जोर लगा के...

संदीप कुमार आईआईएमसी में आने से पहले झारखंड में प्रभात खबर के लिए रिपोर्टिंग कर चुके थे। 2005-06 बैच में हिन्दी जर्नलिज्म के टॉपर रहे। उन्हें स्टार टीवी का मीडियास्टार स्कॉलरशिप मिला और स्टार न्यूज में ब्रेक। इन दिनों आजतक में हैं। हाल ही में उन्हें यूनिसेफ नेशनल जर्नलिज्म स्टूडेंट अवॉर्ड के लिए चुना गया है।





सबसे पहले बधाई कि आपने आईआईएमसी के दरवाजे पर दस्तक दे दी है। अब थोड़ा और ज़ोर लगाना है ताकि ये दरवाजा भी खुल जाए।

तकरीबन दो-तिहाई रास्ता आपने तय कर लिया है और ये भी एक हकीकत है कि जितने लोगों को इंटरव्यू के लिए बुलाया गया है उनमें से कमोबेश एक-तिहाई को ही आईआईएमसी में जगह मिल पाएगी। लेकिन इतना तो तय है कि जिन्हें कामयाबी मिलेगी उनके साथ एक चीज अहम होगी और वो है- आत्मविश्वास।

इंटरव्यू में ज्यादा जोर इस बात पर होती है कि आप अपनी बात को किस तरह से रख पाते हैं और कितने पुख्ता तौर पर रख पाते हैं। ये सही है कि हर मुद्दे के दो पहलू होते हैं पर या तो आपको इस पार रहना होगा या फिर उस पार।

मसलन या तो आपको आरक्षण का समर्थक करना होगा या फिर उसका विरोध करना होगा। आप आरक्षण के पक्ष में हों या फिर विपक्ष में...आपके पास इसके लिए पुरजोर तर्क होने चाहिएं। हां, अगर इंटरव्यू बोर्ड किसी मुद्दे पर (रिजर्वेशन, न्यूक्लियर डील..) दोनों पहलू को जानना चाहे तो उसे भी बताएं। और जब इन मुद्दों पर आपकी राय मांगी जाए तो आप अपना स्टैंड साफ कर दें।

इंटरव्यू में आपसे आपके शहर, आपके कॉलेज-यूनिवर्सिटी, बीए-एमए के आपके सब्जेक्ट्स के बारे में भी पूछा जा सकता है। एक सवाल जो 101 फीसदी गारंटी के साथ पूछा जाएगा वो ये कि आखिर आप पत्रकारिता में क्यों आना चाहते हैं? आखिर आप पत्रकारिता में आकर क्या करेंगे? दस साल में आप अपने-आप को कहां देखना चाहते हैं? पत्रकारिता में आपके रोल मॉडल कौन हैं और क्यों? इंटरव्यू के सवालों की ना तो कोई सीमा होती है और ना ही इसकी कोई फेहरिश्त बनाई जा सकती है। आप किसी सवाल का जवाब नहीं जानते तो बड़ी शालीनता से मना कर दें।

अपने अनुभव से मैं यह कह सकता हूं कि इंटरव्यू के दौरान आप खुशमिजाज बने रहें...डरे-सहमे ना दिखें...आत्मविश्वास बरकरार रखें...आईआईएमसी आपका खैर-मकदम करेगा ही करेगा...





शुभकामनाओं के साथ...
संदीप कुमार

Don't jump without any idea and make illogical statements...

Prithviraj Choudhary is the currently managing the content for indya.com- STAR TV's digital media initiative and one of India's leading entertainment portals.

He topped the IIMC Entrance test for Radio and Television course in 2005 and also won the STAR TV MEDIA SCHOLARSHIP for the year 2005-2006.

He has been associated with theatre (directing, acting and set design) also and recently he made his feature film debut in Jayabrato Chatterjee's 'Love Songs'.

Very often the Group Discussion- ominously abbreviated as GD- turns out to be a real pain to get past. One doesn't know how much to say, how long to say it for, how to say it or simply what to say. When one speaks of GD, one conjures up images of a bunch of eight-ten over-zealous and extremely hyper candidates -all fighting to get their precious words of wisdom in, with the aggression not unlike a heavyweight boxer on drugs in the ring, arguments which struggle to rise above anything but noise, over-gesticulating and firm in the belief that what each one is saying is nothing but the absolute truth, and no other view points exist! Aggression, they believe is the way to go about it.Whatever topic is given, if you are not raising your voice to a cacophonic level, thumping your chest and spewing wisdom at a feverish pace,then you are not having a good GD at all.

Well- is that true? Leaving aside the wider discussion on what generally GDs are like, let me for the sake of relevance- limit myself to the GDs which happen in IIMC and give some general guidelines- culled from my personal experience of the IIMC GD I had underwent and from other GDs I have given- on how best to tackle it.

For the RTV department, the GD in my year (2005) was a quiet and very systematic affair. The interviewers presented us a topic and then to my surprise and to my relief, asked us to give them our views by turns. So immediately the whole drama of aggressive shouting and fist pounding and hurling accusations went right out of the window. Now there is no guarantee that this will be followed this year as well. So it well might turn out to be a free-for-all discussion where one has to make sure that he/she is heard above the general shouts of the other candidates, and your point is made effectively and is taken seriously. I have listed below some pointers to keep in mind to tackle any kind of GD which comes in the RTV admissions this year.

Preparation for GD :
Since you are enrolling into a Journalism course, you are expected to be up-to-date with all burning current affairs issues from every sphere. This bit is true for admission in the course, not just for GD. Generally a group discussion would be on the most recent topical issues- so it would do you good if you were to scan the newspapers/magazines/news channels on a regular basis for issues that are currently making news (hopefully you are doing that anyway).

Pay particular attention to any bit of news that might have happened a day or two before the GD date , or even the morning of the GD. In my case, we were told to comment on a particular political development which came into news the night before my GD date. So the lesson to be learnt- just be aware of what is making the latest news.

Topics of GD :
This could broadly be divided into three types- political (which would be current affairs from India and abroad),social ones ( this would include entertainment and cultural issues) and lastly on media and its general nature (ethics, the state of TV news channels, the mushrooming of so many news channels) . Since its a RTV interview - and not, let' s say a AD PR one- political topics would be emphasized on( I know of my AD PR friends who got to debate on the issue of the fairness fad, and celebrity endorsements along with a few political issues).

Sometimes the interviewer asks a group to choose a topic from a few options. Its generally chosen by a majority vote- so at best you can do is to hope the topic you are comfortable with is chosen by everyone else.

Your Arguments:
Clearly what you say in a GD regarding a particular topic is dependent on how well you know the same. Given the variety of topics you might encounter, it is of course not possible to know about everything in depth and with all details. You are not expected to do so either.

You need to have a firm opinion on the issue given and back it up solidly by cogent logical arguments, which are, in turn, borne out of facts of the case. If you are lucky and the topic is up your alley,then it should not be a problem. If its something which you are not too familiar with, then here is the good part of being in a GD. You wait and listen to the first few comments by the others, and then give your opinion on it . This way, you have some idea on what the issue is all about, why it is in contention etc.

Of course, its not the best thing to do- but its better you wait for some time and hear people out and then present an opinion , rather than jumping into it without any idea and making illogical statements. Don't wait for too long though- that will give away the fact that you are reluctant to speak on it.

In a GD, never fence sit- take a side and speak for or against it with your arguments.Keep your arguments brief ,primarily because you don't have much time and there are other people who will have to speak as well. You are not expected to get into a whole treatise. Figure out the relevant and the most strong points backing your point of view and present that. If probed further- you can go in depth with the facts you know.

The Style/Manner:
If its a GD where you are asked to speak in turns- then its simple. You just present your point of view. After everybody has spoken once, you are then free to interject or counterpoint somebody's argument. But do so without being unnecessarily mean or aggressive. You can start off by saying : "I would want to bring up the point which my fellow colleague here has made and say..." or " I would disagree with what my colleague has said on the point of ..." There is no need to be rude or overtly aggressive, just make your point and have a healthy debate.

If its a GD which is free-for-all- then its always best to be the first to speak. This way you lead the discussion to the direction you want, and additionally the authorities take notice of you instantly. Of course, it can all go to waste if you come upon with an argument which is not cogent or irrelevant! If not the first, be the second to speak, giving either the opposite viewpoint or support the point of view taken by the first speaker with additional facts and arguments. Don't repeat what has been said before.

These kind of free for all discussions-as mentioned earlier- tend to get out of control. More often than not, there will be some candidates who will deliberately raise their voice and show aggression in getting their point across. There will be someone who will not let anyone else put their point across. In such cases, the moderator of the GD intervenes. You- as a participant of such a GD- will need to be firm , loud and confident of your point of view. Resist being rude or shout or launch into an argument of who speaks first.

You can throw off an opponent who is resisting hearing others' views by saying firmly: "Clearly my friend here believes that shouting mindlessly and repeating the same point endlessly will convince us all of his view-point. It wont work..."(you can even address this directly to the opponent, and a loud voice will help!) At the end of it all- even the moderators would want to test and hear everybody out. So if a discussion is going out of hand, the moderator will interfere to stop it from becoming a mindless shouting match. Don't worry- GDs in RTV in IIMC have not been known to go such degrees. However having said that- be prepared for any situation.

Now onto the Personal Interview:
Now in my year- we were told to talk in front of a camera for two minutes on a topic , which each one of us chose from a choice of two topics given. That was our personal interview. We were given two minutes to get our thoughts together and then start. This was not carried through the next year- so I shall just generally give some pointers to crack an interview ( well- they have worked for me !). These tips- you might find- is not specifically for an interview in IIMC RTV course, but for any such interviews you might go for in the future.

Always wish your board of interviewers- since you cant wish every person sitting individually- a general greeting on everyone's direction would do.

They always start off with a customary- Tell us something about yourself. Don't say the obvious about your schooling and marks- they all know that. Talk about your interests, why you want to do the course, issues in media you feel strongly about. Again be succinct and brief.

