National Institute of Mass Communication & Journalism, Ahmedabad

 

The Gujarat model of the ascension of the RSS and its political wing BJP is all set to be replicated in the media and journalism field. And once again, Gujarat will feature prominently in it. An RSS-promoted trust will spend Rs 100 crore to set up a national media institute in Gujarat across a 10-acre campus equipped with the technologically advanced studio, Media Research Centre, Media Museum and other facilities with the aim to transform media and communication education in India.

The RSS-promoted trust, VSEF, already runs a media institute in Ahmedabad since 2007 via National Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism (NIMCJ). It will be amalgamated into National Institute of Mass Communication and Research (NIMCaR) that will come up in Hajipur village, about 32 km from Ahmedabad.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the institute was held on February 2019 and NIMCaR will become operational by 2021. Sources said the purpose of the institute is to prepare journalists that can take on left-leaning intellectuals in the print and electronic media.

What experts say

Achyut Yagnik, a Gujarat-based political scientist, told Mirror: “Media is a powerful tool that helps build public opinion. What better way to do it than prepare an army of journalists who can go out and do it. The journalism institute will help the Sangh Parivar create its cadre in the field of media. RSS is into spreading Hindutva and its aim is the creation of Hindu Rashtra (nation). The media institute is just another step in that direction.”

Urvish Kothari, a senior journalist, said: “It is the democratic right of an individual or a group of individuals to open any institute. It is equally important that such institutes ensure that the core values of journalism are not inversed. In any institute, a journalist should be taught not to forget his role to expose the government, irrespective of party or ideology. For positive news, there is always an information department in any government.” Bharat Pandya, Gujarat BJP spokesperson, said: “This institute is in the media field for the last few years. Its expansion using advance technology will promote positive journalism.

There are many constructive and positive events in the society which can be highlighted. The institute will help make journalism extensive. Media should be all-pervasive and touch everyone’s life. Hope this institute will give a new direction to youth and people from every field to take advantage of the opportunities it will provide.”

Purpose of the institute

When asked about NIMCaR’s vision and the need for it, Managing Trustee of Vishwa Samvad Education Foundation (VSEF) that is building NIMCaR, and senior RSS leader, Pradip Jain said: “In our country, journalism has its roots in ancient times. Bhagwan Narad can be considered the first journalist. But our journalistic legacy has never been highlighted in a collective form. Deterioration of values and nationalism in the society for the last few years and negativity has perpetuated an environment of disappointment.

“There are events and news that are constructive in nature and can infuse positivity in society. Highlighting such news can boost the morale of society. These are things that do not reach people. We want to promote positivity and nationalistic spirit.”

Jain stressed: “As India moves towards becoming the world leader, mass communication will prove to be the fourth pillar. And we want people to be prepared in that direction.”

Students to get global exposure

Highlighting the fact that there’s hardly any research done in the field of media at present, Jain said there will be a separate block at NIMCaR’s lush green and eco-friendly campus dedicated to research work. The institute will invite global faculty to teach best practices and trends to about 400 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Likewise, the students will go abroad for global exposure.

Newseum to be an at the traction

NIMCaR will boast of a Newseum that will feature eminent media person from India and abroad, their work and biographies. It will have a section on the history of journalism and its evolution over time. Most importantly, it will feature journalists who lost their lives while on duty and did great service to India.

Citizens can make donation

The VSEF has also invited donation for buildings of journalism, communication, Newseum, Media Research Centre, auditorium, cafeteria, open-air theatre among others. Donations have been solicited from India and abroad considering the scale of the project.

Source: Ahmedabad Mirror

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