Noida Film City, India: In a magnificent celebration of media excellence, creativity, and global collaboration, the 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026 was inaugurated with unprecedented grandeur at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida. The historic opening coincided with International Journalism Day, observed every year on 12th February, and witnessed an overwhelming gathering of thousands of media professionals, students, diplomats, and thought leaders from across the world.
The festival was formally inaugurated by a distinguished panel of eminent personalities including Sanjeev Paliwal, Senior Journalist, Sahitya Aaj Tak ; Rabindra Narayan Behera, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; veteran sports journalist Vimal Kumar; media strategic advisor Amitabh Srivastava; Ilie Surulescu from the Embassy of Romania; Ravi Kant Mittal, Editor-in-Chief, IBC24 News; and K. L. Ganju, Hon. Consul of the Union of Comoros.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah—President of the Festival, Chancellor of AAFT University, and President of ICMEI—set the tone of the event with a compelling address tracing the vision and evolution of the International Journalism Centre, the declaration of International Journalism Day on 12th February, and the remarkable global journey of the Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC.
Addressing the packed auditorium, Dr. Marwah proudly stated: The 14th Global Festival of Journalism has today become the biggest academic journalism event in the world. With more than 33 high-impact events over three days, participation from 92 countries, and over 100 eminent speakers from India and abroad, this festival stands as the most vibrant and inclusive celebration of journalism anywhere on the globe.” He further applauded the tireless dedication of faculty, staff, and students whose collective efforts transformed the campus into a thriving international media hub.
Hon’ble MP Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera commended the initiative, underlining the crucial role of responsible and ethical journalism in strengthening democracy and national development. Sanjeev Paliwal spoke on the evolving narratives of journalism and the enduring importance of credibility. Vimal Kumar highlighted the rising stature of sports journalism and its influence on national identity. Cdr. K. L. Ganju praised the festival for fostering cultural diplomacy and global engagement, while Amitabh Srivastava emphasized the growing significance of strategic media communication in the digital era.
The opening ceremony culminated with Dr. Sandeep Marwah conferring the prestigious Global Excellence Awards upon distinguished journalists for their outstanding contributions to the profession.
The grand inauguration was followed by a rich showcase of creativity and innovation, including a Photography Exhibition, Painting Exhibition, Furniture Exhibition, and the vibrant AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) Wing, offering a glimpse into the future of storytelling and immersive media.
With record-breaking participation, unmatched international representation, and a powerful academic framework, the 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026 has once again reaffirmed Noida’s position as the world’s leading destination for academic journalism celebrations.
International Journalism Day Marked By Grand Launch Of 14th Global Festival In Noida
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