The Department of Media Studies continues to strengthen professional media education by complementing academic instruction with industry engagement. As part of this initiative, the department regularly organizes “Sharing Sessions”, inviting experienced journalists, filmmakers, and editors to interact with students and provide professional and practical insights into the media field.

In line with this effort, V. I. S. Jayapalan – a distinguished poet, writer, actor, and political commentator – conducted a Sharing Session on 6 April 2026 (Monday) at the Media Lab of the Department of Media Studies.

V. I. S. Jayapalan is widely recognized for his contributions to Tamil literature and cinema. Born in Jaffna, he began his literary journey in the 1970s while studying Economics at the University of Jaffna, where he was also actively involved in student leadership. Over the years, he has published numerous works, including poetry and short fiction. Following the escalation of the ethnic conflict, he relocated to Oslo, Norway, in 1988 and later became a Norwegian citizen, continuing his literary and artistic pursuits across cultural and linguistic boundaries. He is also known for his work in Indian Tamil cinema, making his acting debut in the film Aadukalam (2011), for which he received a National Film Award.

During the session, Jayapalan shared valuable insights from his multifaceted career, offering students a deeper understanding of the media industry. The interactive session also provided an opportunity for students to engage directly with him through a lively question-and-answer segment.