Whatever one does, one must not only do as best as one can, but strive to do it better in a constant effort

for perfection. In this way everything without exception becomes interesting, from the most material chores to the most artistic and intellectual work.The scope for progress is infinite and can be applied to the smallest thing. -The Mother

The true attitude is to take life as a field of perpetual study, where one must never stop learning and think that one knows everything there is to know. One can always know more and understand better. The Mother

The first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught. The teacher is not an instructor or taskmaster; he is a helper and guide. His business is to suggest and not to impose. Sri Aurobindo

vision
To be a centre of excellence in Media and Communication education, which encourages self-development and selfexpression, and which inspires students to utilize the media in promoting social progress and advancing positive change throughout the world.

mission
To provide an environment where future leaders in the field of Media Arts and Communication can realize their highest potential, be equipped with the best of material and spiritual knowledge, skills, values, and work for a world based on truth, harmony, creativity and beauty. To nurture and develop a network of professionals and institutions from around the world to create the Next Future.

about us
Started in 2003, the Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication (SACAC) is an autonomous non-profit institution for creative learning in arts and communication. We are a unit of Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry. Today, it is the alma mater of leading professionals in the fields of Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, Television Production, Film Production, and Creative Photography. At SACAC, we believe in carving out a unique journey in creativity for our students and are guided by the fundamental premises of Integral Education as envisaged by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. With this in mind, we have developed SACAC as a center of excellence for training in Arts and Communication for aspiring students and professionals who would like to use Media as a means for self-development and self-expression, and as an instrument for social progress and change.

SRI AUROBINDO SOCIETY Creating the Next Future where Peace and unity will be the foundation Diversity and dynamism, the way of action Harmony and happiness, the constant results To create a more beautiful tomorrow, A happier world, the Next Future this is the challenge and unique privilege of today. Sri Aurobindo Society seeks to bring a dynamic spirituality into material life and all its activities, so that the global problems can find a true solution, and the dreams of humanity through the ages can be realised. The Society is a non-profit organization, Working throughout the world for Individual perfection, social transformation And human unity in diversity.

creating the next future

SRI AUROBINDO SOCIETY

the vision
The integral growth and perfection of the individual; Social transformation through the dynamic application of Spirituality in all fields of human endeavour, individually and collectively; A united and awakened India; Realisation of human unity in a harmonious and organized diversity, where each nation will become conscious of its true genius and offer its best for humanity

We do not want to Exclude any of the worlds activities All will remain but all will be given a new life, a new formif we are spread out everywhere as individuals, something no doubt will be done; if we are spread out everywhere in the form of a sangha (a collective body), a hundred times more will be accomplished.
Sri Aurobindo

It is the Societys aim to bring together all those who want to dedicate themselves to this advent of a new world, with no distinction of nationality, religion, caste or gender.

message from the director

Its my pleasure to welcome you to the Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication. With its unique pedagogical approach, the Centre encourages creative learning in arts and communication with a focus on individual holistic growth. In keeping with our vision to be a centre of excellence in Media and Communication, this year will see the launch of additional programmes, and several other firsts for SACAC. First, for students enrolled in all our diploma programmes, we are introducing Insights, a course exploring the inner self. This is a unique course that seeps into the entire programme and colours it with an in-depth approach and perspective. It doesnt directly address the more immediate skills, but the essential core of the person from where ideas, creativity, drive, and vision emerge - which combined with skills lead to creative output. The School of Arts is all set to launch a 2-year full-time programme in Film & Video Production with specializations in Direction, Videography, Editing, and Sound Design. In addition to this, we continue to offer programmes in Creative Photography and Sound Recording & Design both of which have an increased number of academic and industrial partners - to provide students with better exposure and training. The School of Communications programme in Integrated Marketing Communications, Im happy to say, has been consistent in successfully training professionals for the communications industry, and has significantly increased its industrial partners for the coming year. The School has also tied up with the 9.9 School of Convergence to offer programmes in Journalism and Digital Media Communication. To further equip working professionals and enthusiasts, the Centre is introducing a short-term programme in Digital Marketing. It is also starting a Writing Centre which students and professionals can use to improve their writing skills through a one-on-one mentoring system. And finally, by the end of the year, we also hope to start a Research wing at the Centre to encourage the creation of knowledge in the fields of media arts and communication. We look forward to having you join us for this exciting year ahead. Warm Regards, Daljeet Wadhwa

