One Day Workshop and Journalistic Meet ‘AAINA’
A One-Day Workshop on ‘Travel & Backpack Journalism’ was organized on 18 February 2020, at UG Auditorium.
Aim of the Workshop: a) To make students understand the nuances of travel journalism
- b) Since, UG students also participate, this will act as advertising and gives publicity for the PG Dept. of Journalism & Mass Communication
Introduction
Aaina, an annual journalistic meet along with workshop is organized by the Dept. of Journalism & Mass Communication. It was started in the year 2001 to provide a platform for budding journalism students. The 12th Aaina was organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in UG Auditorium of St. Philomena’s College on Feb 18, 2020. Mr. Ramees Roshan, Backpack journalist from Calicut was the chief guest who held workshop and shared his travel experiences with the students.
The workshop began with a formal inauguration at 10.00 a.m. in of presence of Chief Guest, Mr. Rameesh Roshan, Rev. Fr. Dr. Bernard Praksh Barnis, Rector/Manager, who presided over the workshop, Principal, Dr. Ruth Shantha Kumari and HoD of the Department, Dr. Sukanya.
While addressing the gathering during inaugural session, Principal, Dr. Ruth Shantha Kumari expounded that, “Change is everything in life, it is essential for success and twists are inevitable part of life”.
She further threw light on Aaina – Journalistic Meet stating that, “Aaina is mirror which shows our reflection, this event is also reflection of journalists who are going out in society and will bring out the reality of society”. While talking about backpacking journalism, she said that she was astounded by this new trend where, “the person, himself can be photographer, videographer, reporter; he just has to pack his bag and the whole world is his.” She finally added that, the travelling will make you learn more than any books”.
For the first time, Rhythm Aaina, a theme song was composed and it was played Live during inaugural session.
My Ooru, the state of the art magazine by first year students as part of their DTP paper was also released during inauguration.
To attract more participants, the department along with its enthusiastic students produced a promo and launched a website. The promo concept, shoot and editing were done by students and website was also managed by students with a little technical support by the staff. To meet the finance necessity, although management came forward, the department took it on its part to raise as much fund as possible through sponsorship. The details of which are attached. It is to be noted that, for the first time, the feedback survey was successfully implemented online by creating QR code.
Right after inauguration, workshop on ‘Travel & Backpack Journalism’ started. The speaker Mr. Ramees Roshan in an interactive session inspired students by sharing his life story; how he shed his comfort zone, left his 9-5 routine job and moved on to peruse his passion. The decision making turn was demise of his friend which made him understand the value the life which motivated him take further his zeal for travelling. So, he packed his bag and travelled for 28 days for the first time. He divulged that, “Meeting people and travelling to different places changed my perspective of life”.
The workshop was followed by inter – collegiate competitions. There were totally 6 events organized including; Speak Your Mind (RJ), News Anchoring, Snap It (Photography), Turn Coat, Mock Press and Ad Zapp. While Speak Your Mind (RJ) and News Anchoring competitions were organized in the studio within the PG Block, other competitions Snap It (Photography), Turn Coat, Mock Press and Ad Zapp were arranged at UG auditorium itself.
The valedictory session started at 5 p.m. with the distribution of prizes by the HoD to the winners of the competitions. The overall Champions Trophy was bagged by the University of Mysore.
105 Students from different UG colleges in Mysuru along with PG Dept. of Mysore University.
Outcome: 1) The workshop created awareness among students on this emerging field of backpack journalism
2) It provided the platform to understand the nuances of travelling journalist and how to make this a sustainable profession
3) As the whole event is organised by students, this helps students to develop organising abilities and communication skills.
