I am sure that the film fraternity will continue to understand this responsibility in its fullest sense.Īs Indians, we take pride in our democracy and our nation which comprises many languages, religions and cultures. I especially feel there are two other aspects which films can fulfill in a developing society - making individuals compassionate and acting as emotional integrators. Films, being an important part of the lives of our people should not only be a source of popular entertainment for families and individuals, but also a medium of education and a vehicle for social change, as they have a tremendous psychological impact. The film industry is a part of the more than one billion Indian team that will build a strong and confident India. We have a rich and varied cultural heritage that has been and continues to be a very significant base for telling our own people and indeed, the world the story of India - a nation whose history goes back to many millenia, a nation that occupies an important place in the contemporary world and a nation whose future holds great promise. This imposes a great responsibility on everyone associated with the film industry to look at how to use the power of cinema to do good for society through the portrayal of attitudes that help in building tolerant and harmonious societies. This medium of entertainment wields a sense of intimacy and familiarity and therefore, what it portrays has a reaction within society. This vast and ever growing popularity of cinema has nourished and ensured a steady and ever increasing audience, which needs to be carefully nurtured, so that they appreciate and accept all that is higher and nobler in life.įilms are a very powerful way of conveying a message and have the ability of influencing masses. Also Indian cinema and music is very popular overseas in many countries, particularly among the 25 million Indian diaspora.Īs our films capture the range and diversity that exists in the country, they attract such a large viewership. I was impressed to learn that according to the Central Board of Film Certification, every month an audience as large as India's population goes to cinema halls. The Indian Film Industry is considered to be the largest in the world, estimated to produce over a thousand films a year in the different languages of the country. I extend my congratulations to all the Award winners, whose creativity and excellence have given them recognition on the national stage. This annual film award ceremony provides an opportunity to identify new talent as well as honor excellence achieved by film veterans in the field of cinema.

I am very happy to be with all of you today on the occasion of the 54th National Film Awards function.

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

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