Journalism workshop held at SAVS, Orissa

JHARSUGUDA, Orissa, May 04, 2010, 17:30 Hrs (CBCI News / P.J. Joseph):

A 5-days Journalism workshop was organized by St. Arnold Vikas Sanchar (SAVS), the regional communication center for Orissa Bishops’ Council, at Jharsuguda, 18-22 April 2010. Twenty seven enthusiasts from four religious congregations and three dioceses of Orissa participated.

The workshop was part of SAVS’ effort to bring mass communication to the young religious, and youth of the region. The five-day programme helped them update themselves with new methods and technology. Besides becoming aware of the present media tactics, it also helped them to become good writers, reporters and critical analyzers of the mass media.

While inaugurating the workshop, Fr. Joseph Topno, SVD, the Provincial Superior of the SVD Eastern Indian Province, highlighted the emergence of the present mass media and information technology and the importance of using them for the greater benefit of the society.

The workshop had four eminent resource persons. On the first day, Fr. Alphonse Topno, VG of the Sambalpur Diocese, introduced the present scenario of the Media and journalism. His colorful power point presentation illustrated the strengths and weakness of the media and the possible approaches to remedy the ills. Fr. Sunil Damor, Director of SAVS, discussed the history of journalism and the different types of journalism. Mr. Ajith Kumar Nayak of Times of India, shared his experiences working with the Times of India, in Sambalpur, Orissa. He also spoke about what it means to be a reporter, his duties, challenges and the types of reporting today.

Fr. PJ. Joseph, SJ, Director of Chitrabani, Kolkata, took care of the rest of the days as the main resource person. He shared his vast experience and knowledge in communication and journalism. He dealt with many the aspects of communication and journalism starting with writing a news story, to the new age technology. He insisted on practical aspects and so there were lots of exercises. His innovative methods of teaching impressed and inspired the participants. The participants were reminded that, they need to realize the value of participating in the Media and journalism to promote the values of unity, plurality, love, respect, togetherness, secularism and democracy.

One of the highlights of the programme was the video-aided public speaking, where each participant’s performance recorded on video and played back on the TV. The exercise revealed each one’s strengths and weakness. Many for the first time realized their mannerisms and styles. However the focus was on what they possess and not the lack of it. Bro. Amrit, one of the participants, felt that the programme made him confident of public speaking.

Commenting on the workshop, Sr. Cornelia HM, a social worker by profession, said “the five days’ workshop helped me to understand the realities of the journalism and now I know how to make use of it for the benefit of my people”. For Sr. Karuna, a Sacred Heart Nun, the workshop gave confidence in relating to men in the society.

Impressed by the innovative methods of Fr. P. J. Joseph, SJ, Bro. Panneer Selvam SVD, said “He amazingly helped us to bring out our hidden talents and skills by emphasizing more on the positive aspects. Now it is time for us to use our learning and talents to build the society where every person is accepted, respected loved and cared for irrespective of religion, caste, sex, language, ideology or ethnicity. Each of us is called to work for national unity bound by principles of justice, equality and freedom for all.”