Hyderabad, March 10, 2025: Arena Animation, one of India’s leading animation institutes and a training brand of Aptech Limited, successfully hosted the highly anticipated National Student Meet 2025. This three-day event, held from March 4th to March 6th near Lonavala, provided an enriching learning and networking experience for students aspiring to build careers in the dynamic Media & Entertainment industry.
With a strong focus on Animation, VFX, Gaming, and Digital Media, National Students Meet 2025 aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. The event was designed to equip students with practical skills and exposure, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges. The program featured interactive industry sessions, hands-on workshops, and engaging discussions, bringing together students, faculty, and professionals from leading studios and organizations.
An Experience Beyond the Classroom
The event commenced on March 4th with an energetic inauguration ceremony, setting the stage for an inspiring and immersive experience. The day featured insightful sessions from distinguished industry professionals, including Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman, Animation, VFX, Comics and Gaming Forum, FICCI, Sanjeev Naik, a Senior VFX Supervisor, and Yogesh Chhag, VP of Business, among others. These sessions provided students with valuable insights into the latest trends, technological advancements, and career opportunities in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector.
March 5th was dedicated to hands-on learning through a series of workshops designed to enhance practical knowledge and technical proficiency. Students participated in diverse sessions covering topics such as Digital Portrait Sculpting, VFX Breakdown for the movie Thangalaan, Character Rigging and Animation Workflow in Unreal Engine 5.5, and CG Compositing and Integration on Live Plate. These workshops were led by accomplished professionals, including Krishna Babu from Zebu Animation, Art Director B. N. Vichar, and John Varghese and Hariharan from Hybrid 360.
A key highlight of the day was the Industry HR Conclave, which offered students an exclusive opportunity to interact with hiring experts from top studios. The panel featured HR representatives such as Niloy Kanti from Wacky Toons, Reshav Pandey and Karan Shimpi from Fluid Studio, Dipali Sawant from NY VFXWALA, and Kunjal Dedhia and Ruchi Sharma Nair from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). These experts shared insights into hiring trends, essential skills, and career pathways in the Media & Entertainment sector.
Reflecting on the impact of NSM, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation, said, “National Students Meet 2025 was more than just a student conclave; it was a transformative experience that equipped students with the industry exposure and practical skills necessary to excel in their careers. By bringing together industry veterans, thought leaders, and young creative minds under one roof, we aimed to foster innovation, skill development, and meaningful connections that will shape the future of the AVGC sector. Through National Students Meet 2025, Arena Animation reaffirms its commitment to empowering students with industry-relevant education and experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the ever-evolving Media & Entertainment sector.”
Speaking about the importance of such industry interactions, Ms. Dipali Sawant, Head, Human Resources at NY VFXWALA, remarked, “Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not always evenly distributed. The AVGC-XR VFX industry is evolving at a rapid pace, creating a demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to cutting-edge technologies and storytelling techniques. Events like National Students Meet serve as a crucial platform for aspiring artists to connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on exposure, and understand what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive field. It’s not just about learning software or technical skills; it’s about developing an artistic vision, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset. By fostering these connections, we empower students to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, ensuring they step into the professional world with confidence and clarity.”
Adding to the excitement, a Live Creative Digital Art Competition, hosted by HUION, provided students with a platform to showcase their artistic talent. This competition encouraged creativity and innovation, pushing participants to apply their skills in a competitive setting. HUION is world’s leading pen tablet display brand that builds drawing tablets and pen displays, largely used by creative professionals worldwide.