CARMA kicks off for a 4-day event

Students encouraged to pursue opportunities in the media.


Rahib Raza January 06, 2011

LAHORE: Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Daily, the school’s journalism society, has organised the second Convention for Aspiring Reporters and Media Anchors (CARMA). The highlight of the day was the speech delivered by Talat Hussain, chief guest for the opening ceremony. The convention aims to spread awareness about the media and journalism amongst students and to share career opportunities for them.

The 4-day event includes competitions, seminars and workshops that students from several disciplines, including media, from all over Pakistan, are attending. Last year’s CARMA registered only 200 out of the 700 applicants. This year 2,000 students applied and 600 were registered as delegates.

Students from National College of Arts, Punjab University, Beaconhouse National University, Aitchison College, Institute of Business Administration, Kinnaird College, Lahore Grammar School and Sadik Public School, Bahawalpur, are participating.

On the opening day, participants were introduced to anchoring, reporting, editing and production. Students also debated the pros and cons of the media. The ceremony revolved around the theme of refining the media. CARMA director Hamza Ghaffar said, “The media has many career opportunities for students.” He said the the top performers will get internship opportunities at Express while others will be given certificates.

LUMS Daily president Asghar Hussain Kazi said, “We want people to know about the ethical boundaries for the media.”

Shahrukh Aslam, a student, said, “This debate targets the top percentile of the educated elite. These people can make a difference to the current situation, the common man is not capable of taking things into his own hand.”

Journalist Talat Hussain made a presentation about media studies so that students could get a realistic picture of the media. He said, “Some people see media as glamorous but these days it is one of the toughest professions. It will get even tougher in the years to come. Students should know how to report and comment on people’s beliefs, on controversies, on blatant lies without taking sides.”

He warned, “Most students don’t realise how tough this industry is. The industry is growing and while mainstream media does a fairly good job, there is room for improvement. People will be alright as long as they focus on information and not the debates.”

Career counselling was proposed for students interested in pursuing a career in the media. Dr Atif Alvi, a LUMS professor, said, “The media is growing and it pays well. We are moving towards a better future. These students will add value to it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2011.

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