It has been over 14 years since the movie on inspiring life and contributions to nation of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar of was released in the year 1999-2000, but it has never been shown on Doordarshan!, even though the movie is available in English and in Hindi both apart from several 7 other languages.
RAIGARH/RAIPUR (April 17, 2015): 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.
Recognizing an Iconic Personality
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 the public well aware of his contributions to the nation.
Post-Independence Neglect
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.
Revelation through RTI
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.
Response from NFDCL
Rusen Kumar filed an RTI on the availability of the film on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and its broadcasting in National TV Networks. He obtained the response to 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).
Non-Broadcasted Movie
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 the year 1999-2000 and it was co-produced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. India, and the Government of Maharashtra.
Limited Broadcast History
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.
Movie Details and Production
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 Rs 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.
Unfortunate Lack of Broadcast
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)!”
Government’s Lack of Interest
“This, in many ways, indicates that the Government has no interest in bringing forth and making Indians aware of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s contributions to the 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.
Motivation through Film
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 scenarios of pre-Independent and modern India.
Urgent Broadcast Demand
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.
Broadcast Appeal to the Government
Rusen Kumar demanded from the Government that this movie 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.
About the author:
Rusen Kumar is the founder and CEO of IndiaCSR.
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