Governor Acharya Devvrat said that cinema was the most effective and popular art which instantly impresses our hearts and minds. It always had a strong impact in the society but there was need to ensure that its message was rational.He was speaking at the award ceremony of 2nd International Film festival organized by IFF, Shimla at Gaiety Theater, Shimla on Sunday evening.He said cinema was capable of bringing constructive change in society, generating human qualities, sense of patriotism and raising voice against the social evils. He appealed the films producers to make movies on social issues for the creation of civil society.The Governor said various social evils in the society were ruining especially the future of younger generation. In such scenario, there was need to produce films on the issues like drug menace, corruption, poverty, female feticide to educate the people and only this way cinema could become meaningful in a true sense.He congratulated the organizers for organizing International Film Festival in Shimla successfully and providing an excellent platform to the short film makers which would also go a long way in bringing new possibilities to the regional cinema.
He hoped that such festivals would be organized in every year to give society a new mindset.He also gave away the prizes to the winners and released a book 'An Ember from her pure' written by Shelly Bhoil.The Governor also watched the premiere of 'Lal Hota Darakht' directed by Dr. Dev Kanya Thakur based on the short story of Shri S.R. Harnot.Festival Director Shri Pushp Raj Thakur welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion.Earlier, the Governor also participated a function on "Gandhi thought & its relevance in today's scenario" organized by JRP production to mark the birth anniversary of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi.The Governor said that Gandhi ji's life was an inspiration to all. The great leaders of our nation adopted the basic elements of Indian culture and we should also follow their foot prints.The Governor honoured the people performing excellent services in social sector.Editor-in Chief Shri Jag Mohan and Managing Director JRP Production Shri Pankaj Sharma were also present on the occasion.