PASIGHAT, AUG 17:
The Department of Mass Communication, Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), organised an Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for its first-semester students at the Seminar Hall of the Academic Block on Monday, welcoming the department’s second batch since its establishment in August 2025.
Head of Department Dr Prem Taba urged the students to uphold truth, voice and accountability as the core principles of journalism and encouraged them to remain curious, honest, disciplined and respectful in their professional journey.
Calling upon the students to document the stories of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast, Taba said the region remained underrepresented in national media and urged aspiring media professionals to tell its stories with accuracy and depth.
He also briefed the students on APU, established in 2022 as the state’s first state university. Recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the university currently has 11 operational departments and aims to provide quality higher education to students within the state.
Taba outlined the department’s two-year MA programme, which offers a postgraduate diploma exit option after the first year under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The programme combines communication theory, media history, law and ethics with practical training in print, broadcast and digital media, with an emphasis on development communication.
Pasighat-based photographer and Studio 911 owner Ashish Gupta was the expert speaker. Sharing his experience of building a photography studio from modest beginnings, Gupta told the students, “A photograph is merely the product; your professionalism is the actual business.”
He encouraged students to engage directly in the creative process rather than wait for ideal opportunities, learn from mistakes and develop strong technical skills. He also highlighted entrepreneurship opportunities in photography, advertising and filmmaking.
The programme began with an ice-breaker session titled ‘The Question Jar’, during which freshers shared their views on campus life, career aspirations and cultural heritage, including local traditions and practices.
A short film titled Paradox, produced and directed by third-semester students, was screened, followed by an interaction with its director and writer Meena Taku. A communication game curated by guest faculty Doli Ete was also conducted to provide experiential learning on message dilution.
Guest faculty Mitinam Siram welcomed the gathering and encouraged students to maintain academic discipline and participate actively in departmental activities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Professor Dr Kombong Darang, who acknowledged the support of the university administration and stressed the importance of regular attendance and active participation inside and outside the classroom for students’ overall professional development.
