The third-semester students of Integrated Master of Communication and Journalism (IMCJ) programme of School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed to be University (KSMC) launched a communication campaign as a part of their Public Communication Campaign course. The communication campaign titled ‘VIBGYOR: Help the Homeless’ was launched virtually on Zoom on 27 September 2021 by Ms. Madhura Kapdi, Director, Campaigns and Communications of Save the Children, India in the presence of Prof Himansu Sekhar Khatua, CEO, SMC, SFT & SFMS, Dr Bidu Bhusan Dash, Course Coordinator, KSMC and Dr Anurag Sahu, Assistant Professor and Course Instructor of Public Communication Campaign.
Launching the campaign, Ms. Kapdi briefed the students about the ethics and rules that one should follow while running a campaign, especially on street children. She highlighted the challenges of running a campaign, and how to overcome them. Ms Kapdi has over two decades of experience in diverse areas including business development, communications, fundraising, media advocacy and planning.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Khatua highlighted the importance of safeguarding the street children in today’s scenario. “Childhood is a very precious time in human life. Everybody deserves a lovely, caring, and stress-free childhood”, he said. He also praised the initiatives taken by Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, that provide 30,000 deprived children free education. Dr Dash emphasized the growth of the School of Mass Communication and the various activities and programmes organized by the School. Dr Sahu spoke on the objectives of the course and highlighted the research aspects of communication campaigns and how to use communication as an effective tool to create awareness.
Ms Baisakhi Mishra, a second-year student of IMCJ and campaign team leader, introduced the campaign by highlighting the importance of childhood and provided statistical insights about millions of street children leading a miserable life in India. Ms Shradha, a student member of the campaign team, proposed the vote of thanks. Students and faculty members of KSMC and other colleges and universities attended the campaign launching event, which was moderated by Ms. Ankita Khanrah.