SPEECH OF THE HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE 53RD NATIONAL FILM AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY

Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, 14th September 2007

Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi Ji, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Information and Broadcasting,

Chairpersons and Members of Jury,

All the Award Winners,

Distinguished guests.

It gives me immense pleasure to be amidst such an impressive gathering this evening on the occasion of the 53rd National Film Awards presentation ceremony. I would like to congratulate this year's award winners for their contribution towards enriching the world of Indian Cinema.

Films in our country are enormously popular with the masses and, therefore, it is not surprising that India ranks high amongst cinema-loving nations of the world. The love for films unites people across the country as well as those Indians who reside overseas. The upsurge in the popularity of Indian cinema worldwide is a testimony to the talent and creativity of our artists and directors. However, there still is a lot of untapped potential in our country and it is important that the Indian Film Industry accommodates and harnesses this potential in order to ensure that India claims its rightful place in world cinema.

With increasing popularity and commercial success of Indian cinema arise questions about its responsibilities. Cinema does not exist in an isolated vacuum, removed from reality. Cinema expresses the social, political, economic and cultural ethos of the society in which it is produced and in turn cinema also has an impact on societies. The Indian film industry must ensure that it is socially responsible and committed to the greater cause of upholding human values. This year we celebrate sixty years of independence and as a nation we stand poised to take flight into the dawn of a prosperous future. To succeed in this, it has to be a united effort of citizens from every walk of life. Indian cinema can play a crucial role in upholding the cherished values of secularism, equality and democracy. Cinema can also contribute in improving the status of women in society, eradicating social evils and inspiring its audience to be patriotic and committed to the welfare of the nation and to humanity at large.

Originality is the cornerstone of great cinema. Our rich history and culture provides a strong foundation in which to root the originality of Indian cinema. Cinema is the art of story telling and we must look within, inside our own country and give expression to the many untold stories that reside in heart of the great nation that is India. It is, however, good that we are exploring new techniques in the art of filmmaking and enriching ourselves by learning from world cinema.

The regional films capture the diversity of India and while upholding their regional identity they are at the same time part of the larger national creative process, amalgamating itself in the world of Indian Cinema. It is encouraging to note that regional films have taken a good share of this year's awards.

Healthy criticism is a very important aspect in the evolution of cinema as a socially relevant art form, and therefore, I hope that in the coming years there would be more entries in the best film critic section. It is heartening to see a lot of entries from debut directors since every art form needs to be enriched with new and young talent who can further its excellence. The greater participation of women in the Indian film scenario, especially as filmmakers, is a positive trend that I hope will continue in the future, ensuring that the industry is truly representative.

We have this evening amidst us the recipient of this year's Dada Saheb Phalke award, Shri Shyam Benegal. He is a filmmaker who is well known for his socially relevant films and his commitment to the cause of furthering the popularity and excellence of Indian Cinema. His achievements range from a succession of awards to international acclaim. Benegal has won several awards in his distinguished filmmaking career and the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award has been conferred on him for his immense contribution to Indian Cinema.

The Best child artiste award is being presented to Master Sai Kumar of Hyderabad for his captivating portrayal of a nine-year-old boy with aspirations beyond his dreams. I congratulate him and hope that he attains still greater heights of success.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate all the award winners present here this evening and wish them success in their endeavor of creating films that add to the reputation of Indian Cinema. However, the entire film industry would have to work collectively to ensure that the momentum gained by Indian Cinema is sustained in the future and new ideas and concepts do not remain uncultivated.

Today, as we look back at our glorious cultural and artistic past, and as we look upon the successes of the present, I am confident that there can only be still greater things in store for the future of Indian Cinema. The renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray said, and I quote, "The raw material of cinema is life itself. It is incredible that a country, which has inspired so much painting and music and poetry, should fail to move the filmmaker. He has only to keep his eyes open, and his ears. Let him do so." Unquote. This should be an inspiration to the film world.

Finally, I would also like to appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in organizing yet another successful event and giving us all this opportunity to celebrate Indian Cinema.

Thank you.

JAI HIND !