Two Indian students have been awarded the prestigious Student Academy Awards. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences received 2,683 submissions from 738 colleges and universities across the globe, with only 15 students emerging as winners in the 51st Student Academy Awards competition.
Rishabh Raj Jain, an Indian graduate from New York University, won the Student Oscar in the documentary category for his film *A Dream Called Khushi* (Happiness). This powerful 2024 short documentary, directed by Jain, follows the inspiring journey of a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh who is determined to pursue her education and dreams of studying in Canada.
"It feels very surreal, and it's still sinking in. Making a film takes a village, and none of this would have been possible without the incredible team that worked alongside me. This is a collective win, and we're thrilled to bring stories from South Asia to one of the biggest platforms in the world," said Jain
He added, "This recognition from one of the most respected juries globally is a testament to the powerful impact of stories about forced migration and the denial of rights—not just for the Rohingya but for countless communities facing conflict around the world today."
According to the Academy, all Student Academy Award-winning films are eligible to compete for the 2024 Oscars in categories like Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, or Documentary Short Film. Over the years, Student Oscar winners have earned 67 nominations and taken home or shared 15 Oscars.
Another Indian filmmaker, Akshit Kumar from the National Institute of Design, also took home a Student Oscar in the Alternative/Experimental Film category for his experimental animated travelogue, *bonVoyage pour monVoyage* (Best Wishes for My Trip).
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