Consultative meet held to optimize communication as tool for development

A Correspondent

Tezpur, June 1: With a special focus on Communication for Development (C4D) programme, a consultative meet was held in Department of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ), Tezpur University on Thursday. Representatives from various government and non-governmental institutions working in the development sector were present to interact with the MA-C4D students. UNICEF India, Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati, Assam State Disaster Management Authority, WWF, Centre for Microfinance and Livelihood, GreenHub, Quest Alliance, The East, Foundation for Social Transformation and SeSta are a few of the many organizations which participated in the meeting to give constructive feedback and advise the department on planning and transforming the dedicated degree course, optimizing communication as a tool for development.

The event began with an inaugural session where Dr. Abhijit Bora, Head, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, welcomed the participants. Prof Sunil Kanta Behra, Professor of Eminence, Tezpur University introduced the MA-Communication for Development course that was designed in association with UNICEF India, keeping in mind the global education standards as well as local development needs of the country.

Prof V K Jain, Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University, and Prof PK Das, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, also addressed the audience and expressed enthusiasm towards the future prospects of the C4D course.

Siddhartha Shreshtha, Communication for Development Chief, UNICEF India threw light upon the scope of partnership between UNICEF and Tezpur University to produce skilled communication experts who could contribute efficiently towards social development and uprooting the prevalent evils. The day also saw student presentations where the pilot batch of MA-C4D students showcased their journey of working with various communities and understanding their problems.

A special performance by child artist Baharul Islam added a spark to the event. There were interactive discussions with the industry partners and distinguished guests who shared their opinion on how to improve the C4D curriculum.