Sandeep Marwah Nominated Chair of Indo Australia Film and Cultural Forum by Australian Parliamentarian

Sandeep Marwah Nominated Chair of Indo Australia Film and Cultural Forum by Australian Parliamentarian

Noida, India: In a significant step towards strengthening cultural and creative relations between India and Australia, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chair of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), was nominated as the Chair of the Indo Australia Film and Cultural Forum by Mr. Lee Tarlamis, Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, Australia.

The nomination ceremony was held at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, in the presence of distinguished members of the media, education, and cultural fraternity. The forum has been established to promote stronger bilateral cooperation in the fields of cinema, media, education, performing arts, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and Australia.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said, “India and Australia share warm and friendly relations based on democratic values, mutual respect, and people-to-people connections. Through the Indo Australia Film and Cultural Forum, we aim to create new opportunities for artists, filmmakers, students, and cultural organizations from both countries.”

Congratulating Dr. Marwah on his nomination, Lee Tarlamis appreciated his outstanding contribution to promoting international cultural diplomacy through art, media, and education. He expressed confidence that under Dr. Marwah’s leadership, the forum would become a vibrant platform for strengthening creative collaborations between the two nations.

On the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented his published books to Parliamentarian Lee Tarlamis as a gesture of goodwill and cultural exchange. He also conferred upon Mr. Tarlamis the Life Membership of the International Film and Television Research Centre (IFTRC), Marwah Studios, in recognition of his support for international cultural cooperation. Furthermore, Lee Tarlamis was declared the Patron of the Indo Australia Film and Cultural Forum, acknowledging his commitment to fostering stronger ties between India and Australia.

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of Membership of the International Film and Television Club (IFTC) to Anil Sharma, Finny Mathew, and Abhimanyu Kumar from Melbourne, recognizing their association with initiatives promoting cinema, media, and cultural development.

The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), through its network of more than 100 international film and cultural forums, continues to play a pioneering role in building bridges between nations through art, culture, education, media, and creative industries. The launch and leadership of the Indo Australia Film and Cultural Forum further reinforces ICMEI’s mission of promoting global friendship, peace, and understanding through cultural diplomacy.

The event concluded with an interactive session emphasizing future collaborations, including film festivals, academic exchanges, cultural performances, business networking, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing India-Australia relations in the creative sector.

AAFT Flag Presentation Ceremony Celebrates the Spirit of Unity, Creativity, and Global Citizenship

AAFT Flag Presentation Ceremony Celebrates the Spirit of Unity, Creativity, and Global Citizenship

Noida, India: The AAFT Flag Presentation Ceremony was organized with great enthusiasm and pride at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, reaffirming the institution’s enduring commitment to excellence in education, creativity, and cultural diplomacy. The ceremony reflected the spirit of unity, innovation, and global citizenship that AAFT has nurtured for more than three decades.

Addressing the gathering of Directors, Deans, and senior faculty members, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor and President of AAFT, elaborated on the deep symbolism and philosophy embodied in the AAFT Flag.

Describing the flag as “A Message from Earth to Sky,” Dr. Marwah said, “The AAFT Flag is much more than a piece of fabric. It is a vivid embodiment of the academy’s core values and aspirations. Every colour represents a principle that guides our journey in education, art, and culture.” He explained the significance of each colour:

• Blue represents the sky, symbolizing limitless creativity, vision, and aspiration.
• Yellow reflects the earth, representing a fertile foundation for learning, growth, and innovation.
• White symbolizes peace, reaffirming AAFT’s commitment to harmony, understanding, and unity among people and nations.
• Red signifies passion, the driving force behind artistic excellence, dedication, and creative expression.

Summarizing the philosophy behind the flag, Dr. Marwah stated that together these colours proclaim AAFT’s enduring mission to spread love, peace, and unity through art and culture—from the roots of the earth to the endless sky.

As a highlight of the ceremony, Dr. Sandeep Marwah formally presented the AAFT Flag to all the Directors and Deans of AAFT, symbolizing their collective responsibility to uphold the institution’s vision, values, and global mission. The presentation marked a renewed commitment to fostering excellence in education, creativity, leadership, and international cooperation.

The ceremony concluded with a collective pledge by the academic leadership to continue strengthening AAFT’s legacy as one of the world’s leading institutions of creative education, inspiring students from across the globe to contribute positively to society through art, media, and culture.

