/ Home
/ India

SAF Scholar Ms Bidhya Rai from Nepal Pays Heartfelt Tribute to UMCSAJ, ACJ on Completion of 25th Batch

Back
Testimony UMCSAJ, ACJ, Chennai, India - 5th May 2025

Bidhya Rai, a SAF Scholar from Nepal and a proud graduate of the 25th batch of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), has expressed her deep appreciation for the transformative academic experience she received at ACJ. In a moving message addressed to Chairperson Mr. Sashi Kumar and Registrar Ms. Sudha Gopalakrishnan, she reflected on the immense value of her ten-month journey at one of South Asia’s premier journalism institutions.


"Respected Chairperson Sashi sir and Registrar Sudha ma'am,

At this moment, as privileged to be an another graduate Nepali SAF scholar from ACJ's 25th batch like previous batches, I would like to extend my immense gratitude to both of you and the entire SAF and ACJ family.

For me, past 10 months were really valuable time period to strengthen my professional growth--at the crossroads of journalism--which Sashi sir often makes the point during his speech deliveries. Through the intensive course, I have learned, unlearned and relearned a lot of skills. I have had an opportunity to witness the notion of Indian politics and socio-economic landscape.

Well-equipped ACJ's labs, its premises, up-to-date teaching methods of faculties, the library, and so many other aspects of ACJ, which are valuable assets for its reputation, are such great experiences for me. The ACJ library was, is and will always remain in my heart among all as the favourite place along with the diverse books, magazines, newspapers, and reference materials, JSTOR altogether, where I could able to complete my Nepal's Master's degree in journalism thesis. Moreover, I will always be grateful to Shalini Shah ma'am and Madan Mohan sir for their constructive mentorship to improve my English language skills.


Though today is my last day at ACJ, and I am going back to my place carrying all these overwhelming experiences and lessons, heartfelt inspirations I have gained throughout the academic year. I will definitely apply what I learned, through all sorts of reporting and journalistic works in my newsroom, and will exchange my learnings with my colleagues and journalists.

As I feel it is now beginning of cross border journey with you, I would always be keen to learn, grow and contribute more in any form of journalistic or research related work from Nepal.

I may never be able to pay off that SAF and ACJ invested in my professional and personal growth in the safe and caring environment.


Thank you once again for your opportunity and trust.  🙏🙏


With gratitude,
---
Bidhya Rai, Nepal"