Month: February 2026

Formal Inauguration of AAFT School of Fine Arts at 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026: The formal inauguration of the AAFT School of Fine Arts, one of the most dynamic and creative departments of Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), was conducted with great enthusiasm at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, during the 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026.

The School was inaugurated by Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture, Government of India, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma, Hon. Consul General of the Palau.

A massive display of paintings and artworks created by the students of AAFT was showcased on the occasion, reflecting exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and diverse artistic expression. The exhibition was widely appreciated by the guests and attendees.

Addressing the gathering, Meenakshi Lekhi lauded AAFT for continuously promoting art, culture, and creative education. She emphasized the importance of fine arts in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the soft power of the nation. She appreciated the vibrant display of student works and encouraged young artists to use their talent as a medium of social change and national pride.

Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma expressed his admiration for the scale and quality of artistic expression presented at the exhibition. He highlighted that art serves as a universal language connecting nations and fostering mutual respect and understanding across cultures.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and Festival President, stated that the School of Fine Arts has been established with the vision to nurture creative minds and provide them with global exposure. He remarked that the overwhelming display of paintings by students demonstrates the institution’s commitment to excellence in arts education. He further added that platforms like the Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC create meaningful opportunities for young artists to present their work before an international audience.

The inauguration marked another significant milestone in AAFT’s journey of promoting creative education and cultural diplomacy through art and media.

Founder of Africa Private Sector Summit Visits Marwah Studios, Praises Global Educational Initiatives. Noida: Judson Wendell Addy, RTD APSS USA, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS) and Diaspora Member of the APSS Advisory Board, paid a distinguished visit to Marwah Studios. He was accompanied by Phyllis Grobi, Senior Advisor to the Office of the Founder, Chair Emeritus & Member Advisory Board, APSS.

Mr. Addy, a prominent figure in the landscape of Pan-African economic development, toured the campus facilities including the state-of-the-art infrastructure of Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT). The delegation expressed deep admiration for the institution’s global outreach, professional environment, and the remarkable collection of national and international awards displayed at the campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Judson Wendell Addy remarked, “I have never seen so many awards anywhere in the world. I truly admire the eleven world records created by Dr. Sandeep Marwah. The scale, vision, and commitment towards education and creative arts here are extraordinary. We are ready to join hands to promote and bring positive change in education worldwide.”

Phyllis Grobi also appreciated the structured academic programs, international collaborations, and the cultural diplomacy initiatives undertaken by the institution.

Global Art and Culture Laureate Dr. Sandeep Marwah shared insights into the 34-year journey of building bridges between nations through education, media, art, and culture. He emphasized the importance of international partnerships in strengthening global learning ecosystems and fostering mutual growth. Dr. Marwah expressed his enthusiasm to collaborate with APSS in creating impactful programs that empower youth and encourage cross-continental cooperation between Asia and Africa.

The visit concluded on a highly positive note, with both organizations exploring avenues for future collaboration aimed at advancing education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development on a global scale.

APPU & ICMEI Present International Conference on Sustainable Development of Asia-Pacific. New Delhi: The Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) in association with the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) successfully presented an International Conference on Sustainable Development of Asia-Pacific, with a special focus on Unity through Media, Art & Culture, Climate Change, and Health.

The conference was graced by former State Minister of External Affairs Government of India Hon’ble Meenakshi Lekhi as the Chief Guest, who emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, policy innovation, and cultural diplomacy in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and public health. She underlined that sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region requires collaboration that transcends borders and sectors.

The program was conducted by Subhash Goyal, while J. S. Saluja delivered the President’s remarks, highlighting the growing relevance of multilateral dialogue and people-to-people engagement in shaping a peaceful and progressive Asia-Pacific.

Prominent speakers included H.E. Mahishini Colonne High Commissioner of. Sri Lanka, Rita Singh, Ambassador K. P. Fabian, and Ambassador Dr. M. Saiful Hoque, Dr Y.P. Chawla, Dr S.N. Mishra, Dr A.K. Gupta, Dr B. Sivaramappa, Dr K.K.Sharma, who shared their valuable insights on diplomacy, environmental responsibility, and the role of communication in fostering regional unity. The speakers collectively stressed the need for strategic cooperation to ensure sustainable growth while preserving cultural identity and ecological balance.

