Pastoral Communication Course Graduation March 27, 2010

Graduation signifies the formal presentation of awards, a memory that one cherish forever. NISCORT believes in making your graduation day an event you will never forget. The Graduation ceremony for Short term Pastoral Communication course took place on 27th March, 2010. NISCORT was privileged to have Sr. Jessy Kurian, Member Minority Commission Government of India as Chief Guest on the Pastoral Communication Graduation Ceremony, Br. Solomon and Sr. Flora were among the dignitaries for the ceremony. Fr. Jude Botelho, Director, Fr. Dejus H.R, Assistant Director, Fr. John Edappilly, Dean, academic staffs, and fellows of the institute joined to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students. Dr. Jude Botelho, Director of NISCORT addressed the gathering after a prayer song by the student group. “The course is a taste to practice and discover the vision of communication.” said Dr. Jude Botelho focusing on the main objective of the course. Proud of the fact that all graduating students were woman Dr. John Edappilly, Dean of studies happily explained the course academics and dynamics.


Pastoral communication graduates showcased their creativity through the newsletter, audio and video presentation. The audio presentation dealt with Kandhamal riots whereas the video presentation titled ‘Divinity Hidden’ was all about the breathtaking creation of God. Sr. Jolly Pereira shared her experiences at NISCORT on behalf of the graduating batch. “Communication is the art of living and effective communication is the heart of living”, said Sr. Kurian, in her convocation address. She also gave an insight about the Rights of the Minority communities in India and encouraged the women of our country to fight for their right. Her encouraging and thought provoking speech was followed by felicitation speech by Bro. Solomon and Sr. Flora. Finally, the most awaited moment for the graduates arrived. Sr. Jessy Kurian along with Fr. Jude Botelho and Fr. John Edappilly distributed the certificates to the graduating students with a hope that the knowledge and training given will allow them to communicate the message of God effectively.

Sports Reporting In Media March 26, 2010

Speaker: The scope of media industry is not less as it offers a great variety of careers to choose from. The 111th session of World Around at NISCORT was intended to make students learn about ‘Sports Reporting in Media’, one of the most challenging and popular beat with Mr. G. Rajaram, a sports journalist, who have had years of experience and is also a sports commentator for Television and Radio. Mr. Rajaram has been also associated with some prominent newspapers and magazines.


Issues covered: “Sport and life is similar,” said Mr. Ram as the opening sentence of his talk. He further elaborated that if one learns to lose in sport he/she will face ups and down in life. Mr. Ram talked about the uniqueness of Sports Journalism. When compared to many other beats, sports journalism is the only form that allows a journalist to express his/her feeling. One has the freedom to become a participant and interpret as well as comment in a much better way. He also enlightened the students on why cricket is getting more hype and coverage over other games. He explained that cricket is designed for television where corporate can easily place in their advertisements. He also showed his disinterest towards the amount of money invested in new concepts such as IPL. Mr. Rajaram said that we are not going to be a champion and reach up to the level of western countries because majority do not have a sports spirit and sporting culture right from our homes. Mr. Ram explained about the hard work and preparation involved in sports reporting. It is not easy to report until and unless one has researched well. Preparation does not revolve around knowing the names of the players and the schedule of the tournament but also involves awareness about certain rules and regulations of the game. Along with the research part, the aspirant must brush up their observing skills. Once the preparation, observation and analysis is over no one can stop a sports reporter to express it in a very effective manner.Clearing the doubts of the students Mr. Rajaram said that having practical experience is not a decisive factor to get into sports journalism but if one has some practical experience it definitely helps as he/she is considered to connect with the players and subject properly. He also shed light on the writing skills required for sports beat. It’s the duty of the sports reporter to make the readers feel that they are actually watching the match. Therefore a sports journalist should write in a conversational way.

Presentation Style: Mr. G. Raja ram had a very practical approach towards the subject. He supported his talk with real life instances from which an aspirant can always learn. The lecture helped the students to know the subject in an improved way

Evaluation: The lecture allowed the students to develop a keen interest in sports. The information given by the guest will help those who are focused about taking sports as their specialized area. With so many sports event round the corner, the opportunities for students have also increased. In such a scenario tips from such a well known sports journalist will definitely prepare them for their future.

“Media Response to Regional Resurgence" One-Day National Seminar March 20, 2010

The National Institute of Social Communication, Research and Training (NISCORT) organized a National seminar on ‘Media Response to Regional Resurgences’ at the Constitution Club, New Delhi on March 20th, 2010.

The chief guest of this programme was Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament and Chairman Parliamentary Committee on HRD. The seminar was an eye-opener for all concerned about Indian media industry and their vital role in our society. It was a serious all-day event, attended by experts from various media, Law, Social and educational backgrounds Students from other institutes also participated in the seminar showing their keen interest in the topic.

