College students learn the ropes from experts

BMM department of Oriental Education Society’s Sanpada College of Commerce and Technology brought the campus alive on Friday.

It was buzzing with activity in the one-day seminar-cum-workshop under the banner of ‘Media Galvanizer 3.0’, an annual intercollegiate event.

Students of around 20 colleges from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai participated in the event.

The seminar aimed at giving an exposure to the students to the real-time working of the media industry and thereby providing them not only with theoretical knowledge but also a practical platform.

The event was conducted by the guests who were experienced actors, directors, senior journalists, cinematographers among others.

They shared their first-hand experiences with the students and gave them guidelines.

It was followed by several rounds of discussions among the students in the presence of the experts and their teachers.

The event had doses of music as the students performed and displayed their talent.

“The best way to learn something is to learn from the best. These artistes are the best at what they do and hence, this seminar will prove beneficial for these youngsters,” said professor Harjeet Kaur of the college.

DM Muley, the college principal, said, “The BMM course is different from other conventional courses. It requires the students to enhance their creativity and use it to innovate new ideas. Our aim is to acquire that.”

He said that the event was a stepping stone for a media student as it provides exposure from the industry itself.

“It creates a platform to give students the opportunity to share their ideas about their passions in the various fields of media such as theatre, journalism, cinematography and direction. It also allows the students to showcase their talents in front of renowned artistes that could help their future prospects,” he added.

As crimes against senior citizens have been rising, the Thane police have come up with an initiative for their safety and security.

Kartavya, or one’s duty, will be launched on Independence Day by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

City’s senior citizens, Thane police and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Centre for Lifelong Learning have taken the initiative to come up with a tollfree helpline for senior citizens 1090. A special team has been formed to take the calls.

According to a survey by Thane police, there were 7.7 crores senior citizen in 2011 Census. It has now increased by 30% — to 10.30 crore.

A senior police inspector from Thane commissionerate said the initiative will have three steps.

“The police will reach out to all housing societies to take the count of senior citizens. They will be categorise into three brackets. The senior citizens living alone would come under most vulnerable category, those living with relatives who are out of the house the entire day would form the second category and those who have at least one person living full time with them will be the third one,” said the police.

Joint commissioner of police, Thane, Ashutosh Dumbare, said, “Thane is working to curb crimes against senior citizens.”

In the second phase, the police will seek assistance of youth and citizen groups. “Volunteers will monitor and visit the elderly to tackle their problems. In the third phase, we will provide them medical aid, mental security and any other help they need. Senior citizens are usually targeted because they do not file cases,” said the police.