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Bennett & Berkeley Partnership

Veteran sports executive to drive pickleball’s strategic rise in India through leagues, partnerships, and community expansion. Known for his deep expertise in scaling fan-centric sports ecosystems, Pathak now leads the charge in shaping pickleball’s future in India—from grassroots accessibility to commercial viability. Pathak brings with him more than two decades of leadership experience across global consumer brands, sports leagues, and digital platforms.

Leadership & Vision: Prof. Manisha Mohan

Girton College, University of Cambridge, Ranked QS World #5, recently signed an MoU with Bennett University in an effort to forge strategic alliances for international academic partnerships and advancing global higher education cooperation. Three students from Bennett University have already availed the opportunity to attend the Summer School program at Girton College.

Leadership & Vision: Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh Tiwari

Leadership & Vision: Prof. (Dr.) Alka Munjal

Leadership & Vision: Prof. Dhiraj Singh

Leadership & Vision: Prof. (Dr.) Sumit Narula

Leadership & Vision: CFO S.Chandramouli

Leadership & Vision: Dr. Raj Singh

July 11, 2025, Hyderabad’s IT hub – Hitec City: Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, graced the high-profile HR Conclave as the Chief Guest. HR Conclave was organised by Bennett University, in collaboration with the Global Human Resource Development (GHRD) Network, on July 11th, 2025, bringing together 380+ CHROs, Talent Acquisition Heads, Senior HR Leaders, and GCC leaders to deliberate on ‘Reimagining Higher Education for a Skills-First world.’ In his address, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana said, "In an era where 44% of core skills are expected to evolve within the next five years, Telangana is committed to building a future-ready workforce through skill-first policies, AI-driven education, and deep industry-academia collaboration. Our vision is clear—to make every individual skill-ready, not just degree-holding. HR is no longer a backend function; it is the strategic core that scouts, shapes, and sustains talent. With dedicated skilling verticals, we are empowering youth to not just fit into the workforce, but to lead it. The ultimate beneficiary of this transformation is the nation." A compelling keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vipul Singh, CHRO at Lloyd Technologies, where he leads the People & Places function, overseeing a team of 100+ HR professionals focused on human capital and workplace strategy. As a Board Member of the National HRD Network (NHRD), Dr. Singh shared sharp and thought-provoking insights on how academic institutions must evolve from a degree-centric approach to a skills-first model, emphasizing the need for deeper collaboration with industry to stay relevant in the changing talent landscape. A key highlight of the conclave was a thought-provoking panel discussion that delved into the evolving role of academic institutions amid a rapidly transforming talent landscape. The dialogue focused on the integration of experiential learning, co-creation of curriculum with industry, and the growing shift from degree-based qualifications to demonstrable, job-ready skills. The event witnessed participation from several leading organizations, including Google, JP Morgan Chase, Bosch, Deloitte, Accenture, Infosys, Lloyds Banking Group, Lloyd Technologies, Oracle, Pegasystems, PepsiCo, TCS, Tech Mahindra, AT&T, Qualcomm, Micron, Global Logics, ADP, Aurore Life Sciences, Cohance Life Sciences, Aurobindo Pharma, Renewbuy, Reliance Retails Ltd, Optum, Novartis, Coforge, Medtronic, HFCL, Hexagon, GMR, ITC, Dr. Reddys and many more. Their presence significantly enriched the discussions and further validated the conclave’s position as a high-impact platform for industry-academia collaboration. A major highlight of the evening was the launch of the book “101 Stories (కథలు)” by Shri Bommana Satyanarayana Reddy, Head of HR at Pragati Group. The event concluded on a celebratory note with the CHRO and Talent Acquisition Leaders Awards, honouring professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in the fields of human resources and talent acquisition. The event was made successful by the collective efforts of Bennett University’s leadership, faculty, Career Services team, and the partners at GHRD. It served as a significant step toward bridging the gap between education and employability through dialogue and collaboration. The event reflected Bennett University’s commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and academic excellence in the space of HR development.

Transformative Partnership Offering Flexible 2+2 and 3+1-Degree Pathways with Global Industry Connect

Sportikon 3.0 was recently held at Bennett University, featuring matches across 16 different sports and participation from more than 50 universities in India. Indian hockey players Pritam Rani Siwach and Surender Kumar were invited as the chief guests of the event.

The third day of Uphoria was a blockbuster with stunning back-to-back shows. It set the bar for the grand finale of the festival high and kept everyone eagerly waiting for what's in store next.

The evening's highlight was the legendary duo Salim-Sulaiman, who took to the stage and set the audience ablaze with numbers such as Ishq Wala Love and Dance Pe Chance. The vibe was infectious, and students danced with all their strength, completely immersed in the music.

Day two of Uphoria 2025, Bennett University’s Annual Cultural Fest, ended on a high note with a thrilling performance by the famous musical duo, Salim-Sulaiman. The evening started with an energetic opening act by Anupam Live, setting the perfect mood for the night. Salim-Sulaiman kicked off their set with Kurbaan Hua, followed by soulful renditions of Shukran Allah and other hit songs. They were joined by talented artists Raj Pandit, Aabhas Joshi, and Manya Narang, who added to the electrifying atmosphere.

