M Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, today inaugurated the multimedia exhibition centred on the theme of ‘Aazadi 70 Saal, Yaad Karo Kurbani’ to commemorate 70 years of India’s Independence and its depiction through films. The multimedia exhibition was setup by National Film Archives of India at the 47th International Film Festival of India, 2016, in Panjim, Goa. Shri Naidu said that “the exhibition covers films highlighting our soldiers’, peoples’ and freedom fighters’ contribution towards independence and various wars thereafter. The films, from silent era of 1913-31, till date, have been covered in the exhibition. The fight against social evils such as un-touchability, womens’ empowerment, caste system etc. which were covered exhaustively through various films, have also been showcased in the exhibition. Indian film industry being one of the most diverse with more than 42000 films, has immensely contribute towards patriotism, which is very well displayed at the exhibition.”
The minister said that India and its independence struggle had a great past which was showcased in its cinema. It was our responsibility to pass on the past to present and take it to the future. The exhibition thus, can be a centre of inspiration for the coming generation. Shri Naidu said that unity in diversity is a special trait of our country and films have a big role in ensuring this.The Minister also inaugurated the revamped NFAI website, NFAI New Year calendar with a theme of Dance in Indian Cinema and Exhibition on Virtual Reality. It is one of its own kind technological innovation of VR wherein people can visit NFAI premises and the exhibition through a VR gear. Ajay Mittal, Secretary I&B, Shri Prakash Magdum, Director NFAI, Shri C Senthil Rajan, Director DFF and senior officers of the Ministry of I & B and NFAI were also present on the occassion.The exhibition is open for all during IFFI, till 28th November.