Mangaluru: “Students must dream of becoming socially vibrant and responsible journalists than to become famous or glamorous. Students must understand the responsibilities of a journalist before taking up the profession of journalism to avoid later disillusionments,” said Vilas Nayak P, director of Spandana TV. He spoke at the inauguration and introductory session of a week long, ‘soft skill and personality development training’ that will be organized from January 2 to 7 by the department of journalism at Besant Women’s College in association with Centre for Integrated Learning, in the city on December 22.

He opined that a journalist has to face many challenging situations and ideas that sheer glamour and fame are attached to journalism may only lead to disappointment when students become working journalists. Preserving truth, social justice and making available the unreachable information to public needs brave, dedicated, socially sensitive and rigorous natured journalists. The development of personality during studenthood is the decisive element in the making of a good journalist.

Assistant editor Mangalore Today magazine Mahesh Nayak, who came as a resource person said, "A journalist with interest in different subjects and a research mentality, quick, task oriented and dedicated persons with confidence and capacity to connect with people of different strata in society will excel as journalists. Hence, contributing to media right from studenthood will improve the social responsibility and self-confidence among future professionals.

In his presidential address principal of the college Dr Sathish Kumar Shetty P, said, "Journalism is the 4th estate of democracy and able journalists are key persons in the making of it. The department is conducting these sessions to help students of journalism to be better professionals in future. Kudpi Jagadish Shenoy, president WNES, K Devananda Pai College correspondent were present on the dais. Smitha Shenoy, HOD, department of journalism welcomed everyone. Kavya, secretary of the ‘Media Club’ thanked the student Kausalya Himani compère.