The first day of Uphoria concluded with cheers as performances by DJ Asar and Akash were the main spotlight of the day. Prom took over Uphoria 2025's main attraction

A variety of artisans from states all across India come to sell their handicrafts at Dilli Hatt, INA which is located in South Delhi. There are a total of 108 stalls in the Hatt providing employment to hundreds of workers. Items of home décor, clothing apparel like shawls, sarees, suits and mufflers, artificial jewellery are some of the popular goods being hold at the Hatt which resembles a rural market.

Bennett University hosted the Femina Miss India 2024 winners on campus on Thursday. Nikita Porwal, Femina Miss India 2024, along with Rekha Pandey and Aayushi Dholakia, the first and second runners-up of the beauty pageant, were the esteemed guests.

By Pranavi Ambati The Times School of Media recently hosted a series of informative seminars under the "Careers with Global Organizations" initiative, offering students the opportunity to interact with eminent figures in media and communication who work globally, and to learn from them what it takes to become a professional capable of transcending geographic boundaries. Designed by Dr. Pallavi Bansal, Assistant Professor at TSOM, and hosted by her team of students on the Internationalisation Committee, the seminar series aimed to expose students to global career paths, sparking in them a desire to explore international opportunities and pursue impactful roles in various global sectors. Session 1: Arpita Mitra on Humanitarian Work and Criminology On September 6th, 2024, Arpita Mitra, an International Humanitarian Worker and Criminologist, delivered a lecture as part of the Careers with Global Organizations series, sharing her experiences in prison reformation and corrective justice across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. Held in-person at TSOM, her session marked the official launch of the series. Mitra’s lecture, titled “International Humanitarian Work in Conflict Zones,” focused on her work with vulnerable populations during and after conflicts. She discussed her involvement in dialogues with armed groups and her work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Arpita addresses how her experience as a budding criminologist drove her to pursue humanitarian causes, starting with championing the cause of prison reforms in Indonesia. “In your years as a field delegate, the work can often feel tiresome. In conflict, belligerents rarely wish to cease fighting and reach an agreement. They see a ceasefire as a compromise, a surrender of the cause they believe in. There’s also the ever-present fear for one's life, especially when the parties involved include terrorist organizations,” she explained. “But it’s your passion that will push you to try again, over and over, until the mission is accomplished,” Arpita continued, earning admiration from the audience. Her emphasis on the importance of maintaining humanity in crisis situations resonated deeply with students aspiring to work in humanitarian fields. Session 2: Ria Sen on Disaster Risk Management and Technology The second session in the Careers with Global Organizations series took place on September 13th, 2024, featuring Ria Sen, Global Preparedness Officer at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). Sen, recognized for her work at the intersection of technology and disaster risk management, is a leading figure in global preparedness strategies. An alumna of the London School of Economics, she has extensive experience with UN agencies and the European Commission. Her webinar, titled “Technology, Innovation, and Disaster Resilience,” explored how advancements in telecommunications and technology are reshaping disaster risk management. She provided a detailed perspective on how governments can leverage technology to enhance resilience and shared her personal experiences managing technological preparedness at the WFP. Her insights were particularly valuable to students interested in international policy and disaster management. Ria Sen connects online to share key takeaways, including the academic and experiential pre-requisites that are expected when applying for work with global governance bodies. "Technology is not inherently bad – though it may present challenges we haven't encountered before. That said, it's not entirely flawless. The difference lies in the intent of the person using that technology,” she remarked when asked about technology being a force for better or worse. Session 3: Aditi Sangal’s Career in International Journalism The latest session in the Careers with Global Organizations series took place on October 4th, 2024, featuring Aditi Sangal, an Emmy Award-winning journalist based in New York City. She has covered major global events such as the U.S. elections, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the Israel-Hamas war. Originally from India, Aditi graduated from Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi and earned her master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. In her session titled "Aditi Sangal’s Career Path and Insights into International Journalism", she shared her journey from India to international newsrooms. Sangal highlighted the challenges of global reporting and the transformative impact of technology on modern journalism. The session captivated students, with many eager to learn about covering significant global events and navigating high-pressure situations in real time. NYC-based Emmy award-winning journalist Aditi Sangal responds to questions posed by Semester 5 students as they take intrigue in the stories she's covered. My greatest learning would be that you must always be open for the 2 Cs: Change and Challenge. Only if you are willing to push yourself further than where you were a day ago will you find what extraordinary things you are capable of – be it any field, not just in Journalism,” she shared, reflecting on her journey from local newsrooms to the global stage. Conclusion The Careers with Global Organizations series has been a profoundly enriching experience for the students of TSOM. Through the lens of journalism, humanitarian work, and disaster resilience, students gained a comprehensive view of the diverse career opportunities available within global organizations. Each session highlighted the critical values of dedication, empathy, and adaptability in these impactful careers, leaving students both inspired and equipped with valuable insights for their future professional endeavors. (The writer is a Semester V student of the BA Journalism & Mass Communication programme)

