Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University

12/10/2026

The Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, hosted a visit by the Peer team on October 12, 2026. Sharing a few glimpses from the visit and the interactions held at the Department.

10/10/2026

Sharing glimpses from Technical Session II: “Understanding Disability and Inclusive Communication” at the workshop Inclusive Communication for Resilience, hosted by the Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, in collaboration with ASDMA and the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies, Gauhati University.

Moderated by Prof. Partha Pratim Barua, Head, Department of Environmental Science, Gauhati University, the session explored disability through sociological, technological, mental health and disaster management perspectives.

The discussion featured Ms Sibani Deka, Assistant Professor, Sociology & Disability Studies, Purvottar Institute for Persons with Disability; Dr Nabamita Deb, Assistant Professor, Department of Information Technology, Gauhati University; Dr Surajit Baruah, Senior Consultant, Disaster Management, ASDMA; and Dr Shyam Sundar Sarma, Department of Disability Studies, Gauhati University.

From AI and disability to climate change and mental health, the session highlighted the importance of inclusive language, accessible communication and a more sensitive understanding of disability.

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

On World Mental Health Day, our students took to the streets with a simple but important message: mental health matters, and it’s time we talked about it more openly.

Through a street play, students of the Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, reminded us that sometimes, a little understanding, a listening ear, and a safe space can make all the difference. Thank you Dr Shiva Prasad Bora, CMO for encouraging words.

Let’s break the stigma and make mental health a conversation we’re all comfortable having.

09/10/2026

The Voice That Turned into a Festival: Birendra Krishna Bhadra and the Power of Radio

Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to remembering deceased ancestors through rituals such as shraddha and tarpan. It also marks the transition towards Devi Paksha, associated with the worship of the Goddess. Although closely linked to the arrival of Durga Puja, Mahalaya and Durga Puja are not the same.

The connection between Mahalaya morning and the festive anticipation of Durga Puja owes much to a remarkable experiment in broadcasting.

In 1931, All India Radio’s Calcutta station began developing a special musical and dramatic programme around the story of Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. The programme combined Sanskrit verses from the Chandi, Bengali narration, devotional songs and classical music. It eventually became known as Mahishasura Mardini.

But why dawn? The timing was closely tied to the spiritual significance of Mahalaya, which marks the transition from the period of remembering ancestors to the beginning of Devi Paksha. Broadcasting before sunrise gave the programme an atmosphere of devotion and anticipation, allowing listeners to begin the day with sacred recitation and music. As the broadcast became an annual tradition, the early-morning hour itself acquired cultural significance. For generations, waking up before dawn to listen to the programme became part of the Mahalaya experience. The familiar broadcast time, now associated with 4 a.m., helped turn an act of listening into a shared ritual.

The music played an equally important role in shaping this experience. Beginning with ‘Ya Chandi’, associated with Raga Malkauns, and moving through compositions such as ‘Singhastha Shashisekhara’ and ‘Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu’, associated with Raga Bhairavi, the programme uses classical ragas and changing musical moods to evoke the transition from the stillness of night to the awakening of dawn.

Three names became central to its legacy: Bani Kumar, who wrote the script; Pankaj Kumar Mullick, who composed and directed the music; and Birendra Krishna Bhadra, whose narration and recitation gave the programme its unforgettable voice. Singers, musicians, producers and technical personnel at All India Radio also contributed to its creation.

Bhadra’s voice was particularly significant. His measured delivery, dramatic expression and powerful Sanskrit recitation created an experience that required no visual medium. Through radio, listeners could imagine the unfolding story in their own homes, in the quiet hours before sunrise.

Over time, the broadcast became an annual ritual. The programme’s influence became particularly evident in 1976, when All India Radio replaced it with a new production featuring actor Uttam Kumar. The response from listeners was unfavourable, and the familiar Mahishasura Mardini returned to the broadcast.

The episode demonstrated that audiences had developed a deep attachment to the original programme. Its significance went beyond religious content or musical excellence. It had become part of their collective memory.

This is where the story becomes important to the history of media. All India Radio did not create Mahalaya, nor did it invent its religious significance. Rather, it helped reshape how the occasion was experienced by the public. Through a recurring broadcast, it connected private devotion with a shared cultural experience.

