“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

India’s creative and educational landscape witnessed a defining moment as the Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS) hosted the three-day Delhi Creators Summit in the capital, celebrating the immense potential of youth in media, content creation, and digital storytelling. The summit underscored the urgent need for skill-based education aligned with global standards and industry relevance.

Oscar and BAFTA-winning sound designer and Padma Shri awardee Resul Pookutty, who made the nation proud with his Academy Award for Slumdog Millionaire, addressed the summit with heartfelt conviction. “When passion becomes profession, excellence is inevitable,” he declared, urging India’s youth to look inward, identify their true calling, and pursue it relentlessly. Pookutty, who has since worked on landmark films like 2.0, collaborated internationally, and contributed to immersive sound technologies, continues to mentor sound professionals and participate in global forums shaping the future of cinema.

He shared how every child possesses a unique skill but often lacks the opportunity or exposure to recognize and nurture it. Societal or familial pressures often dictate career choices, while true growth happens when one is trained in what they love. He acknowledged the role of the Government of India in recognizing the importance of skill development since 2012 and emphasized the significance of platforms like IICS in shaping a generation of self-aware, creative professionals.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and MD of NSDC International, echoed this vision and spoke of Indian Institute of Creative Skills as a key pillar of the Skill India Mission. He emphasized that the institute is committed to identifying and enhancing the capabilities of every student, offering world-class infrastructure, expert mentorship, and certifications that carry industry weight not only in India but globally.

Dr. (Hon) Mohit Soni, CEO of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), elaborated on IICS’s capacity to serve as a global launchpad for India’s creative youth. He highlighted that students will receive industry-oriented training across several creative domains, ranging from performance, sound and music, media management, digital storytelling, communication, and experiential event creation. The institute is designed to ensure that creativity is met with commercial viability and global employability.

Filmmaker Ketaki Pandit added that every video creator today is essentially a filmmaker. The objective, she said, is to refine this raw talent into world-class content creators by providing them the right tools, training, and technical excellence. She stressed that creativity can be an economic engine, and Indian Institute of Creative Skills will ensure its students are empowered both artistically and financially.

Internationally acclaimed makeup artist Yasmin Rogers, who has worked across Bollywood and global cinema, addressed the increasing demand for skilled makeup professionals, especially for on-location shoots. As a mentor, she assured that students graduating from Indian Institute  of Creative Skills will be of high quality and ready to take on both Indian and international assignments, thanks to the institute’s stringent quality and placement standards.

Dr. Akhil Kumar, the driving force behind the Delhi Creators Summit, shared that the event was deliberately inclusive—featuring influencers with millions of followers alongside budding creators. The summit fostered an environment of mutual learning and growth, allowing content creators to evolve collectively. With over 80 creators in attendance and many more showing interest, he said the response was proof of how the content creation ecosystem is thriving. He also noted that government bodies are now recognizing and integrating social media creators into their mainstream campaigns and programs.

The Indian Institute of Creative Skills is not just a training center—it is a vision of modern India where creativity is nurtured, talent is certified, and dreams are transformed into careers with global credibility. As India steps confidently into the future of content, media, and digital storytelling, the institute stands as a beacon of excellence, ready to shape the creators of tomorrow.

Admissions are now open for limited seats in Delhi and Ahmedabad campus. For further details, check out https://www.iicsindia.org/

“When Passion Becomes Profession, Excellence Is Inevitable”: Resul Pookutty At Indian Institute Of Creative Skills’ Delhi Creators Summit