Anirban Majumder Launches “Beyond the Numbers” at Oxford Bookstore, Kolkata

Book Launch Report

Rupa Sethia

BAJMC 2

Author Anirban Majumder and Sujata Sen, former director, British Council

The latest book by author Anirban Majumder, Beyond the Numbers, was launched on 18 July 2026 at Oxford Bookstore, Park Street, Kolkata. The event brought together readers, writers, students, and literature enthusiasts to celebrate the release. During the programme, the author shared the inspiration behind the book, discussed its key themes, and interacted with the audience, making the launch both informative and engaging.

Anirban Majumder is a business leader and author with around 22 years of experience in multinational companies. His expertise includes sales, business development, leadership, and negotiation. Throughout his career, he has emphasized building long-term relationships instead of focusing only on short-term results. Beyond the Numbers was written to guide aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and professionals facing business challenges. The book focuses on negotiation, sales, marketing, trust-building, and empathy. It explains how empathy can strengthen communication, improve customer relationships, and develop effective negotiation skills.

 

     Pic1: Author, Sen and Reshmi Chatterjee, curator                   Pic 2: Author and Rupa Sethia, ASCO Student

The chief guest of the event was Sujata Sen, CEO of Future Hope and former Director of the British Council, East India. The programme organised and curated by Reshmi Chatterjee, who welcomed the guests. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the event featured the official unveiling of the book, followed by an interactive discussion between the chief guest and the author. Specially designed bookmarks based on the theme of Beyond the Numbers were distributed among the audience. During the discussion, Anirban Majumder spoke about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and start-up founders. Drawing from his professional experience, he explained that many businesses struggle because entrepreneurs fail to communicate their ideas effectively or build trust with customers. He said the book was written to provide practical guidance for people starting a business or overcoming professional challenges.

The author further emphasized that there are no bad ideas; success depends on how an idea is presented. He explained that first-time entrepreneurs often become too enthusiastic while presenting their ideas, which may reduce customer interest. He encouraged entrepreneurs to stay calm, understand customers' needs, make thoughtful decisions, and build trust during negotiations. These concepts are explored in greater detail throughout the book.

The author conveyed that he wrote Beyond the Numbers to support people who feel confused or uncertain in their professional lives. Through practical examples and real-life experiences, the book aims to build confidence, improve communication, and help readers overcome workplace and business challenges. The discussion was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, where audience members asked questions on entrepreneurship, business strategy, and negotiation. The author responded with practical insights from his own experience.

Students from various colleges and universities attended the event, including Amity University Kolkata, Techno India University, The Bhawanipur Education Society College, and George College of Management and Science, reflecting the growing interest of young learners in entrepreneurship and professional development. 

From Amity University Kolkata, three students attended the event: Rupa Sethia (B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication, 2025–2029), Ranjabati Basu (BBA, 2024–2028), and Sunetra Sahoo (BBA, 2024–2028).

The overall ambience of the event was pleasant and welcoming. Hosting the launch at Oxford Bookstore proved to be an excellent choice, as the venue offered a warm and aesthetic atmosphere. The decorations were simple yet elegant, and the bookstore's literary environment made the occasion memorable for readers and guests alike.

The event concluded with informal interactions among the attendees, followed by the organizers' closing remarks. The programme successfully highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, effective communication, empathy, and trust-building in professional success. It also promoted reading culture while providing students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and professionals with valuable insights from the author's experiences, making the event educational and memorable.

Mighty Eagle lurking in the sand: Iran-USA Relations!

Article on Iran-US Relations

Aaryan Kumar

BAJMC Sem 6

 

Pexels

If you have been following the news lately, you have probably heard whispers or maybe shoutout about tensions between Iran and the United States. But why does this matter to us, and why are we talking about it now?

The simple answer is, what happens between these two countries will affect us. This article discusses about the potential military conflict in the Middle East region that supplies much of the world's oil, nuclear weapons development that could reshape global security, and a humanitarian crisis that can claim thousands of innocent lives. In December 2025, Iran's currency collapsed, sparking massive peaceful public protests. In January, The Guardian reported about the brutal crackdown of by the Iranian Government that resulted in bodies disappearing and more than 30,000 dead. Meanwhile, the U.S. has moved its mighty USS Abraham Lincoln and the military fleet into the region and is threatening military strikes. 

