Address At The Fortyninth National Film Awards Function

CAN CINEMA EVOLVE AN ENLIGHTENED CITIZEN

I am delighted to be here with all of you today as we acknowledge the contribution made by so many talented persons to Indian cinema. I see many known faces, and I am fully conscious that there are those among us who have made valuable contributions behind the screen too.

Entertainment and evolving a good human being

When we speak of cinema, entertainment is the first thought that comes to mind. Happy, sad and distressed hearts all of them need entertainment. Cinema can cater to all sections of people. We know, however, that good cinema goes beyond mere entertainment. Good cinema makes the audience think, it stretches the viewer emotionally, it educates, it edifies and eventually it creates a better understanding of society in the world that we live in. Cinema has immense potential to get people to reach out beyond themselves, their immediate concerns, the boundaries of their disciplines, their geographical limits and the limits imposed by time. What a powerful medium this is! A beautiful human being can be evolved by cinema with all suspense and story. A successful person with work can get evolved. Inspite of all temptations an enlightened citizen can be born, grown and succeed.

Today we talk not of commercial cinema or parallel cinema but of good cinema. To my mind good cinema is that which brings about a better understanding of self as also a better understanding of society. In a country like India where social institutions are marked with such a high degree of plurality, good cinema integrates society.

As citizens of this great and ancient country, we have a rich precious heritage that calls out to be fully explored and effectively conveyed. As intelligent, responsible and creative citizens of a great nation, it is necessary for us to explore every possibility to unveil our great heritage and authentically translate it in a most befitting and sincere manner. This is a great task that would uplift the medium of Indian Cinema to its true greatness. I am positive that in this great task you will not fail in your duty to the medium of cinema that you so much love as also to the country that you are so proud to be citizens of.

Unity of Mind

Around the globe, major events are rapidly shaping the lives of people, cultures and nations. Indeed, most nations are in a state of transition. Our daily newspapers and television sets convey strong images and news of world trends happening within India and in other parts Asia. These changes will undoubtedly affect our own country and countrymen. It is important that we retain our balanced perspective, and as Indians take pride in our democracy, our strong sense of oneness and knit ourselves closer to each other. For this to happen effectively, creative individuals like you must take upon yourselves the noble task of being catalytic agents and facilitate the process of unification of the minds and hearts of our people. That is the only way we can continue to celebrate our unity in spite of our vast cultural diversity. We need to keep in our hearts and minds the great struggle and sacrifices made by our leaders for an independent India. This alone will ensure that our patriotic perspectives remain clear and uncontaminated, and thereby ensure a clear vision of the future. This perspective of the future is most important if we have the greater good of our country as our objective. For we live not only for ourselves but also for the good of the generations yet to come. There are some amongst you who have earned recognition earlier in this very hall and there are others amongst you, who would be coming into limelight for the first time. To each one of you, I wish and pray for greater success in your creative endeavours. I would also remind you of the great responsibility that you shoulder, thoughts on which I have already shared with you. I am positive that you will continue to bring glory upon yourselves and our country.

Concluding Remarks

I take this opportunity to congratulate each one of the award winners present here this evening. I wish you continued success in your pursuit of excellence. I thank the chairpersons and members of each of the juries for their hard work in selecting films, and critics for the purpose of these awards.

Today as we celebrate good cinema in India, let us also renew our commitment to use the powerful tool of cinema to strengthen the national resolve to take India further on the path of national integration and development. Let our cinematic traditions be used to bring about a unity of purpose among Indians as they work for towards a stronger, a better off India - an India that is readying itself to take its rightful place in the world.

Best wishes