Ms. Rupanjali Lahiri Gupta is an associate director at The Delhi School of Communication. She holds an impressive educational background, including a Master's degree in marketing communications from the University of Westminster, UK, where she received distinction and a scholarship. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts in History Honors from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, with distinction. Furthermore, Rupanjali has certification as a trainer for advertising and marketing from the Media and Entertainment Skill Council of India.

In her current role as Associate Director at The Delhi School of Communication, Rupanjali has been leading the annual placements for the flagship program for the past eight years. She is also responsible for admissions to various programs at the institution. Rupanjali has played a pivotal role in driving new business development and growth, including establishing an association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) as their training partner. Additionally, she has spearheaded a sectoral partnership with Medhavi Skills University, resulting in the launch of six new courses, including BA and diploma programs.

Rupanjali has been instrumental in enhancing the digital visibility of The Delhi School of Communication and establishing strong industry connections with top advertising agencies in India. While she is primarily involved in forming associations and industry connections, she also teaches subjects such as marketing, branding, and PR. She actively participates in student outreach and counselling programs, contributing to the overall student experience.

Before her current position, Rupanjali gained experience as a marketing and communication associate at World One Research, UK, and as a creative trainee at Star One Channel, and Star TV Network. She began her career as a student correspondent for Hindustan Times, where she was elected by HT School Times to interview the former President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, at Rashtra Pati Bhawan.

The Delhi School of Communication

As the college director or associate director, what is your vision and long-term goals for the college? How do you plan to lead the college towards achieving those goals?

Our long-term vision is to establish The Delhi School of Communication as the premier institution for higher education in media marketing and communication studies. We aim to set a benchmark for excellence in these fields, making DSC the go-to place for anyone seeking top-notch education. To achieve this, we are actively fostering associations and alliances within the educational, media, PR, and advertising communities. Our approach involves collaboration between industry experts and academic leaders, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. We're launching new courses and programs, steadily working towards our vision.

Could you provide an overview of the college's strategic initiatives or key projects that are currently in progress or planned for the future?

We have recently partnered with Medhavi Skills University, announcing the collaboration on August 3rd. As a sectoral partner in media and entertainment, we're launching six new programs with them, including undergraduate programs in Media and Marketing Communications, as well as Public Relations and Content Management. Moreover, we've developed diploma courses in Digital Marketing with specialized tracks in social media and Content Management, and Media Planning and Buying. Additionally, we're introducing certifications in Podcasting and Influencer Marketing. We're also engaged with the National Film Development Corporation for various training programs, alongside our industry workshops and mentoring initiatives.

How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration among various departments and stakeholders within the college?

Communication is at the core of our approach. We conduct regular group huddles, meetings, and growth sessions that involve academic, communications, and digital teams, promoting open dialogue. We believe that every team member is a stakeholder in our college's growth. Collaboration is key to our success, and we facilitate discussions, brainstorming, and idea-sharing to ensure that everyone feels invested in our collective efforts.

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What measures or strategies are in place to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students?

We have adopted a hands-on approach in creating a supportive environment. Following the Gurukul ethos, our dean knows each student personally, forming a close-knit relationship. We provide extensive one-on-one counselling, focusing on individual growth, internship placements, and career trajectories. Additionally, we conduct sessions on presentation skills, body language, and corporate etiquette. This personalized attention helps in building a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere at DSC.

What role does innovation and technology play in the college's educational offerings and administrative process? Can you provide examples of recent technological advancements implemented at the college?

Technology plays a significant role in both education and administration. We offer paperless application processes, with online forms for admissions and fee payments. Wi-Fi and other tech resources are seamlessly integrated into campus life. Our recent advancements also include recycling paper and implementing eco-friendly practices. This technological integration enhances efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability throughout the college.

How does the college engage with industry partners and employers to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with the needs of the job market?

Our close industry ties are a cornerstone of our approach. Industry representatives are regularly consulted to update our curriculum with current trends and requirements. We host industry experts who take classes, conduct workshops, and mentor students. The apprenticeships and internships have been an integral part of the DSC post-graduation course for 28 years now. We are the pioneers in bringing industry closer to academics. When people didn't even know the concept of apprenticeship, we've been following that for more than two decades now. And our students work on some of the world's biggest brands in India's top agencies, be it advertising or public relations or media planning or marketing or digital.

What strategies or initiatives are in place to promote faculty development within the college?

We prioritize faculty development through workshops and programs. They have attended various training programs such as “Train the Trainer” program by Media and Entertainment Scale Council of India to enhance teaching skills. Regular workshops and sessions are conducted to ensure that our faculty members stay updated with the latest trends and teaching methodologies, ensuring a high-quality education for our students.

How does the college prioritize student support services such as career counselling, mental health resources, and extracurricular activities?

We provide comprehensive student support services. Our career counselling involves personalized guidance, interview preparation, and resume-building sessions. To address mental health, we initiate the day with an inclusive practice involving mindfulness and spirituality. It fosters stress management and mental well-being. Extracurricular activities are promoted through various societies like music and digital groups, as well as engaging projects that promote creativity and holistic development. It has always been DSC's endeavour to facilitate the holistic development of every student. As an integral part of this mission, we incorporate practices like OM chanting and daily prayer. It's important to note that these activities are not rooted in religion or mere rituals. Instead, they encompass deep breathing exercises and OM chanting aimed at enhancing stress management and fostering a happier life. This philosophy has been ingrained in our institution since its inception.

These practices are conducted on a daily basis, with every student actively participating in the daily prayer, chanting, meditation, and deep breathing exercises during their time here. Our hope is that these skills and techniques will become an enduring part of their lives, benefiting them in their journey beyond our institution.