Read on to know more...

 Historical Setting

The Iran-USA conflict today started with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. This revolution changed everything between Iran and the United States of America. Before the revolution Tehran and Washington were allies but later became enemies. The Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 is a part of this conflict. The United States of America backed Iraq in this war. We also have to think about what happened in 1953. That is when the CIA helped removed Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh of Iran. This made a lot of people in Iran angry with the United States.

For a time, the United States has been putting sanctions on Iran. Then in 2015 Iran and the United States were part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This is also called the Iran nuclear deal. It helped to reduce tensions, between Iran and the United States for a while. Then the United States decided to leave the deal in 2018. The Iran-USA conflict is still an issue today because of all these things.

 

Present Geopolitical Context and Multiple Dimensions:

Nuclear Program Negotiations

Iran has suggested that it could lower its uranium enrichment from 60 percent to 20 percent. This move would depend on the United States agreeing to lift the economic sanctions currently placed on the country.

Iran had actually agreed to back in 2015. Now Iranian officials do not want to talk about Iran’s missiles or what Iran is doing in other parts of the region.

 Regional Military Threats

Iran’s ballistic missile programs and the proxy networks, which include Hezbollah and the Houthis, are a problem for the United States forces and its biggest ally Israel in that region. The proxies, like Hezbollah and the Houthis have attacked the United States forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This makes it very risky to lift sanctions, on Iran if they do not agree to limit the missile programs and the activities of these proxy networks, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis rebels.

Internal Instability

Iran is going through a tough time the worst it has seen since 1979. There are protests over the country, the economy is in big trouble and people are very unhappy with the government.

The people in charge are brutal on those who want to make changes. They are using aggressive consequences for people who are protesting on streets and gagging the usage of social media and internet. 

US Policy Options

The Trump administration putting its brain towards it, and focusing on ideas: that they could try to communicate to the other side, about nuclear weapons but just a little bit.

They could send in the military to help keep protesters safe. The Trump administration could also put tariffs on the country to hurt their economy. Another thing the Trump administration might try is to use their go to dish; to change the government of the country or to have the military coup.

 Why It Matters Today?

Global energy and trade: Iran sits on major oil and gas reserves; U.S. sanctions influence global prices.

Regional security: Tensions spill into Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, affecting global peace efforts.

Nuclear proliferation: The issue tests global non-proliferation norms.

Human rights and diplomacy: Dialogue on Iran’s internal politics connects to broader democratic debates.

The Iran-USA issue needs to be looked at because it is about the risks of nuclear weapons the possibility of more fighting in the Middle East region and the welfare of Iranian civilians. To solve this problem we have to find a balance between keeping people safe and being practical, through communication. This is a challenge right now because the Iran-USA issue is quite tricky and Tehran & Washington do not trust each other at any cost and they possess their different opinions. The Iran-USA issue is very sensitive as well as globally challenged. The world needs to brainstorm about the Iran-USA issue, as diplomacy & dialogue is the only solution for this noble world. 

Latest News

The rapid buildup of US military forces in the Middle East has reached a point where President Donald Trump could approve strikes against Iran soon. In fact, the strikes could come as early as this weekend, according to administration and Pentagon officials, reported The New York Times.

 Read on to know more: 

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/iran-us-conflict-trump-military-strike-date-10540041/

 

References:

·   Al Jazeera. (2025, June 23). History of US–Iran relations: From the 1953 regime change to Trump strikes. Al Jazeera English

·   Al Jazeera. (2026, January 29). US-Iran tensions soar: What do both sides want? Al Jazeera English

·   Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). Iran’s conflict with Israel and the United States. Global Conflict Tracker. Retrieved February 11, 2026

·   Anadolu Agency. (n.d.). Timeline – US-Iran tensions: From 12-day war to current standoff. Retrieved February 11, 2026

13 WAYS TO BOOST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AND CONTENT

Tips by Balraj Singh

MAJMC Sem1

by Pexels

A social media campaign is a strategic marketing effort on social media platforms to achieve a specific, measurable goal over a set period. A campaign is a focused, concentrated effort that can include organic and paid content, such as ads, influencer collaborations, contests, and user-generated content.

