Noida, August 15, 2026: The Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) celebrated the 80th Independence Day of India with great patriotic fervour at its campus in Noida Film City. The grand celebration brought together eminent international diplomats, academicians, social workers, media professionals, artists, faculty members and students, highlighting the values of freedom, peace, inclusion and national unity.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT, Founder of Noida Film City and President of Marwah Studios, said, “Independence Day is a celebration of the freedom earned through the sacrifices of our great freedom fighters and a reminder of our responsibility towards the nation. India today is a powerful force of culture, creativity and knowledge, and our youth have a vital role in taking the country forward. Through education, cinema, media, art and culture, we can build bridges of friendship across the world and strengthen the message of love, peace and unity.”
Dr. Himani Choudhary, Director Academics, AAFT, spoke about the importance of educating and empowering young people to become responsible citizens and global ambassadors of Indian culture and values. She emphasised the role of education in creating an inclusive and progressive society.
Dr. Sergei Dvoryanov, Global President, International Diplomatic Club – Amicability, Russia, conveyed his greetings on the occasion and highlighted the importance of India-Russia friendship and people-to-people relations. He appreciated Dr. Marwah’s contribution towards international peace, cultural diplomacy and global friendship.
A special moment of the celebration came when Mr. Yuri Evgenievich Safronov, Secretary General, Peacemaker World Alliance, presented the prestigious Order of the Peace Award to Dr. Sandeep Marwah in recognition of his contribution towards promoting peace, friendship and international understanding through art, culture and education.
The programme was also attended by Mr. Vishwanath Kokkonda, CEO, Lurnify LEX, UK; Mr. Satish Kapoor of Brotherhood; and Brigadier Akshat Arora, Seva Medal, among other distinguished guests.
A landmark initiative was launched during the celebration with the National Anthem in Sign Language, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and special children. The presentation conveyed a powerful message that patriotism and national identity belong equally to every citizen and that inclusion must remain an integral part of India’s journey.
The audience was also shown films focusing on disability and inclusion, highlighting the importance of sensitivity, dignity, equal opportunity and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The formal programme was followed by an energetic musical and dance presentation by the faculty and students of AAFT, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and the creative talent of the institution.
As a gesture of international friendship and recognition of the distinguished guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented Life Memberships of the International Film and Television Club (IFTC), International Film and Television Research Centre (IFTRC), International Journalism Centre (IJC) and World Peace Development and Research Foundation (WPDRF) to the dignitaries.
The 80th Independence Day celebration at AAFT thus became a unique confluence of patriotism, diplomacy, peace, inclusion, education, cinema, music and culture, reaffirming AAFT’s commitment to its mission of promoting Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.