My struggle for establishment of DM Community College and DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra– Part 1

Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh (Shamu)
Contd from previous issue
My ability to pivot during live Q&A sessions became my secret weapon in addressing challenges and reinforcing key points. What began as a career in broadcasting had unknowingly prepared me for the high-pressure world of academic defence—proving that sometimes, the most unconventional training grounds forge the most indispensable skills.
The very skills some considered “just hobbies” became my professional superpowers. What began as creative passion had unknowingly prepared me for one of academia’s most challenging tasks—transforming ideas into funded realities. In the following sections, I’ll share exactly how these unconventional experiences made the difference when it mattered most—not just in winning approvals, but in building an institution that continues to serve our community today.
Writing and Anchoring
Writing has been my soul’s companion since childhood. My literary journey formally began in 1984 when the Manipur State Kala Akademi granted me the opportunity to publish my first short story book ‘Awaba Sheishak’ - a proud achievement that coincided with my matriculation year. This early success blossomed the following year when All India Radio, Imphal broadcast my debut radio play, igniting my lifelong romance with storytelling. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Moirangthem Priyobarta Singh, a retired Principal and distinguished academician, as well as a renowned figure in literature, whose invaluable guidance was instrumental in securing the grants from the Akademi.
My creative journey took a significant turn in 1997 when I wrote my first radio serial play, ‘Nattung Illakke,’ which aired on All India Radio, Imphal. This was followed by several science-themed serials in subsequent years, produced with sponsorship from Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi. The year 2000 marked a career highlight when my radio play ‘Khongu Nangi Banshi’ won first prize in the All-India Competition for Radio Playwrights - a prestigious honour that not only affirmed my years of creative dedication but also forged a meaningful connection with listeners nationwide.  The adjoining picture captures an award certificate for winning the first prize in the General Category of the All-India Competition for Radioplaywrights (1999-2000). This recognition highlights the literary merit of the work in the field of radio drama.
For nearly a decade, from 2000 to 2010, I dedicated myself to a local cable TV network—first ICTV, which later became ISTV—serving as both an anchor and scriptwriter. One of my most memorable experiences was hosting Hello-Hello, a live phone-in program (listeners choice programme) that marked my debut as an anchor. Alongside this, I helmed academic programs like Weekly Quiz Shows, Q-Line, and Science Bulletins, which unexpectedly became a training ground for skills I never knew I would need. These shows taught me how to simplify complex ideas, think quickly during live broadcasts, and connect with diverse audiences—abilities that later proved invaluable when presenting project proposals to expert committees. To be contd