In 2011, when Pushpanjali took her first seminar, she was in her first semester of BA (Journalism/Psychology/Optional English) at Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bangalore. A team of experts from a prominent newspaper in the city had come to her campus as a part of the institute's regular industry-connect programmes. On the stage, in front of the professionals, professors and pupils, Pushpanjali lost all the pluck. The fear of public speaking eclipsed her preparations. Her mind went blank. She stammered and faltered. In the end, she left the stage, head down, without being able to impress the crowd.
A few years after her graduation from Ramaiah College, Pushpanjali was again on the stage. This time, she was in the shoes of a school counsellor, taking another seminar in front of 300 teachers. But, her mind did not go blank and she did not stammer. She was confident and clear. In the end, she left the stage with a proud smile, impressing the crowd with the confidence of a young woman. Indeed, that is why Ramaiah College has been one of the favorite colleges for students across the country. This temple of learning induces confidence in each and every student they get and the time a student spends in the campus of Ramaiah College is transformational.
As an epitome of excellence, Ramaiah College keeps introducing several technological advances, taking initiatives to be on par with the progression of the industry.
Now, Pushpanjali has taken a break from her career. She plans to pursue her M. Phil in Clinical Psychology and takes up freelance writing jobs, as she is also a trained journalist. Recollecting those good old memories of her college life, Pushpanjali says, "Ramaiah College has been an absolute game-changer for many students. The teachers will push everyone to their limits and the exposure they give you to interact with people from the industry will transform you as a completely different person. Now, I am much more confident, as I understand my life goals."
Founded in 1994 by Late Dr. M.S. Ramaiah, a great philanthropist, the institute is now under Gokula Education Foundation, which is one of the most renowned educational Foundations in Bangalore, with more than 17 institutions. "We at Ramaiah College strive to achieve our mission by keeping up to date with the trends and developments required in the field of study, so as to be on par with the standards demanded in today's corporate world. We firmly believe in providing a conducive atmosphere for students by constantly improving our infrastructure and engaging in inter-departmental schemes and ideas for development," says Dr. A. Nagarathna, Principal, Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce.
At present, Ramaiah College offers seven UG courses and six PG courses. With an annual intake of 40 students, the institute's BA (Journalism/Psychology/Optional English) programme has many takers from all over the country. Dr. Nagarathna opines, "The combination of BA is profound in terms of the vast expanse of the subject that is rendered to the students. We have a renowned faculty of dedicated teachers who have tremendous insight in their respective subjects." The faculty members of the institute have a wide network of contacts that is greatly helpful for students in terms of securing internships and so on. The working staff also actively encourages extra-curricular and extra-academic participation.
"We focus as much as possible on the students getting a hands-on knowledge of how the industry works, through various field trips and seminars. This enables them to get into the actual mode of functioning of the industry, which in turn helps them analyse and assess the work that they must put in," states Dr. Nagarathna.
Ramaiah College is incredibly active with the media industry. The college has tie-ups with three major daily newspapers - Deccan Herald, The Hindu and The Times of India. In addition, the college has tie-ups with local private news channels. In fact, a dedicated team of students reports on events and corresponds with these newspapers. In terms of network building, this has proven to be extremely helpful to the students, who themselves take care of the correspondence.
"As students," Apeksha, a 2014 graduate of Ramaiah College, rightly points out, "Ramaiah College will take us to a level beyond our comfort zone. Being a science student in my PUC, I was not sure about what to expect when I decided to take UG in Journalism. But, Ramaiah College exposed me to a world of opportunities and it was indeed an amalgamation of learning, fun, culture, lore, literature and many such life preaching activities. "Aside from numerous prospects given to students to intern during their course of study, Ramaiah College generates several opportunities at the institute itself. Students are assigned to come up with newsletters and work on aspects of bringing out newsletters, such as writing different genres of news, layout design and others.
"Theoretically, we follow the syllabus as prescribed by the affiliated university, while as additional ventures, we are much attuned to the ever-changing trends of the industry, and pass on this knowledge through several seminars and sessions. It is an important adapted feature in teaching to indulge often in debates and discussions in classrooms, focusing on the nuances of media, including issues and concerns. We also expose the students to practical knowledge through field trips," explains Dr. Nagarathna. Ensuring a firm footing in technical knowledge with a focus on soft skills, Ramaiah College extensively gives several assignments sensitive to the structure of the industrial functioning to the students.
Knowledge about aspects of placements, such as aptitude and interview skills required to elicit desired result, is also made available to the students through classroom discussions and seminars. "Since the media is a very competitive field, and the undergraduate course combination consists of two other broad subjects, a majority of students takes up higher studies in journalism graduations. Over 60 percent students prefer studying after they graduate, choosing specializations in the media, and a very miniscule amount focus on working," claims Dr. Nagarathna.
Although, there are not many students who opt to work immediately after their studies at Ramaiah College, those who have started working with the industry liberally help the ongoing students in providing internship opportunities, impart knowledge about their experiences and even involve them in organizing events at the institution. They often give the students chance to work with them in events and ventures. Dr. Nagarathna adds, "Networking is on its toes here at Ramaiah, for those who graduate revert and expose the present set of students to the industry."
As an epitome of excellence, Ramaiah College keeps introducing several technological advances, taking initiatives to be on par with the progression of the industry. "With proper planning and interest, we aim to further develop our infrastructure, based on broadcasting technology. Also, subject to various aspects, we wish to introduce optional certificate courses in the future, aiming to enhance the skills of students in the field furthering employability," summarizes Dr. Nagarathna.
Undoubtedly, at Ramaiah College, there are aspects of learning developed throughout the course for the students - knowledge that is deeply rooted in the industrial demand.
Chairman's Message
"Department of Journalism has developed a research agenda that would cover media Issues and themes by upgrading the knowledge of faculty members and students with respect to media studies. The mission of the Department is to develop critical thinking, innovation and communication and implement the same in the society." - Dr. M. R. Jayaram
Dr. A. Nagarathna, Principal
Dr. Nagarathna, M.Sc, B.Ed, M.Phil, Ph.D, has a total of 30 years of teaching experience, of which 20 years constituted being Principal. She has presented and published more than 55 papers in various International Conferences in Ireland, Western Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal and other parts of India. A recognized guide of leading universities in the south like Periyar University, Salem, PRIST University, Tanjavur and Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore, she has guided seven students for their M.Phil. She has been responsible for getting ISO 9001-2008 for colleges she administered previously. The recent feather on her cap is the acquiring of 'A' grade from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce for the third consequtive time.
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