Balwant Singh Rawat - Session 01

AR-020-23-1

(00:00:00 – 00:09:47) The interview begins with greetings and introductions. Rawat discusses joining CENDIT in 1977. While initially meant for administrative help, he was quickly assigned to the dark room where he learned the foundational skills of photography and film processing, which set the stage for his technical career. (00:09:48 – 00:15:23) He describes the organizational decision to start a video unit using the U-matic format . Rawat took the initiative to learn the operation of the new, bulky camera and VCRs, effectively becoming the unit's key technical operator from the start. (00:15:24 – 00:26:47) Rawat recalls his very first outdoor shoot for a social project at a slum called Indira Camp. He then details how the team received essential formal, structured technical training from professionals, including experts who came from institutions like FTII (Film and Television Institute of India). (00:26:48 – 00:33:43) A core challenge was the lack of local service and repair centers for the imported video gear. Rawat explains that he had to become a maintenance expert, often completely stripping down the machines and improvising fixes to ensure the continuous functionality of the U-matic equipment. (00:33:44 – 00:39:56) He shares a major anecdote about his trip to Japan to purchase new equipment for CENDIT. This experience provided him with valuable, intensive, hands-on exposure to advanced technical systems, which further enhanced his practical knowledge. (00:39:57 – 00:47:33) Rawat reflects positively on CENDIT’s organizational philosophy, praising its supportive, non-bureaucratic, and non-hierarchical work culture. He highlights how this environment encouraged every employee to learn, experiment, and grow their technical expertise. (00:47:34 – 00:54:14) Discusses the moral satisfaction he gained from working on video projects focused on sensitive social issues, such as women's rights and welfare. He also emphasizes the value and satisfaction he found in training his colleagues and contributing to their skill development. (00:54:15 – 01:01:31) Rawat discusses the major technological transition to the more professional BetaCam format and his role in setting up the new unit. He details the subsequent development and construction of new studios and editing facilities, managing the growing technical complexity. (01:01:32 – 01:05:07) He briefly covers the next technological evolution, which involved integrating digital non-linear editing systems like AVID, noting the need for continuous adaptation and skill upgrading to keep pace with industry changes. (01:05:08 – 01:11:14) Rawat stresses the importance of detailed technical documentation. He explains that they created specific diagrams and charts of all wiring and connections to ensure that if he left or a new engineer arrived, there would be no confusion, guaranteeing smooth shift transitions and system continuity.(00:00:00 – 00:11:59) Rawat recounts a crucial anecdote from a trip to Himachal, which emphasized the risk of equipment failure in remote areas without access to repair shops. This necessity led them to create their own "operation manual"—a practical guide specific to their unit's setup, which complemented the manufacturer's manual. He illustrates their resourcefulness, including having to improvise and purchase common parts (like projector bulbs) from non-traditional suppliers due to a lack of specialized local vendors.

(00:12:00 – 00:23:59) focuses on the rigorous, hands-on training the team provided to new engineers, covering maintenance as a core skill. Rawat discusses the critical importance of meticulous documentation, including making detailed notes and charts of connections for every project. This discipline ensured that every team member was aware of the system setup, promoting continuity and effective management of the increasingly complex BetaCam unit.

(00:24:00 – 00:35:59) The institutional challenges faced during the transition to digital editing (AVID). Rawat expresses concern that CENDIT began to value formal degrees and qualifications over the years of comprehensive practical knowledge held by the "old hands." This organizational decision to outsource roles and prioritize theoretical knowledge led to friction and a sense of marginalization among the long-serving technical staff, threatening the supportive, collective problem-solving culture of the past.

(00:36:00 – 00:45:12) Reflects on the true value of his practical expertise. He states he took pride in comprehensive knowledge of the entire video system, from wiring to operation, giving him a sense of control and the ability to foresee issues. He compares his technical knowledge to understanding the fundamental principles of mathematics, arguing that once the basics are mastered, any complex problem can be solved, asserting that his practical sense provides a valuable foundation that supersedes purely academic credentials.

31 October 2025

Oral histories of technical personnel in Broadcast and Community Video

Balwant Singh Rawat