Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, recently visited the International Media Centre (IMC) to evaluate the readiness and arrangements for the highly anticipated G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place from September 9th to 10th, 2023, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. During his tour, Minister Thakur gained insights into the state-of-the-art facilities available at the venue.
The IMC, which will serve as the epicenter for media activities during the G20 Leaders’ Summit, comprises various key areas such as the Media Control Room (MCR), Studios, Production Control Room (PCR), Public Query Room (PQR), and the social media room. These facilities are designed to facilitate seamless coverage and communication during the event.
Speaking at the venue, Minister Thakur conveyed India’s enthusiasm for hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit and underscored the significance of the event. He shared that more than 200 meetings had been conducted across over 60 cities in India in preparation for this historic occasion, and the response had been overwhelmingly positive. Minister Thakur expressed optimism that the Leaders’ Summit would leave an indelible mark in history.
Regarding the arrangements at the IMC, Minister Thakur lauded its world-class infrastructure, showcasing the strength and capabilities of New India. The IMC’s decor features captivating elements of Indian art and culture, creating an enriching atmosphere. Importantly, it is strategically located adjacent to Bharat Mandapam, the primary venue for the Summit’s proceedings.
Minister Thakur highlighted that the IMC’s primary media center, named “Himalaya,” can accommodate more than 300 journalists. He emphasized that India’s global recognition for its robust digital payment system would be prominently showcased in the pavilions here.
During the event, India aims to proudly exhibit its rich culture and heritage while projecting an image of a progressive and vibrant nation. Minister Thakur expressed India’s commitment to delivering a memorable presentation during the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Considering the immense scale of the G20 event, which will attract a vast assembly of media professionals from around the world, Minister Thakur extended a warm welcome to the global media fraternity. He applauded Doordarshan for its meticulous setup, featuring over 78 UHD and 4K cameras stationed at various locations, from the airport to Bharat Mandapam, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Clean feeds will be extended to all media outlets.
Background:
Extensive preparations have been undertaken to facilitate media coverage at the venue. The Main Summit is slated to occur at Bharat Mandapam, with the IMC located nearby in Hall No. 4 and 5 of the International Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) Complex in New Delhi.
Official proceedings, including arrivals, departures, opening and closing ceremonies, bilateral meetings, spouses’ programs, and engagements at Raj Ghat, will be exclusively covered by Doordarshan and Official Foreign Media, with clean feeds accessible to all.
The IMC offers a host of facilities, including over 1300 workstations with internet connectivity and printers, high-speed WIFI, an International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) for clean feeds, small media booths, one-to-one interview rooms, media briefing rooms, live stand-up positions, media lounges, information kiosks, help desks, a medical room, and diverse dining options. Additionally, more than 80 shuttle buses will operate between JLN and IMC, and there are over 1400 parking spaces available.
Several exhibitions will be open for media visits, including RBI’s Digital Innovation Pavilion, the “Mother of Democracy” video exhibition, and the “Digital India Immersive Experience” by MeITY.
India has held the G20 Presidency since December 1, 2022, with the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, emphasizing global participation, with the entire nation and its 1.4 billion people embracing the role of hosts. This historic event is set to draw one of the largest gatherings of both domestic and international media.