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh and Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Greater Noida: Bennett University's School of Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology (SCSET) recently concluded the prestigious Global AI Summit 2024, a three-day international conference on AI and emerging technologies. The summit successfully brought together top AI experts, industry leaders, and academic luminaries from over 25 countries. "This landmark event will serve as a global stage for exploring cutting-edge developments, ethical challenges, and promising pathways in the era of Artificial Intelligence," said Prof. (Dr.) Abhay Bansal, Dean of SCSET, during the opening session on Day 1 of the summit. Day 1: A Grand Opening Ceremony The summit began with an impressive inauguration, featuring keynote addresses by leading AI experts. Prof. (Dr.) Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, delivered the inaugural address, highlighting AI’s limitless potential to reshape industries and societies. University dignitaries also launched the summit proceedings in this ceremony—a first for the conference. Prof. (Dr.) Abhay Bansal addressing the audience Several prominent corporate leaders shared their insights on AI’s applications in various sectors. They discussed how AI is revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, while emphasizing both the potential benefits and challenges of AI adoption. Day 2: A Deep Dive into AI Research The second day of the Global AI Summit 2024 showcased cutting-edge research and strong industry partnerships. Over 236 research papers were presented across 15 tracks, ranging from AI and Machine Learning to Quantum Computing. Special sessions covered new fields like high-performance computing and virtual reality. The papers and panel discussions spanned a wide range of AI topics, including: Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Computer Vision Robotics AI Ethics Dr. Abhay Sinha, Director General of Services Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Commerce addressing the students in his keynote speech. The panel discussions were held on topics such as: AI and Society AI in Healthcare AI in Finance Corporate leaders played a pivotal role in these sessions, sharing their perspectives on AI’s practical applications. This collaboration between industry and academia aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation. Prof. Prabhakar Tiwari from IEEE attended all technical sessions, underscoring the summit's significance within the AI community. Day 3: Valedictory Ceremony and MOU Signing The final day of the summit featured speeches by prominent figures, including Prof. (Dr.) S.N. Singh, Director at ABV-IIITM, Gwalior, and Dr. Abhay Sinha. Their thought-provoking addresses summarized the major themes and accomplishments of the summit, while emphasizing the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and ethical considerations in AI development. The event also included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Bennett University and international institutions, paving the way for future academic collaborations and research exchanges. Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham, Vice Chancellor of Bennett University and Prof. (Dr.) Abhay Bansal, Dean of SCSET welcoming Prof. (Dr.) S.N. Singh, Director at ABV-IIITM, Gwalior Major Takeaways of the Summit - Over 1,275 research papers were submitted globally, reflecting the summit's international appeal. - Keynote addresses were delivered by leading AI experts such as Prof. (Dr.) Soumitra Dutta, Prof. (Dr.) Sartaj Sahni, and Prof. (Dr.) Simeon Simoff. - The summit fostered strong connections between academia and industry, with corporate leaders sharing insights on AI applications. - An accompanying education fair offered opportunities for academic partnerships and student exchange programs. - Strategic partnerships were formed between Bennett University and international institutions to advance AI research and education. The Global AI Summit 2024 emerged as a valuable opportunity for world experts in Artificial Intelligence to come together, alongside scholars interested in building networks and future collaborations. (The writers are Semester V students of the BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme)

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa Prof. Daya Thussu cited charm-offensive as China ’s way to spread the word of their society, customs and policies through global media “China spends 10 billion dollars annually on global communication , using charm offensive to spread their word they ensure they are heard from east to west ,” Prof. Daya said in a lecture at the Times School of Media , Bennett University (BU) on Wednesday while talking about how Chinese propaganda is closer to our shelves than we may think. “The west controls global media through various outlets, they use this to control pro-west sentiment, but if we look to our east in nations like Bangladesh and Ethiopia, the narrative and agendas are widely opposing,” said Prof. Thussu while referring to a book he authored on the subject titled during his discussion on ‘Changing Geopolitics of Global Communication. (Prof. Thussu visits Bennett University to discuss geopolitics on a global scale with the students of the Times School of Media) Being the President of the International Association for Media and Communication Research ( IAMCR ), and having authored 5 books in the field, Prof, Thussu had unique takes on the eastern side of the globe with a special focus on China’s standing in BRICS and the overall global scenario. When discussing China’s possible soft shift from their existing socialist-communist model he said, “China has invented their own way to overtake the USA on the digital front. I believe they’ve softly adopted a cyber-capitalistic model which involves them creating exclusive versions of western software to be completely self-dependant, this gives them the control they need to orchestrate their narratives.” The interactive discussion saw the students of the Times School of Media interact with Prof Thussu on topics ranging from BRICS, NATO , Western ideology and China’s current standing in global communication and the concept of ‘Westlessness’. During his discussion, he touched upon how the Western world, especially European countries worry about their stature in both the global economy and power in terms of decision-making. He cited the Munich Security Report 2020 and termed the concept “Westlessness”, he related this concept while referencing a book titled the same authored by Samir Puri, “China has now taken over USA’s international trade market, and this number has significantly grown on an annual basis,” he said to emphasize the current standing of China in global trade and politics. Prof. Thussu gave credit to a concept he called ‘charm-offensive’ to spread the word of their society, customs and policies through global media “China spends 10 billion dollars annually on global communication, using charm offensive to spread their word they ensure they are heard from east to west,” he said when talking about how Chinese propaganda is closer to our shelves than we may think. Nearing the end of the discussion, Prof. Thussu emphasized the importance of think tanks, but highlighted their double-edged sword nature as well, “Whilst I agree that think tanks have become integral in global communication, they have also become drivers of agenda and mouthpieces of governments, in America, only 1 out of the top 15 most cited think tanks was not funded by the US defence department,” he said to back his point. While discussing Chinese tactics in fields of modern global communication, he deviated the topic to the housing market crash in 2008, a market crash so immense that it was felt around all latitudes and longitudes, “China saw the market crash as their golden opportunity to grab power, they began a new strategy on the pretext of connectivity and assistance, and a decade and a half later we now know this as the biggest infrastructure project in history, the belt and road initiative.” Prof. Thussu’s fruitful discussion had students filled with introspective questions and deep insights in regard to today’s media climate. This session is a testament to the Times School of Media’s drive to get their students the best exposure and networking as possible to uphold their responsibility as exceptional media educators. (The writer is a Semester V student of the BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme)

