Investigative mind indispensable quality of a good journalist

Our Correspondent

Silchar: Department of Mass Communication at Gurucharan College, Silchar, has added a jewel in its crown by bringing out its first periodical which was released at a solemn function in the conference hall of the College here on Thursday evening.

Senior journalist Prof Jyoti Lal Chowdhury who is also the president of the governing body of the college released the biannual periodical titled Communicare in the gracious presence of Dr Bibhash Deb, principal, Prof Ashes Bhattacharjee, vice principal and Dr Panthopriyo Dhar, associate professor, head, Department of English and coordinator of the department of Mass Communication, of this college.

Addressing the august assembly as the chief guest, Prof Jyoti Lal Chowdhury stressed on the importance of creative thinking, creative writing and command over language for courting a successful career in journalism. "Inquisitiveness, investigative mind and open eye and ear for news are the indispensable qualities of a good journalist. Journalism is challenging, encouraging and inspiring. Students who have opted for the course will get ample opportunities to work in the media houses across the country," he added to say. He shared some interesting anecdotes from his life to inspire the students and advised them to study and work hard to taste the fruits of success and prosperity in journalism and other professions related to mass communication.

Dr Panthapriyo Dhar, in his welcome address, hailed the day as a red letter day for the department as well as for the college. "The periodical is the result of relentless, tireless and untiring efforts of all students, teachers and staff of the department. The students have done exceedingly well in order to bring out a well designed periodical," said Dr Dhar. It is he who suggested Communicare as the title of the periodical. Dr Bibash Deb who also described the day as a momentous hour in the long history of Gurucharan College laid emphasis on bringing out a quality and superior periodical. He shared the information as all the 25 departments of the college have brought out their periodicals.

"It is indeed a historic day for us. A very few educational institute can boast of this. However, mere publication of periodicals is not enough. It should be of a standard quality and an exemplary one. UGC recognition of a departmental periodical is a must. I suggest that the students should upload these articles, write-ups and news items on our college website. We are thinking of building a studio for the department which will enable them to go for more practical sessions," said the principal of the college. The 8-page periodical has been edited by the two faculties of the department, Arpan Paul and Sandipa Das. Sandipa Das offered the vote of thanks.