Minister Kharel Visits TU Journalism Department

Minister Kharel Visits TU Journalism Department

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel visited the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Tribhuvan University for an observation.

On this occasion, Minister Kharel conducted an on-site visit to the department’s “Camera Building” located in Balkhu. During the visit, he obtained information about the academic, intellectual, and physical status of the department and stated that he would play a role in helping to resolve the issues identified there.

In this context, Minister Kharel remarked that, upon reaching TU’s Camera Building, he felt as if he had arrived at a temple. He said, “When I came to the Camera Building, I felt deep reverence and goodwill. It felt as though I had come to a temple.” He further added, “I felt as if I had come to a house of dreams, not as a Communication Minister but as a student, because my experience of studying at Ratna Rajya Campus in narrow classrooms with limited physical infrastructure and resources feels very different when I come today to this well-equipped building. It is a new experience.”

Minister Kharel expressed confidence that the government would provide necessary facilitation for the academic advancement of the department.

Remarks from the Department Leadership

Head of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Kundan Aryal, stated that the department has been playing an important role in producing quality academic human resources in journalism and mass communication. He expressed his belief that the current government would continue to extend goodwill toward the department for academic advancement and creative work.

Associate Professor of the department, Dr. Devraj Aryal, said that the Central Department has expectations for development, having an energetic personality in the role of Communication Minister. He expressed the expectation that the minister’s promptness and responsiveness would yield positive results for the department.

Prior to this, when Minister Kharel arrived at the Camera Building, he was welcomed by Head of Department Dr. Aryal.

Academic Facilities and Infrastructure

Minister Kharel also observed various sections and facilities inside the department’s building. He visited the classrooms, faculty rooms, radio studio, television studio, film study area, multimedia room, library, and modern auditorium hall, among others.

Head of Department Dr. Aryal briefed the minister about the academic, professional, and physical status inside the building.

According to him, the department is preparing to start academic programs in “Digital Media Production” and “Film Studies” in the near future. The department has given priority to activities such as collaboration with universities around the world, organizing international conferences, and mobilizing resources and facilities.

For a long time, the Central Department operated from the premises of Ratna Rajya Laxmi (RR) Campus at Exhibition Road. For the last two years, it has been operating from its own Camera Building in Balkhu. Postgraduate, MPhil, and PhD classes are being conducted there.

Visit to Associate Professor Laldeusa Rai

Minister Kharel also visited Associate Professor Laldeusa Rai, the founding figure of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and a prominent personality in the field of journalism, at his residence.

The minister went to Rai’s residence in Banasthali, met him, and inquired about his health condition. During the meeting, they held discussions on the advancement and development of the journalism sector and on issues related to professional journalism.

On this occasion, Minister Kharel wished Associate Professor Rai good health and a long life. He said, “Many of the students you have taught are now providing editorial leadership in journalism and are doing good work at national and international levels. Therefore, all students have affection, respect, and a sense of closeness toward you. On our part, we wish you further longevity, good health, and peace.”

Minister Kharel stated that Associate Professor Rai has played an important role in taking Nepali journalism to a higher level. He expressed the belief that, in line with Rai’s thoughts, knowledge, and sentiments, the government would facilitate various tasks that can be undertaken from its side.

Rai stressed that Nepali journalism should be brought to a leadership role in South Asia. He said that, in order to practice professional journalism and to become a journalist, one must have deep engagement in study, investigation, and research, and must be skilled and creative.

Contribution of Laldeusa Rai and Growth of Journalism Education

Rai taught for about 40 years in the department under Tribhuvan University. He began to expand journalism education from 2033 B.S., when the study of journalism was initiated. Now 92 years old, Rai is still active in study and writing.

He has, however, been resting at home for the past year due to health reasons.

Minister Kharel was accompanied to Rai’s residence by Head of Department Dr. Aryal, along with professors and students.

Students have said that the respect shown by Minister Kharel towards his teacher, Guru Laldeusa Rai, even after becoming a minister, is a commendable act and reflects the respect that students extend towards their teachers.

According to the department, efforts have been made tirelessly since 2033 B.S., starting with the beginning of journalism education, to expand journalism as a subject and to make it of high quality. The department began master’s level teaching in journalism and mass communication from 2058 B.S., PhD studies from 2067 B.S., and from 2074 B.S. it started Darshanacharya and PhD level teaching.