If you don't know something, then say so. Try not to talk without any knowledge- it seldom helps- specially since this a journalism interview.

One often thinks that spewing out all information you possibly know on an issue is the best way to impress . Not true. Speak to what has been asked. Unlike a GD where you could not delve deep into an issue- you can actually afford to go a little deep into the topic, when asked to elaborate.

Very often,specially in political issues, your interviewer might have opposite views. Don't get over -zealous and try to make your point too forcefully. Disagree with the opposite viewpoint politely but firmly-giving reasons for doing so.

In case they decide to have the Video test in the RTV admissions this year- make sure you look straight into the camera and speak confidently. You will be given two minutes to collect your thoughts. You might get camera-conscious facing it for the first time- that's understandable. Even the board knows that. You can fumble. One only wants to see how quick you can think on your feet, and how confident you are in front of the camera.

Just don't rush your speech and don't get too aggressive in putting across your speech. Remember you are doing this for TV- so its a good idea to get used to the camera right on the outset. If you wish- you can practice small speeches ( called as 'PTC'- Piece-to-camera) at home in front of a mirror.

Always make eye contact when answering the question.Shifty eyes is a sign of nervousness as is shifty hands, Sit straight and never slouch- that will give an impression of you being too lazy or casual.

At the end of the day, it all depends on how you handle the pressure and the questions on that particular day. No amount of guidelines comes in handy at that very moment when you are asked an uncomfortable question or rebut a controversial point. The pointers above are just something which I have figured out of my own experience in my GD and interview in the RTV course in IIMC. They are not to be taken as the byword in anything. Noone knows your strength better than you yourself- so play according to that and you will be fine.

All the best...
Prithviraj Choudhury

Either speak for or against the topic...

Hello Everyone,

Congratulations for clearing the written examination and making it to the GD and PI, the last hurdle of the Big race.

Let me share with you the exact scenario I faced when called for the GD and PI. trough this 'll try and bring respite to the minds of all those preparing for the ADPR course.For GD, ten short listed applicants were called in.

There were 4 jury members one each from diff fields of advertising- i.e.- creative, PR, client servicing and research. The topic for discussion was "Does a 30 sec commercial really bring about difference in the lives of the audience? Or is it a waste?"We were given 2 minutes to think on the topic before starting it off. I am not sure if the same will be followed this year however, few things to be kept in mind before starting off:

# Do not panic. Calm down and THINK. Don't think oh should I start first? What is he thinking? Oh! She looks intelligent! Just concentrate on the topic and what you feel/ know about it.

# Do not panic if you are not the 1st one to start the discussion. (As preached in most of the GD prep classes in various coaching institutes). If you are the 1st one to speak- make sure you make sense. Don't just rattle off and stop and blabber. It will do you more harm than any good. Wait for the right time and slice in. (I was the 3rd one to speak)

# Do not be aggressive as if you would tear apart your opponent. Be firm and confident in what you are saying. Support your opinion with facts if possible.

# It's important to take a stand. Either speak for or against the topic. Do not tread the middle path. This is the time when you can put forward your thoughts and arguments and convince the jury that you are the right person to be selected.

# Be crystal clear with what you are saying. Support your argument with valid examples.

# There can be a situation where people in the group are both Hindi and English speaking individuals. Address every one while speaking. If need be you can switch to Hindi or English while addressing a concerned participant. This not only helps the discussion to go on smoothly but also adds on few points to your kitty.

# Don't be over confident. It feels that you know a lot but believe you me, when you are out there, the fight gets tougher. That Simple Sam in one corner can make you sweat your heart out.

# In a group discussion it is not only important how you put your points and arguments forward but also how you lead the group. If there is no consensus, or the group is moving away from the topic get them back on track. Lead them.

# Wrap up the discussion within the given time limit. Good if you can come up with a conclusion. In a case of non-consensus, the jury will ask you to sum up and give your views on the topic. Again an opportunity to leave a mark, make best use of it.

As far as the personal interview is concerned it can vary from being very formal to very informal. There can be instances where in you can be asked to present some thing in front of the judges. It will be an activity out of your resume so be sure, what you write in there is what you are. Knowledge on the current affairs, advertising world and different media is a must. They will test your creativity and presence of mind.

Believe me it is not rocket science. Just have faith in your self and nothing is impossible.Few other important things to be kept in mind:Dress properly.Wear a smile.Be honest.These are some of the suggestions I have for all of you. I hope I am able to address some of the issues. Once again all the best and give it your best shot- for the world out there wants some one like you to take charge!

Bindi Joshi

Why should one consider you for IIMC....?

Interviews can be frightening for some. This is primarily because we do not know what questions will be asked. And there is no way you can prepare 100% for it.

So all those who have already got throught the written let me make tell you that you have what it takes to get into IIMC.

Just that we are over populated and IIMC can not take you all, you have to face the interview. So be it. Get set and go. But to ensure that you give your best just ask your self..... a few questions. This is relevant for those opting for EJ and RTV.

Do I know myself. Do I know what I want in life?

Why should one consider you for IIMC?

What do you expect to gain from studying in IIMC?

What do you want to become and why?

No one can answer these questions better than yours truly.

And I am sure you must have ensured the following:

Read last one months magazines and made your relevant observations.

Formed views about issues that are hitting newspapers for the last few weeks.

Written them on paper and read them again and again.

Discussed them with others.

Done some breathing exercises :). An absolute must. Especially before you enter the interview rooms. Do not forget to take a deep breath.

And just in case you are not able to make it, do not give up. The world is open for you. you just need to grap the things that might come your way eventually.

All the very best.




Shweta Singh

तैयारी करें, टेंशन न लें....

प्रदीप सूरीन वैसे तो आईआईएमसी में हिंदी पत्रकारिता विभाग के छात्र रहे लेकिन जब काम शुरू किया तो अंग्रेजी चैनलों में भी काम करने से परहेज नहीं किया. इस समय वे न्यूज़ एक्स चैनल के एसोसिएट प्रोड्यूसर हैं.

सबसे पहले सभी दोस्तों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई जिन्होंने आईआईएमसी की परीक्षा पास कर ली है. आप सबको इंटरव्यू के लिए चिट्ठी मिलते ही लगने लगा होगा कि चलो अब तो मेरा सेलेक्शन पक्का है और हो भी क्यों न..... लेकिन

जब मुझे इंटरव्यू का लेटर मिला था तो मैंने भी ऐसे ही सोचा था पर मैं उतना रोमांचित नहीं था क्योंकि मैंने इससे पहले भी कई बार इंटरव्यू फेस किया था इसलिए पता था कि यह किसी भी तरह से आसान नहीं होगा.

इंटरव्यू लेटर मिलते ही आप सबसे पहले आईआईएसी की ओर भागते हैं. वहाँ जाकर पता करने की कोशिश करते हैं कि इंटरव्यू में क्या पूछा जाएगा, क्या पूछा जाता है. कैंपस में आपको जगह-जगह इंटरव्यू की तैयारी कराने वाले पोस्टर भी चिपके मिलेंगे जो पंद्रह दिन में एंकर और रिपोर्टर बनाने वाली कंपनियों की तरह दो-तीन दिन में आपको इंटरव्यू की तैयारी कराने का दावा करते हैं.

मेरी सलाह है कि इन सबका कोई फायदा नहीं हुआ है और न होगा.

आप पूछेंगे कि आखिर ऐसे में इंटरव्यू की तैयारी कैसे की जाए. आप बस मेरी कुछ बातों का ध्यान रखें तो इंटरव्यू में आपके चयन की संभावना बेहतर हो जाएगी.

क्या तैयारी करें..?

सबसे पहले तो आप ये समझ लें कि ये कोई यूपीएससी का इंटरव्यू नहीं है. ये पत्रकारिता का इंटरव्यू है और सामने वाला आपसे उन्हीं समझदारी का परिचय देने की अपेक्षा रखेगा, जिसकी उम्मीद एक पत्रकार से की जाती है.

इंटरव्यू में आपमें सिर्फ दो ही चीजों को देखने की कोशिश की जाती है. पहला कि आपको पत्रकारिता की कितनी समझ है और दूसरा कि आजकल की बड़ी खबरों से आप कितना वास्ता और सरोकार रखते हैं. तो मेरी सलाह ये है कि ज्यादा इधर-उधर सर खपाने से अच्छा होगा कि आप फ्रंटलाइन, आउटलुक और इंडिया टुडे के पिछले कुछ महीनों के अंक उठाएँ और चाट जाएँ. फ्रंटलाइन एक अच्छी पत्रिका है इसलिए उसकी कवर स्टोरी को अच्छे से पढ़ें, गहराई से समझें और महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दों को लेकर अपनी एक समझ बनाने की कोशिश करें.

आठ-दस ताजे मुद्दों की लिस्ट बनाएँ और उन्हें अच्छे से तैयार कर लें. आपको सलाह दूंगा कि इन सभी विषयों को किसी एक से नहीं, बल्कि दो या तीन पत्रिकाओं या अखबारों से पढ़कर अपनी राय बनाएं. इससे उस विषय पर आपकी पकड़ मजबूत होगी और उसके अनेक आयाम आपकी समझ में होंगे.

इंटरव्यू किस तरह से होता है....

इंटरव्यू के लिए जब आप जाएँगे तो आपको तीन तरह की प्रक्रिया से गुजरना होगा. पहला, आपके सभी अकादमिक डिग्रियों पर नजर डाली जाएगी. दूसरा, ग्रुप डिस्कशन और तब जाकर होगा इंटरव्यू.