Global Art and Culture Laureate Dr. Sandeep Marwah addressed the gathering with a powerful message on love, peace, and unity through art and culture. He spoke about the consistent efforts of ICMEI and Marwah Studios over the last 34 years in bringing nations together through cultural exchange programs, international festivals, educational initiatives, and media collaborations.

Dr. Marwah highlighted that the word “Asian” carries a deep emotional and strategic significance, symbolizing collective identity, shared heritage, and regional solidarity. He proudly noted that many initiatives under his leadership carry the name “Asian,” reflecting a lifelong commitment to strengthening bonds among countries of the continent through creative and cultural diplomacy.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to sustainable development goals, regional unity, and the use of media, art, and culture as powerful tools to promote harmony and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.

Remembering Padma Shri Dr. Shyam Singh Shashi at Memorial Lecture 2026. New Delhi: The Memorial Lecture 2026 in remembrance of Padma Shri Dr. Shyam Singh Shashi was held with great reverence and intellectual fervor at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute. The event was organized by the Padma Shri Shyam Singh Shashi Foundation and Research Centre under the leadership of Sanskriti Singh.

The distinguished gathering was presided over by Shyam Singh Parande, Secretary General of ARSP. The evening brought together eminent personalities from literature, governance, art and culture, including former government servants, senior bureaucrats, writers, journalists, and members of Dr. Shashi’s family.

Renowned Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi delivered a deeply moving address, emphasizing Dr. Shashi’s extraordinary contribution to literature, social research, and the preservation of cultural heritage. He highlighted how Dr. Shashi’s lifelong dedication to marginalized communities and indigenous cultures continues to inspire generations to work towards social justice, human dignity, and inclusive development.

Dr. Yogendra Narain, Chancellor of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, spoke about Dr. Shashi’s scholarly brilliance and his role as a cultural ambassador of India. He underlined the importance of research-driven literature and intellectual discourse in strengthening national identity and global understanding. Dr. Narain noted that Dr. Shashi’s work remains a guiding light for academicians and policy makers alike.

Global Art and Culture Laureate Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University, paid rich tribute to the legendary writer, describing him as a visionary thinker whose writings bridged tradition and modernity. Dr. Marwah stressed the need to carry forward Dr. Shashi’s mission of promoting art, culture, and human values through education, media, and creative platforms. He remarked that memorial lectures of this nature are essential to keep the intellectual legacy alive and relevant for future generations.

The solemn yet inspiring event reaffirmed the enduring legacy of Padma Shri Dr. Shyam Singh Shashi as a literary giant, social thinker, and cultural icon of India. The large attendance and enthusiastic participation reflected the deep respect and admiration he continues to command across diverse sections of society.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Remembered at 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida: The legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s great freedom fighter, activist, and former Deputy Prime Minister of India, was fondly remembered during the 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida. The commemorative event was organized under the Sardar Patel Forum of Marwah Studios** at Noida Film City.

The occasion marked the formal release of a special poster dedicated to the Iron Man of India, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the unity and integration of the nation. The poster was jointly released by prominent media and academic personalities including Sushil Bharti of Radio Noida 107.4FM, Dr Vipin Gaur of NAI, Dr Himani Choudhary, Director at AAFT, Dr Manoj Agarwal, Director AAFT, Jitender Sharma, Editor-in-Chief of Jantantra TV, senior journalists Raj Shekhar Tripathi, Rajeev Gautam, RJ Tripti, and Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios.

While addressing the gathering, speakers reflected on Sardar Patel’s extraordinary leadership in unifying more than 500 princely states into one nation, laying the foundation of a strong and united India. They emphasized that his vision, determination, and administrative acumen continue to inspire generations, especially young journalists and media professionals.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah highlighted that remembering national heroes during international forums like the Global Festival of Journalism reinforces the values of unity, integrity, and nation-building among students and media practitioners.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold the ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and to continue promoting responsible journalism rooted in national pride and social commitment.

Noida: The official Newsletter of the 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026 was formally released by distinguished guests during a grand ceremony at Marwah Studios. The release marked yet another milestone in documenting the vibrant activities, discussions, and achievements of the international festival.

The newsletter, meticulously prepared by the students of the AAFT School of Journalism, captured the essence of the festival, including seminars, workshops, international participation, and key highlights of the event. The editorial team was invited on stage and applauded for their dedication, creativity, and professional presentation.