I. Regular posting and engagement with the audience - 

The page should schedule posts consistently, preferably twice a day when the targeted audience is most active. Also, the page should reply, mention and interact with the audience, which keeps the viewers or followers engaged with the page, shorts, or clips ft the subscribers or followers also benefits both the followers and the page

II. By tracking analytics

 The team should consistently track the analytical dashboard to check whether their   content is bringing them followers or not; in case the latter team should change their  approach and move to a different plan

III. Hiring a social media manager

A good experienced social media manager with their team or a solo admin can take the social media game a notch above the competitors with their ideas and innovations in the long run

IV. Collaborating with influencers, content creators and celebrities

To gain prominence and visibility in the digital world, the page should hire influencers for its content creation and promotion. The celebrities and influencers with a large number of followers and reach contribute significantly to the growth of the page

V. Paid promotions

Targeted advertisements and paid promotions boost the content's visibility and promote it across algorithms  

VI. Trending hashtags and keywords

Choosing trendy and interactive hashtags becomes important to gain traction and stay  relevant in the digital world, to generate eyeballs during contests and fan wars

VII. Giveaways and contests

Occasional gift giveaways and contests usually bring in more engagement from the targeted audience and followers. It also keeps the campaign fresh and unique. 

VIII. Cross promotion-

The post promotion should not just be limited to just one platform; it should be across the entire social networking circle, like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube

IX. Brand x sponsor campaigns

The social media admin should promote campaigns with the sponsors, which helps both parties equally in the form of revenue and reach

X. Quality content

The content should be sharp and engaging, with high-quality videos, images, and a brand relatable colour palette for content

XI. Use of trending audio, meme’s and clips

Choosing trending memes and audio clips from the latest movies and shows during interactions or audios during uploads helps in gaining traction and fans  

XII. Optimize captions and CTA’s 

Caption is where the connection happens; it adds personality and meaning to your post. A simple “what do you think?” or “Tag someone who’d relate” can spark real engagement. Good CTA turn viewers into participants, and that is what every algorithm loves

XIII.  Reaching out to communities

The team handling the page or the social media manager should be in constant touch with the large communities or groups on social media, so that the subscribers or followers feel connected and important 

BONUS TIP:- For LinkedIn, industry leaders with high follower counts should be tagged and mentioned so that their likes and reactions give more visibility to the post

        

 

 

Behind the Screenplay with eminent director, Partha Chakraborty

A Workshop Report

by

Modhurima Guha Neogi

MAFTP Sem 1

Poster by Anindita Chatterjee, MAFTP 1

Shri Partha Chakrabarty felicitated by Prof. Moumita De Das, ASCO

During the session

On October 28, 2025, ASCO, Amity University, Kolkata, welcomed celebrated Bengali director Partha Chakraborty, best known for his films Samantaral (2017) and Kkoli: A Journey of Love (2014), for an inspiring workshop on the craft of Scriptwriting and Screenplay Development. The workshop aimed to help students understand the creative and technical processes behind writing for cinema — transforming raw ideas into structured, visual narratives.

Partha Chakraborty is an acclaimed filmmaker, celebrated for his subtle storytelling and distinctive portrayal of human emotions. His works explore complex psychological and social themes, blending realism with cinematic artistry. With years of experience in directing and writing, he brought valuable industry insight to the session.

The workshop opened with a discussion on the core principles of screenplay writing, illustrating how to convey emotions and scenarios through dialogue as well as visual storytelling. He then elaborated on the core principles of screenwriting — including the three-act structure, characterization, and the crucial role of conflict in propelling the narrative. Shri Chakraborty emphasized that – “Creating a compelling visual experience is the first and most fundamental aspect of scriptwriting”.

