From the Director's Desk: Prof. Diwakar shukla, Director, Jagran School of Journalism and Communication

We believe that the world would be a better place if we encourage big ideas and create an ecosystem of converting those communication ideas into defining changes and tell better stories. Jagran School of Journalism and Communication aims to be the catalyst of such an ecosystem. Driven by our curiosity and practice for years in a row, we’ve put more money into hands-on pedagogy in areas of media and communication in India.

We practice industry benchmarks and protocols to ensure that students and professionals train and grow in sync with the world’s challenges. The school is intellectually diverse in disciplines and expertise, both at faculty as well as student level. Jagran School of Journalism and Communication seeks to understand communication, information, and media processes, behavioural change, organizations, and technologies as they affect individuals, societies, brands and the relationships among them.

Decisive Leap

The Year 2017-2018 was a year in which we launched extraordinary new partnerships. Faculty came together to create a new way of mentoring designed to connect, in an explicit manner, what students learn in the classroom with what occurs in the world. The programmes fostered pedagogical experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Jagran School of Journalism and Communication elevated partnerships with the University of Arts London, University of Sheffield Hallam, and University of Lincoln, UK, to chart the future of the media and communication studies aligned to the literature, culture, and people in this fast-changing world. We also came together as a community around our fundamental commitments and our aspirations for the future in form of various school level clubs.

Industry level conversations on curriculum and pedagogy have given rise to noteworthy new courses, and clearer pathways into undergraduate & graduate concentrations, from the new “framework courses” in the Media and Journalism to new introductory courses in the digital film making & VFX and design thinking and digital communications.

Media, communication and information are at the centre of debates about the future of the world we live in, and how we connect with it. The past year has been one of consolidation and growth for Jagran School of Journalism and Communication. On one side the School was able to strengthen its processes while on the other the foundation to expand was laid. A major effort which got underway was upgrading and expanding the studio suites at the school. From the content perspectives, deeper conversations around new media and technology were initiated.

Behaviour change and action underpin these solutions. Journalism, Media and Communication are the key drivers of behaviour change. Through a progressive curriculum, students at JSJC, learn the skills they need to succeed in the new media environment, whether they pursue careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, Filmmaking, Animation or other communications fields. The school offers specializations in Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism and other key communication spaces including well-crafted UNICEF content around Communication for development, editing and graphic design, multimedia, photojournalism, and strategic communication.

The curriculum at Jagran School of Journalism and Communication

With the goal of preparing students to be the leaders in journalism’s digital reinvention, we revised the curriculum – breaking down walls between print, broadcast, photographic and online journalism, and between skills and content buckets. Students take courses in digital marketing design and development, web and mobile communication, database reporting, data visualization, social media and multimedia storytelling. They can learn how to write for online audiences, how to think like media entrepreneurs and how to experiment with the next generation of technology: virtual reality augmented reality, sensors and more.

The cornerstone of our curriculum is the famed practice based pedagogy and well-appointed high tech audio, video, design thinking, photography, drawing, animation & graphics studios and production facilities. Here, students experience insightful journalism and communication management in a Multimedia environment. The School is a member to various industry and academic bodies like Film Society, PRCI & PRSI, Advertising Clubs, FMPCCI, International Communication Association, International Association of Mass Communication Research, Press Clubs etc. These associations mean that our programmes are industry integrated, backed by relevant faculty and forward-thinking curriculum (and the technology to support it) which prepare our students for the journalism world of today and tomorrow.

Department of Design and Digital Media Technologies

We at Jagran School of Journalism and Communication are in sync with the monumental changes sweeping the digital landscape in media and communication.  To mentor our students ride this contour, we have a specialized center within our school that focuses and runs programmes on digital design, new media technologies, films, VFX and fine arts. All these have smoothly meshed in the overarching offerings of JSJC.

