The Higher Education Review

In this world of instant communication, the media stays at the very core of our day-to-day life. Being one of the largest industries of the world, this dynamic sector possesses a glamorous outlook and bestows incredible job opportunities. While traditional favourites like engineering or medical will remain a hit amid the Indian youngsters, other courses like Sound Engineering, Film Editing, Colouring & Grading, Cinematography, Film Direction News reading & Anchoring, Communication & Journalism, too, are picking pace. Today, with the phenomenal and unprecedented explosion of communication technology and media across the world, the study of mass communication has become important and enviable. Fr. Daison Vettiyadan VC was quick enough to spot the increasing employment opportunities in dynamic media sector and set forth to start an exclusive media school called Goodness Institute of Film and Television (GiFT Cochin). Narrating the foundation story, Fr. Daison Vettiyadan VC, Founder Director of Goodness Institute of Film and Television says, “Goodness Institute stems from the legacy of the Vincentian Congregation which has redefined technical education in Kerala. The congregation runs Divine TV and Goodness TV which has a large viewer base across the world. The lack of technically qualified personnel combined with the vast opportunities for such individuals in the media sector has prompted the congregation to start a centre for excellence in media education. The institute houses the latest infrastructure combined with industry experienced faculty to mould career ready professionals in different sectors in media and films.”

GiFT Cochin is a centre of excellence, producing talented media professionals with technical competency, social commitment and moral values. Being an approved centre of C-DIT under Govt. of Kerala & BSS promoted by Gov’t of India, the institute is distinguished by its wide array of specially designed diploma and certificate courses and good placement opportunities. “Our courses are designed to acquire integrated knowledge about film making with the aspirant's

specialisation. For example, the students come with any of the specialization like editing or camera, we teach them pre-production, production and post production areas in details. The diploma programs are designed with all the aspects of film making with aspirant's interests. During this period, 100’s of film screening, around 50 workshops and seminars, live projects and assignments are arranged by the institute. Our pedagogy is based on practical sessions with focus on handson experience. Our graduates work on live projects and after the completion of the course they become industry ready and employable. GiFT is also associated with Goodness Television and Divine Television for training and placements of our students,” affirms Fr. Daison. Major courses taught at the institution are - Diploma Courses in Sound Design and Audio Engineering, Film & Video Editing, Cinematography, Direction (Film & Television specialization), Graphics and Web Design and Certificate Courses in Graphics, Photography, Videography, Script writing, Voice Designing (Dubbing), Direction, News reading & Anchoring and Live Sound Engineering and many more.

"The faculty at GiFT cochin, which comprises of industry veterans and experts, are credited for preparing students to reach such successful levels in their profession".

This proficient media school’s uniqueness lies in its continuous endeavour to motivate students’ creativity, while assuring the maximum functional benefits of the courses that they choose for. The GiFT campus can be better defined as a vibrant community, where the creativity of the students is unleashed to the fullest. Everyone is free to express their creative side and outstanding works are always applauded and nurtured by the management. Fr. Daison elucidates, “Our students are exposed to the latest in the media sector. They can use our state of the art equipment to run live projects and see for themselves the result of their work in the fullfledged preview theatre in house with Dolby surround sound and HD projection.” Going one step ahead, this value driven institution also provides financial support for those who can’t afford the study expenses. “With the mission to use this platform accessible for all, GiFT cochin gives Goodness Media Scholarship. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed towards the upliftment of the society and merit cum means scholarships are provided,” Father added.

At GiFT, the students are provided all necessary support and expert guidance to work in live media projects. They have already completed the projects of Jatayu

Earth Centre- Kollam,Kochin Biennale, Mangalavanam-cochin, Pooyamkutty Wild life Sanctuary, weekly film reviews and theatre response and so on. Their projects will be aired on these channels as well. Apart from this, students are given the opportunity to work with the leading television channels and studios. Thus, every student is given the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a place in the media industry. After the successful completion of the course, almost all of the students are placed in reputed media outlets. Institute’s alumni are currently working in major TV channels and in prominent movie production houses, studios, web based channels and YouTube channels.

The faculty at GiFT cochin, which comprises of industry veterans and experts, are credited for preparing students to reach such successful levels in their profession. All the teachers are dedicated and committed towards student’s growth and remain as the strong pillar of student support. Along with an amicable study environment, the teachers also let students feel free to interact with them without reluctance. Each faculty member is provided special training to discover the creativity in students and nurture or mould it to industry standards.

Goodness Institute of Film and Television is a manifestation of sheer determination and entrenched principles. The institute adds value to the society through responsible guidance, industry-specific training and social commitment. In order to support their mission of creating industry-ready professionals, GiFT cochin is looking forward to introducing in-house online channel and radio station. Additionally, a feature film produced by the institute and technically created by GiFT cochin students will be released soon. With an exemplary value-driven education system, the institute strives to achieve more heights along with their students’ development.

Fr. Daison Vettiyadan VC, Founder
Fr. Daison Vettiyadan is a member of Vincentian Congregation and catholic priest, who has 18 year of experience in education and media field. His education qualifications include MCA, MCJ and MA Advertisement and Public Relations. Fr. Daison Vettiyadan dons many hats like Founder Principal of Divine Institute of Media Science affiliated to Calicut University, Muringoor, Kerala, Former Vice Principal of De Paul Institute of Science & Technology, affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Former Administrator of Divine and Goodness Television and Founder Director of Goodness Institute of Film and Television (GiFT Cochin), Kochi, Kerala.