Manipal: Article-19, the annual core communication fest of the School of Communication (SOC), a subservient institution of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), kick-started its three-day proceedings on February 8 in the campus premises.

The first day of the event was institutionalised by an inauguration ceremony in the presence of Dr. Padma Rani, Director, SOC. This was soon followed by a talk about the “Skills that Media Professionals should possess”, by the cross-dimensionally talented Vasanthi Hariprakash who has replete experience in the fields of journalism, radio-jockeying, and media hosting among other areas of expertise. Hariprakash provided an insightful glimpse into a world of professionalism, drawing in from the rhetoric of her own experiences. Soon after the talk, competitive events like “Quiz” and “Mad Ads” commenced, with participation by delegates from all over the country.

The second half of the proceedings unfurled with a talk by renowned journalist and researcher Rajeev Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya, who has contributed to The Wire, Firstpost and DNA (among others), drew from his years of experience of observing the North-East and India’s neighbouring countries in its concomitant geography to explain the conditions of reportage and challenges faced by the journalists in the zone.

Simultaneously, delegates flaunted their oratory communication skills in a group of competitions flagged under the segment name-Oratorian. Article-19 also inter-weaved fun and frolic into the day with activities like-Pictionary and Twister to keep the attendees entertained.

The day concluded with a refreshing performing arts segment called “Alt Enter” and hopes that the same liveliness carries itself forward tomorrow. The next two days are filled with lively cultural and competitive activities and engaging insights, featuring talks by experts from all across the media and communication domain including award-winning director Anirudhdha Roy Chowdhury, better known for his heart-wrenching film-Pink.