Coastal Talk News | Manipal
Article-19, the flagship fest of Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC), was inaugurated at MIC on October 30 by Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor MAHE, Manipal and Bauddhayan Mukerji, acclaimed ad filmmaker and founder of Little Lamb films. The fest was inaugurated alongside the debate event Proverb, which relaunched this year after a short discontinuation during COVID-19.
The theme for Article-19 2026 is "War and Peace". The theme was chosen to portray and discuss various current occurrences globally. Speaking on the occasion, VC Dr. Sharath K. Rao, said that social media, misinformation and conflicting narratives have become modern platforms for conflict. He also stated the importance of dialogue, negotiation and strategic alliances in building peace.
Dr. Rao also cautioned students about the artificial intelligence. He said that AI can create content within seconds, but it cannot create character. It can create words but not wisdom. He urged the audience to focus on credibility. He advised the students to not create content, rather create credibility and that is where they will outshine. He added that war begins when people stop listening, and peace begins when people start understanding.
Bauddhayan Mukherji in his key note address said choices made behind the camera shape how audiences see events, from framing and sound to editing. In an interactive session later, Mukherji said even if the director touches one person’s life, then it is a successful film. As a part of the fest, a student showcase of the projects worked on by the students of MIC were exhibited during the fest, highlighting their creativity in photography, advertising and visual storytelling. Student delegates from different institutions attended the fest and took part in competitions held on the day, including Brand Swap, Mock MUN, the Media Escape Room, and the Scavenger Hunt.
