TSOM hopes for Indo-Russian student exchange programme

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa

Bennett University's Times School of Media (TSOM) took a significant step towards building an international partnership when it hosted St Petersburg-based HSE University Professors Oksana Arutiunian and Mikhail Tyurki, along with their students . They were visiting Bennett University to explore the possibility of launching a student exchange programme with TSOM.

This visit holds great importance for both the department and the university as it could lead to Bennett University and HSE University working together to offer exciting international opportunities for their students. Tyurki, a former international journalist, had lots of interesting stories to share from his time reporting on countries like China, Japan and Europe.

The meeting was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajith Abraham, TSOM Dean Sanjeev Ratna Singh, Film School Professor Gauri Chakrobarty, and Assistant Professors Vidhanshu Kumar, Meera Shirodkar, and Saurabh Sharma. They talked about how students from both universities could learn from each other and explore different cultures. Interacting in a casual exchange about the cultural diversity of the counties they delved into topics such as sports, cinema and performing arts.

The Russian students had just come from a set where they had been working on an exciting project– the documentary "My Guru" which will showcase the culture of Punjab, including its economy, education system, IT industry and fashion. The Russian students visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Wagah border. This project not only shows how amazing Punjab is, but also highlights the strong connection between Indian and Russian cultures, Tyurki.

Chakrobarty talked about the importance of gurus in Indian culture. She shared her experiences of growing up in a culturally rich environment and how, when she was a child, gurus were more like a third parent and would take up pupils to pass their teachings down through.

Tyurki lightened the mood by mentioning that famous Indian songs, like "Disco Dancer," are loved in Russia and it was a small part of their childhood that they had to thank India for.

This visit and the discussions are proof of Bennett University's TSOM department's commitment to give students a chance to explore the world. If the two universities work together, it could be an amazing opportunity for students to learn from each other and experience different cultures.

The chance of an exchange student programme between Indian and Russian universities is a major step. It means that students from both countries can learn from each other and have more exposure to international relations. This partnership could be a bridge between two countries, helping students become better at what they do while also understanding different cultures.

This exciting visit is a step toward a more global education system. The two universities are looking forward to the partnership and all the benefits things it could bring to the students. As they work together, they'll open up new horizons for students and make them more aware of the world around them. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

(The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)