Chitrabani has had many milestones. It pioneered cinema studies (forerunner of media education) in the country in 1970 with the First Film Study Group having a nine-month initiation to film appreciation, followed by 12 weekly lectures with 135 students, and a 15-week course on cinema at Xavier Institute of Communication, Bombay (perhaps the first systematic course on cinema in India). The centre also produced text books on cinema, with related audiovisual aids. From 1989 onward Chitrabani Film Studies Courses were regularized. In 1995 application was made to the University of Calcutta for affiliation of Chitrabani Film Studies Courses under St. Xavier’s College. It was accepted. In 1970, Chitrabani set up the first non-commercial sound recording studio at St. Xavier’s College for high school students; three years later in 1973 a professional audio studio was set up. Since then Chitrabani has produced a wide variety of programmes fostering education, culture and art. Another pioneering venture was the setting up of a non-commercial photographic dark room at St. Xavier’s College in 1972, and the first course in still photography was held in 1974. It was followed by the first two-year training programme in still photography in 1984.

In 1978, Chitrabani pioneered an open syllabus Diploma in Social Communication. Accordingly individual coaching is designed for persons who wish to learn on their own using the facilities of Chitrabani under the guidance of an instructor. It lasts 12 to 24 months. Till 1994, 25 individuals have received the diploma specializing in communication, photography, film, video and theatre. Chitrabani started the Bengali Service for Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) in 1980. RVA went on air with its Bengali programmes on 1st December 1980 with Dr. Raman Majumdar coordinating it from Philippines. Since 1992 Chitrabani has been producing CHETANA (Adult Education through Radio) for broadcasting by RVA, Manila. These programmes have over 10 lakh listeners spread out in India and Bangladesh. One of the most important contributions of Chitrabani has been the setting up of the Audio Visual Research Centre (AVRC) of St. Xavier’s College in 1985-86. While the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, provided the necessary funds Chitrabani gave the required space and administrative infrastructure for its speedy growth.