He explained the distinction between a script and a screenplay, emphasizing that every scene should convey emotion through action rather than exposition. Drawing examples from his own films as well as the works of renowned filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Tarun Majumdar, he demonstrated how subtle gestures, silences, and camera movements enrich cinematic storytelling.

The workshop also included an interactive exercise where participants were asked to convert a short story idea into a film scene. Shri Chakraborty guided students on how to break the scene into beats, visualize the sequence, and write concise but expressive dialogue. He further explored the realms of documentary filmmaking, commercial advertising, and short-format cinema.

Scriptwriting practice by the students

Main Learnings and Observations of the workshop:

·       The significance of visual storytelling — crafting scenes with the camera’s perspective in mind.

·       How characters should develop through their decisions and actions rather than through exposition.

·       The significance of authentic emotional expression and avoiding stereotypical or overused elements.

·       Fundamental structure of scriptwriting.

·       The concepts of time and space in storytelling.

·       The differences between writing for TV series versus films.

·       Exploration the world of advertising during the session.

·       The value of revisions and constructive feedback in refining a script.

·       Recognizing that filmmaking is a collaborative art, where writers must consider direction, editing, and performance while shaping the narrative.

MAFTP Students attending the session

The session offered a rare window into the mind of an experienced filmmaker and deepened participants’ understanding of compelling screenplay construction. Shri Partha Chakraborty’s practical advice and real-world examples inspired many students to explore writing for the screen. Overall, it was an enriching experience that bridged the gap between classroom theory and cinematic practice.

An Interactive Hour with Prof. Ayanjit Sen

 Report by

Rai Saha

B.A Sem 1

The poster created by Rai Saha

Prof. Ayanjit Sen while the session

Felicitated by Prof. Moumita De Das, ASCO

The students of Amity School of Communication, Kolkata

Kolkata, October 27- The session served as the bedrock for a renewed sense of curiosity and intellectual engagement among attendees, as Amity University Kolkata, conducted a guest lecture session with Prof. Ayanjit Sen focusing on the complex and evolving field of information warfare and it's digital influence. Where Prof. Sen elaborated on how the modern landscape of warfare has extended far beyond physical combat zones to include digital, psychological, and informational dimensions. He began by introducing the fundamentals of information warfare, describing it as the strategic use of information to shape opinions, influence decisions, and manipulate behaviours during both conflict and peacetime. He explained that in the present era, wars are not only fought with weapons but also with words, visuals, and digital content that have the power to alter public perception and morale.

Prof. Sen addressing the students

Prof. Sen discussed in detail the challenges faced in predicting and responding to modern information conflicts. According to him, one of the greatest difficulties today lies in anticipating how adversaries will use information as a weapon and how quickly one can react to counteract those narratives. Modern warfare, he explained, uses non-kinetic methods—where physical battles are accompanied by campaigns of misinformation and disinformation designed to weaken an opponent’s resolve.

Moving forward, Prof. Sen explained that successful strategic communication is a key to combating information warfare effectively. He stressed the importance of identifying hostile actors and understanding the narratives they create. Only through a detailed assessment of these narratives can one craft precise and targeted counter-messages. He encouraged students to view communication as a strategic tool that requires accuracy, timing, and credibility. Effective communication, he said, is not about responding louder, but about responding smarter—by tailoring messages to the right audience with factual, trustworthy, and emotionally resonant content.

Prof. Sen addressing the students

He further explored the digital dimensions of information warfare by introducing several tools and tactics that shape online influence. Prof. Sen elaborated on how social media bots, deepfakes, AI-generated images, meme warfare, and algorithmic amplification are increasingly being used to manipulate public sentiment and spread misinformation at an unprecedented scale. He explained how these technologies enable disinformation to go viral within seconds, often making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. Through relevant examples, he demonstrated how memes and viral trends can be weaponized to push political agendas or damage reputations, showing the students the media’s powerful yet double-edged role in modern conflicts.

