Jamia Millia Islamia witnessed a spectacular celebration of animation and creativity as students from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre organized the day-long Kala Karnival on November 25. The event transformed the M.F. Husain Art Gallery into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and technical innovation.
Grand Inauguration Sets the Stage
The festival commenced with an official inauguration by Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, alongside the Guest of Honour, Manvendra Shukul, CEO and Founder of Lakshya Digital. The ceremony attracted an enthusiastic crowd of students, faculty members, and animation enthusiasts eager to explore the day's offerings.
Throughout the venue, students exhibited their animated films and creative projects, demonstrating the technical skills and artistic vision they've developed during their course. The atmosphere buzzed with creative energy as participants engaged with various interactive stations and learning opportunities.
Hands-On Learning and Industry Interaction
The Kala Karnival offered a diverse range of activities designed to provide practical experience and industry exposure. Participants had the unique opportunity to:
- Attend hands-on workshops in sketching and green screen replacement techniques
- Witness live sand animation demonstrations
- Participate in film screenings of student projects
- Engage directly with animation industry professionals
- Create their own animated short films during interactive sessions
The green screen replacement workshop proved particularly popular among media students, offering them practical insights into professional animation techniques. Industry professionals provided valuable feedback on student productions, creating meaningful connections between academic learning and real-world applications.
Leadership Applauds Student Initiative
Distinguished faculty members expressed their appreciation for the student-led initiative. Notable attendees included Prof. Sabeena Gadihoke, Officiating Director of AJK MCRC, and Course Coordinator Prof. Shaibani Azam, along with teachers Dr. Atul Sinha and Dharam Arora.
During his inauguration speech, Prof. Mazhar Asif emphasized the event's significance, stating: "We aim to cultivate a passion for animation among students and the community at large. 'Kala Karnival' serves as a platform to inspire budding artists and provide them with the skills necessary to thrive in the animation industry."
Guest of Honour Manvendra Shukul shared valuable industry perspectives, commenting: "Creativity is not enough, students need to learn business too. I'm impressed by the diversity of the students doing this course and impressed by the quality of their work."
The event successfully bridged the gap between academic learning and professional practice, providing animation students with unprecedented access to industry expertise and practical skills development. The Kala Karnival stands as a testament to Jamia Millia Islamia's commitment to fostering creative talent and innovation in the field of animation and mass communication.