Excellent Internships & Professional Opportunities

We have a strong track record of placing students in top internships and launching graduates into choice jobs across the media landscape. The solutions to many of society’s critical problems are rooted in interaction, participation in information networks and processes of civic engagement. Societal Opportunities include the achievement of healthy people and communities; maintaining a thriving democracy and useful public policy; preparation of new generation of leaders; creation of humane, productive, and empowering organizations; and development of individual skills, self-understanding and personal fulfilment.

Diverse Opportunities to thrive

JSJC provides countless opportunities, both on and off-campus.

On-Campus: JSJC is a leader in journalism and media studies, providing a programme of study that balances a multimedia foundation with an individual focus. The School’s committed faculty strive to pass on their expertise to aspiring communicators and media professionals, helping them to think critically and creatively to see new opportunities. There are on-campus media outlets including Radio, TV broadcasting and various student-led clubs to provide professional experience, networking and engagement with peers.

Off-Campus: Bhopal and Central India is a center of arts, politics, media and business. There are always new experiences to gain in Central India’s diverse, news-rich community. Students hit the ground running by learning and working in one of the country’s most vibrant journalism markets. There are always new stories to uncover and professional opportunities to pursue. JSJC has created an apex industry advisory board comprising of journalism, communication, media and management leaders across India and globally, who guide and mentor JSJC students across programmes on diverse issues including industry integration.

Student-led CLUBS

The pedagogy at JSJC actively involves our students in the learning process through discussion, group work, hands-on participation, and applying information outside the classroom. This process defines experiential learning where students are involved in learning content in which they have a personal interest, need, or want. JSJC students develop critical thinking, use creativity, and employ multiple communication strategies while applying their skills to real-world problems.

As an outgrowth of the Curricular Innovations strategic plan, JSJC works collaboratively across university Schools and Centers of Excellence to create sustainable, relevant, student-centered, research-based programming which utilizes experiential learning, both in and out of the classroom to promote and sustain student’s academic success. Being a part of student groups and developing connections around India define our students’ time here. There are over ten student-run clubs to choose from, along with the freedom to start a new organization. From debates and incubators to the performing arts and social change, our students live multi-dimensional University experiences.

JSJC Student Media Outlets

JSJC: Where real and academic world converge

Years back we are setting our clear vision and embarked on a path to be the best. And we knew that to reach that position we would have to initiate thinking in different fields of media education, engage in powerful conversations about the future of journalism and communication and work to dive deep into various action research projects. Jagran School of Journalism and Communication has a star-studded industry academic Board that acts as a compass to our North Star.

Cutting Edge Multi-Media Studios at JSJC

Theory and practice are integrated into all areas of study both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The students learn how to produce, evaluate and manage media content for traditional and emerging media in a variety of genres, including information (news and documentary), music, comedy, sports, drama, and commercial and non-commercial persuasion campaigns.

They study institutions that create, distribute and investigate media products (e.g., production studios, television and radio networks and audience measurement companies) and learn how to create and operate successful media businesses. Media Studies & Production students learn to think purposefully and critically about media and examine media roles in history, culture and society from many perspectives.

They also learn how to act ethically as they interact with the world both in careers in media institutions and as media consuming and producing citizens. To keep up with the rapid advances in technology, the Jagran School of Journalism and Communication's studio hardware and software are updated on a yearly basis. This ensures that our graduating students are proficient with the latest industry standards as they head into the workplace.

The above practicum aspects of the study are carried out at Multimedia Newsroom, full-fledged video recording and production studio, Print Media Technology suites, Photography lab, Audio Suite, Editing, VFX & Animation bays and Design studios at JSJC.

Radio broadcast station and mega display gallery provide brilliant industry grade opportunities to students

The flagship events of JSJC: JLU International Festival of Media & Shri Gurudev Gupta Endowment Lectures

JLU International Festival of Media is a global Celebration of Journalism, Media, Communication & Culture designed to help professionals, academicians, researchers and student communities and individuals to spark conversation and connection on various themes anchored in Media, Communication and Journalism. Similarly, Shri Gurudev Gupta Endowment Lectures examine the global opportunities available & challenges facing society, and the role of media and communication in meeting these challenges. The series, delivered by distinguished speakers, focuses on the contribution that academia and practitioners, particularly in media and communication, can make to understanding and addressing these global challenges. 

