A mind guided by CSR-India Broadcast Movie

Raipur: Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891-1965) is the globally acclaimed thinker, jurist, economist, politician and great social reformer and has given incomparable contribution to development of India.  He was country’s first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of India.   Such a great personality and social icon deserves much public recognition long after he has gone from this world.

This can be achieved through propagation and dissemination of his inspiring messages and by keeping public well aware of his contributions to the nation.   In the post-independence era, there has been a lot of ignorance and undue neglect practiced by the Government in conveying the inspirational message of his life to the public.

To the extent that the nation’s premier Television (TV) channel – Doordarshan has not even broadcasted the movie on Dr. Ambedkar’s inspiring life a single time. It has been over 14 years since the movie was released in India, but it has never been shown on Doordarshan! This movie is available in English and in Hindi both apart from several other languages.  

This surprising information has been obtained by Rusen Kumar, a resident of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, who is a leading social icon in the space of Corporate Social Responsibility and online influence, and is the founder of IndiaCSR, a leading web portal.   Rusen Kumar filed an RTI on availability of film on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and its broadcasting in National TV Networks.

He obtained response of his RTI application through the letter No. NFDC/CPIO/RTI/2014-2015/2381/9 April 2015 from National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDCL), Mumbai (A Government of India Enterprise).   In the document NFDCL clearly acknowledges that this movie based on the life of Dr. Ambedkar, has not been broadcasted even once by the Government in the National TV Networks.

This movie was made in year 1999-2000 and it was co-produced by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. India and Government of Maharashtra.   In spite of its availability in 8 different languages apart from English such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati and Oriya. Till date, this movie has only been broadcasted only once in India, in Tamil language on regional Doordarshan Tamil channel- DD 5 (DD Podhigai) on December 6, 2012.    A copy of this movie is readily available with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India, and its distribution rights are also with this ministry itself. Approximately close to INR 8.95 crores was spent on the making and dubbing of this entire movie. NFDCL is the executive producer of the feature film. This movie has been directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel.  

Rusen Kumar said, “This movie was made to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, to propel his life learning and messages, so that Dr. Ambedkar is always remembered for his life time contributions. But it is extremely unfortunate that even after 14 years of the movie being made, the Indian citizens have not had a single opportunity to view it through Doordarshan’s broadcast, as it has never been aired. It was extremely unfortunate that this movie could not be aired even on Dr. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary (April 14, 2015)!”   “This in many ways indicates that the Government has no interest in bringing forth and making Indians aware about Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s contributions to nation. If this continues, all the citizens of India and future generations will be devoid of any knowledge about Dr. Ambedkar’s iconic work and significant contributions.”, Rusen Kumar added.  

Rusen Kumar further said that he has seen this movie, and found it extremely motivating and encouraging. It is a very significant movie about India that covers various aspects related to social, economic and political scenario of pre Independent and modern India.  

He said that this movie includes motivational messages for all Indians, especially those masses who are still struggling for social, economic and political rights and opportunities even after 67 years of Independence.   Rusen Kumar demanded from the Government that this movie to be mandatorily broadcasted on various national occasions and holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Dr. Ambedkar’s birthday etc. So that India can watch it and get inspired from his noble contribution

By CurrentNews Editor