PR Insights, Address From the TSOM's Dean, and meet and greet with the media faculty were some of the highlights of the first day of the orientation organized for the new batch of 2024.

The Times School of Media 2024 Fresher’s Orientation dove into the world of Public Relations with a guest session by Founder and CEO of Kaizzen PR Services, Vineet Handa.

By Chirag Kalra On April 26, 2024 Times School of Media, Bennett University , in partnership with Russian AI scholars, hosted a webinar, with the theme " ChatGPT and AI in Media Education : Challenge or Opportunity." Through the use of ChatGPT to automate tasks, in particular, the event was aimed at investigating the advantages and importance of AI in media education. Along with Mr. Pratyush Ranjan, Head of Digital Services, Multimedia, Social Media & Fact Checking at Press Trust of India (PTI), the webinar featured lectures by Russian academicians Yana Sholokova, Mikhail Tyurkin, and Sergey Vartanov. Yana Sholokova highlighted the advantages of the AI tool " YandexGpt 3.0 " and its uses in voice assistants and communication. She taught about how the most recent version of YandexGpt performed better than its previous versions, highlighting how well it adapted to the Russian language and how it could be used in educational contexts via the Yandex Practicum platform. Mr. Ranjan stressed the significance of understanding and skillfully applying AI techniques. He quoted famous cosmologist Yakov Zeldovich as saying that knowledge of an instrument is crucial to using it effectively. While highlighting AI's potential to advance humanity, Dr. Ranjan issued a warning about its abuse, particularly when it comes to spreading misinformation. With a focus on the necessity for users to comprehend the technologies they are working with, the webinar's debate on the responsible use of AI came to a close. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has many advantages, the speakers generally agreed that abuse of the technology might have devastating consequences, especially in the media and educational fields. Overall, the webinar gave useful information about the function of artificial intelligence (AI) in media education and the significance of employing AI technologies sensibly and efficiently. The statement emphasized the importance of consumers grasping and enhancing AI tools while considering their ethical impacts.

By Vaayun Sachdeva The first-year BA Journalism and Mass Communication students of Bennett University on 22nd April organised a project showcase at the N-Block German Hanger as part of their ‘Theory of Mass Communication’ subject led by Dr. Tilak Jha. The project involved groups of students picking a different topic to research and spread awareness. The lead-up to the showcase started three months prior. Students did thorough research on their topics, conducted surveys and maintained social media accounts as their evaluation is based on their efficient use of mass communication. “The experience of spending 3 months on such a project is very exhausting but also very nice as you get to learn about your topic” said, Janvi Singh, a first-year BAJMC student who was part of a schizophrenia awareness stall. On the big day of the project showcase, students set up fun and interactive games and activities while teaching people about their topics and raising awareness. Their stalls were judged by external guests who took part in the activities and games the students had worked on. “With so many stalls around there is a lot of variety as everyone took a different topic and it’s fun to look at different people with different interests coming up with interesting ways to show them off”said Anmol Singh Sethi, who participated in the event.Students picked up a wide range of topics to showcase such as mental health, travel, sports etc. Ghanishtha Jhoda, who was responsible for helping organise and coordinate the whole event remarked about the evaluation method, she added “its much better than a theory exam as people are getting to showcase their work and interact with people while having fun and learning”. Times School of Media ’s approach towards practical evaluations for subjects like these is a remarkable effort as it allows students to get out of their comfort zone and work on an interactive project.

By Aliza Ashraff On 21 st April, first-year TSOM students, Avni Rai, Raghav Srivastava, and Priyanshi Jain organized a K-pop event at Bennett University . The trio took on the challenge as part of Professor Tilak's project for the subject "Intro to Mass Communication Theories," with K-pop as their chosen research topic. The event was a resounding success, drawing participation from ARMYs and Blinks, two of the most dedicated fan communities in the K-pop world. Avni, Raghav, and Priyanshi did their best to manage the event. From organizing performances to handcrafting all the decorations, they did everything on their own. " Yet to Come " screening by TSOM students One of the event's highlights was the screening of "Yet to Come," a documentary about BTS , the biggest K-pop boy band in Korea . The documentary captured attendees' hearts, showcasing the dedication and hard work that go into creating music and performances. Another special moment came with the screening of " Light Up the Sky ," a documentary featuring the journey of the iconic K-pop group Blackpink . The documentary was about the behind-the-scenes world of K-pop, mainly Blackpink. However, the most emotional moment of the event came during the screening of BTS's " Spring Day ." The heartfelt lyrics made everyone emotional present there. As stated by the organizers, almost everyone cried while listening to “Spring Day”. The audience united with each other and shared their past emotional experience. TSOM students watching the concert movie together Avni Rai one of the event organizers, stated, "This was my first event, and it was very exciting as it was BTS's last concert movie. This was emotional to us as we all cried. It was a beautiful experience, amazing, I loved it." The event concluded with people jamming to K-pop songs together. Everybody there danced together to their favorite songs and made this event memorable.

