Oral History Interview : Chandan Singh

Content Description

This interview traces Chandan Singh's journey in AV media industry, beginning with his entry into CENDIT in 1989. Beginning as a maintenance technician, he undertook field assignments like covering the Mandal protests and the Narmada Bachao Andolan. He worked with multiple tape video formats, handling camera, sound, editing, and other technical aspects. He describes challenges in field conditions, the workflow at CENDIT, and the evolution of equipment over time. He contrasts on-the-job learning with formal training, talks about how they differ and briefly discusses documentation practices. He worked in CENDIT till 1998, before moving onto a number of other agencies in Delhi and Hyderabad, taking on roles in editing and supervision.

Condition Description

This oral history interview is recorded in WAV format with a total duration of 1 hour 39 minutes and 28 seconds. While most portions are audible, the recording includes occasional instances of overlapping speech, particularly during conversational exchanges or group interactions. The primary speaker remains largely understandable and the recording retains overall research value. The interview is made into a summary for reference.

Accession Date

2025-03-12

Disposition

The recording has been retained fully as part of the oral history collection due to its significant documentation of community narratives and underrepresented voices. No materials have been removed or reassigned from this accession. Consent forms have been signed by the interviewees and handed over to AMP.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Provenance

These interview was conducted and compiled by Surajit Sarkar in 2025. It was created by the PAST grantee AMP in order to document oral histories of AV technical staff from the Delhi region.

Retention Rule

This preserves the less heard voices of people involved in the Audio Visual world from 1970s to 2000. Digital files are being stored in an external Hard Disk (HDD) at AMP and on the google cloud. The digital files will be permanently housed at Archives at NCBS, with access governed by project policy. Copies will also be shared with the donor.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.

Use Restrictions

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives at NCBS. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). See access guidelines for more information (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.