Dr. Sandeep Marwah, the visionary Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Raipur, is a globally recognised media educator and entrepreneur. With over 30,000 students mentored from 145 countries and nine world records to his name, Dr. Marwah’s influence in shaping the future of media education is unparalleled. In this compelling interview, he shares his insights on practical learning, international collaboration, creative innovation, and the transformative power of purposeful education.
Q. You’ve mentored over 30,000 students from 145 countries. What philosophy drives your approach to media education?
At the core of my philosophy stands “education with a purpose.” Media is not simply a profession for me; it is a mission. Young minds must be taught to not only become competent professionals but also socially responsible storytellers. Our vision is founded upon a cultural perspective—relevant to the industry while being steeped in ethics.
Q. How does AAFT University balance traditional media education with the demands of today’s digital ecosystem?
Constant evolution is key. Storytelling, aesthetics, and craft remain our essence, while the integration of digital enhancement—such as AI for media, augmented reality, virtual reality, OTT productions, and social media content development—is becoming part of our present-day culture. AAFT School of Digital Marketing and AAFT School of Animation sharpen students’ industry readiness across formats and platforms.
Q. As the founder of one of the world’s top film schools, what defines a world-class media education institution today?
Three things: industry integration, global exposure, and practical training. From Day 1, our students learn by doing. A world-class institute must act as both a finishing school and a launchpad—to inspire innovation, adapt rapidly to change, and connect students to real-world challenges and opportunities.
Q. How do you ensure creativity, skill development, and employability are well integrated at AAFT?
We maintain a curriculum that is 70% practical. Students are engaged in live projects, internships, student-run production houses, and international collaborations. Our industry faculty, including producers, editors, and designers, embed professional ethics, deadlines, and innovation in every module.
Q. As Chancellor, how do you view the role of higher education in shaping the future of the global media industry?
The higher education system must provide the dual responsibilities of vision and velocity. The global media industry requires innovative thinkers, ethically responsible communicators, and adept cross-cultural navigators. Here at AAFT, we prepare students not just to become employable graduates but also to become experts who can influence narratives beyond boundaries.
Q. You’ve collaborated with 84 countries. How does AAFT leverage these partnerships for student learning?
Exchange programmes, global festivals, visiting foreign faculty, and co-productions reflect these values. The opportunity for students to meet diplomats, international filmmakers, and media students from abroad goes far beyond textbooks. Cultural diversity becomes part of the enhanced learning environment at AAFT every day.
Q. How do you nurture cross-cultural competence among students?
We foster global consciousness through international student enrolment, foreign language classes, and cultural diplomacy events like the Global Film Festival and International Journalism Conclave. Media today is borderless. Our classrooms mirror that reality.
Q. As a holder of nine world records, how do you inspire students to aim for excellence beyond academics?
I always say, “Don’t chase records; chase purpose.” Excellence is a by-product of passionate effort. Through storytelling sessions, mentorship, and live industry case studies, we challenge students to solve problems creatively. My journey is proof that consistent effort, when fuelled by vision, leads to breakthroughs.
Q. With your advisory roles in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Skill Development, how do you influence policy for creative education?
I advocate for recognising media, arts, and culture as core to national development. Through inputs on vocational integration, curriculum flexibility, and industry-academia bridges, I ensure that creative education is no longer considered peripheral but pivotal.
Q. What role do media universities like AAFT play in shaping an empathetic and informed society?
We don’t just train artists—we shape communicators of conscience. Whether it’s environmental campaigns, gender equity, or global peace narratives, our students are encouraged to utilise craft to influence society positively. Creativity without compassion has no meaning.
Q. What is the relationship between media education and entrepreneurship today?
Today’s media professionals must think like entrepreneurs. Whether it’s launching a YouTube channel, a fashion brand, or a podcast series, we encourage students to own their voice. Our incubation support, funding guidance, and digital training make entrepreneurship a parallel pathway to traditional jobs.
Q. AAFT has produced over 3,000 short films. What educational role do short films play?
Short films are the ultimate creative lab. Within 5–10 minutes, students learn scripting, direction, cinematography, production, and audience engagement. More importantly, they discover their unique voice. These films have won over 1,000 awards globally, reinforcing that education and art can coexist powerfully.
Q. What core skills must every media student develop today?
Beyond technical proficiency, students need storytelling intelligence, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgement. In an era of fake news and AI-generated content, human creativity, integrity, and intuition are irreplaceable.
Q. How does AAFT foster research and innovation among faculty and students?
AAFT has created a specialised research cell in communication, fashion, cinema, and new media. It encourages faculty to publish scholarly works, engage in collaborative projects, and partner with global institutions. These experiences nurture both crucial industry skills and critical thinking. Recent conferences have focused on the metaverse’s impact on education and world cinema’s digitalisation. Faculty and students are encouraged to experiment with new formats like digital fashion showcases and immersive film production. This research environment ensures AAFT remains ahead of the curve in media innovation.
Q. What’s your vision for the next decade of AAFT and media education globally?
AAFT is positioned to emerge as a global leader in media education by integrating cutting-edge technologies (AI, VR, AR) into its curriculum, fostering international academic partnerships, and promoting multidisciplinary, research-driven learning. By emphasising real-world problem-solving and collaborations with institutions like Lee Strasberg, Leeds Beckett University, and Deakin University, AAFT aims to produce technically adept, socially responsible professionals equipped for the evolving digital landscape.
Conclusion
Dr. Sandeep Marwah’s commitment to purposeful education, global vision, and cultural empathy underscores his transformative impact on media education. Through AAFT, he not only builds careers but also inspires responsible global citizens in the world of media and communication.
