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Shajan Kumar

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Shajan Kumar

Associate Professor

Institute of Apparel Management, Gurgaon

Important lesson learned

It is more than two decades of working experience with top Indian media houses that I can share with you. Every organisation has its own style of functioning. I worked as the Design Editor of The New Indian Express for several years. The Chairman and Managing Director of TNIE Mr. Manoj Kumar Sonthalia is a very hands on person. He used to interact with me on a day to day basis. Wanted me to send him daily Design Reviews. On Editorial issues I had to consult our Editorial Advisor Mr. TJS George. Both of them used to have their strong view points. Sometimes it conflicts too! So I had to be very careful. Slowly you learn to handle these kind of situations. The lesson I learned here was that you have to be clear about the project you are working on and decide on a path. Then plan your action, convince all that the end result will be great. And don't argue with anyone on that. Focus on your work. Once the end result is shown, they will appreciate you!

My strongest skill

Getting great and innovative ideas and implement it. In India to achieve this you need to know how to work from the scratch to the final. And I am willing to do that. In my professional life; I must say that it had helped me a lot. There were occasions where people were not keen to help. It never stopped me! Because I knew how to handle those situations... "Well, if you are not keen, let me do it!" was my style. And it worked... people started following me... "Saala khud kardenge... agar hum na kare tho!". Everyone understood my line of action and supported me. I never get angry with any of my colleagues. Every person has their own style of working... No one can copy it!

Ensuring success

Update knowledge base on a day to day basis! Every day I am learning something or the other. Today it is very easy with the technology innovations. Research and analysis is a thing to follow. The moment I have taken up the assignment as Associate Professor, I had to learn more... And this will only help me teach better!

My role model

Swami Vivekananda has always inspired me. It is his boldness and clarity of thoughts that makes a difference.

Initiative to develop a country

Professionalism is the one thing that can help India become a developed country. To be professional you have to be knowledgeable and skilled. And let me add: with a right attitude!

Qualities needed to become a successful leader

A leader has to see the ground realities and develop his schemes accordingly. He has to be down to earth and work along his team.

Thoughts on Education system of our country

Indian education system is slowly improving. We need great quality teachers to enhance our education system. We are keen to spend more money on infrastructure and technology. But when it comes to developing quality pool of teachers many are not concentrating on it.

Brief description about me

I am an experienced Creative Director based in New Delhi. Have worked with The India Today Group, The Indian Express Group, The New Indian Express Group and HT Media. Actively participated in the launch of 'Mint', the business daily from the HT Media group in an exclusive partnership with The Wall Street Journal. During this time, had the chance to work closely with the world renowned Visual Journalist Dr. Mario Garcia (Sr.) and his team. Also have worked with Dainik Bhaskar group and Deccan Chronicle group.

Has taken classes on News Design at Madras Christian College; Chennai, Asian College of Journalism; Chennai, MASCOM, Kottayam and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi.

Currently am Associate Professor at Institute of Apparel Management, Gurgaon teaching Fashion Communication.