NHRC Felicitates Winners of 2024 Short Film Competition on Human Rights

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, hosted a special ceremony in New Delhi to felicitate and present awards to the seven winners of its 2024 short film competition on human rights. The event, held at the NHRC premises, marked the tenth edition of the competition, which has been instrumental in spreading awareness about human rights across the country.

Growing Awareness Through Films

Speaking at the event, NHRC Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian highlighted how the competition has effectively fulfilled its objective of promoting human rights awareness over the past decade. He noted that participation has grown significantly since its inception in 2015, when only 40 entries were received. In 2024, over 300 entries from across the country reflected the increasing engagement with human rights issues.

“This competition has gained traction with filmmakers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari using cinema as a medium to highlight human rights concerns in various Indian languages. It is heartening to see such widespread participation,” Justice Ramasubramanian remarked.

Congratulating the winners, he described all participants as “brand ambassadors of human rights” and expressed hope that they would continue to use their creative talents to advocate for justice and social change.

Award-Winning Films and Their Themes

The winning films addressed a diverse range of human rights issues, from environmental concerns and child marriage to women’s rights and the value of potable water.

• First Prize (₹2 lakh): Doodh Ganga – Valley’s Dying Lifeline by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat (Jammu & Kashmir) – A documentary highlighting pollution in the Doodh Ganga River and the urgent need for its restoration.
• Second Prize (₹1.5 lakh): Fight for Rights by Kadarappa Raju (Andhra Pradesh) – A Telugu-language film advocating against child marriage and promoting education.
• Third Prize (₹1 lakh): GOD by R. Ravichandran (Tamil Nadu) – A silent film emphasizing the importance of potable water.

Additionally, four films received Certificates of Special Mention along with ₹50,000 each:

• Aksharabhyasam by Haneesh Undramatla (Telangana)
• Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate) by R. Selvam (Tamil Nadu)
• Life of Seetha by Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana (Andhra Pradesh)
• Be a Human by Lotla Naveen (Andhra Pradesh)

Impact of the Competition

Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, NHRC Member, emphasized the effectiveness of films as a medium for human rights advocacy. He particularly praised Doodh Ganga for shedding light on environmental degradation in Kashmir.

NHRC Member Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani applauded the winners for their commitment to breaking stereotypes, challenging societal barriers, and promoting justice. “Their dedication is not just about filmmaking but about advocacy, courage, and commitment to a better world,” she said.

Encouraging Future Participation

NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal provided an overview of the competition’s evolution, stating that the 2024 edition saw 303 submissions, with 243 advancing through a rigorous three-round jury process. The awarded films will be uploaded on the NHRC website for screening by government departments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to further human rights education.

The event concluded with NHRC Director Lt. Col. Virender Singh announcing the winners, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to using creative platforms to foster awareness and action on human rights issues.

With its growing reach and impact, the NHRC short film competition continues to be a powerful tool in promoting social justice, inspiring filmmakers to advocate for human rights through the art of storytelling.