Addressing the audience, Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University, congratulated the students for maintaining high standards of journalistic excellence. He emphasized that practical exposure during international events plays a vital role in shaping confident and responsible media professionals.

“The quality of work presented in this newsletter reflects the strong academic foundation and hands-on training imparted at AAFT. I am proud of the students for their commitment, teamwork, and professional approach,” said Dr. Marwah.

The guests praised the students for their comprehensive coverage, sharp reporting, and creative design, acknowledging the newsletter as a true reflection of the festival’s global spirit.

The event concluded with a round of applause for the entire team, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to nurturing future journalists equipped with integrity, skill, and a global outlook.

Noida: A highly engaging and thought-provoking session on the future of Artificial Intelligence in Advertising marked a significant highlight of the prestigious AI Impact Summit. A distinguished delegation from Hyderabad participated in an intensive interaction at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, discussing the transformative role of AI in reshaping the advertising and media landscape.

Abhinav Varma Kalidindi, Founder & CEO of IKONZ Studios Pvt Ltd, emphasized the growing influence of AI-driven virtual influencers, immersive storytelling, and digital humans in advertising. He shared insights into how AI-powered content creation is redefining brand engagement, personalization, and audience analytics. “Artificial Intelligence is not just a tool but a creative partner that enhances imagination, efficiency, and global outreach for brands,” he stated.

Nidhi Kumar from Doordarshan** highlighted the evolving role of public broadcasting in adapting to AI technologies. She noted that AI is opening new avenues for content optimization, audience measurement, and responsible communication. “The integration of AI into broadcasting must be ethical, inclusive, and aligned with public interest,” she remarked, stressing the importance of balanced innovation.

Addressing the gathering, Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios**, underscored the importance of collaborative learning and innovation. He spoke about the need to bridge technology with creativity and encouraged young media professionals to embrace AI as a catalyst for growth. “AI is revolutionizing advertising and media at an unprecedented pace. Institutions like Marwah Studios are committed to fostering dialogue, research, and practical exposure to ensure India remains at the forefront of this transformation,” he said.

The session concluded with an interactive exchange of ideas, exploring future collaborations between technology innovators, broadcasters, and creative institutions. The AI Impact Summit continues to serve as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and creative professionals to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence across sectors.

AAFT Hosts Insightful Workshop on “AI and Cinema” by GenVR Research AI Founders. Noida, India – The AAFT at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, organized an engaging and forward-looking workshop on “AI and Cinema,” led by Geetanjali Sehgal and Akshay Taneja, Co-Founders of GenVR Research AI.

The workshop focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, virtual production, immersive storytelling, and content creation. Students and faculty members actively participated in discussions on how AI is reshaping scriptwriting, visual effects, character development, post-production workflows, and audience engagement.

Geetanjali Sehgal emphasized, “Artificial Intelligence is expanding the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. From pre-visualization to virtual worlds, AI enables creators to experiment, innovate, and bring ideas to life with greater efficiency and imagination.”

Akshay Taneja highlighted the practical applications of AI in production pipelines and immersive media. He stated, “The future of cinema lies in the integration of AI with virtual reality and real-time technologies. It empowers filmmakers to reduce costs, enhance creativity, and deliver globally competitive content.”

Welcoming the speakers, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and Marwah Studios, reiterated the institution’s commitment to innovation in media education. He said, “AI is not a replacement for creativity—it is a powerful tool that amplifies human imagination. At AAFT, we believe in preparing our students for the future of cinema by integrating emerging technologies into mainstream education.”

The workshop concluded with an interactive session, where participants explored real-world case studies and future opportunities in AI-driven filmmaking. The initiative reaffirmed AAFT’s position as a pioneer in incorporating Artificial Intelligence into cinema and creative arts education.

Renowned Polish Lawyer Dr. Judyta Latymowich Visits Marwah Studios During AI Impact Summit. Noida, India – Dr. Judyta Latymowich, a renowned lawyer from Poland, visited Marwah Studios at Noida Film City during her participation in the AI Impact Summit in India. She was part of the official Polish Ministerial delegation attending the prestigious international gathering focused on Artificial Intelligence and innovation.

