BITS Pilani has announced the inauguration of its innovative HSS Media Lab at their Goa campus led by the Humanities and Social Sciences Department. The lab, located at CC 122/1&2, was unveiled by Honorable Vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, and the Director of Goa Campus, Prof. Suman Kundu.
The HSS Media Lab, conceptualised and crafted as a futuristic hub for creative exploration, is equipped with advanced audio, video, and animation resources. Originally established 15 years ago as a Language Lab, it has evolved into a dynamic cultural and educational center, fostering innovation and active teaching within the department.
Designed with a spaceship theme, the Media Lab boasts a dedicated shoot floor, control room, and soundproof vocal booth with dual-layered insulation. The shoot floor serves multiple purposes, transforming it into a lecture room, screening room, podcast studio, and more. The control room is a versatile recording station, while the vocal booth provides an ideal workstation for voice recording and audio production. The Lab was designed by Dimensions Acoustics (DA), Kochi. Dineesh S., the proprietor of DA, and Jithu George, Sound Engineer and Academic Head, Audio Engineering, Music Technology, Muzik Lounge School of Audio Technology, Chennai, were instrumental in constructing the lab.
The primary function of the HSS Media Lab is to elevate the quality of education through the production of high-quality audio and video content for various courses offered by the institute. This facility will cater to approximately 250 students per semester, facilitating projects in Short Film Production, Cinematic Art, Literature and Cinema Comparison, Ecocriticism, and Cultural Studies
Moreover, the Media Lab will serve as a vital archive, preserving audio-visual materials generated by students and faculty over the years. This extensive collection represents a digital history of the Institute, organized for easy retrieval and reference. Looking ahead, the Department envisions the HSS Media Lab evolving into a cultural hub, collaborating with local artists, scientists, and educational institutions to document and highlight Indian cultures and arts, with a special focus on Goa.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Vice-chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “I’m thrilled to inaugurate the HSS Media Lab at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus. This modern facility embodies our dedication to fostering innovation and creativity in education. It will empower students to explore new frontiers in media production and enhance their learning experience.”
Prof. Suman Kundu, Director of BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, was brimming with joy while appreciating everyone involved in bringing this innovative facility to fruition and emphasized the lab’s transformative impact on teaching, research, and creative expression on campus led by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences . “This is yet another jewel on our decorated crown” he radiated.
