Chennai, Oct 15: Indian Institute of Technology Madras partnered with movie powerhouse Eros Universe to come out with a documentary that brings to the screen the personal journeys, aspirations and achievements of students enrolled in its pioneering BS Degree programmes.
Directed and edited by programme alumnus Mr. Shashwat Mookherjee, ‘Portrait of Many Faces’ features 17 students from diverse social, economic and geographical backgrounds, offering an intimate perspective on how access to quality higher education can expand opportunities and shape individual futures.
The movie was screened in the campus yesterday and today (14th and 15th Oct 2026) for the students, faculty, staff and researchers.
Addressing a Press Conference today (15th Oct 2026) after the screening, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said,
“Swami Vivekananda made a profound statement about education. If the poor cannot afford education, education must reach the poor. Inspired by this, IIT Madras introduced BS off-campus programs in critical and emerging technologies including Data Science and Programming, Management and Data Science, Aeronautical and Space technologies and Electronic Systems. It is very important to note that more than 25% of the students enrolled in this program are below poverty line. They could not have come to the IIT system through the normal JEE route. This program has become a gateway for them to get quality education.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti added,
“‘Portraits of Many Faces’ is an emotional and thought-provoking documentary, which brings to you the success stories of how Swami Vivekananda’s statement has been put into practice. I congratulate Mr. Shashwat Mookherjee and team for this wonderful effort. I wish that this documentary reaches nook and corner of this planet and many educational institutions start offering such type of courses so that equitable, quality, accessible, affordable education is ensured for all.”
At its core, Portrait of Many Faces is a story about more than academic qualifications. It captures the aspirations that education can nurture, the resilience required to pursue them and the possibilities that emerge when access to quality learning is expanded. By bringing together individual experiences from across the country, the documentary offers a human perspective on the transformative potential of higher education.
The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications is widely recognised as the world’s largest non-campus/online degree program, with over 50,000+ active students.
Further, Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Faculty Coordinator, IIT Madras BS Degree, added,
“The documentary was filmed across India and takes viewers into the homes and personal spaces of students. It captures the circumstances in which they pursue their education. Through candid, interview-led storytelling, the students reflect on their backgrounds, the challenges they have overcome, their ambitions and the opportunities that have emerged through their educational journeys.”
‘LIVED EXPERIENCES’
Moving beyond conventional narratives of academic achievement, Portrait of Many Faces places students and their lived experiences at the centre of the story. It explores the determination, family aspirations and personal sacrifices that often remain unseen in broader discussions about higher education, while highlighting the role of accessible and flexible learning in enabling learners from different walks of life to pursue their goals.
Through the experience of the 17 students, the audience can learn about how IIT Madras is democratising IIT-quality education through the Director Prof. V. Kamakoti’s vision of ‘IITM For All.’ They are able to learn from IIT Madras faculty without having to go through JEE or relocate to IIT Madras with the Online program also ensuring that there are no limits on the student intake.
The documentary also has a personal significance for its director, Mr. Shashwat Mookherjee. He enrolled into the BS Degree programme even while pursuing his ambition of filmmaking. The programme’s flexible learning model enabled him to develop his creative interests, establish and lead a Film Society, and subsequently build a start-up at the intersection of visual effects (VFX), AI and filmmaking.
FOUR BS PROGRAMMES
IIT Madras offers four four-year BS programmes. They include
ØData Science and Applications,
ØElectronic Systems,
ØAeronautics and Space Technology, and
ØManagement and Data Science.
They are designed to broaden access to high-quality education by combining online learning with in-person assessments at designated examination centres across India and abroad.
Their flexible, multi-level structure enables learners from varied educational, geographical and professional backgrounds to pursue higher education alongside other commitments. Students can progress through prescribed academic requirements towards certificates, diplomas and degree qualifications, offering multiple pathways for learning and advancement.
WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY
Portrait of Many Faces is available to watch free of charge on Eros Now and its partner platforms. Viewers can access the film by creating a free account on the Eros Now website, making the students’ stories accessible to audiences in India and internationally.
