*CAMPUS TO CAMERA – BPFTIO;GRADUATION CEREMONY 2026
DEBARANJAN SAMAL.Odishabarta
*campus to camera: BPFTIO new talent into industry*Graduation Ceremony 2026 highlights roadmap to national, global stature
Cuttack,(23/01/2026):The Biju Patnaik Film & Television Institute of Odisha (BPFTIO) held its Graduation Ceremony 2026 at the Nirad Mohapatra Auditorium on its Cuttack campus, marking the completion of academic training for students across film and media disciplines.
Welcoming the gathering, BPFTIO chairman Prof Himansu Sekhar Khatua outlined a roadmap to develop the institute into a global hub for film and media education under BPUT, while positioning Odisha on the national and international creative map. He said BPFTIO is steadily moving towards being ranked among the top five film and media institutes in the country.
Industries, skill development and technical education minister Sampad Chandra Swain, who attended the event as chief guest, stressed the need to introduce AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming and comics) in the academic curriculum, citing its growing relevance in the digital economy. He said the state government would take steps to upgrade BPFTIO into a centre of excellence (CoE) for film and creative education.
Additional secretary Sukanta Kumar Pradhan said the state government would extend all possible support for the institute’s academic and infrastructural growth, while Cuttack–Choudwar MLA Souvic Biswal highlighted BPFTIO’s role in nurturing local talent and strengthening Odisha’s creative economy.
BPUT vice-chancellor Prof Amiya Kumar Rath said BPFTIO plays a vital role in professional film and television education and announced that 20 credits from BPFTIO courses would be introduced as a minor component for students of other BPUT-affiliated institutions.
A senior BPFTIO faculty Sudarshan prasad nayak said the institute’s focus on practical training and industry exposure has helped students transition smoothly into professional roles. “Students graduating this year have worked on live projects, independent films and digital content, making them industry-ready,” the faculty member said.
Pass-out students said the institute had prepared them to face industry challenges. A cinematography graduate said the course helped build technical discipline and storytelling skills, while a direction student said the emphasis on collaboration and hands-on learning boosted confidence to work on independent and OTT projects.
Degrees and certificates were awarded to students from various disciplines.
On the occasion, Rajendra Kumar Ray and Surendra Kumar Sahu, who were instrumental in the establishment of BPFTIO, along with former principal Dillip Kumar Panda, were felicitated. Debi Prasad Lenka, an alumnus of BPFTIO and director of the award-winning film Daman, was also honoured.
BPFTIO director S R Ray, in his vote of thanks, said the ceremony marked his first official event after assuming charge and received positive feedback from students, parents, alumni, faculty members and industry representatives.