कागजातों की जाँच के बाद आप लोगों के पाँच-छह ग्रुप बना दिए जाएंगे. ग्रुप डिस्कशन और इंटरव्यू दोनों में हिंदी विभाग के हेड होंगे और उनके साथ होंगे दो-तीन बड़े पत्रकार. ग्रुप डिस्कशन में किसी एक कॉमन टॉपिक पर चर्चा करने कहा जाएगा. हर उम्मीदवार को अपने विचार रखने के लिए दो-तीन मिनट का समय मिलेगा. आपको बस इतनी देर में ही उस विषय पर ऐसी बातें रखनी हैं जो सुनने वाले को प्रभावित कर सके.

ग्रुप डिस्कशन के बाद आपको इंटरव्यू के लिए बुलाया जाएगा. आपसे इंटरव्यू में ये जानने की कोशिश की जाएगी कि आप में पत्रकार बनने के कितने लायक हैं. इंटरव्यू पैनल में बैठे लोग ये अच्छी तरह से जानते हैं कि ज्यादातर उम्मीदवार या तो यूपीएससी और बैंकिंग की तैयारी कर रहे होते हैं या फिर मीडिया की चकाचौंध भरी दुनिया में आना चाहते हैं.

इंटरव्यू पैनल आप में इस उम्मीदवार को खोजने की कोशिश करते हैं जिसमें असल पत्रकार बनने का जूनुन होता है. जिन्हें भारत की शक्ल महानगरों के मॉल और उफान मारते शहरी बाजार में ही नहीं विदर्भ और बुंदेलखंड में मर रहे किसानों में भी दिखे. जो सिर्फ टाटा की नैनो के लॉंच की तारीख ही न याद रखे बल्कि ये भी मालूम रखे कि नंदीग्राम, सिंगुर और पॉस्को में लोग क्यों मारे गए.

आप ये जान लीजिए कि आप जैसी ही किसी विषय पर मुँह खोलेंगे, पैनल के लोगों को आपकी गहराई का अंदाजा हो जाएगा. पैनल आपसे कुछ व्यक्तिगत और पढ़ाई-लिखाई से जुड़े सवाल भी पूछ सकता है और आम तौर पर इस तरह से सवाल सबसे पहले पूछे जाते हैं ताकि आपकी नर्वसनेस को खत्म किया जा सके. उसके बाद के सवाल-जवाब में आपका एक गलत जवाब आपको "पाँचवीं पास से ज्यादा तेच नहीं हूँ" बना सकता है.

किन बातों का ध्यान रखें...

अक्सर लोग ये गलतफहमी पाल लेते हैं कि हम हिंदी पत्रकारिता में एडमिशन के लिए आए हैं तो धांसू टाइप की हिंदी बोलने का जबर्दस्त असर होगा. पर ऐसा बिल्कुल भी नहीं है. सलाह ये है कि आप बोलचाल की आम भाषा में जवाब दें और इसमें अंग्रेजी के शब्द आपकी जुबान पर आना चाहें तो उन्हें रोकने की कोई जरूरत नहीं है. असल में पैनल की अपेक्षा रहती है कि बच्चे की हिंदी और अंग्रेजी दोनों ही ठीक हो. और, वैसे भी जिस क्षेत्र में आप कदम रखने जा रहे हैं, वहां इन दोनों भाषाओं की समझ के बिना काम नहीं चलने वाला.

ग्रुप डिस्कशन में आपका वास्ता ऐसे विद्वान लोगों से भी पड़ सकता है जो किसी को बोलने का मौका नहीं देना चाहेंगे. आप उन्हें इशारा करें और अपनी बात रख दें. पैनल की नजर हर चीज पर होती है. किसी को बोलने का मौका न देना और लगातार बोलते रहना नुकसान ही पहुँचाता है. हाँ, बोलते वक्त चिल्लाएं नहीं, आराम से बोलें.

कपड़े सादे पहनें. कुर्ता-पायजामा और चप्पल में न जाएं तो बेहतर है. ये आपके पत्रकार बनने की गारंटी नहीं देते. जींस और टीशर्ट का मोह भी न रखें. पहनावा औपचारिक हो तो भला.

बॉडी लैंग्वेंज का ख़ास ख्याल रखें लेकिन ख्याल रखने के चक्कर में नर्वस होकर आप उसे बिगाड़ भी सकते हैं. कहने का मतलब यह है कि शालीनता के साथ उठें, बैठें, अंदर जाएँ, बाहर निकलें और बात करें.
इंटरव्यू का अनुपात आम तौर पर एक-तीन का होता है. यानी हर तीन में एक ही का चयन होना है. अगर आपको मेरी सलाह का कोई हिस्सा आपके काम आता है तो मेरी कोशिश सफल हो जाएगी और मुजे भी ज़रूर बताएँ.

प्रदीप सूरीन

psurin@gmail.com

What is a Group Discussion...?

Dhiren Dukhu is a Senior Sub Editor at Financial Chronicle. He has contributed twice to this blog, and we thank him for his help. You can read his previous article in English Journalism sengment.

What is a Group Discussion? Where is it used?

A GD (Group Discussion) is a forum where people sit together, discuss a topic for a certain amount of time with the common objective of finding a solution for a problem or discussing an issue that is given to them.

Why are Group Discussions used as a part of the selection process? How are they useful?

Group Discussions measure certain attributes of the candidates that are otherwise difficult to identify and time consuming to assess. A number of people who can communicate their ideas well and discuss effectively with others in a one-to-one situation become tongue-tied in a group situation.

They will just not be able to present their ideas or discuss their ideas with the other members of the group. A Group Discussion will identify people who have such group communication skills and people who do not possess such group communication skills.

What are the similarities / differences between Group Discussions and Public Speaking / Debating?

Debating and Public Speaking are one-to-many communication situations whereas a Group Discussion is a many-to-many situation. A debate, an elocution or a public speaking contest are solo performances whereas a Group Discussion is NOT. In a debate, it is your individual views that matter. In a Group Discussion, apart from your individual views, he views of the entire group matter.

In Public Speaking / Debating, the speaker can take a particular position on the topic and speak accordingly. In a Group Discussion, all the members of the group will participate and one has to listen to the views of the other members of the group. It is a discussion and the speaker will be "interrupted" by the other members of the group while speaking.

How is a Group Discussion conducted?

A group of candidates are made to sit together in a circular / semi-circular fashion or in a U-shape. There will be a person to co-ordinate the Group Discussion (called the moderator).

After the topic is given, the candidates start discussing the topic amongst themselves. They stop the discussion when the moderator asks them to stop.

How many candidates will there be in a Group Discussion?

The group size could range between eight to fifteen students.

How much time is given for each Group Discussion?

Normally, 15 to 20 minutes.

Are the participants expected to address each other by name?

No. You should address a specific person either by looking at him / her directly or by pointing out to him / her.

What is the role of the moderator?

The primary role of the moderator is to evaluate the performance of every participant. He is the person who tells the group members what they should do, announces the topic and the time for the discussion, keeps track of the time of the Group Discussion and evaluates the performance of the candidates who participated in the Group Discussion. For all practical purposes, he is non-existent once the Group Discussion starts.

Does the moderator write the topic on the board?

The moderator normally does not write the topic on the board. He just reads it out and repeats it once - you have to be attentive while the topic is being given and make sure that you have got the wording right.

Will we be given paper and pen / pencil to note down the topic?

No. You are normally expected to carry your own pen / pencil and paper to a Group Discussion.

Dhiren Dukhu

Let the discussion happen...

A blogger friend from ADPR who calls herself D writer has left a comment on our 'regular' blog'.

 

We found it worth publishing for this blog as a post in its original form. This kind of prompt comments are always welcome from other friends also as their insight will enrich the content and can give it a direction.

 

After all it's a blog and the beauty of this medium lies in interactivity....

Moderator

 

 

 

 

 

D writer has left a new comment on your post "Let's Unravel the Experience of our GD-PI...":

 

Congrats and all the best to the candidates. few things from my side. My GD-PI was a piece of cake...the entire GD group was selected baring a couple. Top was "Brand Wars-how relevant are they to audience."

 

The idea is to let the discussion happen. Dont get into arguments. And you need not dominate it. Just speak your points clearly, which what i did. As for the PI extra curicullars help if you want to get into creatives.

 

U might be asked to make a jingle on the spot. I was asked to make one on IIMC and sing it out. Someone else from our batch was asked to make one on juices...

Know the basics...like the name of some ad agencies...watch lots of tv...
 

cheers!

 

 

 

D writer

अब तो छोटा सा कदम बाकी है...

श्रीमती वर्तिका नंदा आईआईएमसी में अध्ययन-अध्यापन दोनों का अनुभव रखती हैं. आईआईएमसी में शिक्षण के दौरान 'टेलीविजन और अपराध पत्रकारिता' नाम से उनकी एक किताब आई थी जो इस विधा के छात्र-छात्राओं के लिए बहुत उपयोगी साबित हुई है. वे एनडीटीवी और लोकसभा चैनल से लंबे समय तक जुड़ी रहीं हैं और इस समय सहारा इंडिया (सहारा के सभी समाचार चैनलों) की प्रोग्रामिंग हेड हैं.

लीजिए, आपने बड़ा कदम तय कर लिया. अब छोटा सा कदम बाकी है.

इंटरव्यू की चिट्ठी हाथों में आते ही सपने उड़नखटोले पर बैठकर सात समंदर पार की सैर करने लगते हैं. इंटरव्यू की तारीख इस बीच कब आ जाती है, पता भी नहीं चलता. इसलिए जरूरी है कि इस दौर में सपने तो देखे जाएं लेकिन मन लगाकर तैयारी भी कर ली जाए.

चाहे इंटरव्यू हो या ग्रुप डिस्कशन, इन बातों पर खास ध्यान देना चाहिएः-

# बोली-अबोली-दोनों बातें गंभीरता से कही जाएं. अबोली यानी वे चीजें जो आप अपनी जुबान से तो
नहीं बोल रहे लेकिन आपकी बॉडी लैंग्वेज उसे कह रही है. इसलिए शारीरिक-हाव-भाव पूरी तरह से आपके नियंत्रण में रहने चाहिए. इसके लिए नाटकीय तैयारी न करें बल्कि वास्तविक रूप से भी
खुद को पूरी तरह से सहज रखने की आदत डालें.