Eight years ago, SACAC made a humble beginning as a small media school with 25 students. Today our alumni comprises of 400 media and communication professionals. Over the years, the institution has grown to be a place where it has invaluable partners in the form of teachers, mentors and advisors, and most importantly, students. We are proud of our rapid growth. 2003 Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication starts with two courses: Journalism and TV Production 2004 Advertising and Public Relation course launched 2007 Creative Photography course launched under the guidance of internationally-acclaimed photographer Raghu Rai 1st annual short film festival - Twilight 1st Annual Photography exhibition 2009 We rename ourselves to Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC) to better encapsulate the gamut of our activities Internally, we restructure ourselves into the School of Arts and the School of Communication 2010 Sound Recording and Designing course introduced Short-term weekend programs start in Digital Photography, Creative Writing, Painting, and Sketching 2011 Launching a 2-year full-time programme in Film & Video production Launching courses in Digital Media Communication in partnership with 9.9 School of Convergence Launching short-term programmes in Digital Marketing and Copywriting Initiating a Writing Centre partnering with 9.9 School of Convergence

journey so far...

teaching philosophy

At SACAC, our teaching philosophy stems from the principles of Integral Education of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. In essence, it emphasizes that teaching is a two-way process involving equal participation of the students and teachers.

Our pedagogical principles are designed around this framework. We promote original thought and innovation. Our students are encouraged to explore and express their creative self. We believe that a teacher is a co-creator with the students recognizing that each student has a unique, different, and natural capacity for learning. Mentoring is the keystone of our teacher-student relationship. Our faculty members provide an enabling environment for experiential learning and progressive development. An Optimum Teacher-Student Ratio helps provide personal attention to each of our students and ensures fruitful interactions between faculty and students. Practicing professionals from the industry are the chief constituents of our faculty pool. Well-versed with the latest happenings in the dynamic world of media, they create an interesting and effective mix of theory and practicals in their classes to help students internalize key concepts. A Holistic approach towards the development of our students is at the core of all activities undertaken by us. To this end, our curriculum includes workshops on art appreciation, theatre, puppetry, music, literature, painting, as well as workshops on time and stress management, hath yoga, meditation, leadership, and team building. A Study Tour to Puducherry in our curriculum aims to broaden the horizon of students outlook towards life as a whole. This exposure gives students a unique opportunity to meet people of different ethnicity and culture from across the globe. We expect budding professionals who join us to be individuals of integrity, positive attitude, zeal and determination. The willingness to be a team player, and having respect for oneself and others in equal measure, is a must. An inclination towards developing strong interpersonal skill sets and having the qualities of reliability & responsibility at all times are the basic qualities required to benefit from our institution.

We are located in the heart of South Delhi on the sprawling green campus of the Delhi branch of the Sri Aurobindo Society. Our 2.5 acre campus houses Classrooms, a Library-cum-Resource Centre, an Auditorium, an Amphitheatre, Studios for audiography, videography, and photography, a Meditation Room, and a Canteen. We endeavour to provide our students with the best and latest of technology and tools for hands-on experience. The audio studio is equipped with the latest in audio editing software and hardware. Students train on Protools (ver 8.00), a 003 factory digital mixer from Digidesign, and near-field monitors from ADAM, Germany. Other equipment includes Headphones from Sennheiser, gold-sputtered large dual-diaphragm studio condenser Microphones, and a Compressor and Graphic Equalizer. Our photography studio is outfitted with DSLR Cameras and Lenses by Canon, Swiss-made high end lights from Elinchrom Flash Systems with extension rod stands fitted with black, silver and white umbrellas, Soft boxes, diffusers, and snouts. Additional equipment includes various colour backdrops and props. The editing studio trains students in postproduction techniques with high-end Mac machines. The video studio is well-equipped to shoot television projects. All our Classrooms are Wi-fi enabled with projectors and sound systems. The library is well stocked with titles on arts and communication, and has a dedicated computer lab facilitating access to digital libraries across the globe. The Hall of Life Divine is an auditorium with a seating capacity of 250 people. Our students use the amphitheatre to stage plays, debates and music programmes. Students can avail free yoga and meditation classes. The canteen is a popular hang-out between and after classes.

campus & infrastructure

governing body
Vijay
Chairman, SACAC & Member, Executive-Administration & Finance Sri Aurobindo Society (Puducherry)

Pradeep Narang

Chairman Sri Aurobindo Society (Puducherry)

Ranjit Puri

Chairperson Sri Aurobindo Society (Delhi Branch)

Tribhuwan Sugla

Hony. Secretary Sri Aurobindo Society (Delhi Branch)

Naresh Modi
President Lucas Mayo

Arpit Agarwal

Head, Operations Fremantle India Television Productions Pvt. Ltd.

