Students and faculty members from colleges around Goa participated in the workshop
The Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh Samiti, in collaboration with Don Bosco College, organized a Workshop for Prospective Journalists on 12th July 2025 in the Bicentenary Hall of Don Bosco College, Panaji. Senior journalists highlighted the evolution of journalism through print, television, and digital media, emphasizing that it stems from the art of storytelling and continues to offer numerous opportunities for aspiring journalists.
Aimed at showcasing contemporary trends in journalism, the workshop brought together eminent and senior journalists including Dr Frederick Noronha, Mr Prakash Kamat, Mr Rahul Chandavarkar (an alumnus of Don Bosco School), Mr Rohit Vadkar (Head of the Digital Vertical at Prudent Media), Mr Niraj Naik (Digital Goa), and Mr Rajesh Menon (Resident Editor, The Times of India), who shared their expertise across various domains of the field.
The event commenced with a formal inaugural session led by Dr Cedric Silveira, Principal of Don Bosco College, Dr Nitin Borkar, Convenor of the Janmashatabdi Samaroh Samiti, and the guest speakers.
Mr Prakash Kamat, coordinator of the workshop and senior journalist, discussed the evolution of the media, its increasing commercialization, and current trends in print journalism. Highlighting developments in broadcast journalism, Mr Rohit Vadkar said, “Maya Angelou, an American poet and civil rights activist, once said that there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Everyone has a story that needs to be told—just as I am narrating my own story of the transforming media space, from print to television to digital.”
Left to right- Mr Rohit Vadkar, Mr Niraj Naik, Mr Rahul Chadavarkar, Mr Rajesh Menon, Mr Prakash Kamat and Dr Frederick Noronha discuss trends
Mr Niraj Naik elaborated on entrepreneurship in journalism, citing examples such as Faye D’Souza, Barkha Dutt, and Ravish Kumar, who have successfully created independent platforms. Mr Rahul Chandavarkar spoke about the rise of YouTube journalism, especially during and after the pandemic. He shared videos from his own channel and encouraged students to start their own YouTube platforms.
On the subject of social media trends, Dr Frederick Noronha remarked, “Social media gives us the opportunity to create and publish content. Students should explore this space to build communities and portfolios, rather than wait until they graduate and secure jobs.” Mr Rajesh Menon addressed the importance of media ethics, focusing on fact-checking, combating misinformation, and the need for diversity and transparency in the media landscape.
All speakers participated in a panel discussion where they answered questions from the audience and discussed the challenges they face as journalists.
“We celebrate the birth centenary of the late Laxmidas Borkar from 17th August 2024 to 17th August 2025. He was a journalist, freedom fighter, and social reformer. He authored 16 books and is remembered for his daring act of bringing Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and Dr Juliao Menezes to Goa during the revolt around 18th June,” shared Dr Nitin Borkar, his son and Convenor of the Janmashatabdi Samaroh Samiti.
The workshop saw participation from students of Don Bosco College, St Xavier’s College, Chowgule College, Rosary College, Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College, Sridora Caculo College, members of the Journalism Club of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, and several independent journalists.
The event was coordinated by Assistant Professors Archie Fernandes (Course Coordinator, Department of Mass Communication), Agnelo D’Souza (Convenor, Media and Publicity Committee), Christal Ferrao, Sr Cathrine Prisilda, and the students of the Department of Mass Communication.
