MAX - Media-Academia eXchange
MAX – Media-Academia eXchange is a structured Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series conceptualized by the Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), with the objective of fostering critical engagement between emerging media scholars and experienced industry practitioners. In light of the ongoing transformations across the Indian and global media sectors—characterized by technological convergence, digital content proliferation, ethical dilemmas, and audience fragmentation—MAX serves as a platform for contextual academic inquiry, reflective dialogue, and knowledge co-construction. It enables students to critically examine contemporary media practices while enhancing their professional readiness through direct exposure to evolving newsroom dynamics, strategic communication models, and creative production ecosystems.
Anchored in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and international benchmarks in media education, MAX redefines classroom learning by integrating real-world perspectives into academic discourse. Each session features curated talks, case-based analyses, and interactive conversations led by industry experts—ranging from journalists and filmmakers to policy analysts and digital innovators—thus offering students a nuanced understanding of media trends and transitions. Beyond lectures, MAX aims to create long-term academic-industry collaborations, inspire student-led research, and nurture ethical, critically aware, and globally competent media professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the contemporary communication landscape.
MAX Series Features Talk on Media and Advertising Careers
Date: 31 July 2026
The Department of Media Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), organised an Industry–Academia Connect Talk Series under the MAX (Media–Academia Exchange) initiative on 31 July 2026 for the students of I Semester M.A. Media and Communication. The session on “Media – Opportunities in Advertising and Further” was delivered by Mr. Velayudhan Keshav Pillai, CEO, Re-Avatar Design and Consultancy, who shared valuable industry insights into the vast opportunities available in the media and advertising sectors. He highlighted the expanding scope of media across multiple verticals and emphasised advertising as a dynamic profession that combines creativity, communication, and strategic thinking.
During the session, Mr. Pillai discussed the essential skills required for success in advertising, including storytelling, audience understanding, negotiation, and creative problem-solving. He also introduced students to a wide range of career opportunities in media, such as media planning, research, branding, content creation, photography, filmmaking, and digital communication. Through the analysis of creative advertisements and an engaging interaction with students, he demonstrated how consumer insights and innovative ideas shape effective campaigns. The session provided practical industry exposure, broadened students' understanding of emerging media careers, and inspired them to develop the competencies needed to excel in the evolving communication and advertising industry.
MAX Series Explores “Crack the Agency Code”
Date: 28 July 2026
The Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), continued its MAX - Media-Academia eXchange, a structured Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series that brings together media professionals and students to foster meaningful engagement with contemporary industry practices. As part of the series, Ms. Parvathy Rajmohan, Senior Creative Director (Ex Ogilvy, Ex Grey Group, Ex WD Bengaluru), delivered an engaging session for the students of I Semester BA MC on the title “Crack the Agency Code” on July 28, 2026. The session provided students with valuable insights into the creative and strategic functioning of advertising agencies while highlighting the skills and mindset required to build a successful career in the advertising industry.
Through interactive discussions and real-world campaign examples, Ms. Rajmohan explained the importance of branding, consumer insights, creative briefs, and strategic thinking in developing impactful advertising campaigns. She encouraged students to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a problem-solving approach while preparing for careers in agency life. The session offered practical exposure to the evolving advertising ecosystem and strengthened students' understanding of how creativity and strategy work together to create meaningful brand communication.
MAX Series Opens with Agency Career Talk
Date: 27 July 2026
The Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), organised the inaugural session of MAX – Media-Academia eXchange, a structured Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional media practice. Conceived as a platform for meaningful dialogue between students and industry experts, MAX enables learners to critically engage with contemporary media trends, evolving newsroom practices, strategic communication, and creative industries. The first session, titled “How to Get Your Foot in the Door at an Agency,” was delivered by Ms. Parvathy Rajmohan, Senior Creative Director (Ex Ogilvy, Ex Grey Group, Ex WD Bengaluru), for the students of I Semester BSc Visual Communication on July 27, 2026.
