‘Gandhi Panorama- 2019’ an international festival of films on Gandhiji and his principles kicked off in the State capital on Saturday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The three- day long film festival was inaugurated by the Governor Droupadi Murmu at Audrey House, Ranchi. The film festival will be held from September 21 to September 23.
Revenue and Land Reforms, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister of Jharkhand Amar Kumar Bauri, Department Secretary Rahul Sharma, Principal Secretary to Governor Satendra Singh and IIMC Chairman Devendra Khandelwal were the other dignitaries present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said “It is matter of great pride for Ranchi that such a big film festival is being organised on the 150th birth anniversary of the great Mahatma Gandhi. The country and its people will always be indebted to him for his immense contribution. All through his life he gave a message of ahimsa, satya, tyag and dharma. During the freedom movement he visited Ranchi and various other places in Jharkhand including Jamshedpur, Chaibasa, Deoghar and influenced the people of the State. In Ranchi he stayed at Audrey House which should be renamed to Gandhi Smriti Bhavan.”
“This film festival will teach the youth about his values and principles and will play a vital role in making them better human beings. Apart from teaching them about satya, ahimsa and dharma it will also teach them desh prem. During his visits, Bapu was deeply loved and respected by the people of Jharkhand and following his principles will lead to the development of the State,” added the Governor. Murmu also inaugurated a photo exhibition displaying the journey of the Mahatma’s life through pictures at the venue.
Speaking on the occasion Bauri said that it is a great opportunity for Gandhiji’s followers in Ranchi as they will get to witness his life through films right here in the city. “Mahatma Gandhi is a big name not just in India but all over the world. His life was dedicated to truth, human values and for the betterment of the people. When there were no phones and emails, he still had the whole country with him and his freedom movement. No leader from any part of the world can be like him.
I urge the people espically the youth of Jharkhand to be a part of this programme and imbibe his values and principles. Just like they know of Harry Potter and Shaktimaan, they should know of Mahatma Gandhi too,” said Bauri.
Devendra Khandelwal renowned producer and director and Chairman of India Infotainment Media Corporation (IIMC) organising the film festival was also present on the occasion. “Initially I was against Gandhi and his principles but an interaction with the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai changed my opinion about the great man. I then started making film on Gandhi and his life. While involved in making films I thought of staring this film festival for which I received movies and documentaries on Gandhi from across the globe. This film festival is conducted at various places every year keeping in mind the interest of the people and the local language,” said Khandelwal.
