State Higher Education Minister Prem Prakash Pandey on Thursday called upon the students of Mass Communication and Journalism to acquire knowledge and practice it in the right direction to strengthen the notion of ‘Media as fourth pillar of the democracy.’
He was addressing the 11th Foundation Day ceremony of Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication (KTUJM) on Thursday. “The Constitution of India has not spoken about this pillar; but the media, by its work and contribution towards strengthening the democracy, has created this pillar’, he said.
It is now the responsibility of budding media professionals and students to contribute their lot in upholding this idea,” the Minister said. Pandey also assured that vocational training programme on Film Making and other film related aspects would soon be started in the University under the ‘Skill India Mission’.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director (Rajya Sabha Television) Rajesh Badal, said there was no dearth of work for the Mass Communication students if they have the ‘right kind of knowledge.’ Badal also advocated for starting a Film Institute in the University campus so that students from Chhattisgarh could be trained in that faculty.
At the outset, KTUJM Vice Chancellor Dr Sachchidanand Joshi spoke about 10 years of journey of the University and its achievements during all these years. He thanked the State Government for providing all kinds of help in enabling the University to achieve what it had aimed for.
Dr Joshi also thanked all those people who have contributed their valuable reference matters and books for the University reference section. Renowned Bollywood Art Director, Jayant Deshmukh also pitched for the starting of Film Institute in the University campus.
He said that there is a huge demand for people having knowledge and understanding of audio-visual medium. later, the Minister distributed awards to the winners of various events like Social Responsibility Project, cultural events, sports events and film & media related events, organized by the University.