During the session, Ms. Rajmohan provided valuable insights into the functioning of advertising agencies, the significance of branding, creative strategy, and consumer insight in developing successful campaigns. Through interactive discussions and industry examples, she highlighted the importance of creative briefs, understanding target audiences, and combining research with creativity to produce impactful advertising. The engaging session offered students a practical understanding of the advertising industry, inspired them to explore career opportunities in agency life, and reinforced the essential skills and professional mindset required to succeed in the creative communication sector.
Academia Connect Talk Series 1
Talk with Political Editor Bansy Kalappa
Date: 14 July 2025
MAX – Media-Academia eXchange is a structured Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series
The Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), instated the academic year 2025–2026 with the first session of the Media-Academia Exchange: Industry-Academic Connect Talk Series. The guest speaker for the day was Mr. Bansy Kalappa, Political Editor, The New Indian Express. Mr. Kalappa, an accomplished journalist with experience at Times of India, News9, and News H & H, shared insights from his extensive career in political and crime reporting. He highlighted the crucial role of journalists, stating, “You get to sit at the ringside and watch the development,” while stressing the need for integrity, courage, and responsibility in the field.
He also addressed critical issues such as journalist safety, media ethics, and the thin line between truth-telling and sensationalism. Urging students to use journalism as a tool for positive change, he remarked, “It is the truth that sets us free.”
The session concluded with an engaging Q & A, offering students a valuable opportunity to interact with a seasoned media professional. Also present were Mr. Aby Augustine, Coordinator, and Prof. Abraham, the event organizers. The talk proved to be an inspiring and enriching experience for all participants.
Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series 2
Campus to Credibility: A Guiding Session for Aspiring Media Professionals
Date: 16 July 2025
The Department of Media Studies at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), as part of the MAX - Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series, hosted an Expert-Led Session titled "Campus to Credibility: Building an Image for a Career" on July 16, 2025. Ms. Manasi KG, Founding Partner of Narrate India, was the session's featured speaker.
This instructive lecture aimed to help aspiring media professionals make the move from university to career with confidence, clarity, and credibility. Ms. Manasi discussed the critical components of personal branding, the value of continuous storytelling, and the need of keeping a professional identity in today's changing media ecosystem.
The speaker addressed typical anxieties and obstacles for young workers with a mix of practical advice and personal experiences. She encouraged students to approach their work with a growth mentality and to actively construct their professional image.
The interactive element of the session encouraged true participation between students and the speaker. The Q & A segment was well-attended, with students receiving personalized insights and career advice geared to the media industry's changing needs.
Students from the third semester of the MA Journalism and Mass Communication program, as well as department faculty members, attended the session. It was extensively praised for its relevance, profundity, and motivational value, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world media business standards.
This event demonstrates the Department's continued commitment to developing industry-ready professionals through experiential learning and expert engagement.
Academia Connect Talk Series 1
Talk with Political Editor Bansy Kalappa
Date: 14 July 2025
MAX – Media-Academia eXchange is a structured Industry-Academia Connect Talk Series
The Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), instated the academic year 2025–2026 with the first session of the Media-Academia Exchange: Industry-Academic Connect Talk Series. The guest speaker for the day was Mr. Bansy Kalappa, Political Editor, The New Indian Express. Mr. Kalappa, an accomplished journalist with experience at Times of India, News9, and News H & H, shared insights from his extensive career in political and crime reporting. He highlighted the crucial role of journalists, stating, “You get to sit at the ringside and watch the development,” while stressing the need for integrity, courage, and responsibility in the field.
He also addressed critical issues such as journalist safety, media ethics, and the thin line between truth-telling and sensationalism. Urging students to use journalism as a tool for positive change, he remarked, “It is the truth that sets us free.”
The session concluded with an engaging Q & A, offering students a valuable opportunity to interact with a seasoned media professional. Also present were Mr. Aby Augustine, Coordinator, and Prof. Abraham, the event organizers. The talk proved to be an inspiring and enriching experience for all participants.