New Delhi: The 56th Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) was a celebration of perseverance, learning, and ambition. As graduates stepped into the professional world, they shared insights into their experiences, challenges, and future aspirations. From newsroom dreams to digital opportunities, the students expressed how IIMC shaped their careers.
โIIMCโThe Mecca of Journalismโ
For Harshit Chaurasia, a graduate from the Delhi campus, IIMC was nothing short of a life-changing experience. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
โThe course was wonderful. Under the guidance of Anand Pradhan Sir and Rakesh Upadhyay Sir, we learned skills that directly apply in the field. Today, when we write reports, take shots, and conduct interviews, we realize how valuable our training was. IIMC is the Mecca of journalism. Everything we learned in the classroom is now helping us in real-world journalism.โ
He also had a message for aspiring journalists: โTake your classes seriously, respect your teachers, and follow their guidance. These classes will serve as your guiding star in the field.โ
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โJammu Campus Transformed My Perspectiveโ
Prince Singh, a graduate of the Jammu campus (Hindi Journalism), spoke about the unique exposure he gained from studying outside Delhi. He emphasized the importance of stepping out of oneโs comfort zone:
โMany students hesitate to join regional campuses, but Jammu gave me an entirely different perspective. Meeting new people, learning a new language, and reporting from a new environment helped me grow. The clean air and peaceful surroundings also make a differenceโcompared to Delhiโs pollution, staying in Jammu might just add five more years to your life!โ
On career opportunities, he added: โIIMC is a place where talent matters more than background. It doesnโt matter whether you come from a village or a big city. Once you clear the entrance, you get equal opportunities. Many of my batchmates from Jammu are now working in top news channels and digital media houses in Bangalore and Delhi.โ
โA Childhood Dream Turned Realityโ
Shail Kumar, also known as Samrat, fulfilled his childhood dream by graduating from IIMCโs Jammu campus. Inspired by Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, he initially pursued modeling and acting. However, the COVID-19 pandemic altered his path, leading him to journalism.
โActing was my first loveโI even did a diploma from FTII and worked in TV serials. But after COVID-19, I needed a new direction. Clearing IIMCโs entrance was a turning point. Today, I work as a news anchor at India News Rajasthan and with the DIPR in the CMO office,โ he shared.
Discussing the role of IIMC in shaping journalists, he said, โThis institute has produced legends like Ravish Kumar and Deepak Chaurasia. It is Asiaโs No.1 media college, and its training is invaluable.โ
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On future aspirations, Shail had an unconventional goal: โI want to make my mark in both journalism and entertainment. Just like Deepak Chaurasia made his way into Bigg Boss, I aim to represent IIMC on a similar platform in the next couple of years.โ
โReal Journalism Happens on the Groundโ
Upendra Thapak, a graduate from the Hindi Journalism Department, highlighted IIMCโs hands-on training approach. โThe best part of our training was exposure. We were constantly sent to the field for assignments, preparing reports, conducting interviews, and experiencing journalism firsthand. Unlike some institutions where work remains theoretical, IIMC ensures that students engage in real journalism from day one.โ
Offering advice to future journalists, he said, โIf you aspire to join IIMC, prepare well for the CUET exam and develop a strong foundation in media knowledge. This is Indiaโs top media institute, and if youโre serious about a career in journalism, IIMC is the place to be.โ
Journalism in the Age of AI
With the media industry evolving rapidly, students also discussed the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism. Addressing concerns about AI replacing journalists, Shail Kumar remained optimistic:
โYes, AI is transforming the industry, but it is also creating new opportunities. Many traditional roles may change, but those who adapt will always find work. Journalism is not just about writingโitโs about storytelling, analysis, and human connection, something AI cannot replicate.โ
As the convocation concluded, students left with a sense of pride and determination. Whether they aim to become investigative reporters, anchors, or media entrepreneurs, one thing was clearโIIMC has equipped them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the dynamic world of journalism.
With the governmentโs vision to transform IIMC into a world-class media university, the future looks even more promising for aspiring journalists.
