The Department of Visual Media and Communication, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, successfully concluded Phase I of its public awareness campaign, ‘NOWHERE — Seen Online, Missing Offline’, marking a significant milestone in promoting mindful and balanced digital living among students.
Launched on 19 September 2025 at Amriteswari Hall, the campaign was inaugurated by Adv. Santhi Mayadevi (Advocate, Screenwriter, and Actor), who urged students to “use technology wisely — adopt simple life-hacks to balance digital use and prioritise offline connections with family and friends.”
In his inaugural remarks, Dr. U. Krishnakumar, Dean & Director, emphasized the importance of mindful technology use and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering student well-being in the digital era. The session also featured the digital premiere of the campaign’s promo video and logo reveal by Adv. Santhi Mayadevi, followed by a public unveiling led by Dr. Krishnakumar and Dr. Dinesh Babu, Head of Department.
Following the inauguration, Dr. Krishnakumar led an engaging mindfulness session, offering practical grounding techniques to help students cultivate focus and awareness in daily life. Participants described it as “an eye-opening experience that inspired them to take small but consistent steps toward digital detox.”
A special session on October 8, 2025, by Ms. Sandra Justine, Consultant Psychologist and Co-founder of Mindra Care, further deepened the discussion on the psychological impact of digital dependency. She shared practical strategies for achieving emotional balance and healthier online habits, sparking thoughtful reflections among students.
In the weeks following the launch, the campaign team organized a range of in-campus publicity and engagement activities, including interactive stalls, hand-painting, and mehndi booths, drawing participation from over 2,000 students. The vibrant Open Mic event, anchored by Ms. Milana (MA VMC 2024), showcased student talent in music, dance, and performance — blending creativity with the campaign’s core message of authentic connection.
The Phase I activities culminated with a flash mob inside the campus — symbolizing the campaign’s call to “disconnect to reconnect.” The campaign’s digital presence also gained traction, with its social media handles receiving widespread engagement, feedback, and shares that amplified its message beyond the campus community.
According to faculty coordinators Dr. Renjith R. and Dr. Lakshmy Ravindran, Phase I has not only spread awareness but also “built a foundation for sustainable behavioural change and real-world engagement.”
With the successful completion of Phase I, NOWHERE transitioned into Phase II on 9 October 2025, extending its reach beyond campus through outdoor awareness events, workshops, and interactive performances scheduled until 11 November 2025.
The first phase primarily focused on creating awareness within the campus community and establishing the campaign’s social media presence, setting the stage for broader public engagement in the upcoming phase.
The Public Relations Campaign organized annually by the Department of Visual Media and Communication has become a hallmark of socially relevant and impactful student initiatives. Each year, students—guided by faculty coordinators—conceptualize and execute campaigns that address pressing societal issues through creative, research-driven, and multi-phase public engagement. Over the years, the campaigns have collaborated with major organizations and civic bodies, including Kochi Metro Rail Limited and Kochi Water Metro, and have reached the public through high-footfall venues such as Centre Square Mall and Forum Mall.
Previous campaigns have tackled diverse themes—from “Where is Your Girl Child?” (2023), which raised awareness on child safety and empowerment, to “Who-Men?” (2024), a bold initiative addressing men’s emotional well-being and gender stereotypes. Continuing this legacy, the 2025 campaign “NOWHERE — Seen Online, Missing Offline” focuses on the growing concern of digital overdependence, inspiring individuals to reconnect mindfully with the world around them.
