It was a memorable Media Exposure cum learning trip to the National Capital for a Media Delegation of 10 journalists from Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. As part of the recently formed “Media Friendship Fund”, the journalists based out of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh had requested Special Commissioner of Delhi Police Robin Hibu (DGP & Founder- President of Helping Hands NGO) for facilitating a visit to New Delhi. In their request letter, the journalists had expressed a desire to undertake a Media Exposure trip to the premier Media Institutes as well as Media Houses located in Delhi/ NCR.
Robin Hibu, the first IPS from the state of Arunachal Pradesh assured the journalists of all possible support and cooperation. Hibu left no stone unturned in ensuring a smooth travel itinerary for the educational trip of journalists from Ziro.
On their arrival at New Delhi Railway Station, the Media delegation was warmly received by Mr Neli of the Delhi Police who escorted them in the mini-bus of Delhi Police to their Hotel in Safdarjung Enclave located in South Delhi.
The Media delegation comprising Taro Yaring (Arunbhoomi News Channel), Priyanka Rai (Times Ziro), Tilling Tassang (Supung News), Mihin Nancy (NewsZ), Punyo Richo (Arunachal Frontier News), Samir Ali (Arunachal Frontier News), Bijoy Majumdar (Arunachal News Desk), Freelance Journalists Kago Chada, Hage Kaku & Kure Suniya were very enthusiastic about learning the different facets of the highly innovative and competitive Media Industry.
The Delegation commenced their trip in New Delhi from the prestigious Jamia Milia Islamia University on October 18, 2024 during the first half of the day. The delegation was accompanied by Bipin Sharma (Sr. Journalist & Political- Geo Political TV Commentator & Analyst) & Pradeep Kumar of Delhi Police. The backend coordination for ensuring smooth facilitation of the day to day activities of Ziro Media Delegation was done by another competent police official of Delhi Police namely Munesh Solanki.
On reaching Jamia, the Delegation made their way through the Iconic Centenary Gate of Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI), and were led directly to the prestigious A.J.K Mass Communication Research Centre where they were accorded a warm welcome by M. Kasim (Director of AJKMCRC). This was ensued by the screening of a film on JMI & AJKMCRC, and a visit to Radio F.M Transmission. A Radio Interview was recorded in the sound studio. This was followed by a visit to the Studios on the First and the Second Floor. Then came the most interesting component when a Video Interview was recorded in PCR-1 and PCR-11. This was followed by a visit to the Multimedia Lab as well as a visit to the Media Resource Centre. The day’s proceedings at Jamia concluded with a high tea session along with Group Photographs. The Delegation was overwhelmed with the presence of the officiating Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia Islamia University Dr. Mohammad Shakeel who despite his hectic schedule, dropped in, to spend some quality moments with the Media Delegation from Ziro.
On the occasion, Ziro Media Delegate members expressed their deep gratitude to VC Dr. Shakeel, and the JKMCRC Faculty for sparing their precious time. It was a lifetime experience for the journalists as they learnt numerous fascinating nuances of the ever evolving Media Industry.
Following the visit to Jamia Milia Islamia University, the Media Delegation from Ziro visited another premier Media Institute of the country named Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi. The program Moderator of the visit was Dr. Rachna Sharma, Co-Incharge of Outreach Activities, IIMC. The delegate members from Ziro were first felicitated by Dr. Rachna Sharma and Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar. This was followed by an interactive session conducted by IIMC faculty comprising Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Pranvendra, Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar (DSW & HoD, Master’s in Strategic Communication) & Dr Rachna Sharma. Then there was a visit to IIMC Library (Dr. Pratibha Sharma), IIMC Studio (Ramesh Chandra) & Apna Radio (Vinod Sharma & Kavita Sharma). The program recording at Apna Radio 96.9 FM was a unique learning experience for the Media Delegation as Kavita Sharma briefed them about the finer aspects of Community Radio.
It was an incredible experience for the Ziro based journalists as they felt truly empowered with the knowledge attained from the stalwarts of different fields.
The day at IIMC concluded with high tea and a group photograph session.
