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| “Every Obstacle Became a Stepping Stone” – Dr. Sandeep Marwah Delivers Emotional Address on 33 Years of AAFT |
Noida, 22 July 2026: An atmosphere of pride, gratitude, and celebration filled Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, as the 33rd Founders Day of the Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The occasion also coincided with the 10th Anniversary of the Indo Nepal Film and Cultural Forum, making it a memorable milestone in the journey of creativity, education, and international cultural relations.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of diplomats, artists, filmmakers, academicians, media professionals, alumni, students, and friends of AAFT, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of AAFT and President of Marwah Studios, delivered an emotional speech reflecting on the remarkable journey of the institution from a dream to a globally respected centre of excellence.
Recalling the early days, Dr. Marwah said, “In 1993, when we started AAFT, very few people believed that India could have a world-class institution dedicated exclusively to creative arts and media education. The journey was never easy. We faced countless difficulties, financial constraints, scepticism, obstacles, and challenges. There were moments when every step seemed impossible, but our determination was stronger than every hurdle.”
He continued, “Today, as we celebrate 33 glorious years of AAFT, I feel humbled to see that the same institution has grown into one of the finest creative institutions in the world. This achievement belongs not to one individual but to every student, faculty member, staff member, industry partner, well-wisher, and friend who stood with us throughout this incredible journey.”
Speaking with deep emotion, Dr. Marwah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the institution’s success. “No institution is built by one person alone. Every brick of AAFT carries the blessings, hard work, faith, and dedication of thousands of people. I sincerely thank each and every individual who believed in our vision and helped transform this dream into a global reality. Your support has been the greatest strength behind our success.”
Highlighting AAFT’s extraordinary achievements, Dr. Marwah proudly shared that the institution has earned 12 World Records, a reflection of its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality education in media, arts, cinema, journalism, fashion, animation, hospitality, performing arts, and other creative disciplines.
He further emphasised that AAFT has always believed in education beyond classrooms, nurturing creativity while promoting values of peace, unity, and cultural understanding.
The celebration also marked 10 successful years of the Indo Nepal Film and Cultural Forum, an initiative established under the leadership of Dr. Marwah to strengthen the long-standing friendship between India and Nepal through films, media, art, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The gathering applauded the Forum’s significant contribution to cultural diplomacy over the past decade.
The event was filled with tributes, honours, cultural performances, and messages of appreciation from eminent dignitaries from India and abroad, all acknowledging Dr. Sandeep Marwah’s visionary leadership and his unparalleled contribution to creative education and international cultural relations.
The celebrations concluded with a standing ovation, as guests joined together in applauding the extraordinary legacy of 33 years of AAFT—a journey that transformed a bold vision into a globally recognised institution—and reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward its mission of “Love, Peace, and Unity Through Art and Culture.”
