Pre-Media Meet

The discussion featured Adarsh Sakare, Founder of OAPN Network & Podcast, Vidushi Jain, Creative Strategist & Brand Storyteller, RJ Anjali from 95 Mirchi Bengaluru, and Aditya Parmar, COO of OAPN Network. Bringing together diverse professional experiences from broadcasting, podcasting, branding, and digital media, the panel offered students a multidimensional understanding of the changing audio landscape.

The session explored the transformation of traditional broadcasting into on-demand digital audio formats, highlighting key themes such as storytelling techniques, audience engagement, community building, brand communication, and the opportunities emerging within the podcasting ecosystem. Through industry examples, personal experiences, and interactive discussions, participants gained valuable insights into how audio creators connect with audiences and sustain meaningful conversations across evolving media platforms.

The panel discussion concluded by emphasising that while technologies continue to change, the power of the spoken word remains central to human connection and community-driven storytelling. By reflecting on the legacy of broadcasting while examining the future of podcasts and digital audio media, the session contributed significantly to the objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, encouraging students to explore innovative forms of audio communication and storytelling in the digital age.

The workshop offered students an engaging introduction to the art and impact of audio communication. Drawing from her professional experience in radio broadcasting, RJ Anjali shared practical insights into voice modulation, storytelling, audience engagement, content creation, and the evolving role of radio in an increasingly digital media landscape.

Through interactive activities, live demonstrations, and industry-based discussions, participants explored how broadcasters create authentic connections with listeners and foster a sense of community through meaningful conversations. The session also highlighted the continuing relevance of radio and podcasting as powerful platforms for information, entertainment, and public engagement across changing media environments.

The workshop concluded by celebrating the enduring influence of radio as a medium that informs, connects, and inspires communities. By combining professional expertise with hands-on learning, the session contributed significantly to the objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, encouraging students to recognise the potential of audio storytelling as an impactful form of contemporary communication.

Designed as an immersive and participatory learning experience, the workshop introduced students to theatre as a dynamic medium for storytelling, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Through collaborative performance exercises, interactive discussions, and creative storytelling activities, participants explored how theatrical expression can capture collective memory, encourage dialogue, and foster deeper social connections.

The session highlighted the relationship between performance, identity, and communication, demonstrating how stories shared through theatre can transcend time and connect individuals across diverse communities. Students were encouraged to reflect on the role of art in shaping public discourse, preserving cultural narratives, and creating spaces for empathy, participation, and collective expression.

The workshop concluded by emphasizing that theatre is not only a form of artistic performance but also a powerful tool for communication, reflection, and community building. By combining experiential learning with creative collaboration, the session contributed meaningfully to the objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, offering students valuable insights into the transformative potential of storytelling in contemporary media and society.

Building on the vision of Pre-Media Meet 2026, the Department of Media Studies hosted an engaging webinar featuring Darika Jain, Founder & CEO of ImpactD and the creator of an 800K+ LinkedIn community. Drawing from her extensive experience in branding and digital communications, she shared practical strategies for developing a strong professional presence in today's interconnected world.

The session explored key aspects of personal branding, public relations, digital visibility, and LinkedIn networking, while also addressing emerging trends in corporate communication, freelancing, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in the communications industry. Through industry examples and practical insights, students gained a deeper understanding of how strategic communication can enhance professional growth and create meaningful career opportunities.

The webinar concluded by reinforcing that a strong personal brand is built through purposeful communication, continuous learning, and meaningful professional engagement. By combining industry expertise with practical guidance, the session contributed significantly to the objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the evolving world of branding, public relations, and digital visibility. 

Building on the vision of Pre-Media Meet 2026, the Department of Media Studies hosted an engaging guest talk and workshop featuring Shruti Sah, founder of Point of View Club and Bookmark, and Co-Founder of Cubbon Reads. Through a blend of discussion and collaborative activities, the session invited students to explore how communities can be intentionally built around shared interests rather than merely sustained through digital engagement metrics.

