29 Apr. Press Association (PA), a leading news agency from the United Kingdom has come forward to collaborate with the post graduate department of mass communication (MCMS – Master of Communication and Media Studies) at St Aloysius College (Autonomous).

"This is Mr Garreth Murray," introduces and welcomes Yours Truly, the Operations Manager of Press Association... and a hearty welcome to you... again and again...of course

Mr Garreth Murray, Operations Manager of PA, visited the MCMS Department (formerly called M.S. Communication) and had a long, detailed and frank interaction with the students in the presence of the faculty.

Mr Garreth Murray surrounded by curious and eager students of Mass Communication at St Aloysius College.

Mr Murray, presently in charge of operations of the PA in Mangalore, had already visited the College and the MCMS Department last month. During his short visit to the Dept, he had expressed his desire to collaborate closely with the Department.

The idea was born with Mr Allan, the former Manager (operations) showing keen interest in this matter. Mr Vinod Lobo, group manager, had taken the initiative to invite the Head of the Dept Dr Richard Rego SJ for an exchange of ideas in October 2008. But after the sudden transfer of Mr Allan, the plans were delayed, till Mr Murray came to visit the beautifully painted chapel of the College. Once again Mr Vinod was his guide.

When Mr John Thomas visited the College to give a few guest lectures to the students of Mass Communication (MCMS), Mr Spencer, the CEO was in town. Since he expressed his desire to see Mr John Thomas, the latter took the H.o.D. of Mass Communication Dept to introduce to the PA once again. It was here, that a concrete shape to this idea was given in the presence of Mr Spencer and his deputy in Mr Garreth Murray.

Our friend Mr Murray - the quiet and friendly Operations Manager, PA.

Today (30 April) Mr Murray made a presentation on the Press Association and its various activities, its scope and its reach. The students were enthused to see a large media house in operation next door. And their modus operandi seems to have gone down well with the post graduate students of mass media/ mass communication.

In this context, I must acknowledge the down-to-earth thinking of Mr John Thomas: if the local lot can collaborate with PA and help it make a good media house, why depend on outside crowd which has its own limitations? It would benefit the local, local educational institution, build better rapport, and of course, benefit the PA in more than one way!

I hope, this becomes a new and happy beginning to last a very long time.