However, there is no dearth of enthusiasm among the students, who are busy researching on the participatory approaches to the media by studying various issues ranging from gender bias to corporate social responsibility, and from rehabilitation of slum children to solid waste management. They are participating in it with full gusto, even as they wonder if their research works will help them in getting jobs in various non-government organisations.

“With the help of Kare Kala, an organisation working in the field of solid waste management in the Bodeli and Pavi Jetpur area of Vadodara district, I started preparing a course for farmers to aid them in understanding various methods of vermin-composting,” said Moushumi Phookan, a student, who is already trained on vermin-composting and solid waste management. She added that on one hand, her performance was assessed by the NGO, while on the other, she imparted training to the farmers.

While Moushumi’s approach is participatory, Babita Sharma, another student, wanted to find out women’s participation in local politics. Babita was surprised when she went to Chota Udepur and Kawath in Vadodara district, where women expressed their willingness to participate in decision making. She said, “While most of the women in these areas did not know about the demand for 33 per cent reservation in politics, they were interested in politics because it allows them to do ‘social work’.”