Drawing from her experiences in nurturing reader-centred communities and community-driven initiatives, Shruti Sah highlighted the role of storytelling, inclusivity, and participation in fostering meaningful relationships. She discussed how digital platforms and algorithms can help people discover communities, while emphasising that genuine belonging is created through consistent interaction, trust, and shared experiences. Participants actively brainstormed ideas for community-led initiatives across literature, media, art, sustainability, technology, sports, and social impact, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

The session concluded with a reflection on the changing nature of community in the digital age, encouraging students to think beyond visibility, reach, and engagement metrics. Instead, participants were inspired to create purposeful spaces that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and lasting social impact. By combining practical insights with critical reflection, the workshop contributed meaningfully to the broader objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, reinforcing the importance of building communities that are driven by people, purpose, and participation rather than algorithms alone.

Building on the vision of Pre-Media Meet 2026, the Department of Media Studies hosted "From Roots to Reels: Creating for Different Audiences," featuring Rhea Gurnani and Kanchi Sharma of Spoke2Soon, alongside digital creator Sound Mani. Through an interactive workshop and guest talk, the programme offered students diverse perspectives on digital storytelling, influencer marketing, and content creation, encouraging them to critically examine the evolving dynamics of the creator economy.

The workshop introduced participants to the practical aspects of influencer marketing through hands-on activities such as drafting influencer-style scripts and conceptualising brand content. Students explored audience positioning, storytelling techniques, and brand alignment, gaining valuable insights into creating content that resonates with different audiences while remaining authentic to a brand's identity.

The guest talk contrasted two distinct approaches to digital storytelling. While Spoke2Soon presented an audience-first strategy focused on relatability, engagement, and reach, Sound Mani highlighted a content-first philosophy rooted in indigenous and folk music traditions, where cultural authenticity takes precedence. The discussion encouraged students to reflect on the relationship between creativity, algorithms, and audience expectations, while examining the challenges of balancing visibility with meaningful storytelling.

The sessions also prompted conversations around creative responsibility, long-term community building, and preserving cultural narratives in an increasingly fast-paced digital environment. By combining practical learning with critical reflection, the programme contributed meaningfully to the broader objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, equipping students with valuable perspectives on creating purposeful, impactful, and culturally relevant digital content.

The programme concluded by highlighting that impactful digital storytelling is not defined solely by reach or engagement, but by purpose, authenticity, and meaningful audience connections. By bringing together practical learning with diverse perspectives on content creation, the workshop and guest talk encouraged students to think critically about the evolving digital media landscape. Contributing meaningfully to the objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026, the session equipped participants with valuable insights into creating content that is both culturally relevant and socially impactful. 

As part of Pre-Media Meet 2026, the Department of Media Studies hosted the webinar "Turn Data into Decisions: Where Insights Drive Impact," featuring Ms. Aparna Debnath, Assistant Vice President at Barclays. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, including previous roles as Senior Business Analyst at JPMorgan Chase and Business Analyst at Wipro, she shared valuable insights into the growing role of business analytics in today's digital economy.

The session introduced participants to the practical applications of business analytics across industries, highlighting how data-driven thinking enables informed decision-making, strategic planning, and organisational growth. Through real-world examples and industry perspectives, Ms. Debnath demonstrated how analytical frameworks transform raw data into actionable insights, equipping students with a deeper understanding of the evolving business landscape.

The webinar was attended by students from multiple CHRIST University campuses, with participants engaging both offline and online, fostering an interactive learning experience that aligned with the broader objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026.

Building on the vision of Pre-Media Meet 2026, the Department of Media Studies curated a moderated panel discussion and cinematography workshop that invited students to engage deeply with cinema, perception, and visual storytelling. The programme created a reflective space for examining how images are shaped not only by technique, but by experience, emotion, and perspective.

The first session of the day featured a moderated panel discussion and screening titled “Unfiltered Roots: How Gender Shapes Vision.” The session explored how gender, lived experience, and positionality influence visual perspective and authorship in cinema and media. Through an interactive format, participants were encouraged to reflect on questions of gaze, representation, and narrative authority, making the discussion a thoughtful and engaging exchange.

The day concluded with a cinematography workshop titled “The Award Season to You,” which shifted focus toward practice-based learning. The workshop invited participants to examine how perception, emotional awareness, and intention shape visual storytelling choices. Led by Juhi Sharma, Director of Photography and member of the Indian Women Cinematographer Collective (IWCC), the sessions together offered an enriching experience that combined critical discussion with hands-on reflection, contributing meaningfully to the larger objectives of Pre-Media Meet 2026.