Jaipur, January 9, 2025 – A distinguished lecture series was organized at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, where eminent media professionals and scholars engaged in thought-provoking discussions on journalism and mass communication. The event was inaugurated with an insightful address by renowned television journalist and anchor, Mr. Srivardhan Trivedi, who emphasized that journalism is not merely a career but a pursuit of self-realization. He asserted that only through ethical journalism can professionals truly serve the marginalized sections of society. Highlighting the importance of character over professional excellence, Mr. Trivedi urged aspiring journalists to cultivate curiosity, self-reflection, and a research-oriented mindset. Quoting a powerful journalistic aphorism, he remarked, “Somewhere hope smiles, somewhere the earth weeps, and that is where journalism begins.”

The event was presided over by Prof. Sudhi Rajeev, Vice-Chancellor of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication (HJU). She encouraged students to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change through research-driven journalism.

In the second session, Mr. Ankur Vijayvargiya, Assistant Director at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, illuminated the role of storytelling in public relations, emphasizing its effectiveness in shaping narratives and engaging audiences.

The third session featured an insightful address by Colonel Amitabh Sharma, Defense PRO (Rajasthan), who provided critical insights into defense journalism. He shared essential guidelines for reporting on national security issues, stressing the responsibility and sensitivity required in such coverage.

A stimulating panel discussion followed, featuring renowned columnist Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas in conversation with veteran journalists Mr. Anand Chaudhary and Ms. Harsha Kumari Singh. The discussion revolved around contemporary journalism trends, with both speakers sharing impactful examples of their public-interest journalism efforts in Rajasthan.

The final session was dedicated to photojournalism, with eminent photojournalist Mr. Purushottam Diwakar shedding light on the key aspects of visual storytelling. Prof. Fakir Mohan also contributed valuable insights on the evolution and significance of photojournalism in modern media.

The event was meticulously coordinated by Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. B.L. Meharada, Registrar of HJU. The lecture series witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members of HJU as well as other universities and media institutions, making it a highly enriching experience for all attendees.

This event was organized by Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication, Jaipur, under the Rajasthan Higher and Technical Education Quality Improvement Scheme.

Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication BA student Nitesh Sharma has been honored with the prestigious Rajasthan Youth Icon Award, presented by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. This award, introduced for the first time, recognizes exceptional achievements by young individuals.

Notably, Nitesh is the only recipient from the higher education category, making this accomplishment even more remarkable. To earn this distinction, he successfully cleared multiple rigorous exams and an interview conducted by the Higher Education Minister.

Heartiest congratulations to Nitesh Sharma and the entire HJU family for this outstanding achievement!

12th June, 2023 (Jaipur, Rajasthan) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Rajasthan. The partnership aims to institutionalize and integrate population dynamics, adolescent development and well-being, and gender concerns into the university's curriculum.

UNFPA and Haridev Joshi University will work towards empowering the next generation of journalists and media professionals with a deeper understanding of pressing global challenges, fostering responsible reporting and effective communication related to gender and human rights, reproductive and adolescent health.

The key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include:

• Training and capacity building: Collaboratively build the capacities of young journalists, media students, and faculty members on sustainable development goals, gender-sensitive reportage, and analyzing social development data.
• Curriculum and learning resources: Develop curriculum and learning resources to build understanding and enhance capacities of students.
• Internship opportunities: Facilitate internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in UNFPA mandate areas.
• Joint research and advocacy: Collaborate on joint research projects and advocacy initiatives related to population dynamics, adolescent development, and gender issues.
• Expansion and replication: Replicate and expand the partnership to other universities of journalism and mass communication at the state and the national level.

"Investing in the training of young individuals can unleash the power of youth voices. By training them as gender-sensitive journalists, we can cultivate a more informed and inclusive cohort capable of challenging societal norms, amplifying marginalized voices, and exposing gender-based injustices" said Ms. Andrea Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative and Bhutan Country Director.

“Being an educational institution, it is our goal to turn every student into an asset. The University is proud to announce its partnership with UNFPA India to realize the goal of 8 billion possibilities”, said Vice Chancellor Sudhi Rajiv at the MoU signing ceremony.

I strongly believe that this partnership will shape budding media professionals as agents of change who in their future careers will have the power to transform discriminatory social norms”, said Deepesh Gupta, Head of Office, UNFPA Rajasthan.

This partnership showcases the unwavering commitment of both organizations towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and towards a more gender-sensitive and gender-equal media landscape.