Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the 57th National Film Awards Presentation Ceremony

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to be here this evening on the occasion of the 57th National Film Awards presentation ceremony, which every year, provides an opportunity to identify new talent and to honour excellence achieved in the field of cinema.

The Indian Film Industry is considered to be the largest in the world, producing over a thousand films a year in the different languages of the country. I am glad to learn that films from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Mumbai to Manipur are represented here through their regional cinema. These films bring to the fore the talent that exists across the country, as well as the richness and the vastness of our culture. As Indians, we take pride in our democracy, our strong sense of oneness and must further knit ourselves closer to each other. For this, creative individuals like you can contribute by generating an atmosphere that inculcates a deep sense of commitment to the concept of unity in the minds and hearts of our people.

As members of the Indian film fraternity and as creative professionals in your respective fields of specialization you have knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of this industry. Yet, I will speak of some aspects of cinema.

You would be aware of the immense popularity of Indian films and the high expectations from it to provide entertainment. Cinema is a very potent medium for conveying a message and it has become an important factor in influencing social norms. Cinema operates within the context of a social scenario and, thus, has a stake in the stability, prosperity and progress of society. Therefore, all involved in the film industry should consider themselves as social leaders and as stakeholders in the welfare of people. Striking a balance between entertainment and social relevance is an essential call for the industry and the response will define its role in society. It would be well to remember that from early times, India has always sought balance - whether between human beings and nature, between responsibilities and duties, between progress and moral growth. All these concepts are viewed not as mutually exclusive, but as mutually inclusive. India's depth of thought and its adherence to the values of harmony have been matched by its material prosperity. We are the inheritors of this great civilization, whose legacy has been passed on from generation to generation and must continue to inspire the youth - the future generation, on whom it will fall to carry on these traditions.

The future of India is promising. A growing economy with a young population to drive it, we can be assured that with education, capacity building and the resolve of our people, we will take India to its destiny of a developed country, that is conscious of its glorious history. As in the past, in the future also, the voice of India must be a voice for peace, a voice for development, and a voice of hope.

India is an immense country. It is an ancient civilisation with a rich cultural heritage. It is a storehouse of human experiences where philosophers, saints and spiritual leaders, righteous rulers, heroic warriors and enlightened individuals have left their mark. The quest for knowledge and an understanding of the universe along with a search for the meaning of life, as well as the rationale for living have aroused deep interest. The answers for many of these dilemmas and doubts lie in our literature and philosophical discourses, tales and fables, songs and dance. The path chosen by us for our freedom struggle was not only unique but telling of our ethos. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi the country chose the principles of truth and non-violence as the means to gain its independence, defeating one of the mightiest Empires of the time and providing inspiration to freedom struggles of countries under colonial yoke in Asia and Africa. These numerous historical and cultural accounts as well as daily-life situations, provide a rich resource for cinema. These stories can be told meaningfully so that value-based ideals and points of view can motivate viewers to noble goals in their lives.

I am glad that films continue to generate interest and attract talent. I am informed that a large number of films have been entered from debut directors. Moreover, technologies like the digital format being affordable, provide an opportunity for young and budding filmmakers to experiment with the medium. I am informed that there was a remarkable entry of films made in digital format from mainly the North Eastern part of India. I would like to appeal to all of you that, while you are experimenting with the format, you also need to keep in your mind, the content of the film you are producing. This will take your work to a wider audience.

I understand that there are a good number of entries both in the feature and non-feature sections for the year 2009. This trend is most encouraging. However, I do hope that in the coming years there would be more entries in the best film critic section as well, since film appreciation or healthy criticism is a very important aspect in the growth, understanding and development of cinema as an art form.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Amongst those present here, are some who have in the past been decorated, some who have been given recognition this time and others who in the future will be conferred awards. I am positive that all of you will continue to strive for excellence and proceed to bring glory for yourselves, your profession and your country.

We have this evening amidst us, the recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2009 - Shri D. Rama Naidu, who will be its 41st recipient. He is identified in India as a prolific producer with more than 130 films to his credit. Apart from producing Telugu movies, he has also produced movies in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Bengali. His films have been honoured with several awards in his distinguished film career. His film Surigadu was selected for the Indian Panorama in 1993. Asukh, a Bengali film, won the National Award for the Best Film in 1999. He has also produced a film titled 'Hamari Beti' in Hindi, which focuses on how physically challenged people can lead a normal life and achieve their goals. The protagonist in the film is a girl who is severely challenged in real life. This film has been screened in International Film Festivals like Chicago and Venice. His immense contribution to Indian Film industry is praiseworthy, and I congratulate him for richly deserving the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

The Best child artiste award is being presented jointly to Master Sree Ram and Master D. S. Kishore, for their role in the Tamil film -"Pasanga". The award will I hope, motivate them and also inspire others.

I take this opportunity to personally congratulate each one of the award winners and wish you continued success in your pursuit of excellence.

Thank you. 
Jai Hind!