# याद रखें कि आप किसी वाद-विवाद प्रतियोगिता में नहीं आए हैं. जीडी के दौरान जो आपके साथ हैं, वे भी आप ही की तरह यहां एक सीट पाने की कोशिश में हैं और जो आपका इंटरव्यू ले रहे हैं, वे आपसे काफी सीनियर हैं. इसलिए अपनी बात को सम्मान के साथ ही कहें.

# अगर आपसे राजनीति से जुड़ा कोई सवाल पूछ लिया जाता है तो आप अपनी निजी राय न थोपें. किसी पार्टी विशेष की गुणगान सिर्फ इसलिए न करने लगें क्योंकि आपका उससे कोई नाता है. भावी पत्रकार से निष्पक्ष होने की उम्मीद की जाती है, किसी पार्टी का प्रवक्ता बनने की नहीं.

# जाहिर तौर पर आप उस दिन की कुछ अखबारें पढ़ कर जाएं (सिर्फ एक ही अखबार तक खुद को समेट लेना बिल्कुल सही नहीं होगा). बेहतर होगा कि तैयारी के इस दौर में पिछले एकाध महीने के 3 से 4 समाचार पत्रों के संपादकीय आप ठीक से पढ़ लें.

# एक और बात. संस्थान के बुनियादी तथ्य जान कर ही जाएं. अगर आप हिंदी पत्रकारिता के लिए इंटरव्यू दे रहे हैं तो ये न कहें कि चूंकि आप आरटीवी की परीक्षा में पास नहीं हो सके हैं, इसलिए आप यहां आ गए हैं. अगर आप को लगता है कि आप हिंदी या अंग्रेजी प्रिंट के कोर्स के साथ न्याय नहीं कर पाएंगे तो फिर आपको इंटरव्यू देकर किसी और का हक नहीं लेना चाहिए.

# अगर अपनी सीट पक्की करने के लिए आपने कोई दूसरी तरकीब अपनाई हो तब भी पूरी तरह से सहज रहें क्योंकि यह कतई जरूरी नहीं है कि किसी दूसरी वजह से ही आप चुन लिए जाएं. बल्कि ऐसी स्थिति में आपका जरूरत से ज्यादा आत्मविश्वास ही आपकी नैया डूबो सकता है.

दरअसल इंटरव्यू की शुरूआत से अंत तक अगर आप खुशमिजाज और सहज-सरल बने रहेंगे तो आपके लिए अपनी जगह बनाना आसान हो जाएगा. यह याद रखिए कि जो सादा होता है, एक उम्र के बाद अक्सर वही भाता है और जो लोग आपका इंटरव्यू लेंगें, वो उसी उम्र और अनुभव के करीब होंगे( इसका मतलब उम्रदराज होना नहीं बल्कि मानसिक रूप से परिपक्व होना है).

इसलिए मुस्कुराइए और अपने सपनों को अपनी आंखों में भरकर इंटरव्यू का सामना करने चले जाइए.

शुभकामनाएं

वर्तिका नन्दा

No room for boys in IIMC...

Ajit Dubey reports in MidDAY



India's premier mass communication institute, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) is contemplating to allot the newly constructed hostel meant for boys to girls.

The hostel was sanctioned by the controlling authority of the IIMC, about four years ago for boys, as they have to live in expensive rented accommodations in the areas like Munirka, Ber Sarai and Katwaria Sarai near the institute.

Problem child?

IIMC, which is all set to gain the status of "International Media University", already offers hostel facility to the girls. The management fears that girls may face "problems" due to the boys hostel in campus.

A Head of Department (HOD) of the institute said, "The management thinks that the 'coexistence' of both the genders may lead to unhealthy relationships between them and allotting the new hostel to boys would mean fuelling the disorder."

Another IIMC professor said, "This is an absolute nonsense. The youngest student in IIMC would be of more than 21 years and if adults want to get intimate, they can do it without living close to each other."

An official from the institute added that the management should take a cue from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, next to the IIMC, where boys and girls have common hostels.

When MiD DAY tried to contact the IIMC management, they refused to comment on the issue saying that they have not taken the final decision on the issue. Stuti Kakkar, director of the institute was not available for comment.




Friends, What you Say....

Please send me back your comments. We will forward it to IIMC management and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as a petition.

Interview: a personality test, not a intelligence test...

First of all it's very important to remember that interview is a 'personality test' and not intelligence test, which has been already tested by the written test.

Your overall personality, the way you present yourself  and articulate your ideas are all important.

Even if you have done very well in the written exam, the  15 marks of interview can be very crucial for your getting admission into the course, so you cannot ignore the interview.

General awareness is of great importance. Be very aware of the hot current issues and thoroughly discuss and analyze with your friends or family, the various aspects of the issues like the recent fuel hike…the reasons its fallout, Karnataka elections etc.

Prepare for the interview with through knowledge of your home state, its problems, and any current issues in your state, specialty of your home town etc. For eg, I was asked, what are the two most severe problems of my district?

 

Since, I belong to tribal dominated district my answer was – unemployment and drinking. The fact is your answers should show our general awareness and presence of mind.

I think the best way to prepare for an interview is to get into the shoes of the interviewer itself. What are the probable questions he or she might ask to judge your personality.

Questions can be asked about a wide range of topics like hobbies, who is your favourite journalist and why do you like him or her  especially in print, Which newspaper  do you like to read and why? Who is its editor etc, what beat one could like to take, about the beat. Questions from your education background are also asked.

Remember that IIMC has a Development journalism course and DJ is also part of course in English Journalism therefore your answers should have a welfare oriented ring to them. And questions related to developmental issues could also be asked.

On the day of your interview relax and please read the day's newspaper, it is every important.

Appearance matters! So be neatly dressed, and present a pleasant and confident self to the interviewers.

If you are not very fluent with English and cannot express yourself well in the language, then my suggestion is to constantly speak in the language to better express yourself during the D day.

Best Of Luck!
 

 

 

Ruby Nanda

Journalist, PTI 

Basic questions which will be asked of you

Dhiren Dukhu is currently working with Financial Chronicle as a Sr. sub-editor.

There's is nothing more interesting than to write How to do something. But unfortunately, sometimes, it is the most boring thing to read. However, I hope, my words will benefit the future IIMCians.

For interview: The standard questions asked are:

Why do u want to join journalism?
Answer for this questions = no of readers. Nothing very fundo. All you need to do is to be clear in your head. Do you really want to do it? Or coming just for another interview. Many people have a notion that journalism is not a very well paying job. Initially you will feel, that your MBA would have been better.

Trust me, its 100% false. Money is floating in the air, and you just have to be smart enough to grab it. Coming back to the interview, you can quote examples which have influenced your decision to become a journalist. It doesn't mean that the life-changing incedent has to evolve from a personal experience. It can be fictional also. If you can justify yourself, you are half way through.

Why IIMC?
I hope, I don't have to answer this question. IIMC is the best. Noted journalist have been trained here. And the recent generation of IIMCians is ferociously working towards the progress of the institute. If you are still fiddling for an answer, you can say: Quality of faculties, friends who have studied from the instittue (if you know any one). Be it IIMC or any other institute, always remember, every insittute has an ego. So, don't try to be oversmart.

These are the two basic questions which will be asked to you.

For the GD or group discussion:

Quote news reports extensively. The more you'd quote them, the brighter your chances will be. Unlike GDs for B-schools, the concentration is on the person's knowledge, while behaviour is not extremely important. This does not mean that you turn the meeting into a fish market.

Don't exhibit your lexicon. Keep your points short and simple. You should present your views in a balanced way. Take a side. Avoid being neutral (there's nothing wrong in it) on subject of discussion.

If you have more queries, shoot them, many IIMCians will answer that.

Dhiren

98997-20276

Know how to present the little that you know properly...

Hello friends....

 

 

I was a student of English journalism, 2005-06 batch of IIMC New Delhi. I am sure after clearing the written test all of you must be excited as well as nervous about the interview.

 

I am not going to write any points on how to do well in the interview because you will get the standard tips in any good personality development article. What I will do is give an account of my experience and hope that it is of some help to you too.

Well, the interview panel will have at least three people, including one of the faculty members and other two or three journalists. As the panelists keep changing every year, there is no fixed formula as to what they are looking for in a candidate. But I will tell you how I prepared for it.

The interview can last for anything between 10-20 minutes or maybe more in some interesting cases. You don't have a lot of time to impress the interviewer, so state your views clearly and to the point.

Be very thorough with the various socio-political events happening in your state because if you don't know about your own home, there is no point just knowing what Bush or Manmohan said.

Next, world events are also important, so obviously have a rough idea about important developments on issues which have a direct impact on India, like the falling dollar, oil crisis, inflation — everything is related.

Remember that the interviewer is not looking for the perfect answer, it's OK not to know all the facts, but you should know how to present the little that you know properly, with your original views.

 

Even if you don't agree with the panelists, you should put your argument well, with valid points and examples. So while preparing, you can make a checklist of the latest developments and note down small points that you can remember. It's OK to be nervous and fumble.

 

My first question was "Why do you want to be a journalist?" — the most obvious and simplest question, and I just blabbered something, as I am always uncomfortable with general or personality-related questions. So if you are not the spontaneous type, I would suggest do some mock interviews with friends about basic questions like this.

 

I always thought these kind of questions are not very important and one should concentrate on GK. But it gives you more confidence and later for my job interviews I was always better prepared.

Lastly, no matter how much you prepare be ready for the unexpected. At the particular moment you may forget everything you studied, so don't mug up anything, just form your own strong views because that always stays with you no matter in what situation you are and you can present it well.

I hope this helps and you can be part of this wonderful institute. (By the way, you will really have to slog it out here and also after you join a media organization, so be prepared for the drill).

 

But I guess all of you have decided to be on this path now — so all the best!