As we approach the new academic year 2018-2019, newer, higher and more exciting things are on the anvil. The biggest of them all is the opening of world-class studio suites and creative spaces along with some career-defining partnerships and programmes.

My students are already making a mark not only on national levels but on international platforms as well. It can only get better. My vision for the Jagran School of Journalism and Communication is simple. We need to continue ensuring it is an uplifting & inspiring place for students, researchers, practitioners and faculty to study, research and collaborate. We need to ensure that our students and faculty are happy and they consistently get the best possible thinking and the outstanding creative knowledge and practice they come for.

My thanks to Lakecity Brew team for inviting me here.

Celebrating 50 glorious years of togetherness: India-Bhutan

2018 has been a landmark year in the history of relationship between India and Bhutan. It has been 50 years to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bhutan-India relations have been shaped as much by history, culture and geopolitical realties as also by the wise and visionary leadership of the two countries and the belief of their people in a shared destiny. Commemorating the golden jubilee of the Indo-Bhutan relationship, a special logo was launched on 12^th Jan 2018. This year is an opportunity to showcase to the world the successful association between two neighbors and how two vastly asymmetrical countries can co-exist and prosper. To celebrate the close and exemplary relationship in a befitting manner, apart from venerating events such as cultural and sporting activities, the planned activities include the inauguration of a number of infrastructure projects, new initiatives and numerous exchanges that are expected to take the friendship to next level.

To celebrate the last 50 years of togetherness, the Student Services Cell at Jagran Lakecity University organized a cultural programme to enlighten the students about the journey of India and Bhutan as diplomacies. The day was deliberately chosen to be 21^st February to double the occasion for celebration, it was the 38^th birth anniversary of the fifth dragon king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The programme started with the welcome address by Namgay Dorji, President, Bhutanese Student Association followed by presenting the dignitaries with Trashi Khaddar. Khaddar is a traditional scarf printed with eight auspicious signs in Buddhism; its gift means a wish of good fortune and health for the receiver. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Jagran Lakecity University Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Swarup graced the occasion as Chief Guest along with the Deans and Directors of various schools in attendance.

The various programs that followed were cultural dance by the Bhutanese students of JLU Bhopal and MANIT, solo song performance by Namgay Dorji and many remarkable documentaries that threw light on the relationship of India and Bhutan. To specially celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, a cake cutting ceremony also took place.

It was a delight to witness the auditorium being full to its maximum capacity with students standing as spectators. Followed by the cultural programme, an exhibition was put up by the students of Bhutanese Association.

Battle of wits at II JLU National Moot Court Competition 2018

The Second JLU National Moot Court Competition crossed all expectations in terms of grandeur and turned out to be a thrilling journey in a matter of three days. The inaugural ceremony took place on 16^th February 2018. The occasion had a very impressive league of esteemed guests including the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Shri. Shivendra Upadhyay, Chairman, State Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh and Shri. C.S. Lodha, Senior Advocate and President, CESTAT Bar Association. The Ceremony also observed the gracious presence of the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Swarup, Registrar, Prof. R. Nesamoorthy, and Dean, Prof. (Dr.) C.A. Gurudath on the dais.

Guest of Honor, Shri. Chandra Singh Lodha, in his eloquent speech, advised students to focus on skill building particularly to gain leverage in a fast changing professional environment. He enlightened the students about emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence making a huge impact in several dimensions of the practice of law and asked the students to be alert on such significant changes. He emphasized that at a young age, everyone must try to set benchmarks to accomplish specific goals in order to have clarity in their vision. Shri. Lodha termed a four point principle of combining information, knowledge, wisdom and sagacity to excel in the profession. He lauded the efforts of the University in bringing 40 reputed national law universities and premier law schools under the same roof.

