Sunday, March 7, 2010

Letter from Gauhar Raza regarding Jahangirabad Media Institute

Dear Friends,

In our country we have witnessed stupendous rise of private investments in television industry after new economic policies were carried out. During this period the face of Indian media has changed altogether. It emerged as the single most effective tool of mass communication which governs the public opinion and dictates the functioning of our democratic society.

As a fourth estate of the democratic society we expected that media will play a role to strengthen our secular, democratic and egalitarian values. But unfortunately the main stream media has not fulfilled the task which they are suppose to perform. Instead of becoming the voice of the voiceless, more often than not media has upheld the upper class and upper caste interests. When the recent reservation ‘controversy’ erupted, biased reporting by the media evoked great concern not only among social activists but also created impact on common citizen of the country.

The studies during the time showed that the representation of lower class and lower caste in of media firms (in editorial positions) is too low. It is also came to notice that almost no media training centers are functioning in rural India where students from marginalized sections of society can get training.

To fill the void, under the umbrella of Jahangirabad Education Trust, Jahangirabad Media Institute was established in 2005. JMI encourages creative, secular, scientific bent of mind, socially conscious media which will contribute to the building India’s future “Fourth Estate”. The institute’s mission is to elevate, innovate, pioneer and support the spreading of a secular and progressive media culture.

JMI provides a creative and dynamic atmosphere where ideas can flow transparently and without barriers. JMI will catapult creative students to meet demands of international and national media needs. It offers modern technology, state of the arts infrastructure, a team of experienced and dynamic faculty, the crème de la crème of media practitioners and comprehensive courseware.

JMI is going to start a full time residential course in Television Programme Production. It is a comprehensive course in media which covering all aspects of Television Programme Production. The students can specialize in

1) Videography

2) Non-linear editing

3) Sound Recording and Mixing

4) Direction

5) News reporting

The course will cover theory and practical lessons enabling students to gain hands on experience in the latest technologies in media. To meet out the needs of the industry the curriculum of the course is based on workshops. By the end of each workshop students will produce an output in the form of a script, video sequence, project report, etc. which will give them understanding of the latest techniques in video programme production and enrich their portfolio.

JMI associates itself with social movements like OXFAM, ACTIONAID, GREENPEACE, NYKS and BGVS in their humanitarian campaigns. During the course, JMI encourages its students to take part in the campaigns of these organizations. JMI also hosts seminars and workshops in collaboration with these fraternal organizations at its campus.

We are looking forward to your support. We can together create a more humane society.

With Warm Regards

Gauhar Raza

Honorarory Director

JMI

www.jmi.edu.in