Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, in collaboration with the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, successfully conducted a two-week Media Internship Programme 2026 in Dimapur, Nagaland. The programme equipped young people with practical skills in audio-visual content production, digital storytelling and responsible communication, while opening avenues for their participation in India’s growing creative economy.
Speaking on the initiative, Vice-Chancellor, SRFTI, Shri Santosh Ajmera said, the creative economy offers immense opportunities for the youth and that audio-visual storytelling can be a powerful instrument for livelihood and nation-building. He added that by equipping young people with the skills to create credible and engaging digital content that reflects local realities and perspectives, the flow of authentic information can be strengthened, media literacy can be promoted and local developmental stories can be brought to the forefront, which is particularly important in regions where responsible communication and an understanding of local realities are vital.
Shri Ajmera reiterated that SRFTI is committed to taking its expertise in film, television and media education beyond the traditional classroom and encouraged other institutions, Government organisations and stakeholders to institute similar skill-development programmes for young people. He also expressed SRFTI’s willingness to serve as a technical partner by extending its expertise in audio-visual production, digital storytelling and media training to support such initiatives and strengthen India’s creative ecosystem.
Students of Mass Communication and Journalism from St. Joseph University, Patkai Christian College and Tetso College participated in the programme. The initiative recognises the growing importance of skilled local youth in creating credible, context-sensitive and engaging audio-visual content. By strengthening their ability to document local realities, verify information and communicate responsibly, the programme seeks to counter misinformation, promote authentic local narratives, and document local development initiatives, community experiences and success stories for wider audiences in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The collaboration highlights the potential of partnerships between specialised educational institutions and other stakeholders to expand access to practical media training. Through such initiatives, SRFTI seeks to nurture a new generation of media practitioners equipped with creative skills, a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to communicate India’s diverse experiences and developmental journey effectively, while contributing to the country’s growing creative economy.