Selas Dance Company Mesmerizes Delhi Audience with Contemporary Dance Performance Frear at Alliance Française

Selas Dance Company Mesmerizes Delhi Audience with Contemporary Dance Performance Frear at Alliance Française

New Delhi: The acclaimed Selas Dance Company from Cyprus captivated audiences with its spellbinding performance of “Frear”, an enchanting presentation of contemporary dance seamlessly blended with live music, at Alliance Française de Delhi. The cultural evening was organized under the auspices of the High Commission of Cyprus in India, highlighting the growing cultural ties between India and Cyprus.

The event was graced by H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner of Cyprus to India, who emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations. Addressing the gathering, he said: “Art and culture transcend borders and languages. Performances like Frear reflect the richness of Cypriot creativity while building meaningful bridges of friendship and mutual understanding between the people of Cyprus and India. We are delighted to present such outstanding artistic talent to Indian audiences.”

The programme was initiated and introduced by Mr. Frédéric Wolska, Academic Director of Alliance Française de Delhi, who welcomed the distinguished guests and audience. He highlighted Alliance Française’s continued commitment to promoting international artistic collaborations and providing a platform for world-class cultural performances.

Speaking to the press, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chair of the Indo Cyprus Film and Cultural Forum, praised the initiative and remarked: “The Indo Cyprus Film and Cultural Forum is dedicated to strengthening the cultural relationship between our two friendly nations. The remarkable performance by the Selas Dance Company is another significant step in promoting artistic exchange, mutual appreciation, and deeper people-to-people connections through the universal language of culture.”

The audience responded with great enthusiasm, applauding the dancers’ artistic excellence, innovative choreography, and the harmonious integration of contemporary movement with live musical accompaniment. The performance stood as a memorable celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus.

The event was attended by diplomats, artists, cultural enthusiasts, members of the international community, and distinguished guests from various walks of life, reaffirming the growing cultural partnership between the two nations.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Honoured by MESC and CEGR for Distinguished National Leadership in Education and Skill Development

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Honoured by MESC and CEGR for Distinguished National Leadership in Education and Skill Development

New Delhi: In a significant recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, skill development, and the media and entertainment sector, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts and President of Marwah Studios, was jointly honoured by the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Education Growth and Research (CEGR) under the Ministry of Education.

The honour was conferred in recognition of Dr. Marwah’s exemplary leadership in chairing and guiding both prestigious national bodies, contributing immensely to the advancement of education, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration in India.

The award was presented by Prof. K.K. Aggarwal, President of South Asian University, in the presence of Mohit Soni, CEO of MESC, Ravish Roshan, Director of CEGR, and Dr. Sachin Gupta, Chancellor of Sanskriti University, along with distinguished academicians, industry leaders, and education experts from across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. K.K. Aggarwal praised Dr. Marwah’s unparalleled contribution to media education and said: “Dr. Sandeep Marwah is a visionary leader who has brought a revolution in media and entertainment education in India. He is a pioneer whose contribution has transformed the landscape of creative education. Sustaining excellence for more than three decades is possible only when quality, commitment, and innovation become part of one’s mission. His achievements have inspired thousands of institutions and millions of young minds.”

Highlighting Dr. Marwah’s remarkable accomplishments, Dr. Sachin Gupta, Chancellor of Sanskriti University, remarked: “Dr. Sandeep Marwah is perhaps one of the most decorated educationists in the country. With more than 2,000 national and international awards, honours, recognitions, and accolades, he has achieved milestones that many could hardly imagine. His relentless efforts in promoting education, media, arts, culture, and international relations have created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”

Mohit Soni, CEO of MESC, acknowledged Dr. Marwah’s contribution towards strengthening skill development and industry engagement within the media and entertainment sector. “Under Dr. Marwah’s leadership and guidance, meaningful initiatives have been undertaken to bridge the gap between education and industry. His vision has helped create opportunities for thousands of young professionals and has contributed significantly to strengthening India’s creative economy,” he said.

Ravish Roshan, Director of CEGR, lauded Dr. Marwah’s commitment to educational excellence and innovation. “Dr. Marwah has consistently advocated for quality education, research, international collaborations, and skill-based learning. His contribution to the education sector extends far beyond institutions, impacting policy discussions and shaping future-ready learning ecosystems,” he stated.

Accepting the honour, Dr. Sandeep Marwah expressed his gratitude and dedicated the recognition to the countless educators, students, artists, media professionals, and collaborators who have been part of his journey. “This recognition is not just a personal honour but a tribute to the collective efforts of thousands of people who have worked with dedication towards the growth of education, skill development, media, and culture. Together, we have demonstrated that education can become a powerful force for nation-building, innovation, and global understanding,” said Dr. Marwah.