Ever wondered what the secret recipe for building a skyrocketing career is? Certainly, tons of hard-work, patience, and mentorship under the guidance of the right set of people. The engaging three-day long student-alumni conference, spearheaded by the Times School of Media at Bennett University, on 17th, 18th and 19th of April was an attempt made to simplify and break down the journey of establishing a name in the media world for budding journalism and media enthusiasts.

​The roleplay was full of learning and fun, they showcased types of the interviewers that the students could come across. To keep the session engaging there were multiple exercises given to students in between which they needed to complete in a group.

Public relations seems quite an inviting and exciting profession from the outside, and it is so to a large extent. But to achieve success in this field, you need to be willing to work hard and smart.

Through lively discussions, interactive exercises, and teamwork, they explored how stories can connect brands with people's hearts and create meaningful connections.

Garnier one of the leading beauty brands in India had set-up a booth in Bennett University where they mixed beauty with science and art. The booth was set up near D5 stage and students had the opportunity to check various things there. Various stalls were set up in the booth like a green science lab where some Garnier volunteers explained about the science behind their skincare products through fun scientific experiments as well a hair colour zone where girls could get their hair coloured using different Garnier dyes for free.

The video production conference by Vaibhav Kulkarni, a director at 5W1H, provided valuable guidance to media students sharing his experience in advertising, explaining the creative side of campaigns and the three stages of production: pre-production, production, and post-production. The event provided students with a unique insight into the world of advertising, including creative strategy and practical aspects of creating advertisements.

At the second day of 'Future Forward' the student-alumni conference a lot of industry insights were shared by the TSOM's alumni specially Jivraj Kohli.

By Avni Rai Students of Times School of Media gain entrepreneurial insights with Alumni Nandini Nandal on day two of the Future Forward Alumni-Student Conference on Thursday. In the workshop, the guest speaker highlighted the importance of the right business mindset and skills that makes a good entrepreneur. The workshop was designed to educate budding media professionals and entrepreneurs about real-life situations and requirements in the industry. While discussing about business investments, she shared, “I want to tell you that when you are starting your own business, you need to plan out everything. How much investment do you have, how much are you putting into logistics, if you need to have employees? I own a boutique digital marketing agency and initially, I didn’t have to invest myself and that is why it’s important to have investors and seed money,” she added. Nandini Nandal, Digital boutique Founder, briefing the students Nandal elaborated on the traits of a successful business-person like discipline, the ability to take calculated risks and prioritizing teamwork over individualism. Nandini stressed the importance of creating systems to streamline business operations and protect the venture,“I learned that business success begins with a mindset of innovation, strategic planning, and the courage to take calculated risks. It's not just about starting a business; it's about creating value, solving problems, and embracing the journey of entrepreneurship with passion and perseverance," she said. The students engaged in asking their queries and participated enthusiastically in the session, “I got to learn so much from her especially because she was also in the same place as me just a few years ago here at TSOM . It’s invigorating to see our Alumni do so well in their careers,” first year BAJMC student, Hitakshi Bachhanni said.

By Aliza Ashraff Bennett University 's Times School of Media (TSOM) hosted a highly enlightening workshop on strategic thinking and market analysis on March 18, 2024. The event featured speakers and TSOM alumni Kartik Shukla and Sanidhya Sharda , who shared valuable insights into strategic planning, market behavior analysis, audience sentiment understanding, and effective brand research techniques. The workshop, attended by students, faculty members, and industry professionals, focused on the essential skills required in today's competitive media landscape. The speakers emphasized the role of innovation and adaptability in developing successful media strategies that resonate with target audiences. Kartik Shukla and Sanidhya Sharda, drawing from their industry experience, emphasized the importance of strategic thinking in media management. They highlighted the need for media professionals to stay ahead by analyzing market trends, understanding audience preferences, and conducting effective brand research to craft impactful communication strategies. During the session, Sanidhya stated, "What people say about the brand online is important, but what matters is what people choose in the end." Sanidhya Sharda speaks about his industry-level experience with the students. The interactive sessions included discussions on real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and practical workshops. Participants engaged in lively debates and knowledge-sharing sessions, gaining practical insights into strategic decision-making processes. Ms. Shruti Jain, the overall faculty in charge of TSOM’s placement board , praised the workshop for its practical value in helping students think strategically. She specifically highlighted the guidance provided by Kartik Shukla and Sanidhya Sharda, noting how their knowledge helped participants grasp strategic management concepts more deeply in the context of media and communication.