 

Be alert, be cool and SMILE. 

 

 

 

Meghalee Das
Sr. Sub-editor, Business Standard

New Delhi

There should be a balance of views...

Prasad Nichenametla, winner of the 2007 Business Standard-Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Print Journalism who is going to join HT National Bureau next month.




Hello Friends ...

Congrats first of all for clearing the written test which itself proves that you have knowledge better than thousands who have applied for the course.

Now, it's very simple ... actually I don't think you need to do anything extra here for the Group Discussion and / or the interview.

Written Test mainly dealt with your language abilities, subjective knowledge, information on various issues etc. Now you just have to make sure that what you have written thinking for minutes comes onto your lips within fraction of a second.

In the test, it is information but here ... your opinion carries. But you should not be opinionated at the same time. I mean there should be a balance of views ... pros and cons should be kept in mind.

Be assertive. If you think something is right, defend it even if all other in the GD or the interview panel oppose it. But for this you must be informative. As a person aspiring to be a Journalist I am sure you must be going through news papers, magazines etc. So, it won't be any difficulty if you were attentive on all fronts from the beginning.

But if you are pressed for time, I suggest you pick up last 2, 3 editions of Civil Services Chronicle etc and go through all the pages with utmost attention. Keep the chronology of national and international events in mind.

Make sure you have a grip over various socio-economic issues which have taken the centre stage in recent times like OBC quota, farmer loan waiver etc. And please concentrate on the state or region you come from. If you are from Gujarat, they might ask you about 'Moditva' or if you are from Andhra Pradesh they will ask you about Telangana. Also keep an eye on the movement in the Media industry.

And one obvious thing ... carry that Confident and Pleasant Look. That's it ...

Welcome to the IIMC Batch of 2008-09.

Prasad Nichenametla

7-Pointers Towards Successful Career In Journalism...

Praveen K Singh is currently Editor- News, Hospitality Publications & Special Projects, The Indian Express.

~ Needs to scan newspapers and current event magazines of atleast last three months. The top 10 national news as well as top 10 international news should be on your tips.

~ It's the commitment towards the field, which is being checked by the interviewers. Never exhibit that you are in journalism out of default. You need to prove that you have chosen the field as you think you are appropriate for the field.

~ If you have any previous published work with you, please do present them in front of the interviewers as it displays your passion for the field and your steadfastness towards creative jobs.

~ Be straightforward and specific, while answering questions during the interview. The interviewers are no superhuman or encyclopedia, so worry not in answering their questions. Be clear and cohesive in your thoughts..

~ As a journalist, one is free to hold an opinion, but while presenting any information be impartial as you don't know what's the bent of interviewers.

~ Be confident in your answers, its not about the correct facts but also the presentation.

~ As a student of journalism, one has to study the entire gamut of the discipline, so be open and don't confine yourself to just area of your interest in the beginning.

Praveen

अंतिम चुनौती, जिसे आसानी से पार कर जाएंगे आप...

भारतीय जनसंचार संस्थान की लिखित परीक्षा आपने पास कर ली है और अब आखिरी बाधा आपके सामने है- इंटरव्यू. बीस प्रतिशत नम्बर इस इंटरव्यू में आने हैं और यह संस्थान से आपका नाता जुड़ने का आखिरी एवं महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव है.

 

इंटरव्यू में क्या पहनकर जाएं या आत्मविश्वास, चेहरे के हावभाव, कितना और कब बोलना, यह सब बताने की आवश्यकता नहीं है. दूसरे इंटरव्यू के लिए जितने भी ये आवरण आपको अपनाने होते हैं, वे सब इस इंटरव्यू में भी आप अपना सकते हैं. लेकिन टाई लगाकर खुद को असहज करने से कुछ इम्प्रेशन बढ़ जाएगा, ऐसा मैं नहीं कह सकता. आपको भविष्य के पत्रकार के रूप में तैयार किया जाना है और आज का मीडिया उस झोलाछाप पत्रकार का प्रतीक नहीं है, जो मसालेदार हिंदी फिल्मों में गाहे-बगाहे दिखता रहा है.

 

इंटरव्यू के पैनल में बाहर से आए पत्रकारों को लिया जाता है जो बहुत हद तक आपको सहज करने की कोशिश करते हैं. हां, वे आपके भीतर बुनियादी बातों की समझ देखना चाहते हैं, आपके भीतर के आत्मविश्वास को देखना चाहते हैं और यह भी जानना-समझना चाहते हैं कि आपकी मीडिया में आने की कैसी ललक है और क्यों है.

 

पैनल के लोग किसी चैनल के हो सकते हैं, हिंदी अखबार के हो सकते हैं या अंग्रेजी से भी हो सकते हैं. लिहाजा ऐसे में आप एक मीडिया के मुकाबले दूसरे की तारीफ करने की भूल न ही करें तो बेहतर होगा. किसी विचारधारा के साथ जुड़े दिखने की गलती भी ठीक नहीं है. अत्यधिक विनम्रता या अत्यधिक बड़बोलापन भी ठीक नहीं है. जो बात कहें वह तथ्य के हिसाब से सही होनी चाहिये. भाषण के बजाए वह बात होनी चाहिये.

 

इंटरव्यू में जाने से पहले उस दिन का अखबार जरूर देख लें. वहां पैनल में बैठे पत्रकार एक दिन पहले से उन खबरों में रचबस कर आते हैं और भविष्य के पत्रकार से उनकी उम्मीद होती है कि वह उन खबरों से वाकिफ होगा. समकालीन विषयों के बारे में आपकी जानकारी होनी चाहिये और वह खेल से लेकर आर्थिक पत्रकारिता तक जानी चाहिये. शायद बताने की जरूरत नहीं है कि अमेरिका में राष्ट्रपति पद का चुनाव, आरूषि कांड, मुद्रास्फीति, परमाणु डील, आईपीएल, खाद्य संकट, ईंधन का संकट ऐसे मुद्दे हैं जो लोगों के दिलोदिमाग पर छाए हैं और उनके बारे में आपसे सवाल हो सकते हैं.

 

आईआईएमसी में भविष्य के पत्रकार से यह उम्मीद की जाती है कि आपको कंप्यूटर की जानकारी हो, इंटरनेट का समुचित उपयोग आपको आता हो, आपकी एक ईमेल आईडी हो, और इनके बारे में आप अपनी बातचीत में हल्के से जानकारी दे दें तो शायद आपके बारे में अच्छा प्रभाव होगा. सवाल पूछने वाले की आंखों में झांक कर बात करें और किसी सवाल का जवाब मन में न हो तो नर्वस न हों. कोशिश करें कि आप अपने मुद्दे पर पैनल को बात करने के लिए आकर्षित कर लें. यानी अगर आपसे आपके पसंदीदा विषय के बारे में पूछा जाए तो आप अपने मजबूत विषय की ओर पैनल को ले जाएं. मसलन आपका हाथ अगर आर्थिक पत्रकारिता में तंग है तो आप विनम्रता से कह सकते हैं कि मेरी दिलचस्पी विज्ञान, या खेल अथवा शिक्षा संबंधी विषय में रही है.

 

बहुत सम्भावना इस बात की है कि किसी मुद्दे पर वहां बहस छिड़ जाए. बहस में आपके सामने जो बैठे हैं उन्होंने हारना नहीं सीखा. कोशिश करिये कि आप मैजोरिटी व्यू के साथ खड़े  दिखाई दें. अपनी बात को हठ के साथ रखने के बजाए तर्क और तथ्य के साथ पेश करें. हिंदी पत्रकारिता में आना चाहते हैं इसके लिए यह जरूरी नहीं कि आपको खांटी हिंदी में ही बात करनी है. बोलचाल की भाषा में बात करें. बीच-बीच में अंग्रेजी के वाक्य भी टपक जाएं तो कोई बुराई नहीं है. बात सरल, सहज और ठोस होनी चाहिये.

 

अक्सर यह सवाल सामने आता है कि आप पत्रकार क्यों बनना चाहते हैं? और इसका खराब जवाब जो अक्सर छात्र देते हैं वह होता है "मैं समाज के लिए कुछ करना चाहता हूं. मैं इस देश को बदलना चाहता हूं. देश की सेवा करना चाहता हूं. पत्रकारिता मेरा मिशन है. वगैरह.'' इस जवाब से पैनल में बैठा कोई व्यक्ति प्रभावित नहीं होने वाला- तय मान लीजिये.

 

किसी भी और पेशे की तरह आप इस पेशे से जुड़ना चाहते हैं, इसे रोजी-रोटी का जरिया मानते हैं और दूसरे पेशे की तरह उससे जुड़े कामों से ही देश के लिए कुछ कर गुजरेंगे. मीडिया में सम्भावनाएं हैं और इन सम्भावनाओं का लाभ उठाने के लिए ही तो आप पत्रकार बनने आए हैं. यह बात साफ-साफ कहने में बुराई क्या है. लेकिन यह कहने से बचें कि मीडिया में ग्लैमर है, शोहरत है, इसलिए मैं पत्रकार बनने की इच्छा रखता/ रखती हूं.

 

आंख-कान खुले रखिये, अपने समय के साथ घट रही घटनाओं से सरोकार रखिये.  आप सजग रहते हैं और यही सजगता इंटरव्यू में दिखायी दे जाए तो आप आईआईएमसी के छात्र आसानी से बन सकते हैं. तो बस, अपना नाम पुकारे जाने पर मुस्कुराहट के साथ दरवाजा खोलिये, और आत्मीय अंदाज में कहिये- मे आई कम इन सर/ मैडम!  और विश्वास के साथ यह कहते हुए बाहर आईये- आई विल वेट फॉर यॉर कॉल सर.

 

 

 

 

मुकेश कौशिक

विशेष संवाददाता, वार्ता

Well informed of the recent happenings...

