Mysuru/Mysore: Journalistic Meet — ‘12th Aaina’ — was organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, St. Philomena’s College, at the College UG Auditorium recently.

Ramees Roshan, a Backpack Journalist from Calicut, who was the chief guest, shared his travel experiences with the students.

Aaina, started in 2001, was the brainchild of the then Journalism students of the College. Later, the baton was carried on by Dr. M. Sukanya, HoD, Journalism. The event gives platform for budding journalism students to showcase their talent and gain some expertise.

Dr. Ruth Shantha Kumari, Principal, said, “Change is everything in life, it is essential for success and are an inevitable part of life.” While talking about backpack journalism, she said she was astounded by this new trend. “Today a person can be a photographer, videographer, reporter, a master of sorts; all he has to do is pack his bag and the whole world is his. Travelling will help one learn about a particular place, its heritage and culture,” the Principal added.

Ramees Roshan, in an interactive session, inspired students by sharing his life story; how he shed his comfort zone, left his 9-5 routine job. A demise of one of his friends made him value life more, he said and added that the incident motivated him a lot and he promised himself that he will not be bound by such monotony. So, he packed his bag and travelled for 28 days at a stretch; and thus his first travel diary was made. He divulged that, meeting people and travelling to different places has changed his perspective of life. 

He said “Media has created false perspective of people and places, even people themselves have created false notions. 90% of the people will help you rather than hurt you,” he clarified. About how he manages his travel expenses, he said, “I sell my photos on an online platform, create content and report happenings of the places I travel to, more or less like travelogues.”

In all, 80 students from seven Colleges participated in the event. There were different events held  at the College as part of this journalistic meet.