Pune, 4 April 2026

Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, visited the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), National Film Development Corporation–National Film Archive of India (NFDC–NFAI), and Doordarshan Centre, Pune, today. This marks his first visit to these institutions since assuming office on 1st April 2026.

During the visit, Shri Kumar reviewed the activities of FTII and undertook a comprehensive tour of the campus. He was accorded a warm welcome by Shri Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor, FTII, and Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC.

The Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, visited key facilities at FTII, including the new theatre complex, camera store, library, academic departments, and studios. Senior faculty members briefed him on the institute’s state-of-the-art equipment and academic infrastructure.

On the occasion, Shri Chanchal Kumar emphasised the critical role of film and digital media education in effectively showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage across diverse platforms. He highlighted the growing importance of the media and entertainment sector in the country’s economy and urged institutions like FTII to play a greater role in fostering innovation and skill development among students.

He further noted that such institutions should encourage young talent not only to create high-quality films and television programmes, but also to promote entrepreneurship in the film and media industry.

The visit holds added significance as FTII, Pune, has recently transitioned into its new role as a university, aiming to expand academic offerings and strengthen engagement with the evolving media and entertainment landscape.

The Secretary also visited the NFDC–NFAI campuses in Pune. He toured the projection room, theatre, vaults and library, and also visited the Phase II facility, where digitisation work under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) is currently in progress.

At the Doordarshan Centre, Pune, he reviewed the functioning of the centre and its programme production facilities, and interacted with officials regarding content creation and outreach.

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PIB Pune | Harshal Akude/Darshana Rane

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