EJM College Hosts Screening of Student Documentaries Shot in Yangthang Village; MoU Signed with Charkha Network
Leh, March 30: The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ), Eliezer Joldan Memorial (EJM) College, Leh, in collaboration with the Charkha Development Communication Network, organised a documentary screening session today showcasing short films produced by MCJ students in Yangthang village. The event also marked a major milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EJM College and the Charkha Network.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the College Principal, Prof. Stanzin Yangdol. Mr. Tashi Morup, Director of the Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO), attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Residents of Yangthang village, who hosted the students during their rural filmmaking workshop and featured in the documentaries, were also present as special invitees along with faculty members.
The event was formally inaugurated by the Head of Department, MCJ, Assistant Professor Hajira Bano, who welcomed the guests and highlighted the department’s vision of strengthening field-based journalism and documentary filmmaking among students. She also acknowledged the contribution of the Charkha Development Communication Network in supporting experiential learning. The Charkha team was led by CEO Ms. Chetna Verma, along with team members Mr. Manas Rastogi, Ms. Uzma, and Ms. Ananya.
The audience witnessed a series of short documentary films produced by MCJ students from all three semesters. The films were developed during an intensive rural filmmaking workshop conducted in Yangthang village, where students received practical training in visual storytelling, scriptwriting, and camera operations. The technical sessions were guided by Mr. Manas Rastogi, and the documentaries highlighted the socio-cultural life and grassroots narratives of the village.
An interactive session followed the screening, during which the student filmmakers shared their experiences and challenges faced during field production. They also reflected on the learning gained through close interaction with the local community.
As a gesture of appreciation, CEO Ms. Chetna Verma, Mr. Manas Rastogi, Ms. Uzma, and Ms. Ananya were felicitated with traditional Khatas by the college administration for their mentorship and support.
Later, an MoU was officially signed between EJM College and the Charkha Development Communication Network in the presence of faculty members. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration through future training programmes, workshops, and field-based learning opportunities for media students in Ladakh.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Qazi Sheeraz Arif, who expressed gratitude to the Guest of Honour, the Charkha team, Yangthang villagers, the college administration, and faculty members for making the event a success.