The Panel members for the first session included Mr. Colin Gonsalves, Supreme Court Lawyer and Human Right Activist, Dr. Sabiah Zaidi, Professor Jamia Milia, Dr. Chandra Bhan, Scholar and Activist speaking on Constitutional approach, Tribal Women’s Perspectives and Dalit’s Perspectives respectively. Mr. Amit Sengupta, Editor, Hard News was the moderator of the session. The second session was moderated by Mr. Ram Sharan Joshi, a Senior Journalist and the panel members were Mr. Sumit Chakravarti, Editor Mainstream Weekly, Mr. N.R. Mohanty, Ex-Editor TOI and HT, Ms. Karen Gabriel, Professor, St. Stephen’s College and Mr. Ajit Shahi, Editor, Tehelka speaking on: A sensible media approach, The Road ahead, New frontiers of Democracy and Ground Realities and Solutions respectively.

Amit Sengupta, the moderator set the proceedings on fire by putting forth a total different face of Media. He brilliantly termed the media industry as “CLUB”. He fiercely mentioned that these days’ media is operated through Tycoons, Political parties and is always into sensex and stocks. Commenting on the present scenario, he said that the whole concept of Journalism is not sweeter but bitter and salty. Sengupta focused his talk by saying that we as a Journalist should believe in “VERSIONS”.

Speaking in the inaugural session Mr. Colin Gonsalves, Supreme Court Lawyer and Human Right Activist appealed to budding journalists to have a sense of rebellion. He also commented on the current situation where most of the issues are left unnoticed by our so called “Watch Dog.” There have been various cases such as starvation, demolitions of slums, discrimination, attacks, forceful religious conversion, rape that have majorly failed in garnering the attention of our media. He further advised the future journalists to decide where to stand. All those who want to be journalists should let their tongue speak the language of poor and feel for others. There should be a feeling of outrage to begin Journalism. Those who are not ready to do so should not enter the field of media.

Speaking on the Tribal Women’s Perspectives, Dr. Sabiah Zaidi, Professor, Jamia Milia, spoke on the plight of tribal women. Commenting on the social and economic problem of this neglected group she said that they are known for poverty clubbed with illiteracy. According to her, Journalism is not just a matter of professional skill but it should come from one’s heart. Dr. Chandra Bhan, Scholar and Activist speaking on Dalit’s perspectives commented that media is responsible for painting Dalits as creatures who can not move without someone’s help. He also added that media should stop stereotyping as any achievement or progress by Dalits is neglected but any failure is glorified and highlighted in media. He also pointed out the survey done by Media Group which shows that there is not even a single case of a Dalit being hired as an anchor or joining a newspaper in the industry.

“Journalism is a Passion and media has become a Business,” said Mr. Ajit Shahi, Editor, Tehelka stressing on how media industry works on the concept of ‘Hire and Fire’ in the present scenario. He further elaborated that the concept of hire and fire has succeeded in changing the predetermined role of a journalist. A journalist should work with passion and courage to stand up in front of Government, which is possible only when there is freedom and fundamental approach. The next talk was that of Ms. Karen Gabriel, a professor at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, focusing on the ‘New frontiers of Democracy’. She started by questioning what represents national interests and gave an overview of India and representation of our India.

Speaking on adopting a sensible media approach to social and regional issues, Mr. Sumit Chakravarti, Editor Mainstream Weekly said that today there is an absolute dominance of electronic media. They set the agenda through the impact a story makes on the mind of people because of 24X7 news channels. The National media behaves indifferently to other important issues. Talking from his personal experience he said that today it is difficult to say the truth because there is fear of being branded. Today freedom of press and democracy are in danger because of business and other interest.

The final address was given by Mr. N. R. Mohanty, Ex- editor of Times of India and Hindustan Times journalists. He first described how national media is functioning under corporate and how cyber media has become a ray of rope for better future. He also spoke about the rise of the cyber media and increasing participation of the citizens through it. Mr. Ram Sharan Joshi summarized the day’s proceedings by highlighting the many issues that were raised up by the speakers and hoped that the budding journalists would have received much food for thought and action through the entire day’s proceedings. The national seminar was indeed an erudite one, replete with experts passionate about the issues they dealt with. The interaction by members of the audience showed that they had been enthused by the insights and reflections on the topical theme of the seminar. This event could not have been successful without the dedication of NISCORT family and the experts who shared their time with us.

A quick look at what all happened….

Here comes the documentation part….

On March 3, 2010 Group B presented the documentation for the month of January and February in Print, Audio and Video format. The theme chosen for this month was “DEW”. The group beautifully presented all the events and happenings of NISCORT in the 108th session of World Around.


Women’s Day Celebration

March 8, 2010 turned out to be a special one for all the ladies at NISCORT. The students organized a small but unique function on this occasion. Fr. John Edappilly, Dean of NISCORT, addressed the gathering followed by an introductory speech by Jawed Akhtar, MJ student. Ms. Nidhi Anand, Faculty, also expressed her views on women’s day.

All the beautiful ladies were given flowers and yes who can forget those yummy Ladoos!!!



