Mangaluru, Nov 22: The atmosphere at the inaugural programme of the 10th International Children's Film Festival was lively and animated, with children and students enjoying every bit of the cultural performances and inaugural ceremony at Town Hall on Sunday evening.
On the occasion of the 125th birth centenary year of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the 10th International Children's Film Festival organised for the first time in Mangaluru, by Dakshina Kannada district administration, Mangaluru City Corporation, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, Bengaluru and Children's India, Bengaluru, was inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, Blossom Fernandes and cine actor Khushboo in the presence of elected representatives and other dignitaries.
Speaking after inaugurating the film festival, Khushboo stressed on the need for Indians to stay united amidst the existing intolerance in the country. "When we are children, we play together and share food from our tiffin boxes. As we grow, we tend to differ in our opinions, and often do not understand the pain of others. But irrespective of status or religion, we should grow together and stand as one united nation. We should be a proud citizen of this country and make India known for its unity in the world. Above everything else, we must stay united and have tolerance, secularism and pluralism, and protect the rich cultural diversity of the country," she said.
Speaking on guiding the children in the society, she said that Children's day was meant for learning about the leaders of the country and their struggles during the freedom struggle. "But we are missing teaching our children what this day represents and stands for. Children are the future of the country; they are the next generation who will take the country forward. We must contemplate whether we are teaching them to tread on the right path and practice tolerance. We must bring them up the right way," she pointed.
Speaking on the occasion, president of Film Makers Guild of Sri Lanka and film director Somaratne Dissanayake said that the medium of films stood out strongly among other forms of art such as music, poetry and dance, since they were audio-visual and dealt directly with human feelings. "In the present era of technology taking over several aspects, we fear that children will grow up without human feelings. Hence, we need an understanding and appreciation of art, including films," he said.
Overjoyed by the cultural performances by different dance troupes, children seated among the audience were seen dancing to the beats of Dollu-kunita.
Several directors and delegates from foreign countries were present during the inaugural ceremony.
Minister for Forests B Ramanath Rai, Minister for Urban Development Vinay Kumar Sorake, president of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy S V Rajendra Singh Babu, president of Children's India N R Nanjunde Gowda, DK Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, Zilla Panchayat CEO Sreevidya, Mayor Jacintha Alfred, MLA J R Lobo and several others were present during inaugural ceremony.
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