Over the years, Dr. Marwah has established numerous institutions and initiatives in the fields of media, arts, culture, education, and skill development. Through AAFT, Marwah Studios, ICMEI, and several international forums, he has created opportunities for students and professionals from more than 145 countries while fostering global cultural and educational cooperation.

The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation from the distinguished gathering, recognizing Dr. Marwah’s lifelong commitment to excellence and his extraordinary contribution to making India a global hub for media education, skill development, and creative leadership.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Chairs National Meeting of CEGR and MESC on the Future of Education in India

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Chairs National Meeting of CEGR and MESC on the Future of Education in India

New Delhi: A high-level National Meeting jointly organized by the Centre for Education Growth and Research (CEGR) and the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) under the title MANTHAN, brought together eminent educationists, academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from across India to deliberate on the evolving landscape of education and skill development in the country.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, renowned educationist, Chancellor of AAFT University, and former President of CEGR, who emphasized the urgent need to align education with the rapidly changing demands of industry, technology, and global opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said, “India stands at a critical juncture where education must not only impart knowledge but also develop skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The purpose of this national consultation is to understand the current needs, emerging challenges, and future requirements of the education sector so that we can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and industry-oriented learning ecosystem.”

The discussions covered a wide range of issues including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), skill-based learning, digital transformation in education, industry-academia collaboration, employability enhancement, internationalization of higher education, and the growing importance of creative industries and emerging technologies.

Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, President of South Asian University, highlighted the significance of innovation and global collaboration in higher education. He stated, “The future of education lies in creating institutions that foster research, critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and international partnerships. We must prepare students not just for jobs, but for lifelong learning and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.”

Speaking on behalf of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council, Mohit Soni, CEO of MESC, emphasized the growing role of skill development in nation-building. He remarked, “The media and entertainment sector is expanding at an unprecedented pace, creating new opportunities and new job roles. Industry-oriented training, certification, and skill enhancement are essential to bridge the gap between education and employment. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry are the need of the hour.”

Ravish Roshan, Director of CEGR, underscored the importance of continuous dialogue among stakeholders. He said, “This meeting serves as a valuable platform for educators, institutions, and industry leaders to collectively shape the future roadmap for education in India. The recommendations emerging from these discussions will contribute significantly to strengthening educational quality, accessibility, and relevance.”

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to fostering stronger partnerships between educational institutions, industry bodies, and government agencies to ensure that India’s education system remains future-ready and globally competitive.

The participants appreciated the initiative taken by CEGR and MESC in creating a national forum for meaningful dialogue and strategic planning aimed at advancing education, research, innovation, and skill development in India.

The recommendations and outcomes of the meeting will be compiled and shared with relevant stakeholders to support policy formulation and institutional development across the country.

Dr. Roop Chand Sidana Nominated for the Prestigious IFTRC Research Award

Dr. Roop Chand Sidana Nominated for the Prestigious IFTRC Research Award

New Delhi, June 2026: The International Film and Television Research Centre (IFTRC), under the leadership of Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of IFTRC and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, has announced the nomination of Dr. Roop Chand Sidana for the prestigious IFTRC Research Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to society through his pioneering work in psychiatry, mental health advocacy, and human-centered healthcare.

Announcing the honour, Dr. Sandeep Marwah stated: “Dr. Roop Chand Sidana is not merely a distinguished psychiatrist; he is an institution in himself. For more than four decades, he has dedicated his life to healing minds, restoring dignity, and building a compassionate framework for mental healthcare in India. His remarkable journey from the roots of spirituality to the frontiers of healing makes him a true national treasure and a worthy recipient of the IFTRC Research Award.”

For 43 uninterrupted years, Dr. Roop Chand Sidana has stood among the most respected and influential psychiatrists in North India. Entering the field during a time when mental health remained heavily stigmatized, he embraced a mission that would define his life:

“No human being should suffer alone.” Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Sidana has consistently translated this belief into action. His achievements include:

• Pioneering the introduction of neuromodulation (rTMS) therapies in Rajasthan.
• Promoting community psychiatry long before it became a national healthcare priority.
• Delivering the prestigious Dr. N.N. Wig Oration, one of Indian psychiatry’s highest academic honours.
• Representing India at international psychiatric forums in Melbourne and Prague.
• Developing ethical, accessible, and dignity-centered models of psychiatric care.
• Conducting free psychiatric OPDs and outreach services for underserved communities.
• Leading addiction recovery initiatives, rural mental-health programs, and family-support interventions.
• Mentoring generations of psychiatrists who continue to shape the future of mental healthcare in India.

