Our Alumni : Our Pride
Our alumni are a powerful voice in the media scenario be it in newspapers, magazines, film, advertising, public relation, technical writing, radio, television, digital media and so on. The accolades they have won are the pride of the department.They have come forward to collaborate and strengthen our department. Mass Communication Alumni Association- MASCAA- was registered in November 2003 as a non-profit society, it aims at a creative tie-up between the Department and the diversifying media industry. This vibrant collective organizes annual mega gathering ‘Communion’ on the campus every year. It also plays a vital role in training and placement of students of the department.
Here are a few voices from our alumni....
Coming from a small town, I strongly feel my Alma Mater has significantly broadened my horizons and shaped both my professional and personal life. Alongside theory classes, practical sessions honed my reporting skills, proving them invaluable in my career both in India and abroad. I also found the love of my life, Praveen Mangalath, in our senior class!
Sajila Saseendran, Senior Reporter, Gulf News, Dubai
I have been blessed to be a working journalist for over two decades, living in multiple geographies and associated with leading titles covering the emerging and developed economies of India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and now Africa. Every working day, I am humbled by the diverse storytelling opportunites that await me, and am truly indebted to my gurus -- the impeccable professors of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism in the mid-1990s -- for teaching me the basics of a craft I so love and cherish.
Methil Renuka, Managing Editor, FORBES AFRICA
Communication Theory and Research, Writing, and Editing, which were taught by a highly competent faculty, ensured that I had developed the essential skills to establish myself as a Communications professional in the Information Technology (IT) industry. The focus on imparting practical skills is a standout feature of the courses run by the department.
Tharun Kumar Unni P. T, Technical Consultant, Itron India Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
The knowledge and experience that I gained from the Department and my teachers extend well beyond the academic curriculum. Some of the teachers continued to be the guiding lights for me after I completed my course and helped me steer my career in the right direction. They also offered valuable insights that helped me in my personal life.
Hareesh Kumar K N, Senior Manager, Juniper Networks Inc.
I am truly privileged to have received the guidance of esteemed stalwarts of our Department including teachers Syed Amjad Ahmed, Shashibhooshanan, Chakkappan, Subash and Sucheta Mam while doing my Masters! Journalism of those days was a far cry from the present. Vast and deep reading of material from different sources helped to strengthen the eye for detail and identify the significant from the ordinary. We were taught not to miss the wood for the trees….and that has stood me in good stead throughout my life! Gratitude!
Balamani Vinayakumar, 161 A, Maveli Nagar, Pipe Line Road, Cochin University P.O 682022
Memories galore! We struggled, fought and experimented. And we owe much for what we are today to this august institution ( 1989 - 1991 ). The teachers- Chackappan sir, Amjad sir, Shashibhushan sir, Subhash sir and Suchetha ma'am made us see the world. They told us that perception and reality were quite different. They let us think independently and that made all the difference
K A Johny, Senior News Editor, Mathrubhumi Online, Kozhikode
A journalism grad degree is an opportunity to explore societies and communities in ways a student has never done before. It cannot be restricted to a syllabus, though the demands of a formal graduation demands completion of a structured teaching and learning process. It is because of this that the faculty need to be on the same page and allow all leeway for a student to grow and ask the pertinent questions, in a true sense. That's what the Department of Communication and Journalism did for me- remaining unobtrusive but interested in the background of my work while I went about my exploration; and every time I looked for support and guidance, they were there to provide it.
Radhakrishnan R K, Senior Associate Editor, Frontline, Chennai
The Department taught me Journalistic writing, following the syllabus. But I got chances to nurture doodling, my childhood hobby. I was thrilled to have my cartoon published in Calicut University Chronicle, the lab journal of the Department. One day, during my final MCJ days, our HOD called me to his room solely because of my cartooning. He came to know that a few of my curved lines had been published in newspapers, though I had only shared this with a small circle of friends. He advised; “If you do not take initiative, nobody will come to help you. And, you should advertise yourself.” This encouragement still inspires me to find my own way.
Jayaraj M V, Pen name - Jayaraj Vellur,
Freelance Cartoonist, Former Jt. Secretary & Vice Chairman of Kerala Cartoon Academy