Ikshana Media Fest 2026 Kicks Off at Xavier Institute in Mumbai

The Ikshana Media Fest 2026, an annual three-day event organized by the Xavier Institute of Communications in Mumbai, commenced on March 15, 2026. The festival aims to provide students with insights into the evolving landscape of media and technology. The opening event, titled ‘Alfaaz’, was followed by ‘Istoria’, both highlighting the institute’s commitment to exploring innovative communications. This year’s theme, ‘The Intersection of Technology and Humanity’, focused on how to navigate communications in a technology-driven world.

Panel Discussions Offer Insights on Digital Media

The fest featured several panel discussions aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in media consumption. One notable session, ‘Dealing with News Consumption Habits of Digital and Social Media Natives’, emphasized the need for students to adapt to changing audience behaviors. Saheli Chatterjee, Vice-President of PR and Marketing at 4WD Tech PR, remarked, “AI reads data, instincts read nuance, and that makes all the difference.”

Another engaging panel, ‘AI-Roulette’, explored the integration of artificial intelligence in media practices. Brijesh Singh, an Indian Police Service officer and the Information and Public Relations head for the Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the challenge of maintaining focus in the current attention economy. He noted, “We are in the age of attention economy where people’s attention span has really gone down. Students must try to reclaim themselves back from the devices and algorithm.”

Experts Encourage Practical Engagement with Media

Discussions also touched on the advantages and challenges of information accessibility for young people. Govindraj Ethiraj, Editor of The Core, emphasized the benefits of technology, stating, “It’s a great thing that the young have Google and AI, allowing them to pull information from anywhere.” He challenged students to synthesize information effectively, a skill he believes may not have been as crucial in previous generations.

Adding to the conversation, Sunil Nair, Resident Editor at Times of India Mumbai, urged students to cultivate a genuine passion for learning rather than merely scrolling through social media. “Students should read and have rich experiences. They should add complexity to their life, learn new skills, experiment a bit, and break away from routines,” he advised.

Students expressed enthusiasm about the insights gained during the festival. Davina Bijlani, a Journalism and Media Convergence student, stated, “Istoria and Alfaaz were really amazing. The experts helped us understand the present situation of the media industry and how to sustain ourselves in it.”

As the fest continues, participants are expected to engage further with industry leaders and explore the future of media in a digital era. The Ikshana Media Fest not only serves as a platform for learning but also fosters discussions that resonate with the current and future landscape of communications.