In Mahabahu I gained valuable skills in interviewing, field reporting

In Mahabahu I gained valuable skills in interviewing, field reporting

Dipankar Deka

In the month of July 2024, I had the rich opportunity to participate in the summer internship program at Mahabahu.

This one-month long journey, from July 1 to July 31, was a period of immense learning and growth. It gave me practical insights into the world of journalism and communication, equipping me with valuable skills that will be helpful in my future career.

   The first task we were given was to visit startup-related organizations and conduct interviews with officers about the startup ecosystem in Assam. As a team of five interns, we embarked on this mission with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Our first visit was to Assam Startup The Nest, which is located at Ambari, Guwahati, A vibrant hub promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Here, we interacted with Juri Tara (Admin Executive) who shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. It was exciting to learn about various initiatives and support systems in place to nurture budding entrepreneurs in Assam.

Our second visit was to the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) office in Guwahati. The visit was equally informative as we learnt in-depth about the technological advancements and infrastructure support offered to startups. Officer of STPI Ashish Sharma highlighted the role of technology in transforming businesses and driving economic growth in the region.

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These interactions not only broadened our understanding of the startup landscape but also honed our interview skills. We learnt how to effectively frame questions, connect with interviewers, and extract meaningful information.

The next part of our assignment was a written assignment on the latest topics assigned by our mentor, Kakali Das Ma’am. Our task is to rewrite the news items, incorporating new data and information, and presenting them in a journalistic tone suitable for publication. My total four Topics were

1. Unveiling Solar Mysteries: NASA’s CURIE Embarks on Groundbreaking Quest to Decode the Sun’s Enigmatic Radio Waves.

2. Digital Boom could well be a bust for the environment.

3. Growing or Shrinking? What the latest trends tell us about the world’s population.

4. Ukrainian Children’s Hospital attack amid deadly Russian strikes on cities.

This task challenged us to research thoroughly, organize our thoughts coherently, and present information in an engaging manner. Apart from these topics, I wrote about Madan Kamdev Temple, also known as Khajuraho of Assam, which is located nearby my home.

And all these articles were published in Mahabahu which made me feel very proud because it is a magazine that is almost four decades old where articles by people like Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and Kanaksen Deka were published.

Writing these articles was a great exercise in improving our writing skills and understanding the nuances of journalistic writing. Kakali Das Ma’am’s feedback was invaluable, helping us refine our articles and develop a more polished writing style.

   The next field assignment given by ma’am during the internship was to make a report on specific places to each of our interns. My designated place was the Baihata Chariali Flyover construction site. Where the task was to cover stories and progress of the ongoing flyover construction, traffic congestion, transportation issues, footpath problems, and the impact of roadside shops.

For this assignment required daily visits to the construction site, where I took photographs, talked to the workers about the progress of the construction, and talked with shopkeepers and local people to gather information about its benefit and impact on the local community. It was a hands-on experience that taught me the importance of field reporting and how to gather diverse perspectives to create a comprehensive report.

   The issue of Baihata Chariali flyover construction project was very interesting and relevant.  In my conversations with the workers, I gained insight into the challenges they faced and their dedication to the project.  Interactions with locals and shopkeepers revealed mixed reactions to the construction. While some were optimistic about the potential economic benefits, others were concerned about the disruption to their daily lives and businesses.

   The supportive environment at Mahabahu greatly enhanced our learning experience during the internship. Editor Anjan Sarma Sir, Sanjeev Sarma Sir, and Kakali Das Ma’am were always approachable and ready to guide us. Their encouragement and constructive feedback were crucial in our development, shaping our approach to journalism and boosting our confidence.

Kakali Ma’am’s meticulous attention to detail helped refine our writing and research skills, with her feedback continuously aiding our improvement. Although my fellow interns were junior to me, they were incredibly supportive and always ready to help. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of teamwork and made the internship a truly enriching experience.

Overall, my internship at Mahabahu was incredibly rewarding, filled with learning, exploration, and hands-on experience. I gained valuable skills in interviewing, writing, and field reporting, which are essential for a career in journalism.

The guidance and support from Anjan Sarma Sir, Sanjeev Sarma Sir, and Kakali Das Ma’am were invaluable, making this internship truly enriching. This journey has not only improved my journalistic skills but also deepened my appreciation for communication and journalism. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying the lessons learned in my future endeavors.

Dipankar Deka is a student of Communication & Journalism of Gauhati University

30-07-2024

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking.  You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com (For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.