Jammu, March 14: The Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Jammu, hosted a special interactive session titled “Past, Present and Future of Journalism.”
The interaction aligned with the vision and commitment of Vice Chancellor Umesh Rai, University of Jammu, towards the holistic development of students in shaping the future of a developed India. According to him, “student interactions with eminent figures in the industry enhances the intellectual and cultural roots of the institution.”
Prof. Garima Gupta, Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, emphasized the importance of such interactive sessions that broaden the horizon of the media students and prepare them skillfully for the industry. “This will help the media students to explore opportunities both locally and nationally. Understand the importance of objectivity in reporting and brevity to create impactful news stories,” she added.
Senior journalist Sh. Jai Prakash Pandey, Editor, Sahitya Tak/ Sahitya Aaj Tak, India Today Group, was the resource person. Media students were encouraged to embrace journalism as a tool for cultural preservation and unity.
While addressing the students he emphasized, aspiring journalists must first clearly understand the topic or beat they are working on and strive to develop strong knowledge in that area. He also highlighted the importance of language and communication skills, stating that clarity, accuracy, and effective storytelling are essential qualities for a successful journalist in today’s competitive media environment.
Insights were shared on the evolving landscape of Journalism, the growing responsibilities of media professionals, and the critical role of ethical reporting. He urged students to stay curious, socially aware, and proactive, emphasizing: “Journalism is one profession that demands integrity, courage, and empathy.”
Drawing from his vast industry experience, the speaker inspired students to explore diverse storytelling formats, strengthen their research skills, and adapt to emerging platforms while upholding core journalistic values.
The session also featured a lively Q&A round, where students discussed career paths, academic growth, and challenges for young journalists in a competitive media landscape.
This interaction underscored the department’s dedication to connecting students with seasoned academicians and practitioners, bridging classroom learning with real-world practice.
Prof. Dushyant Kumar Rai presented the formal vote of thanks and acknowledged the efforts of the resource person for sharing his media experience with the students that will help them shape and plan their career. He said such sessions provide practical exposure to the students and help bridge academia and industry gaps.
Other faculty members present during the workshop included Dr. Pardeep Singh Bali, Dr. Ramiyan Bhardwaj, Dr. Ravia Gupta and Dr. Kumerjit Chajgotra.