“ Journalism is the Best Job in the World”
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Laureate
Today the world needs you. Your voice matters. You have the right to say what you think. You have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to express your opinion.
Freedom of the press – a bedrock principle of Indian democracy — needs the brightest and smartest young minds for strengthening our democratic values and holding a mirror to society. On the occasion of Press Freedom Day, we at Jindal School of Journalism and Communication(JSJC) affirm our commitment to supporting and exercising the fundamental right to Free Speech enshrined in our Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This is where we teach how to tell a compelling story through the lens of social justice across platforms and mediums of global communication, cinema, reportage, investigations and data.
Speaking truth to power without fear or favor is the cornerstone of the Press and “Press Freedom” is the beating heart of a free society. Our world is ravaged by wars and conflicts that attempts to break the human spirit and muzzle free speech. We must resist through accurate reporting, disseminating information for public good. The people have the right to know what is going on and we must question, investigate, go to the edges of human experiences and bring back stories that matter, stories that affect you, stories that demand your attention and solidarity for a just world.
In May this year, UNESCO will host the 33rd World Press Freedom Day Conference 2026 on “Shaping a Future at Peace” to reaffirm freedom of expression for the future of information societies. But what does this theme mean for young storytellers entering the field today? If you want to join this journey then read on.
Amidst rising attacks, digital intimidation, and spike in self-censorship journalists continue to search for the truth. I have been part of the industry for more than thirty years and I can say this is one of the most exciting time in our history for telling stories that matter. There is a relentless effort in exposing disinformation networks. Media innovators are finding new ways to keep independent journalism alive. An entire generation of journalists are adapting to hold the line for the cause of free speech when regimes are trying to silence us. Through mixed media, films, theatre, art and reportage hundreds of young people have hit the ground running to show us what many don’t want us to see and know. They are on the frontlines today challenging the most powerful and giving voice to the silenced. That is why Nobel Laureate and novelist-journalist Garbriel Garcia Marquez once said “this is the best job in the world !”
At JSJC, one of the most innovative and global media schools in India we call ourselves storytellers and truthtellers and we learn modern modes of communication and information through text, voice and the moving image. In our BA/BSc (Hons with Research) in Film and New Media we explore multiple ways of cinematic representation. I don’t know of another programme in filmmaking where students are taught advanced courses in all aspects from direction, cinematography, sound, postproduction, acting, film studies, art history and new media. In BA (Hons with Research) Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, the first of its kind programme in India, bring together industry and pedagogy of the new communication practices to train students in multi-media, public relations, branding, advertising, corporate films etc. BA (Hons with Research) Journalism and Media Studies, our oldest programme is an ensemble of the best practices and scholarship in journalism that makes sense of our fractured world. Our MSc in Strategic Communication and MA in Political Communication are uniquely positioned to address the frenetic pace of a changing communication landscape. All our programmes are imagined around humanities and the social sciences and cantered around the idea of free speech and expression.
Our offerings are distinct genres, to be shelved separately but they come together as connecting fibers of a knowledge society. Taught by top-quality scholars and practitioners with credentials it is arguably one of the most competitive J-Schools, home to quality research and practice where students are co-creators and collaborators.
In the field of communication and information, JSJC’s mission is to foster intercultural dialogues by training students who can ensure the free flow of ideas. By adopting an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach, JSJC works to develop and implement courses and curricula to ensure a holistic education in the best traditions of the liberal arts with industry standard equipment and skills.
On World Press Freedom Day, The Jindal School of Journalism and Communication stands in defense of principles of free speech and free press across the world. All who believe in these freedoms should steadfastly oppose intimidation, harassment, and detention of people on the basis of their speech. We welcome you to join us in this fight for freedom!
