Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha presented awards in various categories at the 2nd International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS) held at Tagore Hall today. This edition of TIFFS paid tribute to the Indian Cinema icon, Dev Anand Sahib.
During his address, The Lt Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to the award winners and lauded the commendable efforts of the ‘Vomedh Organization’ for its role in promoting theatre, culture, language, and cinema in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manoj Sinha said “The cinema is a medium that unites people and fosters cultural and social values, and it has played a significant role in strengthening India’s cultural diversity through the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
He said “Since India’s independence, the Indian film industry has had a profound influence on society, both domestically and internationally. It has contributed to popularizing our culture and traditions worldwide, while also serving as a catalyst for social change and providing livelihood opportunities for numerous individuals associated with the sector”.
During the award ceremony, the Lt Governor shed light on Jammu and Kashmir’s deep-rooted connection with the world of cinema and underscored the administration’s dedication to creating a thriving film ecosystem in the Union Territory. The administration has initiated several measures, including the introduction of a new film policy and the revival of cinema halls in various districts after a three-decade hiatus, in a bid to rekindle the golden era of J&K’s cinematic heritage.
Sinha assured the full support and assistance of the administration to organizations like Vomedh in their endeavours to popularize film festivals and related activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Recognizing Dev Anand’s invaluable contribution to the film industry, the Lt Governor highlighted how this iconic actor and filmmaker added a new dimension and respectability to Bollywood.
The 2nd International Film Festival of Srinagar featured 30 feature films, short films, and documentaries from 17 countries, offering a diverse cinematic experience to film enthusiasts.