New Delhi, 16 December 2022: The Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) recently organized the 13th Edition of the International We Care Film Festival on the theme of ‘Issue of Disability’. The two-day festival, held from 15th to 16th December 2022, was organized in collaboration with Brotherhood, an internationally recognized NGO, UNESCO, and the UN Information Centre.
This film festival honors the courage and tenacity of millions of people with disabilities and aims to spotlight the heroism and struggles of specially-abled individuals around the globe, acknowledging their special abilities.
The event was attended by media students from various universities and colleges. The Chief Guest for the first day was Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Apeejay Stya University. Guests of Honour included Dr. Hemlata, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Disability Studies at IGNOU, New Delhi, and Ms. Reena Charles, an educationist and social activist with the EkEhsaas Foundation (EFF), Delhi. Special Guests for the event were the specially-abled children from the Ashish Foundation (NGO). Prof. Sajal Mukherjee, Director of AIMC, and Prof. Ashok Ogra, Advisor of AIMC, were also present.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sajal Mukherjee stated, “We as a Mass Communication Institute are proud to have initiated and continued the conversation on ‘the issue of disability’ for the last 13 years. Our aim is to spread awareness and sensitize young impressionable minds through the medium of films and various discussions related to this theme.”
Dr. Hemlata expressed her joy in collaborating with Apeejay Education and recounted her meeting with Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-promoter & President of Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Co-Founder & Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman of Apeejay Education. They brainstormed innovative ways to practice disability inclusion in every school and higher education institution of Apeejay Education.
The second day of the festival hosted school students and featured Dr. Basheerhamad Shadrach, Director of Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included RJ Tripti and Mr. Satish Kapoor, Founding President of Brotherhood and Festival Director.
A highlight of the event was the National Anthem sung in sign language, with a video featuring Amitabh Bachchan and children with disabilities played simultaneously. Numerous award-winning national and international films were screened, including “Here,” “Incognito,” “Fish & I,” and “Butterfly Circus.” The festival also featured an enthralling fashion show presented by the specially-abled children from the Ashish Foundation, as well as a photography and painting exhibition with creative entries from various schools. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony.
This festival continues to be a significant platform for raising awareness about disability issues, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the unique talents and contributions of specially-abled individuals.
