Visva-Bharati and SRFTI MoU: A Historic Union of Art and Cinema
In a move that has delighted art, cinema, and literature lovers across the country, two of India’s most iconic institutions have come together. On January 28, 2026, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Visva-Bharati University and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata.
This partnership isn’t just a legal agreement; it is a beautiful meeting of minds—bringing together the holistic educational philosophy of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and the cinematic genius of Satyajit Ray.
What This Partnership Means for Students
The red soil of Santiniketan will now echo with the nuances of world cinema and modern media. Through this MoU, both institutions have committed to:
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Joint Research & Training: Collaborative programs in film, media, fine arts, and humanities.
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Exchange Programs: Opportunities for students and teachers to swap campuses, sharing fresh perspectives and creative energy.
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Creative Workshops: Regular academic initiatives and hands-on workshops that bridge the gap between traditional arts and modern filmmaking.
সিনেমা ও শিল্পকলার মেলবন্ধন (The Union of Cinema and Art)
Speaking on this historic occasion, Deepak Kumar, the Registrar of SRFTI, shared a heartfelt vision. He noted that this partnership is designed to create a meaningful connection between cinema, culture, and the arts.
“By bringing together Satyajit Ray’s cinematic heritage and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s holistic educational vision, this partnership will build a bridge between film and culture.” — Deepak Kumar, Registrar, SRFTI.
He further emphasized that this collaboration provides a unique platform where academic excellence meets creative expression. The goal is to start active exchanges soon, allowing students to explore the intersection of cinema and education in a way that has never been done before.
Why This Matters for Santiniketan
For those of us who love Santiniketan, we know it has always been a place of Srijan (creativity). Adding SRFTI’s technical and cinematic expertise to Visva-Bharati’s deep-rooted cultural heritage will open new doors for the youth of Bengal and beyond. It enriches the academic environment and ensures that the legacy of our masters continues to evolve in the digital age.
We look forward to seeing the creative projects that will emerge from this union!
For more updates on Visva-Bharati and the cultural happenings in Bolpur, keep following Bolpur-Santiniketan.com.
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