CUO and FTII Pune jointly launch Film based skill courses for ST students

Film based Skill Courses for ST students was inaugurated at Central University of Odisha at its campus in collaboration with Film & Television Institute of India ( one of the top 10 film schools in the world), Pune on 8^th February, 2024.

The Programme is being organised under the aegis  of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting under the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav Programme and organized by the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication. The Vice Chancellor of CUO Prof. Chakradhar Tripathy formally inaugurated the Programme which will be held from 8^th to 23^rd February, 2024.

Other dignitaries sitting on the dais were Prof. Narasingh Charan Panda, In-charge Registrar and Finance Officer of CUO, Prof. Vibhash Chandra Jha, Consultant, Academic & Administration, CUO, Sri Sanjaya More, eminent actor of national repute and Professor at FTII, Pune, Dr. Sourav Gupta, Head I/c of the Department of J & MC, and Dr. Nikhil Kumar Gauda, Associate Professor, Department of J & MC.

Dr. Sourav Gupta, HOD of JMC Dep’t delivered the welcome address and informed that four courses will be offered in this programme for which four faculties will come down to Koraput from FTII. Dr Gupta explained that in today’s digital era, film making is a skill which empowers people at the margins to express their minds.

Prof. Chakradhar Tripathi, V-C, in his inaugural address described the event as historical event of CUO. He felt happy that it is the only institute of Odisha which the Ministry has chosen for providing training on film based skills for the ST students of the University. From these courses the students not only will learn from it but also will train others for empowerment. This will lead to overall tribal development of the area. The mission of the University, which is for the development of the local tribals, seems to be fulfilled through this Workshop, he hoped. Through film making the tribals can speak on their problems which will lead to their empowerment, he said.

Prof. NC Panda, in his speech highlighted the importance of films in the society. He cited the importance of Natya Shastra by Bharat Muni and stressed that it is source of all the films and theatre. This workshop is a process to educate the students towards skill development, he said. Prof. V C Jha also stressed the need for injecting skill development among the students for future development. In the 21^st Century era, innovation and skill play important role in socio-economic development. Sanjay More, in his speech felt satisfaction that through the government intervention the process of film making is no more a urban centric approach, but it also becomes rural centric approach. Film is the best medium for empowering the tribals, he said. FTII always thrives to work for the marginalized section and the through the support of the Ministry they can achieve success by organizing more such workshops.

Dr. Nikhil Gouda proposed the Vote of Thanks while  providing some examples of empowerment through film and video making. Dr. Gourav Ranjan, Asst. Professor , Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, coordinated the event. The faculty members of the University, Professors, research scholars, students and participants were presented on the occasion including Prof Bharat Kr Panda, Prof Hemraj Meena, Dr Rakesh Lenka, Controller of Examinations, Dr Chakradhar Padhan, Dr Nirjharini Tripathi, Dr Minati Sahoo, Dr. Pradosh Kr Rath, Dr Prasenjit Sinha, Dr Phagunath Bhoi, PRO, Dr Sony Parhi, Dr Talat Jahan Begum and Telaram Meher to name a few.

The Workshop is based on four basic courses on film related skill development Programmes. These courses are Basic Course in Screen Acting, Basic Course in Screenplay Writing, Film Appreciation Course and Basic Course in Smart Phone Film Making. Eminent professors from FTII, who are expert in the above courses will visit the University and will provide training to the ST students during the 15-day Workshop. The courses are provided free of cost to the students.