Gauhati University hosts ‘Inclusive Communication for Resilience’ workshop to strengthen disaster communication

Guwahati, October 8, 2026: “During disasters, it is an important responsibility of the media to provide timely, reliable and accurate information to the public while reducing panic and confusion. Accurate information during a disaster not only helps people remain alert but can also play a crucial role in saving lives. Therefore, it is essential for the media and journalists to place greater emphasis on responsible, sensitive and fact-based reporting,” Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta said on Thursday.

Mahanta was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Inclusive Communication for Resilience’ workshop organised at Gauhati University to strengthen communication and media practices around disaster preparedness, response and resilience.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, in collaboration with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies, Gauhati University.

Inaugurating the workshop, Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Professor Nani Gopal Mahanta highlighted Assam’s increasing vulnerability to floods and other disasters, while also drawing attention to the challenges posed by climate change across the country.

“Disaster management is not solely the responsibility of the administration; it is a collective responsibility of every individual in society. Effective communication, timely information and public awareness can significantly reduce the impact and damage caused by disasters. It is essential today to take all necessary measures to anticipate and prepare for potential disasters. We are hopeful that this initiative will open up new avenues of opportunity in the days ahead,” he said.

The programme began with a welcome address by Professor Ankuran Dutta, Head, Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University. Dr Bharati Bharali and Mandira Buragohain were the coordinators of the workshop.

Convenor Dr Bharati Bharali, while speaking at the programme, stressed the need to place greater emphasis on disaster management, disability and mental health in Assam, particularly in view of the state’s vulnerability to floods, erosion, landslides and other hazards.

“We need to give greater importance to disaster management, especially in Assam, which is highly vulnerable to floods, erosion, landslides and other hazards. It must be seen as a collective social responsibility, with education and communication playing a key role in building awareness, preparedness and resilience, reducing risks and minimising loss of lives and property. We are grateful to all our collaborators, speakers, participants, faculty members, research scholars, students and officials who have extended their support and contributed to making this initiative possible,” Bharali said.

A key highlight of the programme was the release of ‘Compendium on Climate Change Communication: Narratives & India’s North East’, edited by Dr Bharati Bharali and Dr Anupa Lahkar Goswami. The publication examines various dimensions of climate change communication in Northeast India, including narratives, social impacts and emerging challenges.

Another publication, ‘From Perception to Action: A Photographic Chronicle of Climate Change Advocacy and the Role of Media in Assam (2025)’, was also released during the programme.

The workshop featured remarks by Professor Dr Jyoti Hazarika, Director, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, and Ms Pavani Gupta, IIS, Joint Director, Press Information Bureau, Guwahati. Both speakers addressed issues in line with the broader theme of inclusive communication for resilience.

Mandira Buragohain, Project Manager, ASDMA (Knowledge Management and Climate Change), outlined the objectives of the workshop and highlighted the importance of communication, knowledge sharing and public engagement in strengthening disaster preparedness.

Muktaram Deka, Project Manager, DRR, ASDMA; Dr Surajit Baruah, Senior Consultant, Disaster Management, ASDMA; Mrs Limpimoni Talukdar, Project Officer, ASDMA (Awareness Generation), along with other ASDMA officials, faculty members and research scholars of Gauhati University, and students from educational institutions across Assam attended the programme.