NHRC Celebrates Human Rights Through Film Awards
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India held a significant event in New Delhi today, honoring the winners of its annual short film competition focused on human rights. Justice V. Ramasubramanian, NHRC Chairperson, emphasized the Commission’s mission to raise awareness and protect human rights, noting the competition’s growth over the past decade. This year, the NHRC received over 300 entries, showcasing a wide array of human rights issues from filmmakers across the country.
Growth of the Competition
Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted the remarkable evolution of the NHRC’s short film competition, which began in 2015 with only 40 entries. In its tenth year, the competition attracted more than 300 submissions from diverse regions, including Kashmir and Kanyakumari. This surge in participation reflects a growing awareness of human rights issues among the public. Filmmakers submitted works in various Indian languages, addressing critical topics that resonate with audiences nationwide.
The Chairperson expressed his appreciation for the filmmakers, stating that their contributions are vital in promoting human rights awareness. He encouraged participants to continue creating impactful films that inspire change and foster understanding of human rights challenges in society.
Acknowledging the Award Winners
During the ceremony, Justice Ramasubramanian congratulated the seven award winners, whose films tackled a range of pressing human rights issues. These included environmental concerns like river water pollution, child marriage, education rights, and domestic violence. He praised the filmmakers as “brand ambassadors of human rights,” expressing hope that they would continue to produce meaningful content in the future.
Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, another NHRC member, emphasized the power of film as a medium for advocacy. He specifically mentioned the documentary “Doodh Ganga,” which highlights the pollution affecting the Doodh Ganga River and its implications for the local community. This film, along with others, serves as a call to action for addressing environmental and social issues.
Details of the Awards
NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal provided an overview of the competition’s history, noting the increasing quality and quantity of entries each year. For the 2024 edition, 303 films were submitted, with 243 making it through the initial scrutiny process. A rigorous jury, including NHRC members and senior officials, determined the seven winners.
The first prize of ₹2 lakh was awarded to Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat for his film “Doodh Ganga- Valley’s Dying Lifeline,” which addresses the urgent need to restore the river’s health. The second prize of ₹1.5 lakh went to Kadarappa Raju for “Fight for Rights,” which tackles child marriage and education. The third prize of ₹1 lakh was awarded to R. Ravichandran for “GOD,” a silent film emphasizing the importance of potable water.
Additionally, four films received ‘Certificates of Special Mention,’ each accompanied by a cash prize of ₹50,000. These films included “Aksharabhyasam,” “Vilayilla Pattathari,” “Life of Seetha,” and “Be a Human,” showcasing the diverse range of topics addressed by filmmakers.
Impact of Filmmaking on Human Rights Advocacy
During the event, NHRC members praised the filmmakers for their dedication to storytelling and advocacy. Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani remarked on the filmmakers’ commitment to challenging stereotypes and empowering communities through their work. She emphasized that their films contribute to a broader movement for human dignity and justice. The NHRC plans to upload all awarded films on its website, making them available for screening by government departments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. This initiative aims to further promote human rights awareness and encourage dialogue on critical social issues. The award winners also shared insights into their creative processes, highlighting the importance of storytelling in raising awareness about human rights. Their films serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in society.
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