Oral History Interview : Rajive Jain

Content Description

This interview of Rajive Jain, a founder of CENDIT, outlines the history of CENDIT, beginning with its formation in 1972 by a group of socially committed filmmakers and their focus on making media relevant for India's development. He describes the training of socially grounded individuals in AV technology, and an emphasis on hands-on technical learning, led to a non-hierarchical internal structure, despite their being a split between educated and technical staff. He discusses CENDIT’s training programmes, partnerships with NGOs, communication for awareness raising and involvement in social movements such as Bhopal and Narmada. The interview covers the shift from film to video technology, how grassroots work shaped technology use, and drove the use of portable equipment. It also covers how as a research and experimental institute CENDIT adopted computers in the 1970s in databases, editing and camera usage. The institute founders engineering roots led to first-in-India projects like a closed-circuit video system, and also the first indigenous colour TV sets which was later sold to commercial manufacturers. International collaborations, particularly with networks like VIDEAZIMUT, are also mentioned. The interview concludes with reflections on archival materials and the decision to voluntarily close CENDIT after fulfilling its purpose.

Condition Description

This oral history interview is recorded in WAV format and spans a total duration of 1 hour 23 minutes 28 seconds. The audio is clear, with consistent volume and minimal environmental interference. There is significant pauses in between the interview but the speaker’s voice is distinct and intelligible throughout, with no overlapping speech or background noise. The interview is made into summary for reference.

Accession Date

2025-03-27

Disposition

The recording has been retained fully as part of the oral history collection due to its siginificant 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.