Kalyan Ranjan has a total work experience of 17 years in Public Relations. He has worked with some of the leading Indian Companies, PR Consultancy firms and MNC's. Currently, Mr. Ranjan is working with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages as a Region Manager (North) - External Affairs.
 

 

It is that time of the year, when future Ad and PR professionals will be taking their first step to join the world of advertising and public relations. Let us assume that for some of those aspirants, it would be a well planned move to appear for the IIMC entrance exam, for others it would be another diploma and degree and they will decide what to do with it once it is in the hand.

As we all know, getting admission into IIMC (irrespective of which course) is very-very difficult. It is so because seats are limited and no of aspiring students are growing beyond anybody'd imagination.

Yours truly joined the journalism course of IIMC in 1990 and did not exactly pass out with flying colours. Empowered with IIMC Diploma in left hand and a brief CV in right hand (no logic in it), the search for a job began in the right earnest.

 

All that mattered is a job - of a journalist or PR was of no consequence. At IIMC, we also got to learn that a journalism diploma holder can be eligible for PR job and that gave me twice the sense of empowerment. I must admit that IIMC gives you tremendous confidence to face the world.

Coming back to IIMC interview for admission and I am talking of year 1990. A panel consisting of 04 (04 pairs of piercing eyes) wise men staring at me welcomed my grand entry into the room. After customary exchange of pleasantries, started the interview.

 

Let me be very honest that for most of the questions, there were no right or wrong answers because they were all subjective in nature. There is no typical pattern of preparation, which can take any one through. A candidate who is well informed of the recent happenings will have a better chance than some one who has been brilliant at study but clueless about national and international developments.

You should not be surprised if asked questions such as

1. Why do you want to join IIMC?
2. Why would you like to join Ad & PR and not journalism?
3. If you get the admission, what would you choose as profession - ad or PR and why?
4. Who in your opinion is the best creative person in Indian ad world?
5. What is your favourite ad and why?
6. What is the full form of IPL? Which is the best ad that you saw during recent IPL? 
7. How can PR help in building the brand?
8. You will be given a imaginary situation and asked to provide a punchline for the ad.

For these and many similar questions, no one can give right answer because there is no universally accepted right answers. Its your perception and how well that perception is received by the interviwer will clinch it in favour of you or otherwise.

 

My simple advise to all aspirants seeking admission in IIMC Ad & PR course is go with a open mind, do not burn mid-night oil preparing for it because it is not going to help you much.

 

You must look and sound confident, do not get hasseled if cross -questioning is not to your liking and you must behave very politely. A well groomed look will always get you that extra advantage because Ad and PR world is considered glamourous.


 

Thanks & regards,
Kalyan

Why you want to be a journalist...why...?

Jaya Drona, who topped the 2005-06 batch of IIMC, works as a copy editor cum correspondent with The Times Of India, Delhi

 

 

 

Hey everybody,

Go through this if you have some time. However, I'm not sure if it is of any help really but you could atleast have a good laugh over my interview blunders (they are in bold for your convenience)! And, not repeat them, of course! Good luck.

Getting through an interview isn't rocket science! Any interview is a fairly simple exercise aimed at knowing you better and the more hype you give it, the more complex you will make it for yourself.

Considering you have all cleared your written examinations, you don't need to prove that you are 'really good' anymore. That stands proved, the next step now is facing the interview. Here are a few things that you could think about/take care of before you appear for your interview.

Remember what you wrote in your entrance test. Some times, the things that you haven't written correctly or have made a mistake in are flung at you during the course of an interview. It becomes important that you now have the answers to those questions, which you couldn't answer/answered wrong in your written examination. For instance, if you didn't know the full form of PTI while taking the test, you should know it now. Also, there are questions that we don't know answers to and tend to forget all about them once the test is over. Avoid that!

I shall narrate a personal experience: Business Standard conducted a test in IIMC to recruit students. I took the test and got through to the next level, which was the interview stage. I had not attempted many questions in test but hadn't bothered to find out the answers once I had made it to round two. During the interview I realised it was a mistake and an ugly one. The interviewers had my answer sheet in their hands! They alluded to all the questions I hadn't answered and tried to find out if I knew the answers then – days after the test and in round two. I didn't and I thought I had messed up. However, that wasn't the only mistake I made in my BS interview. I made another, rather big one too. The interview was scheduled around the budget time and budget-related news was making it to the front pages of both the main papers and financial dailies.

 

Minutes before the interview, I was asking a co-interviewee why a rail budget is prepared separately before the financial budget. Nobody around knew the answer and on my turn, I went in. To my horror, that was the second question I was asked. I was blank – I told the interviewers, you have to read this to believe this, I actually told them – "Sir, I was trying to find out the answer to this question just before I walked in for the interview. But the person who I asked didn't know the answer." One of them asked me, "We should then consider this the fault of everybody who is sitting outside, then?" I had spoken in all earnestness and all the interviewers broke into laughter. I tried to tell them that I had genuinely tried to find that out and I guess it was only my honesty that worked for me in this interview. I had messed up my interview royally otherwise!

While preparing for the IIMC interview, it is important to remember that you have a lot of competition. Thousands from allover the country apply and hundreds make it to round two. You are amongst the hundreds now and this count will further go down to some fifty odd students finally (in EJ in Delhi). You need to be very sure why you want to be a journalist and you need to prepare a mental list that helps you during the interview. Interviewers can ask you: Why journalism? Why IIMC? Why English journalism? Why not advertising and PR? Have you applied for another course in IIMC? Have you applied elsewhere? What do you like writing on? What are you interested in? Which city are you from? Tell us about your city? Have you worked before? If yes, where?

Now, another point – if you have worked before with a media organisation, remember to carry samples of your work. Even if you did an internship and had some of your articles published, take them to the interview. You should be able to talk about the articles you have written in the past. For instance: If you had written an article on the Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case two years back, you should know what judgment was passed, what punishment was given among other things. Plus, you should also know what is the progress on the other similar cases. In this case, it would be the Jessica Lall case (verdict passed) and more recently the Katara murder case.

You should have backgrounders to all your interests. If you are interested in writing on women empowerment, you better keep two or three ideas in mind on related articles.

A panel does IIMC interviews, and it comprises various professors and the head of department, English Journalism. Remember to maintain eye contact and not engage yourself in a long conversation with just one interviewer.

Many of you must be thinking what should you prepare before the interview. I'd say, don't overdo the preparation bit just before the interview. Keep reading all the newspapers and follow news items close to your heart minutely. That's all you can do! And that's all that is needed too. Written examination is one thing, now you need to be tested on your aptitude and attitude. This may sound clichéd, but don't try to blind the panel with your knowledge. You may know a lot but they may not need to hear it all. They will ask you to tell them more if they want to hear you out on a particular subject.

Can share another IIMC interview experience, this could be useful for you guys too: Remember, it is okay to not know answers to some questions. Yes, it is absolutely fine! I belong to Kanpur and there were a lot of questions about my city in my interview. They asked me about Duncans Kanpur, the closed BIC and NTC mills, the leather industry, the changes in the city, the impact of the rapidly growing education industry, et al. I knew that Duncans had been closed down for some time but I didn't know that it had resumed work just a week before my interview at IIMC. When asked about Duncans, I confidently said that it had closed down. However, I was then told that it had resumed work. This was a piece of information that I wasn't aware of and thanked the interviewer for informing me. It was a shame on my part that I didn't know about it but honesty worked again! I recommend honesty big-time in interviews.

Try and be positive about yourself. Some thing that is said may put you in a mood to rant or go on about your political philosophy and ideology but keep that short and sweet. You are entitled to your opinion at the end of the day and interviewers are to there own. Don't give your political views a vent in this interview. Rather, be open to listening to new perspectives and seeing the good points in others philosophies too. If you support a particular political or religious group, keep your opinion objective. Don't try to make others listen to you. That could make the others and you uneasy.

I wish to write more but I may write unnecessary things. I'd suggest you guys ask any questions you have. That way, you'll get your answers faster and you won't have to read through a 1,000 words!
 

 

 

 

 

Jaya Drona

jaya.drona@gmail.com

Don't jump without any idea and make illogical statements...

Prithviraj Choudhary is the currently managing the content for indya.com- STAR TV's digital media initiative and one of India's leading entertainment portals.

He topped the IIMC Entrance test for Radio and Television course in 2005 and also won the STAR TV MEDIA SCHOLARSHIP for the year 2005-2006.

He has been associated with theatre (directing, acting and set design) also and recently he made his feature film debut in Jayabrato Chatterjee's 'Love Songs'.




Very often the Group Discussion- ominously abbreviated as GD- turns out to be a real pain to get past. One doesn't know how much to say, how long to say it for, how to say it or simply what to say. When one speaks of GD, one conjures up images of a bunch of eight-ten over-zealous and extremely hyper candidates -all fighting to get their precious words of wisdom in, with the aggression not unlike a heavyweight boxer on drugs in the ring, arguments which struggle to rise above anything but noise, over-gesticulating and firm in the belief that what each one is saying is nothing but the absolute truth, and no other view points exist! Aggression, they believe is the way to go about it.Whatever topic is given, if you are not raising your voice to a cacophonic level, thumping your chest and spewing wisdom at a feverish pace,then you are not having a good GD at all.

Well- is that true? Leaving aside the wider discussion on what generally GDs are like, let me for the sake of relevance- limit myself to the GDs which happen in IIMC and give some general guidelines- culled from my personal experience of the IIMC GD I had underwent and from other GDs I have given- on how best to tackle it.

For the RTV department, the GD in my year (2005) was a quiet and very systematic affair. The interviewers presented us a topic and then to my surprise and to my relief, asked us to give them our views by turns. So immediately the whole drama of aggressive shouting and fist pounding and hurling accusations went right out of the window. Now there is no guarantee that this will be followed this year as well. So it well might turn out to be a free-for-all discussion where one has to make sure that he/she is heard above the general shouts of the other candidates, and your point is made effectively and is taken seriously. I have listed below some pointers to keep in mind to tackle any kind of GD which comes in the RTV admissions this year.

