Exploring Media & Democracy - MIC’s Educational Trip to Bangalore

In March 2025, second-year BA and MA (Broadcast Elective) Media and Communication students from the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC)  along with faculty members Mr.C.Manikandan, Dr. Manjula Venkataraghavn, Mr. Shreeraj Gudi, Mr. Satya Bodha Joshi, and Ms. Kavita Nagasampige embarked on an immersive academic tour to Bangalore between March 01- 05, 2025. Over five days, they explored the vast landscape of media—including film, print journalism, broadcast news, and political communication—gaining invaluable real-world insights beyond classroom learning.

The excursion began with a visit to the Indian Music Experience (IME) Museum, India’s first interactive music museum. The striking architecture set the stage for a captivating experience as students explored India’s rich musical heritage. From an immersive audio-visual showcase of nature’s sounds to exhibits on indie rock, folk traditions, and patriotic music, the museum brought history to life. Highlights included the Mayura Veena and Nagphani in the Instruments Gallery, Mahatma Gandhi’s letter to MS Subbulakshmi, and a hands-on recording studio. The Sound Garden, with its interactive musical sculptures, left students with a newfound appreciation for sound and storytelling.

Students attended the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes), a prestigious platform celebrating world cinema. Watching films from Spain, China, the Netherlands, and beyond, they were exposed to diverse storytelling techniques, unique cinematography styles, and cross-cultural narratives. The festival deepened their understanding of how different societies address universal themes through cinema. For aspiring media professionals, this experience reinforced film’s power in shaping perspectives, evoking emotions, and sparking important discussions.

Students also got the opportunity to visit Asianet Suvarna News Television, thus stepping into the high-energy world of broadcast journalism. Students witnessed news production such as writing news, visual editing, adding graphics, writing teleprompter scripts, run-down preparation, and News delivery in the studio. Also, get the opportunity to observe the PCR activity for a live news production.

Students got the golden opportunity to visit Vidhan Soudha, Karnataka’s seat of legislative power.  The grandeur of Vidhan Soudha, with its towering pillars and intricate stone carvings, was matched by the intensity of discussions taking place inside. Observing live parliamentary proceedings in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council gave students a firsthand look at democracy at work. The debates, negotiations, and policy discussions reinforced the crucial role of political communication and the media in shaping public opinion.

The excursion concluded with a visit to Deccan Herald, Bangalore’s oldest English-language daily. Students toured the newsroom, engaging with journalists from various editorial desks—sports, entertainment, crime, and general news. They saw how different teams work independently yet collaboratively to deliver well-researched, impactful stories. From reporters identifying newsworthy events to rigorous fact-checking and ethical considerations, the visit highlighted the meticulous process of print journalism. A particularly engaging moment was witnessing how the entertainment desk worked on a film review while the sports desk crafted predictions for an upcoming football match.

This five-day excursion was more than just an academic trip—it was a deep dive into India’s cultural, political, and media landscapes. Whether through the rhythms of IME, the global narratives of BIFFes, the adrenaline of live newsrooms, the meticulous storytelling of print journalism, or the legislative intensity of Vidhan Soudha, MIC students returned with a broadened perspective.

-       Harshita Roy

-       Photography- Rohan Kotian