GCW Parade Ground Hosts Media Literacy Workshop on Deepfakes in Collaboration with FactShala University Network
Jammu, June 2025: The Department of Mass Communication and Multimedia Production (MCMP) at Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu, in collaboration with the FactShala University Network, successfully organized a comprehensive workshop on “Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfakes.” The session aimed to build critical media literacy skills among students, with a focus on identifying and combating misinformation, especially in the age of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technologies.
The workshop was led by Dr. Ravia Gupta, Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jammu, and a prominent figure in the field of media education and digital literacy. Dr. Gupta brought her wealth of experience in communication research, media ethics, and digital journalism to the session. She engaged students in an insightful exploration of how misinformation and deepfakes are influencing media consumption and public discourse. Through a series of interactive discussions, she emphasized the significance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and the ability to distinguish between credible and manipulated sources.
Moderated by Mr. Rohan Choudhary, Journalist, the workshop offered an engaging platform for dialogue between students and media professionals. Mr. Choudhary guided the session discussions with practical insights into the current media environment and the challenges faced by journalists in verifying digital content.
The workshop was enriched by the presence of Dr. Alpana Vohra, Head of Department, MCMP, who played a key role in organizing the event. Faculty members Dr. Gurpreet Kour and Mr. Akash Kumar also contributed to the interactive sessions and supported students during practical exercises.
Designed under the FactShala University Network Programme, the workshop included specially curated modules such as “Google Super Searchers in the Time of AI” and “Critical Thinking and Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfakes.” Students participated in hands-on activities that allowed them to analyze manipulated content, understand misinformation patterns, and use digital verification tools. Real-world examples and case studies highlighted the growing risks of synthetic media and the urgent need to foster digital vigilance.
Supported by the Google News Initiative and developed by DataLEADS, the FactShala University Network has emerged as a leading platform promoting media literacy across Indian campuses. The Jammu workshop marks yet another milestone in the initiative’s mission to empower the next generation with skills essential for navigating today’s complex information landscape.
At the end of the session, students were encouraged to join the FactShala Media Literacy Champions Programme, an opportunity to continue learning and contribute to awareness campaigns within their communities.
The Department of MCMP at GCW Parade remains committed to nurturing informed and responsible media consumers. Through workshops like this, it seeks to ensure that students are not only consumers of digital content but also active, critical participants in the media ecosystem.