Beginning of the day two of the II JLU National Moot Court Competition 2018 was a hectic one. 40 teams, on the basis of random allotment of draw, competed with each other in two rounds of prelims. The top eight teams qualified for the Quarter Final Stage which took place in the second half of the day.

Legal experts from bar, academia, corporate and public sector adjudged the prelims and quarter finals. It is pertinent to note that, there was no participation from the Jagran Lakecity University JLU School of Law in the competition and also none of the faculty members of the University was a part of the panel of judges to keep the competition absolutely fair.

The last event of the second day was a colorful cultural evening presented by the students of JLU School of Law. The sensational performances by the students added a different color to the intense day of competition. Bhangda dance performance brought the energy in the auditorium and a melodious musical performance enchanted the gathering. Act of the day was the staging of the famous Shakespearean play ‘The seven stages of life’ which was lauded by everyone.

The Grand Finale followed by the Valedictory Ceremony of the II JLU National Moot Court Competition which took place on February 18, 2018 embedded a lasting impression in the memories of everyone present on the occasion. Honorable Justice Mr. Sushil Palo, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Shri. KTS Tulsi, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and renowned senior advocate of Supreme Court of India, Prof. (Dr.) P.S. Jaswal, Vice Chancellor, RGNLU Patiala, Honorable Shri. Awadhesh Pandey, Member, MP Commercial Tax Appellate Board and Shri. Ashish Lakhtakia, Company Secretary and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Edelweiss General Insurance Company were the Judges of the Final Round of the competition and graced the dais during the Valedictory Ceremony.

Shri. KTS Tulsi in his valedictory address, asked every law student to exhaust themselves in the challenging and competitive domain of litigation at least for a decade to fulfill their dreams in future. He shared many interesting anecdotes from his own life to signify the role that hard work plays in the life of a professional. He said that, with the advent of path breaking technologies, one must not forget to stick to the basics of learning law; which comes through rigorous study of books and journals. According to him, a budding lawyer must focus on instilling wisdom and the wealth will come to her/him naturally.

Honorable Chancellor, Shri. Hari Mohan Gupta told aspiring lawyers to learn ‘what not to argue in the court.’ Commenting on the importance of confidence, he urged everyone not to be afraid of challenges and obstacles which will ultimately enhance the pleasure of accomplishment. Before ending his address, he made a massive announcement in the august presence of reputed luminaries that, in the year of 2019, Jagran Lakecity University, JLU School of Law will take a giant leap by organizing the JLU International Moot Court Competition.

Honorable Pro Chancellor, Shri. Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anoop Swarup, Registrar, Prof. R. Nesamoorthy, Dean, Prof. (Dr.) C.A. Gurudath, Prof. (Dr.) Vivek Khare and Director, JLU-School of Law, Prof. (Dr.) Yogendra Srivastava graced the Valedictory Ceremony with their august presence.

Earlier, in the first half of the day, Semi Final Round of the competition took place in which following teams competed:

• NALSAR, Hyderabad

• Christ University, Bangalore

• GLS Law College, Ahmedabad

• HNLU, Raipur

In the semis, advocates of Supreme Court of India and senior academicians judged the rounds and selected Christ University, Bangalore and GLS Law College, Ahmedabad to compete for the title in the finale.

During the final round, intense argumentation by both the teams kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Finally the winners were announced and the list is as follows:

• Best Team – Christ University, Bangalore (was awarded with a Trophy and prize of Rs.1.5 Lacs)

• Runner-up – GLS Law College, Ahmedabad (was awarded with a Trophy and prize of Rs.1 Lac)

• Best Speaker – Mr. Aryan Shastri, NALSAR, Hyderabad (was awarded with a Trophy and prize of Rs.25,000)

• Best Memorial – School of Law, KIIT, Bhubaneshwar (was awarded with a Trophy and prize of Rs.25,000)

• Best Researcher – Mr. Arun Kumar, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai (was awarded with a Trophy and prize of Rs.25,000)

Holi Celebration at Jagran Lakecity University

The festival of Holi, is more popular for the spirit of colors than their visual appeal. The color in the festival is symbolic; it symbolizes the fun of life blended with the victory of good over evil. It is one of the least religious festivals in India, which is a good thing because that makes Holi all the more fun.