Today, despite television, smartphones and digital streaming, Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s recorded voice continues to define Mahalaya morning for countless listeners.

The lasting achievement of Mahishasura Mardini is not simply that it survived for decades. It is that radio transformed a programme into a ritual, a voice into a cultural memory, and a morning of remembrance into the emotional beginning of a festival.

Ajay Sarkar,
Research Scholar

allindiaradioguwahati All India Radio - Akashvani

09/10/2026

Sharing glimpses from Technical Session I: “Disability, Mental Health, Disaster and Media Dimensions” at the workshop Inclusive Communication for Resilience, hosted by the Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, in collaboration with ASDMA and the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies, Gauhati University.

Moderated by Dr Chandan Kumar Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, the session brought together diverse perspectives on disability, mental health, disaster risk reduction and inclusive media practices.

The session featured insights from Dr Mehzabin Haider Hazarika, Associate Professor, Community Medicine, Pragjyotishpur Medical College; Dr Ramon Bora, Senior Journalist; Mr Mukta Ram Deka, Project Manager, DRR; and Ms Nasreen Habib, Journalist, The Assam Tribune.

Discussions explored the psychological dimensions of disability and resilience, caregiving and support systems, disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, and the role of media in building more inclusive communication practices.

09/10/2026

When data tells the story, accuracy makes the headline.

The Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, organized an insightful special session on "Statistical Methods in Research" today.

We were honored to host Prof. Amit Choudhury, Head, Department of Statistics, Gauhati University, as our distinguished resource person. From decoding averages to analyzing data in public discourse, the session offered valuable methodological perspectives for our scholars and students.

A sincere thank you to Prof. Choudhury for guiding our research community toward stronger analytical inquiry!

09/10/2026

CONDOLENCES | NANA PATEKAR

The Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, pays its deepest condolences on the passing of legendary actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75.

A graduate of Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, Nana Patekar began his professional journey as a commercial artist at an advertising agency before turning to theatre and cinema. His remarkable career reflects the deep connections between art, performance, theatre and communication.

Beyond his powerful performances on screen, he also left a distinct mark on advertising through memorable campaigns such as Vikram Lion Tea’s “Baap Ko Bhej” and Jar App’s “Control... Control!” His unmistakable voice, intense screen presence and distinctive delivery made these campaigns memorable for audiences.

His journey from visual art and theatre to Indian cinema and advertising stands as a testament to the many ways creative expression can connect with people.

The Department joins the nation in mourning this profound loss. His artistic legacy and contribution to Indian cinema and communication will continue to be remembered with respect.

May his soul rest in peace.

08/10/2026

When disaster strikes, the right information at the right time can save lives. It can reduce panic, guide communities to safety and strengthen preparedness and resilience.

Keeping communication at the heart of disaster resilience, the Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University, hosted ‘Inclusive Communication for Resilience: Disaster, Mental Health, Disability and Media’ on October 8, 2026, in collaboration with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority-ASDMA and the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies, Gauhati University.

The inauguration programme featured Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Sjt Keshab Mahanta কেশৱ মহন্ত, Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, Prof Ankuran Dutta, HoD, Communication and Journalism, Prof. Dr Jyoti Hazarika, Director, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur; Ms Pavani Gupta, IIS, Joint Director, Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India, Guwahati; Muktaram Deka, Project Manager, DRR, ASDMA; Dr Surajit Baruah, Senior Consultant, Disaster Management, ASDMA; and Mrs Limpimoni Talukdar, Project Officer, ASDMA (Awareness Generation).

The workshop was convened by Dr Bharati Bharali, Convenor, Inclusive Communication for Resilience, in collaboration with Mandira Buragohain, Project Manager, ASDMA (Knowledge Management and Climate Change), as Programme Coordinator.

The programme witnessed the release of ‘Compendium on Climate Change Communication: Narratives & India’s North East’, edited by Dr Bharati Bharali and Dr Anupa Lahkar Goswami, and ‘From Perception to Action: A Photographic Chronicle of Climate Change Advocacy and the Role of Media in Assam (2025)’.

The workshop was attended by students from various universities and by students and research scholars of Gauhati University, along with faculty members and officials of ASDMA.

Stay tuned for more photos from the technical sessions…

08/10/2026