Kolkata, one of India's most culturally vibrant cities, has become the backdrop for a landmark international media training programme, bringing together media professionals and representatives from 11 countries across the globe. The special programme, currently underway from October 26 to November 13, reflects India's growing commitment to fostering international cooperation in the field of media, journalism, and communication. Among the participating nations is Sri Lanka, alongside ten other countries whose delegates have gathered in the City of Joy to sharpen their media skills and exchange valuable cross-cultural insights.
About the ITEC Programme
The training initiative has been organized under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, a flagship initiative of India's Ministry of External Affairs. Established in 1964, the ITEC programme has long served as one of India's most powerful tools for building bridges with developing nations through capacity building, technical training, and knowledge sharing. Over the decades, it has trained thousands of professionals from partner countries across a wide range of disciplines, from agriculture and information technology to governance and now media. This latest media-focused training programme underscores India's recognition of the media sector as a critical pillar of democratic societies and national development.
Satyajit Ray Film Institute as Host
The course is being hosted by the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata, an institution that carries deep historical and artistic significance. Named after the legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, whose works earned global acclaim and an honorary Academy Award, the institute has been a nurturing ground for filmmakers, media professionals, and storytellers since its establishment. Hosting an international media training programme of this scale further cements SRFTI's reputation as a center of excellence not just within India, but across the broader Asian and global media landscape. The institute's world-class infrastructure, experienced faculty, and rich creative environment make it an ideal venue for such a high-profile international engagement.
What the Programme Covers
The media training programme has been carefully designed to offer a comprehensive curriculum that addresses the evolving demands of the modern media industry. Participants are expected to engage with a wide range of topics, including television production, digital journalism, documentary filmmaking, media ethics, content creation, and the use of emerging technologies in broadcasting. Given the rapid transformation of the global media landscape driven by digitalization and social media, the curriculum also incorporates modules on new media trends and how traditional journalists and media houses can adapt to these changes effectively.
Delegates from the 11 participating countries bring with them diverse media backgrounds and professional experiences, creating a rich environment for peer-to-peer learning. This diversity is one of the programme's greatest strengths, as participants not only learn from expert Indian trainers and faculty but also from each other's unique national media contexts, challenges, and innovations. Such cross-cultural dialogue often produces some of the most meaningful learning outcomes in international training programmes.
India's Soft Power Through Media Diplomacy
This training programme is more than just a professional development exercise — it represents a strategic element of India's broader soft power diplomacy. By inviting media professionals from across the world to train in India, the country is building lasting relationships with foreign media communities. These connections can shape how India is perceived and reported on in international media circles for years to come. Participants who return to their home countries with positive experiences and professional networks rooted in India are likely to become informal ambassadors of Indian culture, values, and perspectives.
India has been increasingly leveraging its cultural and intellectual capital to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships. Programmes like this one, conducted under the ITEC umbrella, demonstrate that India views knowledge-sharing not merely as charity but as a mutually beneficial exchange that strengthens diplomatic ties and promotes global understanding.
Significance for Participating Nations
For countries like Sri Lanka and the other participating nations, this programme offers their media delegates an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure to advanced media practices and global standards. Many developing nations face significant challenges in their media sectors, including limited access to technical training, outdated equipment, and restricted exposure to international best practices. A programme like this helps bridge those gaps in a meaningful way.
Sri Lanka, in particular, has been working to rebuild and strengthen its media institutions in recent years amid broader national challenges. Having its media representatives participate in a globally recognized training programme in India signals a positive step toward professional development and regional media cooperation.
Looking Ahead
As the programme continues through November 13, participants will have ample time to absorb the training, build professional relationships, and explore Kolkata's rich cultural heritage. The city itself, with its deep literary, artistic, and cinematic traditions, offers a uniquely inspiring environment for media professionals. When the delegates return home, they will carry with them not only new skills and knowledge but also a deeper appreciation of India's cultural legacy and its role as a global partner in development and education.