PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS 70TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS
CONFERS DADASAHEB PHALKE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ON SHRI MITHUN CHAKRABORTY
FILMS AND SOCIAL MEDIA ARE THE MOST POWERFUL MEDIUMS TO BRING CHANGES IN
SOCIETY: PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU
The President
of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the 70th National
Film Awards in various categories in New Delhi today (October 8, 2024). She
also conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for
the year 2022 on Mithun Chakraborty.
Speaking on
the occasion, the President said that our films reflect the artistic sense of
our society. Life is changing. The standards of art are changing. New
aspirations are arising. New problems are emerging. New awareness is rising.
Amidst all these changes, the unchanging values of love, compassion, and
service are still making our individual and collective lives meaningful. We can
see all these values portrayed in the films awarded today.
The President
said that Indian cinema is the largest film industry in the world, with films
being produced in multiple languages and in all regions of the country.
It is also the most diverse art form. She congratulated the all award winners
and appreciated the people associated with the film industry.
The President
congratulated Mithun Chakraborty for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime
Achievement Award. She said that in his artistic journey of almost five
decades, Mithun ji has not only portrayed serious characters on screen but has
also portrayed with success many ordinary stories with his unique energy.
The President said that though the languages and
backgrounds of award-winning films may be different, they all are reflections
of India. These films are a treasure trove of experiences of Indian society.
Indian traditions and their diversity come alive in these films.
The President
said that films and social media are the most powerful mediums to bring changes
in society. These mediums have, as more impact in creating awareness among
people than any other medium. She noted that out of more than 85 awards
distributed today, only 15 awards have been received by women awardees. She
said that the film industry could make more efforts towards women-led
development.
The President pointed out that meaningful films often do
not find an audience. She urged aware citizens, social organizations, and
governments to work together to increase the reach of meaningful cinema to the
audience.