Daljeet Wadhwa

Director Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication

schools
The Centre has two schools that categorise the entire gamut of Arts & Communication in its pedagogic approach. Each envisions in training and equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make a positive impact in an inclusive way whether as professionals in their chosen industry or the organizations they may work for - while contributing to the society in which we live. This we believe, will progress the human consciousness along with individual growth in terms of career as well as self satisfaction.

school of arts
The School of Arts provides the best training and knowledge to aspiring media professionals. The school has three departments specializing in * Film & Video Production * Sound recording & design * Creative Photography The syllabus for each programme combines theoretical framework, academic rigour and technical practice in the selected area of expression. It brings together top-notch practioners and academicians in order to provide students with a deeper understanding of the purpose of arts and artistic expressions in evolution of human consciousness. The historical and sociological perspectives are outlined with technical skills that are crucial in their professional career. In addition to theory, critical analysis of a masters work, handson training, and practical exercises help students become proficient in visual aesthetics and technicalities, along with team working capabilities.

advisory board of studies

Abhijit Dasgupta is the Secretary of Kolkata Sukriti Foundation, an eNGO that uses TV to reach the unreached with socially purposive programmes. He has been associated with news since the early 60s and with television for over three decades. He has been the Station Director of Doordarshan, the Bureau Chief of World Television News, Production Head of ESPN, and Executive Director of Broadcast Worldwide. His documentary films have received several national and international awards. Anurag Kashyap is one of the most talented scriptwriters in Hindi cinema today with popular and critically acclaimed films such as Satya,Yuva, Water etc. Mr. Kashyap made his foray into direction with Paanch and has Black Friday, No Smoking, Dev D and Gulaal to his credit. Aruna Vasudev founded Cinemaya - The Asian Film Quarterly in 1988, which endeavours to create awareness of good cinema. She founded Osians Cinefan, the reputed film festival held every year in New Delhi. She is also the founder and president of NETPAC, Network for Promotion for Asian Cinema. Ms. Vasudev is a recipient of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, Frances top cultural award.

Bappa Ray is an ethnographic filmmaker with five National Awards to his credit. He has contributed immensely towards documenting culture and lifestyles of various ethnic origins of India and filming them. Mr. Rays films have been selected in panorama at various international film festivals. Raghu Rai is an internationally acclaimed photographer. He emerged as one of the best photojournalists in India. Mr. Rai specializes in photographing people and capturing different faces of India. He has been honoured with the Padma Shri and his works are permanently displayed at the prestigious Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris.

Santosh Sivan is a critically acclaimed film director and cinematographer. He has done Cinematography for acclaimed films such as Kalapani, Halo, Iruvar, Dil Se, Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities and directed films such as Tahaan, Prarambha, Navarasa, Asoka, The Terrorist, Malli, Halo. His films have been critically acclaimed in many reputed international film festivals. He has also won five National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards, and ten international film awards.

school of communication
The School of Communication provides training and knowledge to aspiring media professionals. This school has three departments specializing in * Applied Journalism * Integrated Marketing Communication * Digital Media Communication The syllabus for each programme combines theoretical framework, academic rigour, and professional applications in areas of communication such as television, radio, digital media, public relations, advertising, marketing, and journalism. Each program brings together top-notch media practioners and academicians in order to provide students a deep understanding of communication in its various forms, together with the professional skills they need in their chosen professional career. Through hands-on instruction in the classroom, students become proficient in writing, visual literacy, oral communication and electronic & digital media skills. The programmes integrate a value-driven and ethical approach to communication theory, media practice, and integrated internships.

advisory board of studies

Ashoke Dutta is the Director of IIM-Shillong. He was on the Ph.D. programme in management at the Case Western Reserve University, USA for two years and has over 30 years experience in various Multi-National Corporations, Indian Business Houses and Public Sector Enterprises. Manoj Das is an award-winning author who writes in Oriya and English. He is internationally recognized and is the recipient of many prestigious awards like the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padmashri, and the Saraswati Samman, including the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship - the highest literary award by the government of India. Pramath Raj Sinha is currently the Managing Director and Founder of 9.9 Mediaworx Pvt Ltd. Until recently he was the Ex-Managing Director and CEO of ABP Pvt Ltd, one of Indias leading and most diversified media conglomerates. He was also the Founding Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB). Ram Sehgal is the former President of Rediffusion DY&R. He considered an icon of the advertising industry and was instrumental in moulding Contract into one of the finest advertising agencies in the country. He was awarded the A&M Advertising Man of the Year in 1994 for his contribution to the industry.

Sanjib Dey is the COO of Law & Kenneth. He was formerly the President of Saatchi & Saatchi. With over 18 years of experience in advertising and marketing, he has worked with agencies including Everest, Enterprise, Grey, Bates, and Lowe. His experience spans across categories including Personal Care, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Automobiles, and Consumer Durables. Subroto Chattopadhyay is the Chairman of The Peninsula Foundation. He has been the Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) and the Chairman of the Indian Music Industries. He has also worked with ITC and Pepsico, where he was Executive Director, and RPG Enterprises, where he was President and CEO, entertainment sector.