Sen also explained how “internet sleeper cells” operate, using AI, coordinated social media activity, international media narratives, and digital influencers through paid campaigns to seed and later activate misleading narratives across the globe.

Prof. Sen concluded the session by highlighting the importance of counter-tactics—methods used to trace and verify the origin of misleading information.  The lecture was interdisciplinary which provided the students with a holistic growth.

Book Review: “The Dynamics of Media Laws in the Indian Context” by Moumita De Das

Review

by

Aishwarya Siingh

B.A Sem 1

The Book Cover

“The Dynamics of Media Laws in the Indian Context” by *Moumita De Das is an exemplary work that stands out for its clarity, depth, and comprehensive coverage of media laws in India. As a student of journalism and mass communication, I found this book to be not only informative but also engaging and highly accessible—a rare combination in academic texts dealing with complex legal frameworks.

One of the best things about this book is its language. The author explains complex legal ideas in a clear and straightforward manner. The writing is friendly and avoids confusing words, while still giving good and complete information. The book is ideal for both BA and MA students in Journalism and Mass Communication. It is a must-read for anyone studying these courses, as it provides a strong foundation in media laws and encourages students to think critically.

The content of the book covers almost all topics relevant to the Indian media landscape. From historical developments to contemporary legal challenges, every aspect is addressed with careful attention to detail. As a result, readers gain a subtle understanding of the subject matter, which is invaluable for academic success and professional development.

What truly sets this book apart is its balanced perspective. The author ensures that readers are exposed to both sides of every debate and issue. The book presents multiple viewpoints and interpretations, allowing readers to appreciate the complexity of media laws and their impact on society. This trait is particularly important for students, as it fosters analytical skills and encourages them to form their own opinions based on a well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand.

The book is also engaging and hooking in nature. It manages to maintain the reader’s interest throughout.

In conclusion, “The Dynamics of Media Laws in the Indian Context” is an essential addition to the bookshelf of every journalism and mass communication student. Its simple language, comprehensive coverage, balanced analysis, and engaging style make it a standout resource in the field. The author has made a significant contribution to media education, and her book is sure to benefit countless students and professionals for years to come.

*Moumita De Das, Associate Professor and Editor (ASCOPE)

ভারতে ক্রমশ প্রসারিত গেমিং শিল্প: সুযোগ এবং ভবিষ্যতের সম্ভাবনা

Guest Column

Tanay Bose

Writer & Journalist 

Pexels

ভারতে গেমিং শিল্প দ্রুত বৃদ্ধি পাচ্ছে এবং ভবিষ্যতে এই শিল্পের প্রচুর সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে

গেমিং এবং ই-স্পোর্টস হল ২০২৫ সালে আমাদের দেশের সার্বিক বৃদ্ধির অন্যতম কারিগর। কিন্তু কেন? এত বড় কথা বলার পিছনে আমার যুক্তিটাই বা ঠিক কী? সবই জানাব এই নিবন্ধে। ভারতীয় গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট ইন্ডাস্ট্রি গত কয়েক বছরে হয়েছে অসাধারণ বৃদ্ধির সাক্ষী, ব্যক্তিগত এবং প্রতিষ্ঠান উভয় স্তরেই নতুন গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট উদ্যোগের উত্থানের জন্য ধন্যবাদ অবশ্যই গেমারদের। ভারতে গেমিং মার্কেট ২০১৯ সালে ০.৮ বিলিয়ন ডলার থেকে ২০২৩ সালে ২.৬ বিলিয়ন ডলারে পৌঁছে গিয়েছিল। তাছাড়া, ২০২৭ সালের মধ্যে এটি ৮.৬ বিলিয়ন ডলারে পৌঁছবে বলে অনুমান করা হয়েছে।

