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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here today at the presentation ceremony of the National Film Awards for the Year 2008. These annual awards are an opportunity to recognize the talent and the excellence achieved by our film personalities in cinema.

Several genres and styles of film making used in Indian cinema makes it a vast ocean, with a variety that is enviable. This is but to be expected in a nation that has so many film producing regions, and a vast repertoire of human experiences. Popular Hindi mainstream cinema is known widely in India and abroad, but regional films especially those produced in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Assam to name just a few, are equally popular. In fact, overall, interest in Indian Cinema is growing. Indian films and music compositions have been receiving international acclaim and our artistes are winning awards. This is something of which every Indian should be proud of. Therefore, cinema needs to be continuously nurtured, as a part of our efforts to not only excel in making films, but also to use it as a medium to tell our stories, as well as give expression to the importance of a humane approach in life. Cinema has an immense influence on thinking and on life styles perticularly of young generation. There is much positive energy that can be generated by using films, for conveying the message of good values to society and also eradicating harmful social evils.

The making of cinema is an art form that is no less than craftsmanship. A famous film director, once said, what is really important for a creator, is not what it is we want to say, recall, regret, or rebel against, but what is important is the way we say it, as art is all about craftsmanship. Therefore, great care must be taken in the manner in which creativity finds expression.

It is true that the audience in India, which is the market for films, is undergoing transformation. There is a new generation of viewers and a growing middle class, more able to and more capable of spending on entertainment. This is leading to an increasing demand for better cinematography and overall quality of films. Other media of entertainment such as television and the internet are also factors that are influencing the film industry, its approach and its outreach. Balancing and catering to all these, is the challenge before the industry, as well as its creative individuals. Our heritage and culture is a great source of knowledge, which can be drawn upon to develop storylines that can appeal to our younger audiences, by making them more appealing and presenting them in the contemporary context.

There was a time when it was said that our films were deeply influenced by Western films. Now, it is a two-way interaction. Our diverse and growing film sector is being noticed and indeed, wooed around the world. Our film industry is beginning to influence the foreign film industry, both financially and creatively. This has resulted in increased collaborations between the Indian film industry and Hollywood. During my visits abroad, often references are made by my interlocutors to the popularity of Indian films, and their role in promoting cultural understanding. India's profile and stature on account of our rapid economic growth, our skilled human resources and future prospects, is increasing. What is happening in India is of interest to other countries. Our film industry can play a part in bringing a progressive and fast developing India, anchored in thousands of years of a rich civilization, to the minds of viewers.

I am told that for the Year 2008, a record number of entries were received both in the feature and non-feature sections. I wish and pray for continued and greater success to each one of you in your work. Some of you have received the National Awards this evening for the first time, while others may have received them earlier. Whether it is for the first time, or yet another time, I am sure all of you will have had the same sense of fulfillment. As recipients of these awards, you have a great responsibility cast upon you.

We are all honoured to have in our midst today, the recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2008 - Shri V.K. Murthy. A renowned cinematographer, he broke new ground and ushered in sophisticated techniques to improve and uplift the visual tapestry of the film medium. Shri Murthy contributed to revolutionizing the viewing experience of the Indian cinema audience, with the introduction of the first Cinemascope film - "Kaagaz Ke Phool" more than half a century ago in 1959. He has been internationally recognized for his contribution to cinematography. The Dada Saheb Phalke Award is an acknowledgement of his immense enrichment of Indian Cinema through his technical work, which is extremely relevant at a time when elsewhere around the world, new techniques are being tried out to bring to the audience a viewing experience that is technically superior. But Shri Murthy is not just a wizard with technology, he is also an accomplished musician and plays the violin. I take the opportunity to convey to him our greetings and the very best.

Master Shams Patel received the Best Child Artiste Award for his captivating portrayal in the Hindi film - "Thanks Maa", of a street child thrown into an unusual situation. I was told that he is an amateur actor, with no acting experience and that this was his first film. His award for a film at his first attempt deserves applause from all of us. I hope that this award will make everyone more aware about the plight and problems which such children face everyday. This should inspire us to come forward to reach out to them and their families and lend them a helping hand in whatever way to ease their sufferings.

Finally, I would like to compliment all the Members of the Jury for sparing their time to undertake the work of assessing the entries which came up before them.

Once again, I congratulate all the recipients of the National Film Awards and hope that this recognition will inspire them to even greater heights in the years to come.

Thank You. 
JAI HIND.