NOIDA, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 – The air in Film City today isn’t just filled with the usual hum of broadcast towers; it is electrified. Today marks the grand commencement of the 14th Global Festival of Journalism (GFJN) Noida 2026, a three-day flagship marathon of intellect, ethics, and international diplomacy hosted by the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT). As the gates of Marwah Studios swing open this morning, it is immediately clear: this is no longer just a festival—it is a global movement.
The Visionary Architect: Dr. Sandeep Marwah’s Legacy of Excellence
To understand the magnitude of the 14th GFJN, one must look at the man who saw the future of media before it arrived. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor AAFT, has spent over a decade sculpting this event into the "Cannes of Journalism". His vision has always been twofold: to professionalize the passion of budding journalists and to bridge the gap between local reportage and global diplomacy.
Under Dr. Marwah’s stewardship, the GFJN has evolved from a campus gathering into a powerhouse platform where the "who’s who" of the journalism fraternity converge. His philosophy—that a journalist is a global citizen with a duty to truth—is the DNA of this festival. Today, his presence at the helm continues to inspire a new generation to look beyond the teleprompter and see the human story.
Day 1: A Grand Launch Amidst Global Dignitaries
The festival kicks off this morning with a high-decibel Inauguration Ceremony scheduled for 11:30 AM in the New Building, setting a sophisticated tone for the days to follow. The stage will be a testament to the festival's "international flavor," featuring an extraordinary assembly of diplomatic and media heavyweights.
Distinguished Guests expected on the Dais include:
• Cdr. K L Ganju, Hon. Consul, Union of Comoros
• Mr. Metsing Ediel Lemphane, Counsellor, Lesotho High Commission
• Mr. Ilie Surulescu, Embassy of Romania
• Mr. Sanjeev Paliwal, Senior Journalist, Sahitya Aaj Tak
• Mr. Sumit Awasthi, Consulting Editor, TimesNow Nav Bharat
• Mr. Ramesh Chandra, Editor, Zee Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand
The inauguration will be far more than just speeches; it is a celebration of multidisciplinary art. Following the main event, the Still Photography Exhibition by SOSP students will be unveiled, alongside dedicated exhibitions for Animation and Furniture Design, proving that journalism in 2026 is an intersection of visual storytelling and creative craft.
Navigating the Future: AI in the Newsroom
Simultaneous to the grand opening, the intellectual engine of the festival will roar to life in Studio 1E. The seminar "AI in Newsrooms: Opportunity or Threat?" will tackle the most pressing question of our era. As deepfakes and automated reporting become commonplace, the GFJN 2026 is taking a proactive stance, inviting experts to debate how human intuition can coexist with algorithmic efficiency.
Afternoon Sessions: Conflict, Crisis, and the Truth
As the day progresses, the discourse will shift to the grittier, more courageous side of the profession. At 3:30 PM, the New Building will host a pivotal panel discussion: "Journalism During Conflict and Crisis: From Local to Global".
This session will feature a masterclass in frontline reporting and editorial strategy, with guests including:
• HE Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of Panama to India
• Ms. Surbhi Sharma, Senior Anchor, TV9
• Mr. Pratyush Ranjan, Chief Editor – Digital, AI & Fact-Checking at PTI
• Mr. Pankaj Bhargav, Senior Anchor, News18 India
• Ms. Laveena Raj, Anchor, Zee News
The discussion will delve into the psychological and physical tolls of reporting from war zones. The inclusion of Ms. Avital Barak, Cultural Counsellor from the Embassy of Israel, and a subsequent film screening from Panama at 3:00 PM, emphasizes that stories of crisis are universal.
A Night of Honor: Media Literacy and Global Excellence
The first day will culminate in a marathon of recognition and education. The 4:30 PM Seminar on Media Literacy is a critical session for the masses in website attendance. In an age of information overload, Dr. Marwah and a galaxy of educators will outline the roadmap for discerning truth from propaganda.
This will be followed by a prestigious Award Ceremony and Book Launch, where the festival honours those who have displayed "Global Excellence" in their respective fields. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these awards serve as a reminder that while the medium may change, the merit of hard work remains constant.
The Atmosphere: More Than Just Headlines
Throughout the day, Marwah Studios will be a hive of diverse activity. Attendees can witness the Inauguration of the Esport Xtream Champions League at 11:00 AM on the Library Floor, or participate in the release of posters for the International Day of Journalism and the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Forum.
The first day has set a bar so high that the next two days are already anticipated with bated breath. The world is watching, and today, Noida is the heart of the global conversation.
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