Communication development programme launched in Tezpur University

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR, August 26: The Department of Mass Communication and Jourlism, Tezpur University has started a new MA programme on Communication for Development shortly christened as C4D powered by UNICEF with an objective of upgrading human resources with specialized knowledge and skills in communication for social change, to promote entrepreneurship and to nurture inclusiveness which is designed in lines with the C4D model curriculum of UNICEF.

The course was formally launched in an iugural function today. Speaking on the occasion, Rania Elessawi, C4D specialist from UNICEF, India Country Office said that the newly launched M.A. programme is a first of its kind and it will try to meet the increasing demand for communication experts and development professiols across different sectors.

Attending the occasion as Chief Guest Debarun Dutta, Director of Drishti, Ahmedabad highlighted that in order to bring about positive change in society it is high time everybody listens to the grass root people who often remain unheard.

“Knowledge, attitude and skills are three pillars on which a curriculum should be designed,” he said adding the syllabus of the M.A. C4D course is well balanced.

Sunil Kanta Behera, Professor of Eminence in the Department, underlined that the newly launched course has its unique demand and value.

Speaking about development, he observed it is a continuous process and cannot be achieved in project mode.

“We are trying to communicate with the society; society is very tough which cannot be understood just sitting in an Air conditioned room. If we delve into the depth of the society, we will witness a tough world within the people and their tragedies that often go unheard. It is our effort to listen to them through this C4D programme,” he mentioned.  

Sameer Pawar, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF who was present in the event expressed hope that the course will train students in becoming professiols who could bridge the communication gap between the unprivileged and privileged.

The event was also attended by the Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University Mihir Kanti Choudhuri, Mabendra Bhuyan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Tezpur University, Vee Kumari, Communication for Development officer UNICEF Assam, faculty members from various departments, research scholars and students. The programme ended with a creative dance performance by the students followed by a vote of thanks by one of the faculty members of the department.