Animation Xpress’ first edition of EduSpark Summit and Awards 2022 took place on-ground on 14 May 2022 at The Lalit, Mumbai. The event witnessed a turnout of more than 650 plus people which included speakers, delegates, and students. EduSpark Summit turned out to be an insightful and knowledgeable affair. There were several sessions lined up, right from meet the makers to fireside chats and panel discussions.
The last session of the day was a panel discussion on ‘Reshaping India’s University Education’. Panellists for the same were MESC CEO Mohit Soni, Ajeenkya DY Patil University – School of Film & Media head of school & professor Dr Manju Rughwani, Arena Animation business partner, Asifa India core committee member & Horizon Institute of Design founder Sanjay Khimesara, Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University – school of design assistant professor Dr (H.C.) Ankit Jain, Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment managing director & Ramesh Sippy Entertainment Pvt Ltd director Kiran Sippy, L.S. Raheja School of Art principal Radha Ambekar, RD & SH National College head of department of computer science & vice principal Vipul Saluja, and DNEG India head of VFX Jigesh Gajjar. The panel discussion was moderated by Punnaryug Artvision founder & FICCI AVGC forum chairman Ashish Kulkarni. The panellists discussed in length about the new education policy of the Indian government and its benefits to the AVGC sector and students. They also shared the steps taken by their institutions and the kind of courses they offer to students. Jain said, “Once they (students) grow, we do teach them managerial skills as well, as students need to learn every aspect.” Saluja shared, “We being a college and university have lots of courses, but regulations come in from UGC.” He revealed that once in their college ‘no games were allowed’ and now they test games! Ambekar said, “We are running a course which focuses more on graphic designing and advertising and have basic courses of art education. Basics are necessary, after learning basics, students can gradually move towards high-end technology.” The need for students being exposed to studio life was highlighted by Sippy. She said, “Internships are important because that makes students industry ready.” Khimesara mentioned what needs to be taught to kids in school. He said, “Instead of teaching animation at school level, we should teach the foundation.” A question about the job selection process was put forward to which Jain replied, “If you have a riveting portfolio, the doors are open for you.” In the end, Kulkarni gave the remarks that “formal & informal education are equally gearing up.”
Arena Geeta Bhawan, Indore 