Mohun - Session 01

AR-020-15-1

(00:00:00 – 00: 00:35) Introductory section where the speaker briefly introduces himself and the nature of his work at SWRC. (00:00:36 – 00: 2:28) He began working in 1986, initially doing screen painting. When space for that work was no longer available on campus, he was absorbed into the Audio-Visual Department, where he gradually learned photography. With no formal training, he was given a small Kodak camera and learned by practice. His early assignments included photographing the SWRC campus, its environment, and later people during field visits, experimenting with different angles and compositions. (00:2:29 – 00:11:33) At that time, photography relied on negatives, so one had to wait to see the results. Another colleague managed the darkroom work while he helped select and print the best photos. Negative cameras were used till around 2000, after which card-based digital cameras replaced them. He then shifted to using VHS cameras for video recording, documenting meetings, bal melas, cultural events, and other community programs. Editing became part of his job along with two others, and he learned basic technical skills. Portable projectors were used to screen films in villages, and later, edited videos were shown through VCRs and televisions. (00: 11:34 – 00:14:33) When asked to compare DV and VHS cameras, he said VHS was easier to handle and edit. Although DV cameras were fine, computer-based editing software later became more complex. His favourite device was the Panasonic VCR because it was lightweight and rechargeable. He also found camcorders very convenient for quick recordings. (00: 14:36 – 00: 20:18) Films and video copies were stored on DVDs and later on hard drives. DVDs are now outdated, and hard drives are the main storage devices, though he is unsure what will come next. He personally worked on slide photography and screenings for children and community events. Initially, projectors ran on vehicle batteries, then petrol, and later kerosene generators, which were used until around 2008–2009 when kerosene became unavailable. A 1KW generator powered both projectors and accompanying devices. Nowadays, he said, people no longer gather for screenings as they once did, since movies and videos are easily available on mobile phones. (00:20:19 – 00:25:45) Regarding training with new equipment, he explained that their colleague Bhopal ji often visited Delhi for workshops and returned to teach and train the rest of the team. They also practiced hands-on learning by opening up faulty devices and figuring out the issues themselves. Problems like dust deposits on cassette heads were common, so cleaning was part of regular maintenance. VHS tapes are no longer used; instead, copies are made digitally when needed. (00:25:46 – 00:31:34) He recalled how, earlier, audio recording used large reels and later smaller tapes. Audio and video were recorded separately, requiring synchronization during editing. For instance, commentary and slide-show audio had to be aligned manually with visuals. Today, most audio work is done on phones. In earlier times, he managed 3–4 cameras, maintaining daily notes on the work completed. While some older cameras remain at the Tillonia campus, others are kept in Kishangarh and Jaipur.

29 June 2025

Oral histories of technical personnel in Broadcast and Community Video

Mohun