Parliament Visit

March 10, 2010 is of great importance for NISCORTians. MA AVC (Audio Visual Communications), MA BJ (Broadcast Journalism), and MJ (Master of Journalism) and PGDM (PG Diploma in and Media) students visited the Rajya Sabha or Sansad. They were accompanied by Sr. Amelia, head of Library and Sr. Mary Lata, hostel in charge. Entry to the visitor’s gallery was allowed only after they had gone through a tight security checking. The students got an excellent opportunity to see the Rajya Sabha Proceedings on Railway Budget. They also met Brinda Karat, a communist politician from India, elected to the Rajya Sabha as a Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) member.


Congratulations and Celebrations

11 March, 2010 was time for NISCORT family to celebrate. The results for first and third semester were out. NISCORTians secured high marks and passed with flying colours. The outstanding performance of students in university exam was worth celebrating.

Two plates of Jalebi and music.... what could be more refreshing than this?

Telangana . . . . . March 11, 2010

Telangana was the next subject of interest under the theme “Regional Resurgences and Media Response” for the 110th episode of World Around. The direction of Mrs. Sumedha Mishra helped the group to put across their creativity.

Issues Covered: The group talked about separation of Telangana, the Government’s reaction, the public’s agitation and the media’s response. There was discussion on what would be the future of Hyderabad if Telangana becomes a separate state. Whether it will be a part of Telangana or Andhra Pradesh was a big question. Violence at Osmania University demanding a separate state of Telangana also became one of the main points of discussion. Focus was drawn on some of the main reasons like regionalism, political motives, sentiments attached to the place and Unemployment that could have raised this issue. Media’s biasness in showing the struggle of Telangana was also discussed. Fr. Gerard, One of the panelists made a pointed out that both Government and Media is responsible for all those who lost their lives.

Presentation style: Group B hit the show by an amazing exhibition on Telangana issue. The exhibition had various news articles pasted under interesting headlines like ‘Jai Telangana’, ‘We want United AP’, ‘Telangana at flame’ and ‘Government’s take’. An audio visual presentation took the audience into the history of the research subject. An interesting turn of the presentation was the panel discussion. Some of the group members, Sudhansu Digal, Jawed Akhtar, Fr. Joby M J, Ameet Kumar and Fr. Gerard Francis became the panel members. Elvy Alias, being an active moderator hosted the discussion very well.

Evaluation: Fr. Jude Botelho, Director of NISCORT made his comments on the issue and presentation techniques. According to him the posters created the mood and ambience but such techniques are useful only if there is enough time for audience to look at. The idea was good but not properly implemented. He further added that panel session was excellent but audience should have been involved to make it livelier. Coming to the arguments, he elaborated that proper division of people would have given a chance to cover all Political, cultural, education and religious aspects without mixing thing. Being media students there should have been more clarity of mind and expression. For achieving balance they should focus on the role played and role that media should play in future. A Journalistic approach goes much beyond mere reporting. It also includes evaluation, interpretation and analysis. Expert opinions are always good for giving a clear idea of what is being said by others.

Fr. John Edappilly, Dean of NISCORT said that the group presented all the facts but the main reasons were not identified. He further added that such overall impression of the presentation will train them in communicating effectively and powerfully. Being future journalist they will also learn how to highlight the right message in right style.

Naxalism in India. . . . . . . March 5, 2010

Naxalism is one of the most burning and talked about issues of our country. Under the guidance of Ms. Nidhi Anand, Group A presented ‘Naxalism’ as per the theme “Regional Resurgences and Media Response” in the 108th session of World Around.

Issues covered: The group presented the origin and growth of Naxalism, the Government’s policy, Media’s response, statistics regarding death and attacks and the general perception about Naxalism. The students effectively covered all the aspects of the issue. In the discussion the main focus was drawn towards the funding aspect of Naxalites. It also raised important points like how government officially banned Naxal movements and the steps taken by government. What role media plays in the regard to poor people and whether it is Pro Government or Pro Naxal were also discussed.

Presentation Style: “How Naxalism Started?” To answer the question there was a dramatic presentation by the team members. The performance gave a brief introduction of the origin of the Naxal movements. The audiences were left spellbound after the performance of Vivek Augustine, Binai Toppo, Gargi Parichha, Rosemary Peter, Jack Mohan and Sanoj Singh. Sister Nicy’s narration for the drama was icing on the cake. The group took a brilliant step of interviewing public about the whole naxal factor. The power point presentation ended with a marvellously-made video showing both sides of India: Love, Peace and harmony being on one hand and Terror and Violence on the other hand.

Evaluation: Fr. John Edappilly, Dean of NISCORT, evaluated the whole presentation. Talking about the strengths and weaknesses, he said that planning was well done but the presentation lacked time management. All aspects were covered systematically and a large number of students were involved in explaining the issues.

He suggested to the students that as journalists they must interpret analyze and make an editorial statement on such issues. Being media student, they should get into the real root cause and explore the gravity of the issue. They should also analyze the role of different media. Each individual should develop a Journalistic mind in interpreting as in this way they can answer any curious question posed to them. He congratulated the team members for their excellent performance and concluded the session by declaring it a well-planned, researched and prepared presentation.