The student services cell at JLU Bhopal organized a fun Holi celebration for the students at the Student Enrichment Hub on 28^th Feb 2018. The whole event can be summarized in two words ‘Dance’ and ‘Colors,’ lots of it!

It is notable here that owing to their duty towards conservation of water, the students celebrated with dry colors only. Here is a glimpse of all the fun that happened..

JLU Global Immersion Programme

JLU’s Global Immersion Programme (JLU-GIP) is an innovative platform for exchange & experiential education, wherein JLU in academic collaboration with world's top universities runs an in-depth but stimulating summer programmes that gives students the chance to increase their academic standing in few of the most vibrant and culturally enriched cities in the world on multiple subjects offered.

The JLU Global Immersion Programme are 2-3 week long intensive modules delivered at JLU Global Partners in field of Management, Entrepreneurship , Engineering, Literature, Arts, Design, Law Advertising and Journalism. These programs are a perfect way to gain global exposure and our taught by globally renowned faculties to meet the challenges accordingly.

JLU-GIP BENEFITS

Broaden International Exposure

These programmes are designed to broaden your international exposure by discovering new cultures and environment. In a world that has grown ever smaller in the wake of globalization, international experience is needed more than ever.

Expand Horizons

These global exposures help to lay a foundation for your future career. Gaining experience will help you expand your horizons and open up mind academically and culturally to meet the challenges of today’s world.

 Make new networks

One of the primary social and happy benefits of going on a global immersion programmes is that it enables you to meet new people and make lots of new friends. The residential nature of global summer schools allows you to get to know your fellow students both in the classroom and outside it resulting in a cosmopolitan environment and friendships formed with people of many nationalities.

 Develop social & people’s skills

The JLU Global Immersion Programmes are a lot of fun. A setting is made in which even the reserved and self-conscious students are able to speak out and offer ideas and opinions to a group discussion and will relish in the socializing as well Mixing with peers from all walks of life and multiple nationalities, you’ll learn to interact with people from different backgrounds, and you’ll develop confidence just from being away from home in a completely new country.

Jagran Lakecity University's cricket sensation: Tamanna Nigam, MAJMC 2rd sem, Jagran School of Journalism and Communication

India is a country where kids can be seen playing in every nook and corner of the country with anything in hand that can be remotely made similar to a bat. Though India has given some incredible talents like Tendulkar and Dravid, the game of cricket has majorly been male dominated. It is only recently that women cricketers have started appearing on the national television.

In the current scenario where the Indian society generally remains male dominated, one girl has risen against all odds in a game that is nothing less than a religion in India. Tamanna Nigam, student of Masters of Journalism and Mass Communication at Jagran School of Journalism and Communication is nothing short of an inspiration to all the young ladies out there looking for a career in sports.

Having played professional cricket for the past seven years, Tamanna is currently playing for the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association in the under 23 women’s team. To her credits, she has played for the under 19 team and under her captaincy, the team was declared champions of the Central Zone. She also was Vice Captain to the Central Zone under 19 team.

Being a part of the state team is a laurel in itself, however, Tamanna had no plans to stop. She has numerous titles to her name, the most valuable of which, is being rewarded the best figures in the bowling statistics given by BCCI. She tops the charts amongst players from all over India at 1.66 being her economy rate.

Juggling sports and studies at such level is no piece of cake but Tamanna does it flawlessly. She is an inspiration for all the women out there looking forward to a career in male dominated sports as she proves to the world on a daily basis that it is only passion and the never-giving-up attitude that takes you to enormous heights in your life.