Whistling Woods turns 19!!! 😊

On By ChaitanyaIn Uncategorized
A panoramic view of Whistling Woods International, an educational institute surrounded by greenery, highlighting its architecture and the hillside in the background.

The Courage to Explore | The Skill to Create | Do What You Love

These were the words with which Whistling Woods International took its first baby steps into the world, 19 years ago today as we opened our doors to the world & welcomed our first batch of 79 Film & Animation students.

A person depicted walking confidently on an empty road, with the text 'The Courage to Explore | The Skill to Create' prominently displayed, promoting Whistling Woods International.

Today as we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the founding of Whistling Woods International – India’s premier Film, Communication & Creative Arts institute – with over 4200 alumni and over 1100 students on campus, there is marvel at how long we have walked, what we have achieved and what role we have played in continuously creating the next generation of India’s Film, Media, Create & Communication Arts professionals.

Entrance of Whistling Woods International decorated with flowers, featuring a sign that reads 'Whistling Woods International Institute for Film, Television, Animation & Media Arts'. People are gathered at the entrance.
Dignitaries lighting a ceremonial lamp at an event, showcasing a celebration of arts and education.
Three speakers on stage during a ceremony, with a large building in the background, under an atmospheric orange sky.
Two men speaking at an event, with one holding a microphone and the other listening attentively, showcasing a moment of interaction and leadership.
A group of three individuals speaking at an event, with one man in formal attire holding a microphone, a second man in a yellow shirt and vest, and a third man in a gray jacket. A lit lamp is placed on a stand in front of them, set against an architectural backdrop.
Three individuals standing on stage at an event, with one person holding a microphone and the other two standing beside a traditional lamp. The backdrop features a modern building design. Flowers are arranged in front of the lamp.

The first batch!!!

Group photo of the first batch of Film & Animation students at Whistling Woods International, celebrating the institute's founding.

The journey has been exceptionally fulfilling, albeit challenging. Anything which is pathbreaking, is. There have been times when we were poised for a massive leap forward only to be held back by circumstances not of our creation. And then there have been times where we have risen from the depths of despair enitirely through the courage of our conviction!!!

While institutions like these do not get built by an individual, there needs to be a single minded visionary at the beginning. Someone who can envision what is possible and then inspire those around him to join him to execute it. Subhash Ghai  is that visionary, and I am so happy & extremely proud that I am one of the people who he was able to inspire to be a part of Whistling Woods’ existence.

There is no way an institution of this caliber gets built without someone who gives it a soul & imbibes in it a culture of quality which enables those who work at that institution to aspire to standards they themselves did not think possible. That person for Whistling Woods is Meghna Ghai Puri. Officially she’s the President, unofficially much much more, as of all of us know. WWI would be but a pale mediocre shadow of itself without Meghna’s leadership.

Each institution also needs a genius. Needs someone exceptionally smart and versatile in multiple areas – from finance to academics to producing to everything else and in Rahul Puri WWI found that person. Someone who has been the steel frame that every institution needs and is nothing without.

There are so many more people who have put in their blood, sweat & tears into Whistling Woods’ success over the years. Ravi Gupta, Parvez Farooqui, Raju Farooqui are a few that sit at the top of that list.

A celebratory event at Whistling Woods International with a stage featuring colorful lighting and decorative displays, attended by students and guests in a spacious auditorium.
A group photo of four individuals posing together for a picture, all wearing lanyards, in a professional setting.

Personally for me, I always feel that this was what I was meant to do. I feel that Education, Film, TV, Animation, Gaming, Music, etc etc are hardwired into my DNA and I was destined to be a part of this world. I remember the past 19 years in great detail. Every failure & every learning from that failure. Every success and the euphoria that it brought. I remember everything. And I am thrilled to have gotten this opportunity to impact the lives of so many people, so positively over the past 19 years.

And it all started with one phrase

#DoWhatYouLove ❤️ 😊

A panoramic view of Whistling Woods International's campus surrounded by lush greenery and hills under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

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