CUO Inaugurates Film Workshop for ST students in collaboration with FTII Pune

Koraput:8/2/24:A Workshop on Film-based Skill Courses for ST students was inaugurated at Central University of Odisha in collaboration with Film & Television Institute of India (one of the top 10 film schools in the world), Pune on 8^th February 2024 at its Campus. The Programme is being organized as per the mandate of the Ministry of Education under the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav Programme and coordinated by the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication. Hon’ble 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.

While inaugurating the 15-day long Workshop Prof. Chakradhar Tripathi described it as a historical event of CUO. He felt happy that it is the only institute of Odisha that the Ministry has chosen to provide 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 the 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 speak on their problems which will lead to their empowerment, he said

.Prof. Panda, in his speech highlighted the importance of films in society. He cited examples of ancient periods where Natak or drama was given importance for literature and social development. Starting from Kalidasa period to present era, theatre bears its importance. The importance of Natya Shastra by Bharat Muni is source of all the films and theatre. This workshop is a process to educate the students towards skill development, he said. Prof. 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. This workshop will empower the students for career development through talent search, he said. This course will also build a strong student community that will be the torchbearers of the future. Sj. More, in his speech, felt satisfaction that through the government intervention, the process of filmmaking is no longer an urban-centric approach, but also becomes a rural-centric approach. Film is the best medium for empowering the tribals, he said. FTII always thrives to work for the marginalized section and through the support of the Ministry they can achieve success by organizing more such workshops.

Dr. Sourav Gupta, while giving the welcome note explained the purpose of the Workshop and its future course of action. It is a great opportunity for CUO students to learn, he said. 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.

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 experts 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.