English Journalism: A journey | An adventure

Hi! I am Avantika, back with the answer to the new 'problem of my life' question of all the new awesome people who've just cleared IIMC EJ! 'Didn't get into Delhi. What now?' And just so that my opinion holds some weight, you must know that it comes from the year's topper. Yup! That's me! *blush*

We have all heard the story of the hare and the tortoise. Haven't we? Remember how the hare bet on the race only by the virtue of being a hare? And we all thought the tortoise was foolish enough to even agree! And we all put our bets on the fast and the furious.

Well, we all know how the story proceeds. But what we here are talking of, is the story of your careers. And we hope we have all learnt our lessons well enough, and won't make the same mistake of betting on the hare.

The IIMC Alumni Association has been facing a lot of questions about how doomed most of you are feeling because you didn't get through the 'best of all the centers', and what you must do next.

Truly, what you should do next is pack your bags and get ready for a journey that you'll cherish for a lifetime. 'Why' is what we will tell you!

First of all, regional centers have only 15 seats except Dhenkanal which has 50 students (no wonder it is as big as IIMC Delhi)! So... which of you doesn't enjoy attention? We all loved the focus our teachers had on us. How we hated those 80 students' classroom in schools and colleges where the teacher knew only a bunch of people in and out! Here, all of get to be the favorites!

Second, you need to know this awesome fact that your teachers come from Delhi only. And they visit you for two weeks and sometimes even more! Of course you have two teachers who teach you throughout the year. But then, there will be a group of awesome, young at heart 'friends', who will visit you and make your life a joyride! Some of our favorites were Rahul Jalali, Gopal Mishra, the very lovely Sangeetika Nigam and of course Ranjit Chatterjee!

The third lovely thing stems from the second. Hold your breath..... These fun people will stay with you! And, you just don't want to miss gossip about the journalists you've admired all your life over a frequent cup of chai and pakoras! These people have worked during Indira Gandhi's time. They've been friends to the names that you know only through books and TV! And when they'll tell you stories about them, you'd thank yourself for landing in a regional center. Trust us!

And of course such stories don't happen in the classroom, specially of 70. It happens when you relax in your hostel shorts in the lawn of your hostel! (which you'll end up calling your home!) (I so wanna go back right now)

And for all those who muttered under their breath asking 'isse kya hoga?' You'll get to learn. They're big names only because of their experience. Right? Books have seldom educated my friend!

So moving onto the fourth, we know your main aim is to get a job. Don't you worry fellas, none of us here are jobless. You should leave that worry at the feet of the beautiful Saraswati outside IIMC Headquarter in Delhi. :)

Fifth. You know, our generation has been tagged as the adventurers. Cause we love to travel. We love to explore. And we love selfies!

And do you really think the hustle bustle of this crazy Capital is going to give you those amazing moments? I will tell you what will...

Starting from Jammu, from your windows you can see the hills. When the early morning azaan will wake you up with the saffron sun's rays... You'd never hate mornings! And of course, an FB update is mandatory! And, for heaven's sake, Jammu doesn't have any unrest! (Plus Katra is only half an hour away!)

Dhenkanal. There is an awesome huge campus that awaits you. And you know what, they have a newspaper museum too! And the whole campus is located among the hills! Just like disneyland!

Aizawl. Have you any friends who are north eastern? Aren't they the politest people? The place is similar. So peaceful and so so so green. In winters, you'll have clouds visiting you. (No exaggeration) *dream like*

Amravati. Forests. Greenery. Pollution free. No pimples. ;) Plus Maharashtra. Mumbai and Goa so close. Need I say more?

Kottayam. People spend lakhs to visit Kerala. You'll stay in its twin! There is no form of beauty that'll get missed there. Just go for a walk and voilà... You have a cover pic ready!

Oh and, these places are not expensive as Delhi is.

Seven, you'll have a place in your pockets, about which you'll know inside out. Isn't that a great feeling?

Eight, your head would be K M Shrivastav. Yes I made this a separate point, and you'll know the point I'm trying to make once you're a part of the regional centers.

Next needs a *Drumroll*

Nine. From two years, the toppers of EJ have been from Jammu. And this time top ten ranks have been only from regional centers. 4 awesome beings belong to Jammu, while 6 belong to Dhenkanal, Kottayam got 1 and so did Aizwal! (All the math gurus, I know 4+6 is 10; but four guys scored similar marks! )  

Yuhoo!

I am sure there is a ten and an eleven and an infinity. But what would you find out if we told you everything?

Journalism is all about moving around. Remember the keywords ‘leg work’. If you are someone who wants to stay in your hometown and never move out… We suggest, you must consider your career option once again !!

So, just as I said before, get packing! You can thank us later.

(Remember the hare and the tortoise!)