Tarun Tejpal is the Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka. A celebrated author and leading journalist, he has previously been in several senior editorial positions with leading publications like India Today and Outlook. He now heads Tehelka and its various media operations. V. Shanta Kumar was the Chairman and CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi. An adman par excellence, hes known as the turnaround man in the industry. He has previously worked with Rediffusion and Contract.

writing centre
The Writing Centre provides students and business professionals with one-on-one coaching and instruction in written English. Writing coaches provide students with creative ways of improving their written English, using written work that students are preparing for classes, or for other purposes. Coaches are faculty members or professional writers with superb communication skills, who have been trained in writing instruction. The goal of these sessions is not simply to edit a students work, but to enable students to begin editing and improving their writing over time. The Writing Centre is run in partnership with the 9.9 School of Convergence.

short-term programmes
In addition to diploma programmes, the Centre also offers certificate programmes. These 12-week programmes are for enthusiasts, professionals, and/or students looking to hone their skills in a particular area. Classes for these are typically held on weekends. Currently, the Centre offers short-term programmes in Creative Writing, Digital Still Photography, Painting and Sketching, and Digital Marketing.

activities
The Centre plays host to several events across the year. The events provide students, budding professionals, and artists with a platform to interact with eminent personalities from various fields. The events seek to create and disseminate knowledge in the areas of arts and communication.

twilight
The Twilight short-film festival is an annual platform for students across the country to showcase and share their creative work. A serious competition comprising of different genres, and a panel of Jurists drawn from renowned film critics, academicians, and filmmakers, Twilight is considered to be among the most competitive awards for budding filmmakers, with winners often bagging prizes at international film festivals as well. This competition for cinematic merit has awards for various categories including Best Film (Fiction), Best Camera Work & Best Sound, Best Film (Documentary) & Best Script, Best Screenplay, Special Mention, Best Editing, and Best Animation Film. Apart from the competition, Twilight also arranges for free screenings of films from around the world, and holds workshops and panel discussions lead by eminent film personalities. Panelists in the past have included the likes of K. Hariharan (Director, L.V Prasad Film Institute) and K. Bikram Singh (Filmmaker & eminent Film Jurist). The Twilight film festival is an initiative of the Twilight Film Club which regularly screens cinema from around the world at the Centre, and engages in discussion around the same.

vimarsh
Once a month, the Centre invites a renowned personality from media to lead a constructive and focused discussion on topics relevant to future media professionals. We call this forum Vimarsh - which stems from the Sanskrit word for deliberation. This forum has been created in recognition of the significant role which media and media professionals play in todays world by shaping and impacting the world view on contemporary issues in any part of the world. Vimarsh aims to inculcate an inherent sense of responsibility and integrity by sensitizing participants and students to socio-political aspects of current affairs, and how media professionals can deal with them with the aim of making a difference. In the recent past, Vimarsh has had discussions on the Cultural Context of Nurturing Girls in India (with Prof. Krishana Kumar, Director, NCERT), Sex Selection and Media (with noted development journalist Usha Rai), and Media and Social Change in India (with noted sociologist Prof. Anand Kumar, Jawaharlal Nehru University).

beyond the present

Presented as a series of symposiums across the year, Beyond the Present looks to review the role of the multifaceted institution of media in establishing a more progressive and evolved existence for humanity. Its a platform where eminent personalities share their views and experiences on a variety of issues which are of consequence to the society and where the fraternity of artists and media professionals can play a significant role. Key speakers at these events in the past have included the likes of Ram Sehgal (on Advertising), Pradeep Sarkar (on Cinema), Manoj Das (on Journalism), and Raghu Rai (on Photography).

transcend
Our annual media fest, Transcend, is a two-day media festival organized by our students to celebrate the different forms of communication. Participants from colleges across Delhi compete in events themed around Advertising and Fine arts including Debates, Street Theatre, Cartooning, and Quizzing.

workshops
The Centre organizes several workshops for students in the form of Master Classes and Lectures on various subjects ranging from Media Deconstruction to Music. These workshops allow our students to interact and learn directly from scholars and practitioners. In the past, weve had interactions with Anurag Kashyap (acclaimed script writer), Mani Kaul (film maker), Jhanu Barua (film maker), and Shantanu Bhattacharyya (renowned Hindustani classical music vocalist) among others.

annual photography exhibition

Each year, the Centre holds a photography exhibition to promote photography as a medium of communication. The exhibits are drawn from the work done by students of the Creative Photography programme in the School of Arts.

Sri Aurobindo Society Campus, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Adhchini, New Delhi 110017 Tel 011 26561986, 7 www.sac.ac.in