The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India recently held a ceremony in New Delhi to honour the seven winners of its 2024 short film competition focused on human rights. Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, NHRC Chairperson, emphasised that the competition has effectively raised awareness about human rights over the last decade. NHRC Members and senior officials joined in celebrating the growing interest reflected by over 300 entries submitted nationwide in various Indian languages since its inception in 2015.
Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted the awarding films’ diverse themes, addressing issues like river pollution, child marriage, elderly rights, and domestic violence. He thanked all participants, recognising them as important champions of human rights, and expressed hopes for even more impactful films next year. Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi stated that the films convey powerful messages and spoke particularly about ‘Doodh Ganga’, illustrating the pollution’s impact on the environment.
Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, another NHRC member, praised the dedication of the filmmakers, who went beyond mere storytelling to advocate for human rights and inspire societal change. Each frame captured contributes towards a common goal of preserving human dignity and ensuring justice. Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal provided an overview of the competition’s progress since 2015, revealing a record number of 303 entries for the tenth edition.
The films will be widely shared and screened to promote awareness. The first prize, worth Rs. 2 lakh, went to Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat for his film ‘Doodh Ganga- Valley’s Dying Lifeline’, which sheds light on pollution in the Doodh Ganga River. The second and third prizes were awarded to Kadarappa Raju and R. Ravichandran, respectively, for their significant foils addressing child marriage and the need for clean water. Alongside, four films received special mentions with monetary awards, showcasing the incredible talent and commitment to human rights.
The NHRC of India awarded seven winners in its 2024 short film competition, which promotes human rights awareness. The event, attended by Commission members, highlighted growing participation, with over 300 entries this year alone. Key issues addressed included pollution, child marriage, and the rights of the elderly and women. The winners were recognised for their impactful storytelling, with aspirations for future contributions to human rights advocacy.
The NHRC’s 2024 short film competition has successfully illustrated the power of film in promoting human rights awareness, with increasing participation over a decade. The diverse themes covered in these films reflect significant social issues that demand attention. As filmmakers continue to emerge as vital advocates for human rights, the NHRC’s initiative has fostered an environment of learning and activism, establishing an enduring legacy and setting a promising stage for the future.
Original Source: pib.gov.in
