As part of the ongoing India Knowledge Systems (IKS) Week celebrations, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, hosted the premiere of a documentary titled “Mahakumbh  Aastha aur Kaushal ka Sangam.” The event, held at the TISS Convention Centre, Naoroji Campus, spotlighted the soft-skills training imparted to police personnel deployed at Mahakumbh 2025, the world’s largest religious congregation.

The documentary was a collaborative effort between the School of Skill Education (SSE), TISS, Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA), and Whistling Woods International (WWI), which served as the production partner. The film captures how behaviour-focused training helps law enforcement officials manage massive public gatherings with empathy and professionalism.

Dignitaries from government, academia, and the police service were present at the launch, where the emphasis was on how skill development—particularly in soft skills—can empower frontline personnel managing complex public events. “This initiative highlights how kindness and empathy are essential tools in modern policing,” said speakers at the event, commending TISS for its impactful efforts.

The formal ceremony began with the TISS Institute Song, a lamp-lighting ritual, and a welcome address by Prof. Madhushree Sekher, Dean of the School of Skill Education (SSE). This was followed by the felicitation of special guests and dignitaries in attendance.

The event drew several eminent personalities, including:

• Shri Ashish Shelar, Hon’ble Minister of Cultural Affairs & Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra

• Prof. D.P. Singh, Hon’ble Chancellor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences

• Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences

• Smt. Meghna Ghai-Puri, Whistling Woods International

• Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Director, IIM Mumbai & Former Vice Chancellor, TISS

• Shri Bhanu Bhaskar, IPS, Additional Director General, Police, Government of Uttar Pradesh

• Dr. Rajagopal Devara, IAS (Retd.), Adjunct Professor at SSE, TISS and Former Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra

• Shri Narendra Mishra, Officiating Registrar, TISS

• Shri Gaurav Shinde, Programme Head – Skilling, SSE, TISS

Following the documentary launch, the event concluded with a vote of thanks and the national anthem, marking the end of a significant moment in the TISS IKS Week celebrations.

The India Knowledge Systems (IKS) Week is a national initiative designed to encourage inter-institutional collaboration and celebrate India’s educational and cultural innovations. At TISS, the week is observed through programmes that reflect the institute’s commitment to socially relevant education and public service.

This documentary is part of a larger initiative by TISS’s School of Skill Education, which has been actively involved in training Uttar Pradesh Police personnel with behaviour-based soft skills. These training programmes are tailored to enhance communication, public engagement, and crisis management during the Mahakumbh 2025 festivities, which are expected to attract millions of pilgrims.

The School of Skill Education (SSE), TISS, is known for its emphasis on delivering industry-relevant, employment-oriented training across a range of sectors. Its programmes aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical workforce requirements.

This event underscored TISS’s mission to combine academic rigour with grassroots impact, furthering national goals of skill development, public safety, and social harmony.