By Aliza Ashraff The Times School of Media at Bennett University hosted its first Alumni-Student Conference on 17th April, bringing together alumni and current students for a day of insightful discussions and networking. The conference featured two key events highlighting the significance of internships and pursuing a master's degree in the media industry. Praneet Kaur , Head of Communities & Experiences shares her experience about internships. Praneet Kaur, head of experiences & communities, Creativegarh, was the alumni speaker for the "Importance of the Internships"- conference. She stated, “Internships were instrumental in helping me understand the dynamics of the media industry. They allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, paving the way for a fulfilling career." Esteemed alumni shared their experiences on how internships provided them with valuable practical knowledge, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. They highlighted that internships are not just about gaining work experience but also about developing essential skills, building professional relationships, and exploring different career paths within the media industry. TSOM students participating in the panel discussion. The second event was about the" significance of pursuing a master's degree in media and communication". Alumni who pursued master's degrees shared how this academic journey enhanced their career prospects. Kartik Shukla and Saumya Teotia were the alumni speakers for this event. Kartik, an alumnus who completed his MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, said, "A master's degree not only added value to my resume but also sharpened my analytical and strategic thinking abilities. It gave me a holistic view of media operations and prepared me for leadership roles." The conference concluded with a networking session where alumni and students engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanged ideas and explored potential collaboration opportunities. Shruti Jain, founding member of the Times School of Media, expressed her gratitude to the alumni for their valuable insights and encouraged students to grasp the knowledge gained from the conference to chart their career paths effectively.

By Avni Rai Times School of Media kicks off its 3-day Alumni-Student Conference on Wednesday with a graceful opening ceremony and panel discussion by the keynote speakers. The conference featured various successful alumni like Dr. Samir Kapur, Director of Adfactors PR, who talked about his career journey, sharing how he transitioned from being an engineer to working in public relations for brands which he enjoys. (Dr. Samir Kapur addresses the students of TSOM) Prof. Sanjeev Ratan Singh, the Dean of TSOM, expressed his delight at the event’s successful beginning and acknowledged the effort put in by everyone involved. The event brought together alumni and current students, fostering a space for connection, knowledge sharing, and inspiration, "It was an incredible journey graduating from the Bennett batch of 2017. Hope our stories highlighted the breadth of opportunities in the media industry and the valuable foundation a TSOM education provides," Khushi Pal, content producer at Hindustan Times said. When asked about the role of AI in media and what it means to be a human communicator in today's multimedia landscape, Praneet Kaur highlighted a crucial concern about the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the emergence of deep fake technology, “The current challenges faced by communicators create an environment where false information can proliferate swiftly and convincingly. The rise of AI-driven tools, such as deep fake technology, has intensified the need for human communicators to uphold integrity and authenticity in their work,” he added. The students got the opportunity to not only listen to the alumni’s experiences but also ask them about their real life industry experience, “It was a really great start to the event. I am looking forward to more of the Alumni visits so I can learn about their work,” first-year BAJMC student, Divya Sabarwal said.

By Aliza Ashraff The Girls Health Club , in collaboration with the University Women Development Cell (UWDC), hosted an event aimed at promoting creativity and emotional well-being. The event took place on April 15th, 2024, starting at 4:00 PM, at the A&B Block and provided an experience for all participants. The event featured a “Sentence Completion Board” activity, where participants completed sentences and shared their thoughts with others. Another activity, “Let Go and Take Flight”, allowed attendees to reflect on challenges by writing them down and transforming them into paper planes which signifies their frustration. These planes were then released into the sky as a symbolic gesture of letting go and embracing new beginnings. The "Drink Your Drink Challenge" was also part of the event, offering participants the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking reflections while enjoying a beverage. The GHC's content head stated," The farewell event was all about saying goodbye to Bennettians in different like juggling the balloons, completing your sentences and noting down your frustration of the year and making a plane out of it symbolizing letting go of the pain you felt and being mentally prepare for the upcoming year." Attendees were encouraged to express themselves, engage with one another, and grow personally. It gave people the chance to get together and explore their creativity in a supportive environment. The Girls Health Club and UWDC organized this event to highlight the importance of mental well-being and resilience within the university. Participants had the opportunity to participate in an evening focused on self-discovery and community engagement.

By PRANAVI AMBATI Terming it 'the perennial quest of asking the right question,' the institution of being a lawyer, according to the Learned Attorney General for India , MR. R. Venkataramani is to sight injustice and question it. Gracing the valedictory session as the Chief Guest of the 1st Bennett International Moot Court Competition (BIMCC) at the School of Law , Bennett University , his valedictory address touched upon exploring legal studies beyond the 5-year course one studies as a law student. "My advice to this generation of upcoming lawyers is to keep studying the mind after completing legal studies. Ask yourself, 'What have I learnt today?' and one day, you will realize that all that you learnt at the undergraduate level is a limited edition study of Law," he said. The Attorney General expounded that when student cohorts turn advocates or judges, they realize that what they require the knowledge of is an "unlimited edition" of Law and, hence, the need for self-introspection to fasten this process of acknowledging the need to study the discipline further. The Attorney General for India Mr. R. Venkataramani (centre) received by the Officiating Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham (right) and the Dean School of Law Dr. Pradeep Kulshrestha (left) upon his arrival. In his address, he suggested that all students read Frederick Schauer's book Think like a Lawyer: A New Introduction to Legal Reasoning. He explains why he stands by Schauer's outlook: "Mathematicians ought to, by subject, think logically and rationally. Yet logic and rationale do not aid in solving the issues of the common people. Fairness principle does - and that examination of fairness stems from thinking like a lawyer about what is just and unjust." Infusing the valedictory address with literary references, such as the 'Thought Machine' from George Orwell's 1984, the Attorney General kept the atmosphere light-hearted and interactive—even as the words he delivered were poignant. In his concluding statements, he urged the gathering at the 1st BIMCC to "all be a part of the process of creation—of creating a peaceful and just world." (The writer is a Semester IV BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme student.)

