The Department of Training and Placement at Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Professional Studies (SSIPS), Raipur, organized an educational visit to IBC24, Raipur, on 9 October 2026. A total of 57 first-year Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) students participated in the Janata Cafe live discussion, gaining firsthand exposure to the professional media environment and the functioning of a live television news programme.
The visit provided students with an opportunity to observe how contemporary political and electoral issues are discussed, analysed, and presented through television news. The session focused on the ongoing political debate surrounding the Election Commission, allegations of “vote chori,” and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Expert Panel and Political Representatives
The live discussion featured distinguished personalities from journalism and various political backgrounds, offering diverse perspectives on the issues under discussion. The panellists included:
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Mr. Uchit Sharma – Senior Journalist
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Mr. Suraj Upadhyay – State Spokesperson, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
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Ms. Vandana Rajput – State Spokesperson, Indian National Congress
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Mr. Anil Pusadkar – Senior Journalist
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Mr. Saurabh Sharma – Nationalist Thinker
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Mr. Ujjwal Deepak – State Spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Key Highlights of the Discussion
The Janata Cafe session addressed several significant issues related to electoral processes and political debate, including allegations of electoral manipulation, the functioning and independence of the Election Commission, and the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The discussion also covered allegations regarding the deletion of opposition voters’ names from electoral rolls, demands concerning the resignation of the Election Commissioner, and differing political perspectives on the SIR process.
Students observed the exchange of arguments and viewpoints among the panellists in a live recording environment. The session offered them an opportunity to understand how political representatives and journalists communicate their positions, respond to opposing arguments, and discuss public issues before a wider audience.
Learning Experience and Practical Exposure
The educational visit extended beyond conventional classroom learning by providing students with direct exposure to the professional functioning of a television news channel. By witnessing a live discussion, students gained insights into media communication, public speaking, news presentation, panel discussions, and the dynamics of professional broadcasting.
The experience also helped students appreciate the importance of critical thinking, effective communication, listening to diverse viewpoints, and understanding contemporary issues from multiple perspectives. Observing the live recording environment gave them a practical understanding of how discussions are conducted and presented in the broadcast media industry.
Conclusion
The educational visit to IBC24 was a valuable experiential learning opportunity for the first-year BCA students of SSIPS. Participation in the Janata Cafe live discussion enabled them to connect classroom learning with real-world media practices while developing a broader understanding of political discourse, electoral issues, and television broadcasting.
Through such educational initiatives, SSIPS continues to encourage experiential learning and industry exposure, helping students broaden their knowledge, enhance their professional awareness, and gain meaningful insights into different fields beyond their academic curriculum.