Dr. Latymowich was warmly received by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and AAFT. The visit provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions on the intersection of law, technology, media, and international cooperation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said, “It is an honour to host Dr. Judyta Latymowich at Marwah Studios. The presence of eminent legal minds in discussions around Artificial Intelligence highlights the importance of ethical frameworks, global regulations, and responsible innovation. India and Poland share immense potential for collaboration in education, creative industries, and technology.”

Dr. Judyta Latymowich expressed her appreciation for the warm hospitality and commended the initiatives undertaken by Marwah Studios and AAFT in integrating Artificial Intelligence into media and creative arts education. She stated, “Artificial Intelligence is transforming every sector, including law, governance, and creative industries. Institutions like Marwah Studios play a crucial role in preparing young professionals to navigate both the opportunities and legal complexities of emerging technologies.”

The interaction reinforced the importance of international dialogue in shaping policies and collaborative frameworks around AI, encouraging cross-border partnerships between India and Poland in the fields of education, media, and innovation.

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to exploring future academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. The meeting was initiated by Indo Poland Film and Cultural Forum.

Strengthening India–Slovakia Cultural Diplomacy: Dr. Sandeep Marwah Meets President H.E. Peter Pellegrini. New Delhi, India – In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral cultural and educational relations, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chair of the Indo Slovakia Film and Cultural Forum, was honoured to be part of a close and meaningful meeting with H.E. Peter Pellegrini, Hon’ble President of Slovakia, at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in India.

The meeting was also graced by the presence of H.E. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia to India. The interaction was marked by warmth and mutual respect, focusing on strengthening cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and diplomatic ties between India and Slovakia.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Founder of AAFT, highlighted the growing importance of creative industries as a bridge between nations. As Chair of the Indo Slovakia Film and Cultural Forum, he emphasized the role of cinema, media, art, and academic partnerships in fostering deeper people-to-people connections.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Marwah stated, “Cultural diplomacy is the strongest foundation for long-term international relations. Through films, education, and creative collaborations, India and Slovakia can build a partnership rooted in mutual understanding, innovation, and shared values.”

The discussion explored avenues for film co-productions, student exchange programs, cultural festivals, and joint academic initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration between institutions and creative communities of both nations. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across cultural and educational domains, further strengthening the enduring friendship between India and Slovakia.

Global Leaders Converge at AI Impact Summit Seminar Organised by GCTC in Association with Ministry of Electronics & IT. New Delhi, India – A high-powered seminar on Artificial Intelligence, organised by the Global Counter Terrorism Council (GCTC) in association with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, marked a significant highlight of the AI Impact Summit held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.

The seminar brought together an extraordinary gathering of global technology leaders, policymakers, security experts, and industry pioneers to deliberate on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence across governance, security, corporate innovation, and digital infrastructure.

Among the distinguished speakers were: C.P. Gurnani, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of AionOS and former CEO & MD of Tech Mahindra, Charu Srinivasan, CVP Engineering, Azure & Cloud, Microsoft India Development Centre, Dr. Madan Oberoi, IPS, Third Chief Security Advisor Public Sector, Google Cloud Singapore; Former Executive Director Technology & Innovation, INTERPOL; Former Special Commissioner of Police, Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Member PESB and Former Secretary, MeitY, Government of India, Ajit Kumar, Chief Information Officer, HCL Technologies, Abinav Varma Kalidindi, Founder & CEO, IKONZ Studios, Roberto Viola, Director-General, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission.

Each eminent speaker shared deep insights into the evolving AI ecosystem—covering responsible AI deployment, cybersecurity frameworks, cloud innovation, digital governance, public-private partnerships, and the global regulatory landscape. The discussions reflected a unified vision of leveraging Artificial Intelligence for inclusive growth, innovation, and global cooperation while ensuring ethical safeguards.

The seminar was presided over by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City & Chancellor AAFT University and Founder Member of GCTC, alongside Aditya Tikoo, Founder and Convenor of GCTC. In his address, Dr. Sandeep Marwah emphasized, “Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological advancement; it is a strategic force shaping economies, security systems, and creative industries worldwide. Collaboration between governments, corporations, and innovators is the key to ensuring that AI becomes a tool for global peace, prosperity, and progress.”

Following the seminar, the distinguished dignitaries were honoured by Dr. Sandeep Marwah and Aditya Tikoo in recognition of their outstanding contributions to technology, governance, and innovation. The event reaffirmed India’s growing leadership in the global AI dialogue and highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in navigating the future of Artificial Intelligence.