DBICA launched its Art and Design College

CHENNAI: After 15 years in the teaching field of media studies, Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts has gone ahead and launched its Art and Design College. The inauguration was held on its campus on Landan’s Road on Wednesday. Apart from the stakeholders of the institution, many film personalities like Bhimsingh Lenin, editor, SS Stanley, director and producer, and actor-cumdirector Joe Mariah graced the occasion.Totally seven programmes for pre-degree, UG and PG levels have been introduced in photography, videography, animation and visual effects, new media and advertising. Sharan Natarajan, Principal, DBICA, said, “It’s not a regular arts and science college, but we would like to establish this institution as the Santiniketan of South.” More design oriented courses will be included in coming years, she added. The institution is affiliated to UPS Salesian University, Rome, Italy, and certificates will be provided by them. According to Sunny Natarajan, admin head, DBICA, while the intake of students to different diploma courses has been restricted to 10, UG courses will accommodate up to 30 students.Delivering the key note address, Joe Andrew, founder of DBICA, said, “We always wanted to make this as an institute ever since we started. We want to help the poorer youth to take up the opportunities in media and create a pool of alternative thinkers.” Editor Lenin recalled how he grew up watching the shooting of yesteryear movies in Citadel Studios at the campus. He also said that he learnt many things only from films. “Actor Chandrababu used to give us money to watch English movies at Eros Theatre, Adyar. When I said I can’t understand the language, he said that I’ll get used to the language after sometime. Infact, I learnt Hindi only by watching movies and now I have passed Pandit exam,” he said. SS Stanley advised students to understand the commercial aspect of the industry and work to meet the demands. Jayapalan Raphael, President — Don Bosco Institutions, TN and Harrris, Director — DBICA also spoke at the event.