Punjab’s rich artistic heritage finds a new home at the Balwant Gargi Auditorium. Naila Nadeem speaks with Phonics Overseas and Bell Bird Digital to explore the AV solutions deployed.
We all know that Punjab is a region that thrives on creative energy. In Punjab, tradition meets modernity and art finds expression in every corner – be it through music, dance, theatre, or storytelling. To preserve the rich artistic heritage of the region, one of the latest cultural additions to Punjab is the Balwant Gargi Auditorium in Bathinda.
The auditorium serves as a multi-purpose platform to host a wide variety of events including cultural performances, theatrical plays, lectures, and seminars.
Phonics Overseas and Bell Bird Digital collaborated to handle both the consulting and integration for the Balwant Gargi Auditorium, which was officially inaugurated in October 2024. Shailendra Raghuvanshi, director at Bell Bird Digital, explains how the two split up the work: “Bell Bird Digital and Phonics Overseas are related organisations. Phonics Overseas focuses on the frontend, client-facing work such as bidding for projects while Bell Bird Digital works on the behind-the-scenes execution.”
For this project, the team was tasked to provide turnkey solutions for the auditorium which included acoustics, audio, video, lighting, as well as staging.
But first, Shailendra explains how the team was entrusted with this government project: “We secured this project through bidding tender but it wasn’t entirely straightforward. The main contractor for this project, who submitted the bid and handled all the construction work, was operating under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model. In India, under this model, the contractor is responsible for constructing the building, completing the interior work, integrating AV systems, and ultimately handing over the entire project to the government. For this particular project, the principal contractor was SmartMile, a major construction company in India that is known for executing large-scale government projects worth crores across the country.”
He continues: “SmartMile secured the tender, and that’s where we came into the picture. Our role was as a subcontractor responsible for the auditorium’s entire AV setup, as well as additional work on the front façade and other related tasks. While we didn’t bid directly for the project, we were awarded the subcontract by SmartMile. We took about one and a half years to prove our expertise and convince them that we were the right people to execute this project. It took a lot of hard work and meetings, but we eventually won it.”
However, Phonics Overseas and Bell Bird Digital encountered an initial roadblock right at the start of the project. Angad Singh Sachdevv, director at Phonics Overseas, details: “When we received the subcontract, we thought that the initial design was not up to the mark. The intention of having the auditorium was so that they could host a wide range of events. Since Balwant Gargi was a renowned theatre artist from Punjab, the space was dedicated to him, meaning theatre performances would be a major focus. However, the original BOQ was quite basic and only capable of supporting speeches and small cultural events, not full-scale productions with theatrical elements, live music, and large performances.”
Recognising this gap, the team conducted a series of presentations to the Municipal Corporation of Bathinda, the main client for the project. Angad comments: “We collaborated closely with the technical teams of our OEM partners to demonstrate why a higher-spec AV setup was necessary. We made a strong case for upgrading to more professional-grade and higher end audio and video solutions. After multiple discussions, the client agreed to enhance the budget.”
The Balwant Gargi Auditorium has been meticulously designed to enhance both visual and auditory experiences. At the heart of the video system is a Sony 13,000-lumens projector on a 230-in motorised screen, complemented by 75-in display panels from Sony strategically placed around the auditorium to ensure that the audience would have optimal viewing angles from all points of view.
Kramer VIA Campus2 Plus has been deployed to facilitate wireless presentations and video conferencing, allowing presenters to share content effortlessly from their devices. To manage a vast array of inputs, a Kramer HDMI matrix switcher and MV-4X multiviewer have been installed while 4K extenders and cables complete the system.
On the other hand, the client requested for the auditorium’s audio system to provide an immersive sound experience, with a focus on sound clarity and precision. To deliver on this vision, Bell Bird Digital installed a set of British Acoustics dual 8-in line array loudspeakers and subwoofers. Shure microphones are being used to provide coverage for both theatrical and musical performances. To complete the system, an Allen & Heath digital mixer and a Delta 48 DSP from British Acoustics have been fitted into the space.
The Kramer SL-280 control system serves as the backbone of the auditorium’s AV infrastructure. Shailendra comments on the choice of control solution: “This control system has a very intuitive touch panel which event organisers and technicians can effortlessly manage. We wanted to make sure that video switching and audio adjustments could be done easily and efficiently.”
While the team successfully implemented a comprehensive AV solution, Shailendra reflects on one element they had initially hoped to include: “We wanted to create a true ‘wow’ factor in the auditorium where people would walk in and appreciate every detail, whether it was the stage lighting, audio, or video. And while we believe we did achieve that eventually, we initially proposed to add a large LED screen to elevate the visual experience even further. Unfortunately, at the time, there wasn’t enough budget for it.”
He says: “A big LED videowall would have enhanced the visual impact even more, making it more immersive. But sometimes, projects have budgetary constraints, and we had to work within those limitations. That said, the client was very receptive to our suggestions and adopted many of our recommendations, which is why the final result turned out so well.”
Beyond just AV, one of the standout aspects of this project was Phonics Overseas and Bell Bird Digital’s ability to provide a fully integrated, turnkey solution – an approach that sets them apart in the Indian market. Shailendra explains: “Initially, like most SIs, we were focused only on AV. But 15 years ago, we saw an opportunity. Clients working on projects like auditoriums, multiplexes, and multipurpose halls were often forced to coordinate with multiple agencies – one for video, another for audio, another for acoustics, and yet another for lighting. It was a fragmented approach, and we realised there was a gap for a provider who could handle everything.”
He elaborates: “That’s how we positioned ourselves: as a single point of contact for our clients. We don’t just handle AV. We also do acoustics, seating, lighting, pushback chairs, recliners, furniture, and more. And in this specific project, the client appreciated that we could eliminate the need for them to juggle multiple vendors.”
A space can only be truly appreciated if it meets the needs and aspirations of the people using it. The success of the AV setup in the Balwant Gargi Auditorium is evident in how well it has been received. Shailendra reflects on the project’s impact and concludes: “End users were highly impressed once the project was inaugurated. Even the Chief Minister of Punjab personally praised the auditorium. As an artist himself, he remarked that he has seen auditoriums around the world, and this one meets international standards. He described it as one of the most remarkable projects delivered in Bathinda. We are proud to have contributed to a creative outlet for the Bathinda community.”