Noted journalist, broadcaster, author, storyteller, script writer and lyricist Neelesh Mishra known for his famous radio show ‘Yaadon Ka Idiot Box’ today said that seeing the world through the prism of the character is the key for better storytelling.

Mishra was speaking at a daylong workshop on ‘Radio storytelling’ organized for media students by the Department of Information and Public Relations at Media Complex here.

The workshop was attended by the faculty and media students of Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora, Govt Women’s College MA Road and  Government Degree College Baramulla.

Director Information, Muneer-ul-Islam, Joint Director Information (Headquarters) Abdul Majid Zargar, Deputy Director Information (PR) Sheikh Zahoor, Bureau Chief of ‘The Hindu’ Peerzada Ashiq were also present on the occasion.

Regarding the art of storytelling Mishra said getting involved in the character mentally helps in coming out with good stories.

He asked the students to stress on delivering the message honestly and cited the instance of a postman whose job is deliver the message without adding anything to it.

Mishra offered the media students internship in storytelling at his organization and then turning it into a successful entry opportunity in the media field.

He also asked them to decide and explore early about their career choices and not get influenced by the peers or family pressure. “A person can judge himself in which filed he can do best,” he said.

Mishra shared his journey of life, full of challenges and opportunities from his birth place Nainital to becoming one of the successful voices in the broadcasting world.

He also shared his behind the scene conversation with Mahesh Bhat while researching for a book which led to his debut song for Bollywood ‘Jaadu hai Nasha hai’ for Jism.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Information Muneer-ul-Islam said the DIPR is always ready to facilitate the media students with different genres of media to enrich their knowledge. He said of late various initiatives have been taken to give professional touch to the functioning of the Department and create avenues and opportunities for the media students.

The Director Information announced that DIPR will soon start Internship for media students, both at Jammu and Srinagar.

He said that many more programmes are in pipeline which would help media students to get required exposure for launching a successful career in media industry.

Guest