His contribution extends far beyond medicine. He transformed psychiatry into a movement of empathy, proving that healing is not only about treating illness but about restoring hope, confidence, and human dignity.

Thousands of patients remember Dr. Sidana not only for his clinical expertise but for his kindness, patience, and unwavering commitment to humanity. He became a source of comfort for those battling emotional suffering, often treating individuals who lacked financial resources, family support, or hope. His practice became a sanctuary where compassion, ethics, and dignity remained non-negotiable values.

The values Dr. Sidana lived by also shaped his family and inspired a new generation of leadership. He nurtured an environment where empathy, equality, courage, and service became guiding principles.

That legacy continues through his daughter, Dr. Aninda Sidhana, a distinguished Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychosexual Medicine Specialist, SDG Ambassador, IPS leader, and Global Goodwill Ambassador.

Transforming personal adversity into social impact, Dr. Aninda Sidhana has emerged as a leading voice in mental-health rights, gender justice, and survivor-centered systems reform. Through innovative initiatives such as WINGS, Flip the Script, M.A.N.H.O.O.D., and Aawaz, she is helping reshape India’s conversations around mental health, leadership, empathy, and social transformation.

Where Dr. Roop Chand Sidana spent four decades healing minds, Dr. Aninda Sidhana is rebuilding systems to create a more compassionate society. The Sidana Legacy is not merely the story of a doctor and his daughter. It is a story of service, vision, resilience, and nation-building.

It represents: A father who devoted 43 years to healing India. A daughter shaping the future of mental-health leadership. A family committed to dignity, compassion, and social responsibility. A legacy that seamlessly combines clinical excellence with profound humanity.

Recognizing this extraordinary contribution, IFTRC proudly nominates Dr. Roop Chand Sidana for the IFTRC Research Award, celebrating a lifetime dedicated to advancing psychiatric care and improving countless lives.

Accepting the honour, Dr. Roop Chand Sidana expressed his gratitude and said: “This recognition is deeply humbling. My journey has always been guided by the belief that every individual deserves understanding, dignity, and access to compassionate mental healthcare. I dedicate this honour to my patients, colleagues, family, and all those who continue working tirelessly to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness. The work must continue until mental health becomes a fundamental right for every citizen.”

Concluding the announcement, Dr. Sandeep Marwah remarked: “From the roots of spirituality to the frontiers of healing, Dr. Roop Chand Sidana has healed minds while inspiring generations. Today, through the remarkable work of Dr. Aninda Sidhana, that legacy continues to rebuild systems and transform society. Together, they represent India’s quiet revolution of empathy, service, and human excellence.”

“

Aruna Babbar Speaks on Mental Health Awareness on Radio Noida 107.4 FM

Aruna Babbar Speaks on Mental Health Awareness on Radio Noida 107.4 FM

Noida, India: Renowned social activist and advocate for community welfare, Aruna Babbar, participated in a special program on Radio Noida 107.4 FM, where she addressed the growing importance of mental health awareness and emotional well-being in today’s fast-paced world.

Speaking during the broadcast, Aruna Babbar emphasized that mental health is as important as physical health and deserves equal attention from individuals, families, educational institutions, and society at large. She highlighted the need to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues and encouraged people to seek professional help whenever required.

“Mental health challenges affect people across all age groups. Open conversations, emotional support, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in improving the quality of life of those struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological concerns,” said Aruna Babbar during the program.

The discussion covered various aspects of mental wellness, including stress management, emotional resilience, family support systems, and the role of community engagement in creating a healthier and more compassionate society.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Founder of Radio Noida 107.4 FM, appreciated Aruna Babbar’s efforts in spreading awareness on such an important social issue. He stated, “Mental health awareness has become a necessity in modern society. Radio Noida remains committed to using community broadcasting as a powerful medium to educate, inform, and inspire positive social change. We are delighted to host experts and social leaders like Aruna Babbar who contribute significantly to public awareness and well-being.”

The program received an encouraging response from listeners, who appreciated the insightful discussion and practical guidance offered during the broadcast. Radio Noida continues to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue on social, educational, cultural, and health-related issues affecting the community.

Radio Noida 107.4 FM, India’s leading community radio station, has consistently worked towards empowering society through informative programming, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.