Preparation for GD :
Since you are enrolling into a Journalism course, you are expected to be up-to-date with all burning current affairs issues from every sphere. This bit is true for admission in the course, not just for GD. Generally a group discussion would be on the most recent topical issues- so it would do you good if you were to scan the newspapers/magazines/news channels on a regular basis for issues that are currently making news (hopefully you are doing that anyway).

Pay particular attention to any bit of news that might have happened a day or two before the GD date , or even the morning of the GD. In my case, we were told to comment on a particular political development which came into news the night before my GD date. So the lesson to be learnt- just be aware of what is making the latest news.

Topics of GD :
This could broadly be divided into three types- political (which would be current affairs from India and abroad),social ones ( this would include entertainment and cultural issues) and lastly on media and its general nature (ethics, the state of TV news channels, the mushrooming of so many news channels) . Since its a RTV interview - and not, let' s say a AD PR one- political topics would be emphasized on( I know of my AD PR friends who got to debate on the issue of the fairness fad, and celebrity endorsements along with a few political issues).

Sometimes the interviewer asks a group to choose a topic from a few options. Its generally chosen by a majority vote- so at best you can do is to hope the topic you are comfortable with is chosen by everyone else.

Your Arguments:
Clearly what you say in a GD regarding a particular topic is dependent on how well you know the same. Given the variety of topics you might encounter, it is of course not possible to know about everything in depth and with all details. You are not expected to do so either.

You need to have a firm opinion on the issue given and back it up solidly by cogent logical arguments, which are, in turn, borne out of facts of the case. If you are lucky and the topic is up your alley,then it should not be a problem. If its something which you are not too familiar with, then here is the good part of being in a GD. You wait and listen to the first few comments by the others, and then give your opinion on it . This way, you have some idea on what the issue is all about, why it is in contention etc.

Of course, its not the best thing to do- but its better you wait for some time and hear people out and then present an opinion , rather than jumping into it without any idea and making illogical statements. Don't wait for too long though- that will give away the fact that you are reluctant to speak on it.

In a GD, never fence sit- take a side and speak for or against it with your arguments.Keep your arguments brief ,primarily because you don't have much time and there are other people who will have to speak as well. You are not expected to get into a whole treatise. Figure out the relevant and the most strong points backing your point of view and present that. If probed further- you can go in depth with the facts you know.

The Style/Manner:
If its a GD where you are asked to speak in turns- then its simple. You just present your point of view. After everybody has spoken once, you are then free to interject or counterpoint somebody's argument. But do so without being unnecessarily mean or aggressive. You can start off by saying : "I would want to bring up the point which my fellow colleague here has made and say..." or " I would disagree with what my colleague has said on the point of ..." There is no need to be rude or overtly aggressive, just make your point and have a healthy debate.

If its a GD which is free-for-all- then its always best to be the first to speak. This way you lead the discussion to the direction you want, and additionally the authorities take notice of you instantly. Of course, it can all go to waste if you come upon with an argument which is not cogent or irrelevant! If not the first, be the second to speak, giving either the opposite viewpoint or support the point of view taken by the first speaker with additional facts and arguments. Don't repeat what has been said before.

These kind of free for all discussions-as mentioned earlier- tend to get out of control. More often than not, there will be some candidates who will deliberately raise their voice and show aggression in getting their point across. There will be someone who will not let anyone else put their point across. In such cases, the moderator of the GD intervenes. You- as a participant of such a GD- will need to be firm , loud and confident of your point of view. Resist being rude or shout or launch into an argument of who speaks first.

You can throw off an opponent who is resisting hearing others' views by saying firmly: "Clearly my friend here believes that shouting mindlessly and repeating the same point endlessly will convince us all of his view-point. It wont work..."(you can even address this directly to the opponent, and a loud voice will help!) At the end of it all- even the moderators would want to test and hear everybody out. So if a discussion is going out of hand, the moderator will interfere to stop it from becoming a mindless shouting match. Don't worry- GDs in RTV in IIMC have not been known to go such degrees. However having said that- be prepared for any situation.

Now onto the Personal Interview:
Now in my year- we were told to talk in front of a camera for two minutes on a topic , which each one of us chose from a choice of two topics given. That was our personal interview. We were given two minutes to get our thoughts together and then start. This was not carried through the next year- so I shall just generally give some pointers to crack an interview ( well- they have worked for me !). These tips- you might find- is not specifically for an interview in IIMC RTV course, but for any such interviews you might go for in the future.

Always wish your board of interviewers- since you cant wish every person sitting individually- a general greeting on everyone's direction would do.

They always start off with a customary- Tell us something about yourself. Don't say the obvious about your schooling and marks- they all know that. Talk about your interests, why you want to do the course, issues in media you feel strongly about. Again be succinct and brief.

If you don't know something, then say so. Try not to talk without any knowledge- it seldom helps- specially since this a journalism interview.

One often thinks that spewing out all information you possibly know on an issue is the best way to impress . Not true. Speak to what has been asked. Unlike a GD where you could not delve deep into an issue- you can actually afford to go a little deep into the topic, when asked to elaborate.

Very often,specially in political issues, your interviewer might have opposite views. Don't get over -zealous and try to make your point too forcefully. Disagree with the opposite viewpoint politely but firmly-giving reasons for doing so.

In case they decide to have the Video test in the RTV admissions this year- make sure you look straight into the camera and speak confidently. You will be given two minutes to collect your thoughts. You might get camera-conscious facing it for the first time- that's understandable. Even the board knows that. You can fumble. One only wants to see how quick you can think on your feet, and how confident you are in front of the camera.

Just don't rush your speech and don't get too aggressive in putting across your speech. Remember you are doing this for TV- so its a good idea to get used to the camera right on the outset. If you wish- you can practice small speeches ( called as 'PTC'- Piece-to-camera) at home in front of a mirror.

Always make eye contact when answering the question.Shifty eyes is a sign of nervousness as is shifty hands, Sit straight and never slouch- that will give an impression of you being too lazy or casual.

At the end of the day, it all depends on how you handle the pressure and the questions on that particular day. No amount of guidelines comes in handy at that very moment when you are asked an uncomfortable question or rebut a controversial point. The pointers above are just something which I have figured out of my own experience in my GD and interview in the RTV course in IIMC. They are not to be taken as the byword in anything. Noone knows your strength better than you yourself- so play according to that and you will be fine.



All the best...
Prithviraj Choudhury

अधूरे मन से न करें कोशिश...

आईआईएमसी में पढ़ना हर उस दिल का सपना होता है जो पत्रकारिता के क्षेत्र में कुछ करना चाहता है. मेरा ख्याल है जिन लोगों ने इस क्षेत्र में आने के बारे में सोचा है वो ख़बरों और सामान्य ज्ञान पर पैनी नज़र रखते हैं. बस आपने आधा किला यहीं जीत लिया.

 

आईआईएमसी के इंटरव्यू में पैनल ये जानने की इच्छा रखता है कि कहीं आप आधे अधूरे मन से तो संस्थान में दाखिला नहीं लेना चाहते. यही वजह है कि आपकी नब्ज़ परखने की कोशिश की जाती है. मसलन पिछले एक महीने के घटनाक्रम पर आपसे कुछ सवाल पूछे जाएंगे.

 

पैनल के कुछ सदस्यों की दिलचस्पी ये भी जानने में होती है कि आप कहां से हैं. आप जिस शहर या कस्बे के हैं वहां के बारे में आप कितना जानते हैं. खास तौर पर अगर कोई बड़ा नेता या खिलाड़ी या कलाकार उस इलाके से है. मैंने रेडियो और हिंदी दोनों विभागों के लिए इंटरव्यू दिया था. ज्यादातर पैनल सदस्य प्रिंट के पत्रकार होते हैं. जिनकी इच्छा डिटेल में जाने की होती है.

वो ये भी जानना चाहते हैं कि आप अपनी आंखें और कान खुले रखते हैं या नहीं. अब वक्त नहीं है कि आप बहुत डिटेल में जाएं. हां, यह जरूर है कि आप ये कोशिश करें कि अपने इलाके और खुद से जुड़ी जानकारियों पर अच्छे से काम करें. मसलन आप इस क्षेत्र में क्यों आना चाहते हैं या आपके इलाके में पिछले दिनों कोई बड़ी घटना हुई हो. या कोई खेल प्रतियोगिता.

 

एक और बात इंटरव्यू को कभी भी अपने खिलाफ ना मोड़ें मतलब बहुत भावुक होकर बात ना करें.


अमूमन आईआईएमसी में ग्रुप डिस्कशन/समूह चर्चा या जीडी नहीं होता. लेकिन अगर ऐसा हो तो इतना ध्यान रखें कि आप भीड़ का हिस्सा ना बनें. अगर ग्रुप के दूसरे लोग चीखने चिल्लाने या अपनी बात मनवाने में यकीन रखते हैं तो आप चेहरे पर मुस्कान लाते हुए उनसे बात करें.

 

यहां पैनल ये जानना चाहता है कि आप में मुश्किल हालात में खुद को संभालने की ताकत है या नहीं. जीडी में आए कई लोग सोचते हैं कि जो ज्यादा बोलेगा वो ही सिलेक्ट होगा, जो कि बिल्कुल गलत है. कम शब्दों में अपनी बात कहें पर सटीक बोलें. यहां भी वही बात लागू होती हैं खूब पढ़ें और खूब अच्छे से अपनी बात कहें.

 

 

 

 

मेरी शुभकामनाएं आपके साथ हैं.
 

अनुराग शर्मा

स्टार न्यूज़

One can't know about each and everything but...

I remember the day when i had come to Delhi for my interview. If i remember correctly, there were four people sitting inside the room to nterview us.

 

it included Pradeep mathur, who was HOD, English Journalism, Tarun basu, Head of IANS, and two other chaps who were very quite.

 

I think one thing that all aspirants should keep in mind is that you should be confident while answering the questions in the interview.

