New Delhi,26 March 2025 – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, organized a special ceremony at its headquarters to honor the seven winners of its 2024 short film competition on human rights.
NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, emphasized the competition’s role in spreading awareness and promoting the protection of human rights. He noted that since its inception in 2015, the event has gained significant traction, with entries increasing from 40 in the first edition to over 300 in 2024.
“This surge in participation reflects the growing awareness of human rights across the country, with filmmakers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari creating impactful films in various Indian languages,” he said.
Congratulating the winners, he described all participants as “brand ambassadors of human rights” and encouraged them to continue using films as a powerful medium for advocacy.
Winning Films and Awards
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First Prize (Rs. 2 lakh, trophy, and certificate): Doodh Ganga – Valley’s Dying Lifeline by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat (Jammu & Kashmir) – Highlights the pollution of the Doodh Ganga River and the need for its restoration.
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Second Prize (Rs. 1.5 lakh, trophy, and certificate): Fight for Rights by Kadarappa Raju (Andhra Pradesh) – Addresses child marriage and the importance of education.
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Third Prize (Rs. 1 lakh, trophy, and certificate): GOD by R. Ravichandran (Tamil Nadu) – A silent film that emphasizes the value of potable water.
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Special Mention (Rs. 50,000 each):
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Aksharabhyasam – Haneesh Undramatla (Telangana)
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Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate) – R. Selvam (Tamil Nadu)
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Life of Seetha – Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana (Andhra Pradesh)
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Be a Human – Lotla Naveen (Andhra Pradesh)
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NHRC Members Applaud Filmmakers
NHRC Member, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, praised the winning films for addressing diverse human rights issues. He highlighted Doodh Ganga as a crucial documentary raising concerns about environmental degradation.
Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani commended the filmmakers for their commitment to social change, stating that their work transcends filmmaking and serves as advocacy for justice and human dignity.
NHRC Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, provided insights into the competition’s rigorous selection process. Of the 303 entries received in 2024, 243 advanced to final scrutiny, with the winners determined through a three-tier jury process.
He announced that the winning films would be available on the NHRC website for screening by government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to further human rights awareness.
The event reaffirmed NHRC’s commitment to using creative storytelling as a tool for human rights education and advocacy.
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