The visit to IIMC, New Delhi was subsequently followed by a visit on October 19, 2024 to two prestigious Media Houses of the country namely ITV Network Media House, New Delhi & India Today Mediaplex in Film City, Noida. The visits to both these top ranked Media Houses was a great learning experience for the Ziro Media Delegation as they were taken around to different key departments namely the PCR room, TV studios, Podcast studio, Auditorium, and then made to interact with the seasoned Anchors. At the ITV Network, the Media Delegation got an opportunity to talk to TV Anchors Uday Pratap Singh and Rachna Bansal. The entire visit to ITV Network was coordinated by Ms Pooja Gupta VP, Marketing-ITV Network who deputed Rupal Singh for coordinating with the Media Delegation from Ziro. Rupal Singh played her role like a true professional as she left no stone unturned in extending a warm hospitality to the entire Delegation by hosting them for Breakfast and lunch as well.
At the India Today Mediaplex too, Mr. Jay Menon, Group CAO- India Today Group deputed Gaurav Nauni from his team to enable a wonderful learning experience for journalists from Ziro. It was a dream come true for all delegates to meet and greet renowned Aaj Tak TV Channel Anchor Sayeed Ansari. The Media Delegation was taken to the Aaj Tak and India Today TV Studio’s, Auditorium, PCR & MCR.
Sharing more on her experience at Jamia, IIMC, ITV Network & India Today Mediaplex, Taro Yaring, a Media Delegate Member and from Arunbhoomi News Channel, said, “At the outset, I will like to thank all the stalwarts of their respective fields namely Robin Hibu Sir, Bipin Sharma, Dr. Mohammad Shakeel (Officiating Vice Chancellor of JMI), M. Kasim (Director of AJKMCRC), Pooja Gupta & Rupal Singh from ITV Network, (Dr Rachna Sharma, Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar, Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Pranvendra from the IIMC Faculty), (Pratibha Sharma of IIMC Library), (Vinod Sharma & Kavita Sharma from Apna Radio- IIMC), (Jay Menon Sir & Gaurav Nauni from India Today Mediaplex) for giving us a marvellous opportunity to learn numerous interesting and vital facets of the modern day Media Industry.”
Added Punyo Richo (Arunachal Frontier News), “I foresee a brilliant future for all my media friends from Ziro as they are keen & committed learners. Gratitude to Robin Sir, Bipin & Pradeep Sir for making this possible. I want to express my gratitude to all of you for lending your sterling support, and for giving us a memorable experience.”
Speaking on the occasion, DGP & Founder- President of Helping Hands Robin Hibu said, “Deepest gratitude to IIMC, Jamia Milia Islamia, ITV Network & India Today Group for providing an incredible learning experience for journalists from Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. The Media Delegation from Ziro are Ambassadors of Unity and Integrity of remote North East region. The Media Advisor of Helping Hands Bipin Sharma did a great job. We are touched by his dedication. His love and personal touch has touched our hearts.”
M.A. Khan of Satya Desh National Magazine hosted a Gala Dinner for the Media Delegation at ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of Dr Hampi Padu Hibu who along with Robin Hibu honoured the Media Delegates from Ziro with souvenirs and gifts. This was followed by an Interaction Program for the Media Delegation of Ziro hosted by Dr Parveen Gupta of International Broadcasting Council at the Foreign Correspondent’s Club, Mathura Road, New Delhi.
During their stay at New Delhi, the Media Delegation visited Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Police Headquarters, Raj Ghat, AIIMS, Delhi Police North Eastern Police Centre, Qutab Minar & India Gate.
The Media Delegation from Ziro was inspired by Robin Hibu to donate blood for the sake of humanity at the Blood Centre of AIIMS. Like a true leader who leads by an example, Robin Hibu too donated blood on the occasion. 19 year old B.Tech student Kabir Sharma from Delhi too donated blood for his North Eastern brothers and sisters. The Media Delegation felt motivated to meet Dr Poonam Coshic (Chief Medical Officer), Anju A.S. M.S.W.O. & Dr. Hem Chandra Pandey (H.O.D.), Blood Centre, (Department of Transfusion Medicine), AIIMS.
Robin Hibu arranged a special trip to the historical city of Agra as he wanted the Ziro based journalists to view the magnificence of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The Media Delegation left New Delhi for Ita Nagar on October 24, with profound learnings and wonderful memories that they will cherish for times to come.