By Prithvi Abhay Shankaregowda Students of School of Engineering put their coding and problem solving skills to a test in the ‘Code Roast’ event organized by IEEE on day three of the Coding and Tech, Triverse Fest. The event kicked off with the participants being divided into teams of three and the core team members of IEEE explained the rule of the game. The game consisted of three rounds where the teams were given codes to write and mathematical problems to solve. With a time constraint of 15 minutes, the game excited the participants’ neurons, “All three rounds included the participant writing codes and checking if their opponent’s answer is right or wrong. The challenge was to not only write the correct code but check if the opponent made a mistake,” the Chairperson of IEEE and second year Btech C.S.E. student, Siddharth Mall said. The winning team will bag a cash prize-pool of Rs. 13,000 and the results will be announced after the fest comes to an end, “I had so much fun in the Code Roast. I could solve the problems and write codes but it was a little difficult to read through the other team’s codes and point out their mistakes. Coding is hard in itself, let alone re-checking it,” second year Btech C.S.E student and participant, Nicshay Kumar said.

By Avni Rai Students of the School of Engineering put their coding and betting skills to a test in the ‘Bet for Tech’ event organized by IEEE on day two of the three-day Triverse Fest. The event kicked off with the participants being divided into teams and the core team members of IEEE explained the rule of the game. The first round consisted of a competitive question and answer round, the second consisted of problem-solving and the third was rapid fire, “All three rounds included the participant betting if their opponent’s answer is right or wrong. The most challenging is the problem-solving, I think, because they really have to solve the math equations to get the answer right,” the head of the technical team, Rachit Kumar said. The winning team will bag a cash prize-pool of Rs. 7,000 and the results will be announced after the fest comes to an end, “I think my team has a chance of winning, but overall the game was really exciting. I got to use my coding and math skills and the betting part just made it more interesting,” first-year Btech C.S.E student and participant, Khushi Tanwar said.

By Medhansh Das In a captivating display of intellectual prowess, Prof. Makarand Paranjape took centre stage to deliver his inaugural lecture as the newly appointed Professor of Eminence. The theme of the evening, " Indian Knowledge Systems: Myths vs. Reality ," enthralled a diverse audience eager to unravel the intricate layers of India's intellectual heritage. Breaking away from conventional terminology, Prof. Paranjape advocated for the embrace of "Indian knowledge traditions" over the more restrictive label of "systems." This shift in perspective set the tone for a profound exploration of the fluid and interconnected nature of India's vast reservoir of wisdom. Highlighting the paramount importance of integrating Indian knowledge traditions into the curriculum of liberal arts , Prof. Paranjape emphasized how such integration enriches cognition and nurtures a more holistic worldview among students. Navigating through the annals of history, the distinguished professor shed light on the tragic saga of the Nalanda library 's destruction—a poignant symbol of colonial vandalism that scattered fragments of India's intellectual legacy across distant lands. Yet, amidst the ashes, Prof. Paranjape uncovered tales of resilience as some fragments found their way back home. The event also witnessed the inauguration of a book section housing 4000 rare volumes, generously donated by Prof. Paranjape himself. Additionally, attendees were treated to the unveiling of the Hindi translation of his acclaimed work, " Death and Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi ," titled " Mahatma Gandhi: Mrityu aur Punaruthan ." In his closing remarks, Prof. Paranjape's eloquence reverberated as he urged attendees to embrace the profound legacy of Indian knowledge traditions, guiding them to traverse the labyrinth of intellectual heritage with renewed vigour and appreciation. As the audience departed with their minds alight with newfound understanding, they carried forth a torch illuminating the timeless wisdom encapsulated in India's rich tapestry of knowledge. (The writer is a BAJMC Semester IV student)

By Prithvi Abhay Shankaregowda Students of Times School of Media (TSOM) explored the world of media education after Covid-19 in a joint webinar hosted by TSOM and the HSE University , St Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday. The session was graced by panelists from India, Russia and Canada who discussed the advantages and shortcomings of online media education, “Online education plays a vital role in today’s day and age as anyone can access it from anywhere across the world, making it an important tool. But, student engagement, availability of technology and ethics of learning can be some of the major challenges faced,” Magdalena Gaete , head of Laboratory of Reputation management at HSE University, said. Journalist and online educator Daria Animov emphasised on the importance of creating engaging curriculum for online media education and its efficiency. Various learning management systems were adopted by universities across the world that made online education efficient in the Covid-19 pandemic. “Standardising online education through LMS and Dashboards is really effective. Along with that, what we did was hold workshops for students as well as faculty to educate them as to how online learning systems work,”Gabrielle Heard, online educator at Anderson College at Toronto said. Technological accessibility and poor student-teacher relationships were the major challenges highlighted by the panelists. “In the Indian context, not everyone can buy a laptop. There are a lot of communication gaps that still need to be addressed. Especially in Media education, practical applications and knowledge is essential which cannot be completely taught online. At the end of the day, online education can be used as a tool but traditional methods make sure that the student and teacher are connected,” media professional and academician Shalini Narayan said. Students participated in the webinar with questions on the future of online education and its ethics, “I wanted to know about the unfair practices that happen in online education. For example, students sometimes do an online course with the intention of earning a certificate and not gaining knowledge. This webinar helped me understand that while cheating can be done in online or offline mode, it’s the knowledge and how you apply it in your tasks is what matters,” first-year Journalism and Mass Communication student Disha Kapoor said. (The writer is first-year BAJMC student with TSOM)

