Shishir Joshi launches journalism mentorship initiative

Shishir Joshi, a senior journalist who recently moved from Mid-Day as its Group Editorial Director, has turned entrepreneur, launching what is claimed to be India’s first mentorship-based programme for journalism. Joshi has joined hands with another senior journalist Dr Aloke Thakore to launch Journalism Mentor (www.JournalismMentor.in). While the inaugural offering that begins in August 2009 is a one-year mentorship programme for those wanting to be journalists, plans also include shorter courses for working journalists and professionals.

Commenting on the initiative, Joshi said, “The gap between what is taught and what skills are needed is wide. Those entering the profession, whether in print or television, flounder. The need for proper education is more than ever. Senior journalists have shared this need and some of them are supporting this initiative as mentors. For me, teaching has been an abiding interest and I am eager to make sure that this programme delivers the best in journalism education.”

Joshi has been teaching for over a decade at institutes across India, including MICA and Symbiosis, and he is also on the Board of Sophia College’s journalism programme.

Unlike other educational initiatives, no student who qualifies for admission will be denied entry because of inadequate financial resources. Also, the course is designed in a way that those who desire to practice journalism in Indian languages can not only apply to the course in their language of choice, but also pursue the same in a way that allows them to develop their journalistic skills independent of the medium of instruction.

Thakore, who is an independent journalist and academic, says, “We are clear that education cannot be only for those with privilege and journalism education needs to be expanded to those who want to pursue journalism in Indian languages. Also, we want to bring academic rigour to journalism education and believe that the course is designed to equip journalists not only with the ability to write but also to think and, most importantly, ask the right questions.”

The 12-month Journalism Mentor programme will be conducted in Mumbai.