Kolkata: MedGala 2026, the annual fest of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) at Jadavpur University, concluded on a high note after three days of vibrant celebrations from February 25 to 27. The festival brought together students, alumni, artists and media professionals in a spirited showcase of culture, creativity and communication.
A Dynamic Platform for Talent and Expression
Designed as a confluence of academic learning and cultural engagement, MedGala 2026 featured an array of competitions and performances including quiz contests, short film and advertisement making, treasure hunt, dance, street theatre, photography competitions and open mic sessions. Participants demonstrated exceptional storytelling, performance and media production skills, reaffirming the department’s commitment to nurturing future media professionals.
Tollywood Presence and Katakuti 2 Promotion
One of the major highlights of this year’s fest was the presence of Tollywood actors and the cast and crew of the upcoming web series Katakuti 2. The event was graced by acclaimed actress Amrita Chattopadhyay, along with Subhrajeet Dutta, Alkaria Hashmi, Sree Bhattacharya, Rana Basu Thakur and Sayan—many of whom share strong academic ties with Jadavpur University.
Amrita Chattopadhyay completed her postgraduate degree in Sociology from JU, Subhrajeet Dutta pursued his Master’s in Bengali from the university, while Sayan is currently pursuing postgraduate studies. Alkaria Hashmi is a present student of the Film Studies department.
The official trailer of Katakuti 2 was screened during the fest, followed by an interactive session where the cast shared behind-the-scenes experiences. Audience members participated in a quiz based on the trailer, with winners receiving prizes and exclusive premiere passes for the web series.
Electrifying Musical Evenings
Music played a central role in elevating the festive atmosphere. On the opening day, the band Bilap set the tone with a high-energy live performance. The momentum continued with a power-packed show by the rock band Blueberry Cupcake, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The excitement peaked during DJ Night as DJ Meha delivered an electrifying set featuring popular dance tracks, turning the campus into a pulsating celebration of youth and music.
The final evening concluded on a soulful note with live performances by singers Debayan Banerjee and Sreejita, whose blend of melody and energy provided a fitting musical finale to MedGala 2026.
Insightful Panel Discussion on Digital Culture
Beyond entertainment, the fest also fostered intellectual discourse. The concluding day featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Definition of Culture in the Age of Clicks: What is Prevalent vs What is Sellable.”
The panel comprised Joyabrata Das, Director of Movie Academy of Fine Arts; Anuradha Mukherjee from Academy of Fine Arts; and eminent journalist and filmmaker Rhitobrata Bhattacharya. Moderated by Sayan Mondal, postgraduate student of JMC and one of the chief organisers, the session explored how culture is shaped, consumed and commercialised in the digital era. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on media trends, audience behaviour and the evolving dynamics of cultural representation.
Organisers Reflect on the Experience
Speaking about the journey, Sayan Mondal said, “It has been a very challenging yet enriching experience for all of us to organise this fest. From marketing to PR, event management to coordination — we learned valuable lessons at every step.”
Mayukh Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “Though we had different responsibilities, we worked together as one unit. These memories and lessons will stay with us forever.”
Tirthyam Debnath expressed gratitude to sponsors, mentors and faculty members for their constant guidance and support, adding that the team aspires to make MedGala bigger and better in the coming years.
Strengthening Legacy Through Celebration
MedGala 2026 once again emerged as a dynamic platform blending academic insight with cultural celebration. By fostering creativity, leadership and collaboration, the fest reinforced the vibrant legacy of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Jadavpur University, leaving participants inspired and eager for the next edition.
