Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 23: The Grand Finale of the 17th PRAKRITI: International Documentary Film Festival was inaugurated today at the University of Jammu in the august presence of Justice (Retd) Tashi Rabstan, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The festival is being organised by the University of Jammu in collaboration with the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, an Inter-University Centre of the University Grants Commission.
The inaugural session was presided over by the JU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai. Prof. Parikshit Singh Manhas, Director, CEC; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies and Sunil Mehru, Joint Director, CEC were present on the dais.
In his address, Justice (Retd ) Tashi Rabstan described the 17th Prakriti International Documentary Film Festival as a significant platform that goes beyond cinema and serves as a forum for awareness and social reflection. He observed that documentary films have the power to present ground realities with honesty, raise difficult questions, and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Umesh Rai observed that the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 can only be achieved through sustainable development, respect for human rights, and an education system that prepares students to respond to contemporary challenges. He stated that documentary cinema provides a meaningful extension of classroom learning by encouraging critical thinking and civic awareness.
Prof Parikshit Singh Manhas emphasized that documentary filmmaking plays a vital role in education by engaging with themes such as environment, development, human rights, and Swachh Bharat. In today’s digital era, he said, young people learn not only within classrooms but through media and technology, and CEC remains committed to strengthening ICT-enabled higher education in alignment with the National Education Policy and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He described the festival as a rare opportunity to learn through meaningful cinema and thoughtful discussion.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, who acknowledged the collective effort that made the Grand Finale possible and hoped that the festival would leave a lasting intellectual and social impact.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr Bhagwati. Among others present on the occasion included, Deans, Rectors, Heads, Directors, prominent members from the civil society, faculty members, officers, staff scholars and students.
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