Cinema for Change: Ranchi Rays with Hope as CMS VATAVARAN Celebrates Nature’s Scope
Ranchi: The curtains fell today on the two-day CMS VATAVARAN Environment Film Festival and Forum, leaving Audrey House echoing with a clarion call for climate action and the revival of indigenous wisdom. Supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and various state partners, the festival transformed Ranchi into a vibrant hub where the lens of cinema met the legacy of the land.
Day 1: Honoring the Guardians of Green
The festival was inaugurated by the Honourable Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar. A major highlight was the presentation of the Jharkhand Green Ambassador Awards, celebrating grassroots heroes:
Ms. Bitiya Murmu (Secretary of Lahanti) received the female award for her environmental leadership.
Mr. Gulab Chandra Prajapati was honored with the male award for his tireless service to the state’s biodiversity.
The day opened with the screening of “Humans in the Loop,” sparking vital dialogues between filmmakers, students, and environmentalists.
Day 2: A Tapestry of Tradition and Talent
The second day showcased a globally acclaimed lineup of films focusing on conservation. Highlights included:
Local Inspiration: A moving final film by Jharkhand’s own filmmaker, Bijjo Toppo.
Artistic Activism: Vaayu Veers (Air Quality ambassadors) and students from Springdale School captivated the audience with Nukkad Nataks (street plays) themed on cleanliness and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Cultural Celebration: A soulful Nagpuri dance by 7th-grade students and a rhythmic Mundari performance by the indigenous collective Rumbul celebrated the bond between people and the forest.
The Closing Vision
Chief Guest Shri Sanjeev Kumar (IFS), Chief Conservator of Jharkhand, lauded the initiative, urging creators to use art as a bridge to nature. Dr. Vasanti Rao, Director General of CMS VATAVARAN, emphasized the role of the youth, stating, “Jharkhand’s identity is rooted in its forests. We want the youth here to see themselves as the primary architects of a sustainable future.”
The festival concluded not just as an event but as a movement, uniting cinema, culture, and community to protect the green heart of India.
