic efforts. Prof. KC stressed the need for competent communicators who can represent Nepal confidently and persuasively in international forums.
East-West Knowledge Production
Reflecting on the dominance of Western ideas in global communication, Prof. KC noted that modern and postmodern intellectual traditions have largely been shaped by Western scholars like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Michel Foucault. While a few Eastern scholars, such as Arjun Appadurai and Gayatri Spivak, have contributed to global discourses, they were often trained in Western institutions. This highlights the historical imbalance in knowledge production, with the West leading and the East following.
However, Prof. KC pointed out that Asian countries like China, India, and South Korea are now making significant strides in innovation and knowledge production. China, for instance, has become a global leader in patents and technological advancements, while India is excelling in software development. These countries are challenging the West’s dominance in global communication by producing indigenous knowledge and products that resonate worldwide.
Nepal’s Soft Power and Global Presence
In the context of Nepal, Prof. KC acknowledged the country’s reliance on natural assets like Mount Everest and Gautam Buddha as symbols of soft power. While these are valuable, he argued that Nepal needs to create more innovative ideas and products to strengthen its global communication. He highlighted the contributions of Nepali diaspora members, such as Dr. Dittal in Australia and professors at Oxford, as examples of how competent human resources can enhance Nepal’s global presence.
Prof. KC also emphasized Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping missions as a source of pride and a tool for global communication. Nepal’s army has been a significant contributor to peacekeeping efforts, showcasing the country’s commitment to global peace and security. However, he noted that Nepal still lags behind in producing globally recognized products or ideas, unlike South Korea, which has brands like Samsung and Hyundai that communicate its strengths globally.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, Prof. KC stressed the importance of global communication for a small country like Nepal. He called for a focus on producing competent human resources—diplomats, journalists, academics, and media professionals—who can effectively represent Nepal on the global stage. He praised the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication for organizing the conference, which he described as a commendable step toward promoting global communication. Prof. KC urged continued collaboration and innovation to ensure that Nepal’s voice is heard and respected worldwide.