একটু পিছন ফিরে তাকালে দেখা যাবে, গেমিং শিল্প ভারতে নব্বইয়ের দশকে চালু হয়েছিল এবং ২০১০ সালে গেমিং কোম্পানির সংখ্যা ছিল প্রায় ২৫ টির মত। বর্তমানে এই গেমিং শিল্প ক্রমশ ডেভলপ হয়েছে, এবং একটি সমীক্ষা অনুসারে, ২০২৪ সালে গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট কোম্পানির সংখ্যা ২৭৫-এ এসে দাঁড়িয়েছে। যদিও ভারতবর্ষ এখনও উচ্চ-গতির ইন্টারনেটে সীমিত অ্যাক্সেস এবং মোবাইল গেমিংয়ের পছন্দ নিয়েই লড়াই করছে, ভারতীয় গেমিং শিল্পে স্টুডিওগুলির মধ্যে সহযোগিতার দিক থেকে দুর্দান্ত কিছু কাজ করা হয়েছে। ফলস্বরূপ, ভারতে গেমিং পরিকাঠামোর ভবিষ্যৎ ইতিবাচক দেখাচ্ছে।

ভারতে গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট মার্কেটের জন্য সরকারী উদ্যোগ -

ভারতীয় অ্যানিমেশন, ভিজ্যুয়াল এফেক্টস, গেমিং এবং কমিক্স (AVGC) শিল্প সাম্প্রতিক বছরগুলিতে দুরন্ত গতি অর্জনের সঙ্গে সঙ্গে, শিল্পের জন্য একটি ইকোসিস্টেম ডেভলপ করায় অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ হয়ে উঠেছে। ফলস্বরূপ, ভারত সরকার ২০২২-২৩ বাজেট পেশ করার সময় AVGC টাস্ক ফোর্স গঠনের ঘোষণা করেছিল। টাস্ক ফোর্সের লক্ষ্য ভারতে AVGC সেক্টরে যুবকদের কর্মসংস্থান এবং সহায়তা প্রদান করা।

কোভিড -১৯ মহামারি ভারতে ইতিমধ্যে ক্রমবর্ধমান গেমিং সেগমেন্টের অনুঘটক হিসাবে কাজ করেছে। বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন প্রতিবেদন প্রস্তাব করে যে ভারত গেমিং শিল্পে বিশ্বের অন্যতম প্রধান মার্কেট হয়ে উঠবে। ভারতে গেমিং এবং AVGC সেক্টরের ক্রমবর্ধমান জনপ্রিয়তা AVGC শিক্ষায় বিনিয়োগ বাড়ানোকে অপরিহার্য করে তুলেছে, যেটির বর্তমানে ভারতে কোনো শীর্ষ প্রতিষ্ঠান নেই। যদিও বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের পাঠ্যক্রম বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে, তবুও ভারতবর্ষ জুড়ে খুব কম কলেজ রয়েছে (শুধুমাত্র ১৩৯টি) যেখানে ছাত্রছাত্রীরা সহজেই গেমিং বিষয়ক জ্ঞান অর্জন করতে পারে। 

 

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গেমিং একাডেমির উত্থান -

ভারতে বর্তমানে ২০০ টিরও কম কলেজ রয়েছে যা গেম ডিজাইনিং/ডেভেলপমেন্ট কোর্স অফার করে। চণ্ডীগড় ইউনিভার্সিটি, অ্যামিটি ইউনিভার্সিটি, পারুল ইউনিভার্সিটি (ভাদোদরা), অ্যারেনা ক্রিয়েটিভ ক্যাম্পাস, জয়নগর, এনআইডি, বেঙ্গালুরু, এবং আইআইটি নাগপুর এমন কিছু জায়গা যা গেম ডিজাইনিংয়ের বিভিন্ন কোর্স অফার করে। 

ই-স্পোর্টস শিল্প গত ১০ বছরে দ্রুত বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে। এশিয়ান গেমস ২০২২ এবং কমনওয়েলথ গেমস ২০২২ সম্প্রতি ই-স্পোর্টস সেক্টরকে যথাক্রমে একটি মেডেল স্পোর্টস এবং একটি পাইলট ইভেন্ট হিসাবে সংহত করেছে। গতবছর ভারতের প্রথম অনলাইন গেমিং একাডেমি, এমপি স্টেট ই-স্পোর্টস একাডেমি, একটি প্রতিভার অনুসন্ধান পরিচালনা করে যা একটি অপ্রতিরোধ্য প্রতিক্রিয়া পেয়েছিল। ১২-১৭ বছর বয়সী তরুণদের তাদের আবেগকে পেশায় পরিণত করতে সাহায্য করার জন্য ভিডিও গেম টুর্নামেন্ট এবং ৪৫ মিলিয়ন ডলার পর্যন্ত পুরস্কারও ছিল। 

বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় এবং প্রাইভেট ইনস্টিটিউটগুলির দ্বারা প্রদত্ত কোর্সগুলি ছাড়াও, অনলাইন এবং অফলাইনে বিশেষায়িত গেম-ডেভেলপমেন্ট সার্টিফিকেশন, গেমিং শিল্পের বিশেষজ্ঞদের সঙ্গে সহযোগিতা, ইন্ডি গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট, গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট ইনকিউবেটর এবং স্কিল ডেভলপমেন্ট প্রোগ্রাম বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে। এই প্রোগ্রামগুলির উদ্দেশ্য ভারতে গেমিং শিল্পের ল্যান্ডস্কেপ আরও উন্নত করা। 

গেম ডেভেলপমেন্টের কি ভারতে আদৌও কোনও ভবিষ্যৎ আছে? 

ভারতের গেমিং শিল্প ২০২৫-২৬ সালের মধ্যে ৪ বিলিয়ন ডলার বাজার মূল্যে পৌঁছানোর অনুমান করা হয়েছে। একটি শখ এবং পেশা হিসাবে গেমিংয়ের প্রতি তরুণদের আকৃষ্ট হওয়ার সঙ্গে সঙ্গে, ভারতীয় ছাত্রছাত্রীদের গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট কোর্স এবং সম্পর্কিত ক্ষেত্রগুলি বেছে নেওয়ার ক্ষেত্রে যথেষ্ট পরিমাণে বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে। আরও বেশি সংখ্যক ভারতীয় আইটি শিক্ষার্থীরা গেম ডেভেলপমেন্ট, এআই এবং এমএল অধ্যয়ন করছে এবং AVGC শিল্পের সঙ্গে সম্পর্কিত কোর্স এবং সার্টিফিকেশনের জন্য সাইন আপ করছে।

Celebrating Ritwik Ghatak's Centenary: A Timeless Commentary on Partition and its Global Relevance

Sourav K Basu

Assistant Professor

Amity School of Communication

Amity University, Kolkata

Description: A photograph of Ritwik Ghatak from his early years, likely taken around 1950 when he was active in the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). License: Public Domain (image published before 1950)

My coming to films has nothing to do with making money. Rather, it is out of a need to express the pains and agonies of my suffering people.

Ritwik Ghatak, “My Coming Into Films”

In 2025, we mark the centenary of Ritwik Ghatak—an auteur who remains one of the most powerful and poetic voices in Indian cinema. His legacy remains strikingly relevant, especially in the context of the global refugee crisis. Whether due to the ongoing crises in Bangladesh, Syria, or the Ukraine-Russia war, the world faces a wave of displacement and migration, themes Ghatak explored deeply in his films. His works resonate with the current human struggles of refugees, making his films increasingly important in global discussions today.

Though his life and career were both tragically brief, Ghatak's legacy looms large over the cultural landscape of South Asia and beyond. More than a filmmaker, he was a seer—one who captured the trauma of Partition not just as a historical rupture, but as a spiritual wound, a lingering fracture in the human psyche that continues to haunt generations. As the world grapples with forced migrations, statelessness, and identity crises, Ghatak's work feels startlingly prophetic.

During my time in Mumbai starting in 2008 with Zee News & Aamir Khan Productions for ‘Satyamev Jayate’, I had the opportunity to visit FTII Pune several times to attend seminars, guest lectures, and technical workshops there. I observed the deep respect for Ghatak's memory, including a wall mural commemorating his time at the institute. Ghatak had served as Vice President of FTII from 1965, and his influence is still felt there.

