I try to bridge the gap between academics and industry by making the sessions completely interactive, says Dr Chowdhury

Staying ahead of the market trends is really important for both the students and the institutes to match pace with the industry requirements. The same fundamental is explained by Dr. Sudipta Roy Chowdhury who is associated with Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment in a detailed conversation with Shiksha.com. She explains initiatives that the institute has taken to help students stay abreast with the industry requirements.

Dr Chowdhury is a PhD degree holder in English with over 15 years of industry experience. She started her career as a journalist in a national news agency and later shifted into PR, Corporate Communication, Advertising, Senior Producer of a known infotainment channel and Creative head of a Kolkata-Bangladesh joint venture for a television show aired in Bangladesh.

She is Passionate about Innovative ways of Teaching Learning. She is trained in Indian Classical Music and had performed in various cultural programmes. She wrote scripts for various radio shows for AIR, Kolkata.  She is a Recognised PhD guide of JJT University, Rajasthan, India.

Read the complete interview below:

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: Custom branding, Interactive elements, Assessment Tools, Self-learning, Mind mapping and completing Assignments in class are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by  RSACE that differentiates this Institute from other institutes.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

A: Apart from the theoretical part, as prescribed by the syllabus, I try to bridge the gap between academics and industry by making the sessions completely interactive where we can discuss the context taking valid reference points. Also apart from watching a relevant video or listening to relevant audio, the students are made to develop scene narrations, draft scenes adapting from stories in reality. Surprise tests are also conducted to check the reception level of the student during the entire course. A lot of links are shared to help the student understand the subject thoroughly.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: The most important skill required is enthusiasm and passion, an interest to read a lot of books of the different genres along with strong observation power and an analytical approach towards situations.

In the present times of digital learning, the students should also be technically strong which will help them adapt to the recent trends.

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A: By coordinating with the industry insiders and also with other institutes who are taking similar subjects. The comparative study and analysis helps to take the sessions and the approach is also up to date in so doing.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A: Yes. For eg  RSACE have come up with special live interactive sessions on FB and Instagram to introduce the students to Indian and world cinema. These sessions are taken by noted media personalities as well as Faculties of media. Hence the gap between academics and industry is beautifully mended helping in the smooth learning of the students of cinema.