 

Even if you don't have answers for all the queries, you should not worry because one cannot know about each and everything that is happening around us.

 

Recently, one of my friends and seniors from IIMC had gone for a job interview. He was asked many questions about the beat for which he had applied in that organisation and he did not have answers for most of them.

 

At the end of the interview, he simply told them that he might not be having the answers for the queries but he knew that how and from where he could get the answers.

 

And he got the job and he is one of the best on his beat.

 

I dont know whether the same kind of an answer can help you at IIMC or not but same confident and attitude can definately get the job done.

 

So guys, be positive, confident and informed to be in IIMC.
 

 

 

Ajit K. Dubey
Reporter, MiD Day

RTV: It is not over till it is over...

Ashim Ghosh, Co-topper of RTV 2005-06, winner of Prasar Bharati Award at IIMC, Worked as anchor-producer in Zee Business, currently working with British Broadcasting Corporation as a Monitoring Journalist specializing in Iran and Middle East.





It is important the while you prepare for the written test, you also keep the interview in mind. Some candidates may think that the interview only has a weightage of 15 percent in the whole entrance test and may not be that important but you should never forget that

it is not over till it is over

The written test is designed to gauge the mental ability, agility, nerve, media outlook and knowledge of the candidate and the interview is designed to capture all the above qualities in a "face to face" environment.

You may be a good student but it is not necessary that you will make a good journalist

is more or less the base of the IIMC interview. So to pass this test, candidates must prepare well beforehand so that they are not caught in any uneasy catch-22 situation which may result in loss of a golden opportunity of making it to the coveted institute.

If you have worked hard enough to pass the written test, walk that extra mile and make sure that you make yourself deserving for a seat in the institute. Having gone through the same phase (and agony) a couple of year ago, here are a few bullet point tips that you may find helpful during your interview:

Pre-interview preparations:

1. Brush up your general knowledge.

2. Keep some examples or instances in mind where you have shown your strengths.

3. Prepare yourself for some questions on your educational background and hobbies

4. Prepare for the obvious question- Why do you want to come to media?

5. Day before the interview, have a nice sleep. (Don't go to the interview with red eyes and

Yawn in between. That's recipe for disaster)

6. On the day of the interview, reach early, ease your nerves, read the day's newspaper.


On the "D" day:

Confidence: If there is one magic word that can help you get an edge over the other candidates, it is undoubtedly "confidence." Just imagine a journalist without any confidence. How will he appear on TV or how will he sound on radio or how much weight will his/her article carry in a newspaper? The answer is simple. A journalist without confidence is a "disaster."

Make sure when you appear in front of the panel, you don't give them that "disaster" vibe. Let them see the confident side of you who is ready to take on the world come what may. Answer clearly, slowly and to the point.

Keep eye contact: While you answer make sure you don't look at the floor or the ceiling or the flower vase. Whatever you say, say it by looking into the panel's eye.

Keep it simple: Every question comes with a "desired" answer. You may not hit the target every time but you can minimise the risk of too many words by keeping it short and simple. In television, there is something called "attention span of audience" which is about 4 secs, for an interviewing panel it is 2 seconds or less. Don't make them loose interest in your answer by blabbering too much.

To the point: Speak when spoken to and choose your words

Don't bluff: If you do not know an answer, just say, "I am sorry but I am not aware of that". Don't try and bluff people who have been in media for ages and have sent hundreds of bluffing candidates home. Make sure you know what you are saying.

Keep focus: The panel will try and test your focus by asking 2-3 questions at a time or multiple questions (on the same topic). Do not give in to the trap, keep your focus, answer each question one by one and while answering look at the person who asked you that specific question.

Do not sound arrogant: There is a strong chance that if you are a passionate candidate you will have strong views about few things, make sure you do not carry your prejudices to the interview hall.

Media, media: Make sure you have some knowledge about the media that you are aspiring for. Like me, if you are passionate about electronic media, make sure you know what is happening in electronic media in the country. Things like channel editorial policy, channel heads, programming, etc.


Apart from the above points, Radio and TV candidates must prepare for a piece to camera which happens as a part of the interview.


I hope the above point prove to be of some help. In case you want to know something else or have any query, feel free to write to me at
ashim.iimc@gmail.com or ashim.ghosh@mon.bbc.co.uk



Once again best of luck !! If selected keep the IIMC flag flying high!
Ashim Ghosh

IIMC among India's best four media schools

IIMC among India's best four media schools, says Mint survey. To read the story and watch the video please click the link....

 

 

India's Best Colleges | Indian Institute of Mass Communication

 

 

 

To view the list of Top 10 click here Top 10 Mass Communication Institutes

 

 

 

 

 

Ritesh
98116-86612

IIMC to become an International Media University

Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri P. R. Dasmunsi has said that 'I am very happy to announce that we have decided to upgrade the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) as an International Media University. The Planning Commission has already approved the proposal and my Ministry is working to make this Institute into a world class media education, training and research University, by an Act of Parliament. This will fulfill the growing demand of the media industry to provide more trained and qualified professionals. He was delivering the convocation address at IIMC here today.'

On this occasion, Director, IIMC, presented the report. Smt. Stuti Kacker, Director, informed the august gathering that Post Graduate Diploma Course in Hindi Journalism, Post Graduate Course in Journalism in English, Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations, Post Graduate Diploma Course in Radio and TV Journalism and Diploma Course in Development Journalism were concluded successfully. The Director also conferred diplomas to these students.

The Minister presented awards to the students of the Post Graduate Diploma Courses. On this occasion, Additional Secretary, Shri Uday Kumar Varma, Media Heads, the faculty of the IIMC and distinguished guests were present.

Here is the full text of the convocation address by Shri P. R. Dasmunsi, Minister of Information & Broadcasting:

"Director of IIMC and Joint Secretary of the Ministry Shrimati Stuti Kacker, distinguished guests, faculty members, employees, my dear graduating students of IIMC and ladies and gentlemen.

• It is really a matter of pride and privilege for me to again address the young post graduates students of journalism- print and electronic media, advertising and PR courses of IIMC on the momentous occasion of the 41st Convocation of this premier institute. Convocation in the life of an Institute is an important milestone. It gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect- from where we started, where we are today and where we aspire to be tomorrow.

• As you all know this great institute was established in 1965 by the then Information and Broadcasting Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi who later became Prime Minister of India. She was aware of the empowering power of information. She conceptualized this institute to provide trained information and media professionals to communicate change and development among our people. In the last four decades this vision has grown and IIMC is serving the nation by training hundreds of journalists, media and information professionals and development communicators.

• Today I would use this opportunity to pay my heartfelt tributes to our great leader late Indira Gandhi and all other renowned personalities and faculty members who were associated with this vision called IIMC.

• The Convocation is also an occasion to look forward, as time has come to think big. As you all know the Indian media industry is growing at much faster pace than our economy. It is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. A recent industry report states that in the last four years, the Indian media and entertainment industry recorded a cumulative growth of 19 percent on an overall basis. The report also predicts the industry is estimated to grow at compound annual growth rate of 18 percent in the next five years.

• This growth rate is almost unparalleled in the world. But to maintain and enhance this growth rate, the industry requires a large number of trained media professionals otherwise shortage of skilled and qualified professionals will hurt the growth rate of the industry.

• I sincerely feel that IIMC can play a greater role in providing good, creative and trained professionals to the industry in adequate numbers. Therefore IIMC needs to enhance capacity, start new and specialised courses and training programmes geared to the manpower needs of the industry. Our government is also giving top priority to the education sector. In fact the Prime Minister has rightly termed the 11th Five Year Plan as "Education Plan".

• I am very happy to announce that we have decided to upgrade the IIMC as an International Media University. The Planning Commission has already approved the proposal and my Ministry is working to make this Institute into a world class media education, training and research University, by an Act of Parliament. This will fulfill the growing demand of the media industry to provide more trained and qualified professionals.

• But as an international media university, the role and responsibilities of IIMC are also going to increase tremendously. As Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said and I quote "A university stands for humanism, for tolerance, for progress, for adventure of ideas and for the search of truth. It stands for the onward march of the human race towards ever higher objectives. If the universities discharge their duty adequately, then it is well with the nation and the people. But if the temple of learning becomes a home of narrow bigotry and petty objectives, how then will the nation prosper or people grow in stature".

• I hope that as a University, the IIMC will remember these words. I also hope that the IIMC will continue to provide journalists and media professionals who are not only truthful, ethical, fair, credible but also sensitive to the feelings of the people and society involved with nation building in a constructive manner.

• I strongly believe in free media but freedom demands responsibility. The Indian press had played a leading role in our freedom struggle and many of our freedom fighters were also great journalists. Overall, I appreciate the role of Indian media in nation building and strengthening the roots of democracy in the country.

• But unfortunately, the growing competition among media companies, if I may say so unhealthy competition is threatening all journalistic norms and values. It is certainly a matter of serious concern, as my ministry is receiving many complaints from the general public and concerned citizen groups. There are numerous instances of media excesses and media trials, fake sting operations, criminal tress-passing of privacy, glamourisation of criminals and mafia dons, promotion of hatred among communities and inflaming of raw emotions. This is a very dangerous trend not only for media but for democracy and all humanity.

• Before I conclude, I would like to say that, never in the past, has there been so much hope and expectation from India than at present. For young adults like you, the road ahead is long but the journey promises to be exciting. Have a constructive attitude and think in terms of solutions, not in terms of problems. Face each challenge not with "why you can't" but "how you can" and do remember that great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones. Remember you carry a heavy responsibility in creating an informed and empowered citizenry.

• I offer my best wishes to all those who are receiving diploma today. As you move ahead in life, may you realize your dreams. Think of the future with hope and expectation but with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Carry with you the courage of your convictions and the determination to succeed. I congratulate you all on this occasion and wish you great success in life."

 

Source: PIB

 

 

Abhishek Shukla

abhishek1122@gmail.com