Ritwik Ghatak's workspace archived at FTII, Pune Pic Courtesy: S.K.Basu 

 

A wall graffiti at FTII, Pune Pic Courtesy: S.K.Basu 

At FTII, Pune Campus, 2010 Pic Courtesy: S.K.Basu 

The Man Behind the Camera

Born on November 4, 1925, in Dhaka (then part of British India, now the capital of Bangladesh), Ritwik Ghatak experienced Partition firsthand. His family's migration to Kolkata was not just a geographic shift but an emotional and psychological schism that deeply informed his artistic sensibilities. Initially drawn to literature and theatre, Ghatak eventually found in cinema a medium expansive enough to contain his anguish, his anger, and his hope.

His filmography is lean but incandescent. While commercial success eluded him in his lifetime, posthumous appreciation has only grown, particularly among filmmakers, historians, and cinephiles who regard him as one of the few directors who dared to look at India’s Partition not merely as a political event but as an existential crisis.

Supriya Devi from Meghe Dhaka Tara

 The Partition as Living Specter

The Partition of 1947 uprooted millions, tore apart families, and sowed seeds of communal distrust that have yet to be reconciled. While mainstream cinema largely glossed over these harsh realities or romanticized them into digestible tropes, Ghatak delved deep into the emotional core of the tragedy.

In Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960), arguably his most acclaimed film, Ghatak uses the story of Neeta—a self-sacrificing refugee woman in post-Partition Kolkata—as a metaphor for the nation itself.

Similarly, in Subarnarekha (1965), Ghatak explores the taboo of incest and the desperation born of rootlessness, underscoring how displacement fractures not just geographies but moral and social orders. These are not just stories of refugees but stories of erosion—of culture, identity, and human dignity.

 

Global Echoes: Why Ghatak Matters Today

The world is witnessing unprecedented refugee crises—from Syria to Sudan, Myanmar to Ukraine. Borders continue to be drawn and redrawn with tragic consequences. The themes that Ghatak explored—displacement, identity loss, cultural amnesia—resonate deeply in today’s fractured world.

In many ways, Ghatak's films serve as a lens through which we can understand the universality of Partition-like traumas. His insistence on remembering, on mourning, on resisting the erasure of history, is a powerful antidote to the homogenizing forces of nationalism and cultural sanitization.

Ghatak also challenges us to rethink the role of art and the artist. In a world increasingly driven by algorithms, franchises, and formulaic storytelling, Ghatak's cinema is a reminder that art is also witness. That the camera can record not just faces but feelings, not just events but their echoes.

 Ritwik Ghatak Commemorative Stamp (2007)

      Description: An image of the Indian postage stamp issued in 2007 to honor Ritwik Ghatak.

License: Public Domain (government-issued stamp)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Legacy and Reclamation

It is perhaps fitting that Ghatak has found more recognition internationally than in the mainstream Indian cinematic canon. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Kumar Shahani have acknowledged his influence. Institutions across the globe now screen his restored films, and academic studies continue to unearth the layers of his work.

On the centenary of his birth, retrospectives, symposiums, and re-releases are beginning to reclaim his rightful place in cinematic history. But more importantly, they offer a moment for collective introspection—for remembering not just a man, but the questions he posed, questions that remain painfully unresolved.

A partition picture in 1947. Refugees crossing the border in East Bengal Source: Wikipedia

Conclusion: A Cry Across Time

In Komal Gandhar (1961), another of Ghatak's masterpieces, the backdrop of Partition serves as a canvas for exploring fractured political ideologies and the difficulty of healing. Yet even in its bleakness, the film gestures toward hope—through love, through solidarity, through art.

Celebrating Ritwik Ghatak’s centenary is not just about honoring a cinematic genius. It is about engaging with a conscience that never stopped probing, never stopped feeling. His films compel us to acknowledge the wounds of the past, not to dwell in them, but to ensure we do not repeat them.

In an era of curated forgetting, Ghatak reminds us of the power of remembering—and the sacred responsibility of bearing witness.