The Love All Awards, hosted by Bennett University, honoured India's para badminton champions, recognising their remarkable journey and exceptional athletic talent. Through insightful speeches, engaging fireside chats and a thrilling badminton match, the event left attendees motivated and optimistic about the future of parasports in India.

By Medhansh Das Bennett University ’s Times School of Media ( TSOM ) invited one of its most successful alumni, Kartik Shukla, from the batch of 2017-2020, being the top scorer of his batch in marketing communication courses at TSOM, he channelised his strength further by doing an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication , Pune, where he also served as the head of the Placement Cell. Subsequently, he has worked with top organisations like Kantar and Publicis . The Alumni Coach series which started as a Placement Board Exclusive last semester with a vision of creating a high calibre cadre of industry-ready professionals, featuring the career journeys/ stories of the immediate seniors of the current students of the TSOM- their insights, their struggles, their challenges, and their successes. The vision of this whole platform is to expose, train, and prepare the students for a higher plane of existence – both in the way they operate and the exposure they receive. In the session, Shukla shared his college experience doing various PR and marketing projects which ultimately led him to take a keen interest in the arena of research. Naming his presentation “The Road Taken” (a play on “The Road Not Taken” a poem by Robert Frost) he explained how he ended up in the media world coming from a science background. “Failure is your greatest teacher, college prepares you for the outside world in this matter, you make mistakes here, so you don’t make them in the industry,” said Shukla. The main focus of these sessions is that the students have a live interaction with the people preceding them immediately which was a success. Students asked Mr. Shukla questions regarding academics and college life in general. (The writer is a BAJMC Semester IV student)

By Prithvi Abhay Shankaregowda Literary enthusiasts of Bennett University gained insights on creative writing and its role in journalism by eminent journalist and author Prachi Gupta, in a session on day 2 of the literary fest Aalekh 2024. The fest by Bennett University’s literary and debating society, Cerebrum hosted Gupta as a part of its Author Discussion series, where she focused on navigating between fact and fiction, “In journalism, you stick to the facts and can’t use your creativity or flair while writing. But in fiction, everything feels like a movie. That is why, I think I like writing fiction more,” she said. She shared that when it comes to soft news stories, she can use the elements of creative writing which is not possible in the case of political stories. Gupta talked about her journey, from aiming to be a journalist and accidentally becoming an author, “I did B-tech but became a journalist. I was always exposed to really heavy news but I never wanted to write hard-core news like politics. I love fashion and entertainment, I wanted to write meaningful stories in the same. But then, I started preparing for UPSE and the book I wrote when I was in college became a bestseller which made me pursue my career as an author too.” After an exceptional career as a journalist, Prachi Gupta broke the barriers in the literary world with four best-selling books and started a publishing house for aspiring authors. “Prachi ma’am is an amazing author, I loved her book. Listening to her story about self publishing her book and navigating the media industry is really inspiring,” core team member of Cerebrum, Kamalika Chatterjee said.

By Avni Rai Students of BU pulled up their socks to debate and get quizzed on Day 2 of the literary fest, Aalekh 2024 by Cerebrum, the Debating and MUN club of Bennett University. A Harry Potter-themed quiz buzzed the magical sparks of students. They were divided into teams named after the houses in the book series. The quiz took a literary turn and questions of Shakespearean plays were asked to the students, “The quiz was designed to test if the participants are true Potter heads or not. I really enjoyed planning the questions especially the Shakespeare round,” Cerebrum’s core team member, Zeal Bhagat said. The quiz was followed up by ‘The Unheard’ debate competition, where students engaged in one one-on-one debate with each other on various social and political issues. “We debated for motion of the atomic bomb decision and Harry Truman. It was amazing listening to the opposition making some points which if they were true, it would have changed history. I am always up for a debate about the second world war,” first-year Btech CSE student, Riya Bhajan said. After two days of amazing guest lectures by eminent authors and literary personalities, the fest was concluded with these competitions.

Author Parvati Sharma visited Bennett University as a guest for the literary festival Aalekh and held an engaging discussion on Mughal history.

Bennett University's official literary and debating club, Cerebrum, inaugurated "Aalekh," a vibrant celebration of ideas and literature, on March 20, 2024. The two-day book fair is designed to provide people a better appreciation for writing and to serve as a forum for thought-provoking conversations. On the first day, renowned guest writers generously shared their knowledge and insights with enthusiastic attendees.