What's in YJ ?

Out of nowhere, I get random Facebook messages from acquaintances What's with YJ? What does it mean? and I say its " Young Journalist " Rahul Bagwe. All though no one refers to me as YJ in person however it is my social media identity. It has been an integral part of me from the year 2013. 

2013 is the year deeply cherished in my memories. The winter of December 2013 was a major turning point in my life. I had my examinations in the month of January 2014 and I came across the "Beyond Breaking News "Course offered by the Ryan Group Of Institutions which my school is a part of. I had an ardent desire to pursue this course but at the same, I had my examinations next month. I was in Grade 9. My parents and teachers advised me not to, however, I was adamant to pursue this course.

YJ Rahul Bagwe with Mr. Mukesh Sharma Director General at DD Sahyadri Mumbai.

Everyone was against my desire to pursue this course. I went to my friend who is my critic and guide Lina who showed me the pros and cons of pursuing the course in this month and that influenced my decision of enrolling for the course the next day. I used all my saved money to take up this course.

This was the first time I went against everyone and I made a choice and I decided to take complete ownership of doing it well. 

The fresh air of winter of December 2013 smelt like freedom as I left home at 6 am just to be on time. This was my first course and I took it very seriously as a school kid I was apprehensive about how would it turn out. As I board the bus and sat in a window seat. Thoughts floating up and the inner turmoil was insurmountable until I reached the Ryan Studio. 

The First day went amazing and so were the rest of the days. The BBN Course opened a world of endless possibilities. Everything was so fascinating. It was this course when I inculcated a habit of reading and being updated with current affairs. Although this course focused on Media Studies and the basics of journalism particularly, however, It  helped me to have a wider understanding of professions and the required skill set. I reminisce the moments of handling the cameras, writing scripts, the number of takes to shoot the bulletin, the whole day filled with application based learning. I felt alive. 

Finally, it was time to graduate as a YJ ( Young Journalist ) or ( Young Jourknows ) after a week full of errors and trails and lot of learning. I took countless notes and finally I graduated with an A Plus. I was thrilled to receive my certificate from Mr. Mukesh Sharma Director General of Doordarshan Mumbai. I consider myself blessed to find my Mentor in Ms. Shibani Sharma the Head of Ryan TV, it was her encouragement and teachings that enabled me to emerge victoriously. The batchmates with whom I sat at the Graduation Ceremony have been my Friends for life.

In retrospect, taking up this course has been one of my wise choices. As a State Board student, I was always curious about the CBSE and the ICSE and another international board curriculum. I always wondered when I clear my 10th Board exam and enter the real world what would make me different from the rest and this course was a wonderful opportunity to upgrade myself and widen my perspective.

The course helped me to boost my confidence. It helped me to think differently, understand media and communications. I developed my eloquence. The course turned out to be a mixture of wonderment and passion. I and my batchmates loved the sheer adventure of learning and being a part of every module that unfolded throughout.

 YJ is just not confined to the tag but it has so much to it. My decision making, the risk I took as a school kid. Whenever I feel dejected I remember this tag that is an integral part of me. It reminds me of my unflinching determination and unshakable conviction. It helps me to reassure myself that everything will be fine and to continue working hard and dreaming high. 

Thankyou

YJ Rahul Bagwe