In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, staying relevant is not just a choice but a necessity. With the digital age ushering in a new era of storytelling, Mobile Journalism (MoJo) has emerged as a powerful tool for journalists and content creators. To shed light on this transformative approach to journalism, the renowned journalist and multimedia expert, Rasheed Kappan, conducted a captivating mobile journalism workshop that left the postgraduate media students at the Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DLHS) enthralled.

Rasheed Kappan, an independent multimedia journalist with over 28 years of experience in esteemed publications such as The Times of India, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Newslaundry, The Federal, and The Probe, served as the resource person for the workshop. His illustrious career encompasses a wide range of topics, including urban mobility, environment, sustainability, education, crime, civil aviation, defence, aerospace, art, culture, entertainment, and policy advocacy. Kappan’s journey from the pre-internet age of print media to the digital age exemplifies the adaptability required in today’s journalism landscape.

Kappan’s contributions to journalism extend beyond his writing. He has actively engaged with new media formats, including podcasting, videos, social media, and infographics. His popularity on Twitter from Bengaluru speaks volumes about his influence in the digital sphere. In recognition of his outstanding work, he was awarded the ‘Mediaperson of the Year’ by the Namma Bengaluru Foundation in 2018, particularly for his contributions to urban mobility and environmental sustainability campaigns.

Apart from journalism, Kappan is a graphic cartoonist and the founder of Kappansky, a platform exploring the intersection of art, media, and innovation. He is also the Co-Founder of Art Bengaluru Collective and has curated multi-artist shows, demonstrating his commitment to creative expression.

In the realm of education, Kappan has ventured into teaching, conducting lectures and hands-on media workshops for prestigious institutions such as Christ University, National School of Journalism, St Joseph’s Arts and Science College, and Mount Carmel College. With such a rich and diverse background, he was the perfect guide for the mobile journalism workshop.

The workshop kicked off with an insightful forenoon session led by Rasheed Kappan. He began by providing participants with a comprehensive overview of how mobile journalism has evolved in the modern era. Kappan emphasized the shift in journalism towards reliance on MoJo stories, highlighting that the days of lugging around conventional equipment are long gone. Instead, people have embraced original content, regardless of the occasional trade-off between quality and noise.

Kappan’s session delved into the intricacies of mobile journalism, emphasizing the importance of capturing authentic stories in real-time. He shared practical tips on leveraging smartphones and readily available apps to create compelling content, emphasizing the need to adapt and embrace technological advancements in the field.

The afternoon session was the epitome of experiential learning. The students were divided into six groups and tasked with shooting a mojo story, each focusing on a different topic related to the campus. This practical exercise allowed participants to apply the knowledge gained in the morning session, putting theory into practice.

With smartphones in hand and newfound MoJo skills, participants explored topics such as campus sustainability, student life, academic excellence, and campus beauty. The workshop encouraged creativity and teamwork, as participants collaborated to produce engaging and informative stories.

The stories produced during the workshop showcased the potential of Mobile Journalism in capturing real-life events and sharing them with a wider audience. Participants discovered that, armed with a smartphone and the right techniques, they could become powerful storytellers, equipped to document the world around them in real-time.

Rasheed Kappan’s mobile journalism workshop was a testament to the evolving nature of journalism. In a world where news travels at the speed of light and content creation knows no bounds, mobile journalism has become a pivotal force in the industry. Kappan’s extensive experience and insightful guidance left participants with a newfound appreciation for the power of mojo storytelling.

As journalism continues to adapt to the digital age, workshops like these serve as invaluable platforms for aspiring journalists and content creators to acquire the skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic field. Rasheed Kappan's workshop was not just a learning experience but a call to embrace the future of journalism, one mobile story at a time.

Analysis of the Feedback: Participants unanimously praised the workshop for its depth of content and the expertise of the resource person. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from an industry professional and found the session particularly enriching.

In conclusion, the workshop was a resounding success, providing valuable insights into the world of Mobile Journalism. It empowered participants with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on their own journeys in the realm of MoJo.

Outcomes of the Event:

(i) Understanding MoJo as a foundation for effective storytelling.

(ii) Analyzing news elements for MoJo.

(iii) Exploring the art of storytelling through MoJo.

(iv) Practical experience in MoJo.