Over 75 alumni and creative professionals from leading global studios reunite in Nashik to celebrate three decades of Arena Animation's contribution to India's animation and visual effects talent ecosystem

NASHIK, March 21, 2026: Arena Animation, a training brand of Aptech Limited and a longstanding name in animation, visual effects, gaming and digital media education, hosted a major alumni gathering in Nashik on March 21, 2026. The event brought together more than 75 former students and creative professionals to celebrate three decades of learning, professional growth and contribution to the evolving Media & Entertainment industry.

The alumni meet provided an opportunity for professionals who began their creative journeys at Arena Animation Nashik to reconnect with their peers, mentors and the institution that helped shape their early careers. Alumni currently working with prominent organisations and studios, including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Framestore and Sony Pictures, attended the gathering.

The presence of professionals working across animation, visual effects and other creative disciplines highlighted the changing career landscape of the AVGC-XR sector. Many of the attendees have progressed from students and aspiring artists to experienced professionals, including lead animators and creative leaders working across India's entertainment and global production ecosystem.

Arena Animation Nashik is one of Aptech Limited's flagship centres and spans approximately 12,000 sq. ft. Over the years, the centre has trained thousands of students who have gone on to pursue careers in India's Media & Entertainment workforce.

The event was attended by the Honourable Mayor of Nashik, Ms. Himgauri Aher-Adke, as the chief guest. Mr. Satish Pagariya and Mrs. Madhvi Pagaria, Directors, Arena Animation Nashik, were also present at the gathering. Mr. Shajan Samuel, Senior Vice President and National Sales Head, Arena Animation, attended the event as well.

A key highlight of the gathering was the launch of Arena Animation Originals and its flagship programme, IP Development in Animation and Storytelling. The initiative reflects the growing importance of original storytelling, creative intellectual property and new forms of content development within the animation and entertainment ecosystem.

Speaking about the occasion, Mr. Satish Pagariya and Mrs. Madhvi Pagaria, Directors, Arena Animation Nashik, said, "When we started Arena Animation, the words animation or VFX were barely understood as a career path in Nashik. Today, seeing 75 of our former students, now successful leaders in their own right, gather under one roof is an emotional and proud moment. This Alumni Meet is not just a reunion; it is a celebration of a creative movement that Arena Animation started three decades ago. Our alumni are our greatest legacy, and their success in top-tier studios worldwide is a testament to the quality of training and mentorship provided here."

The gathering also provided a platform for experienced professionals to discuss developments in the Media & Entertainment industry and exchange perspectives on emerging technologies. Conversations between alumni and current creative aspirants focused on changing industry expectations, professional experiences and the opportunities emerging across the broader AVGC-XR ecosystem.

The event comes at a time when India's animation, visual effects, gaming and related creative industries are receiving increasing attention as part of the country's growing digital and creative economy. Maharashtra, with its established Media & Entertainment ecosystem, continues to be an important region for developing skilled creative professionals.

For Arena Animation, the Nashik alumni gathering represents more than a milestone celebration. It reflects the long-term journey of its students and alumni and the continuing relationship between an educational institution and the professionals it has helped prepare for the creative industry.

For more information about Arena Animation, visit: https://www.arena-multimedia.com/

About Arena Animation

Arena Animation is a training brand of Aptech Limited offering education and training in areas including animation, visual effects, gaming, digital media and related creative technologies. The brand focuses on developing creative and technical skills through industry-oriented programmes for students and aspiring professionals looking to build careers in the Media & Entertainment sector.