IIMC Dhenkanal and SRFTI Kolkata sign MoU to strengthen media education

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Dhenkanal and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, have entered into an academic partnership to advance media education and industry-focused skill development.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday at the SRFTI campus and sets the stage for joint research, collaborative training programs, and student exposure to evolving media practices.

Pragya Paliwal Gaur, vice-chancellor of IIMC, New Delhi, appreciated the efforts of the Dhenkanal campus in initiating the collaboration.

"This MoU is a testament to our commitment to fostering a dynamic educational environment that bridges academic and industry practices," she said.

Anand Pradhan, regional director of IIMC Dhenkanal, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.

"This collaboration between two sister organizations under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will create a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, creative exploration, and professional growth," he said.

Sukanta Mazumdar, dean of SRFTI, also welcomed the development, saying, "Both SRFTI, Kolkata, and IIMC, Dhenkanal, are two leading institutions in eastern India with distinct strengths. This partnership will focus on skill-based programs and foster entrepreneurial innovation in mass communication, media, and cinema."

The agreement is expected to benefit students pursuing journalism, film, digital media, and related disciplines by encouraging interdisciplinary learning and hands-on exposure to both traditional and emerging storytelling formats.

A statement from IIMC Dhenkanal noted that the MoU reflects the institute’s continued efforts to create impactful academic collaborations that empower students and educators across Odisha and contribute to a stronger media education ecosystem in India.