Acknowledgement
Dr. Rajnikant Arole
(Padma Bhushan and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee)
In India, there is a lack of general awareness when it comes to health problems. Educating the masses about these important health issues is very crucial right now. Aarogya Film Festival is playing a significant role in this regard by generating awareness among people through the medium of films. This is an excellent initiative to promote good health.
Mr. Chandrakant Dalvi
(Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Maharashtra)
Aarogya Film Festival is a very good initiative to bring about change through the medium of cinema. Such initiatives should be implemented in more cities and towns to create a positive impact in the field of health.
Mr. Vikas Kharge
(IAS officer, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue, Registration and Stamp), Revenue and Forest Department)
Rural Health Mission Cinema is the most effective medium to put forth questions as well as solutions related to health. There is a need to undertake many such festivals as Aarogya to address serious health issues like mental health, AIDS, female feticide and addiction issues among children.
Mr. Umesh Kulkarni
(Renowned Film Director)
Cinema is a very expressive medium which has a great capacity to influence the human mind. So it is very important to organize festivals like Aarogya Film festival to create awareness among people.
Ms. Vidya Bal
(Writer, Editor, Social Activist)
Wellbeing is not only about taking care of the body but it also means being mentally fit and happy. When it comes to Women’s health, it is very crucial to understand their issues through interactions. A festival like Aarogya Film Festival gives women a great opportunity to put forth their problems and address them through the medium of films.
Mrs. Chanchala Kodre
(Former Mayor of Pune)
Women’s physical fitness greatly depends on their emotional wellbeing. It is very essential to change men’s mindset about women’s health and film festivals like Aarogya can play a significant role in bringing about this transformation.
Mr. Atul Pethe
(Writer, Director, Actor, Producer and Documentary Film-Maker)
I feel we lack the correct perspective to look at the medium of cinema. Some films screened in the Aarogya Film Festival have the potential to change this perspective and educate the people about health and wellbeing.
Mr. Prakash Magdhum
(NFDC Director)
Aarogya Film Festival is not just a celebration of films, but also a celebration of awareness, humanity, and positive change. Initiatives like this inspire filmmakers to create content that educates society while also entertaining audiences. It is truly encouraging to see meaningful storytelling being used for social good.”
Dr. Mohan Aagashe
(Psychiatrist and Actor )
Aarogya Film Festival is a thoughtful initiative that uses the power of cinema to create awareness about health and human wellbeing. Art has always been a strong medium of communication, and such festivals help society reflect on important issues in a meaningful and impactful way.
Mr. Bezwada Wilson
(Magsaysay Award Winner, Social Activist)
The role of cinema is not only to entertain; it is an effective medium to guide us. We all have the right to express ourselves. No one can force us how to or how not to create or present a piece of art.
Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala
(CEO of Wockhardt Foundation)
In today’s times, it is very important for everyone to take care of their health. Cinema is a wonderful medium to create awareness about it.
Mr. Girish Kulkarni
(National Award Winner Actor, Writer and Producer)
With a growing sense of insecurity in the society, everyone is feeling lonelier. On this background, such platforms combining health and art are reassuring.
Dr. Hamid Dabholkar
(Social Activist)
Students should put forward their thoughts boldly. Expressing without fear is a democratic value that all the citizens inherit. We should not be afraid to ask questions. If thinking is suppressed, cinema can be effective in raising a voice against it.
Dr. Tatyarao Lahane
(Padma Shri Awardee)
Health films are a powerful medium to create awareness in society. Today, excessive use of mobile phones and social media is affecting the eyesight of this generation, especially youngsters. Awareness about eye care and balanced screen usage is very important. I appreciate initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival that spread health awareness through meaningful cinema.”
Ms. Parna Pethe
(Actor)
Films can become a primary tool for creating health awareness among people of all age groups. Through meaningful storytelling, we can educate society about physical health, mental health, women’s health, hygiene, nutrition, and many other important issues.
Mrs. Usha Kakade
(Chairperson of Gravittus Corp and the Founder and President of the Gravittus Foundation, Film Maker, Philanthropist and Visionary Leader)
Aarogya Film Festival promotes socially relevant cinema. It is important to support films that not only entertain audiences but also contribute towards building a healthier and more aware society.
Mr. Alok Rajwade
(Actor, Director)
I truly appreciate initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival that encourage filmmakers to create socially responsible cinema. I invite all filmmakers to come forward and make powerful films that can bring awareness and make a difference in people’s lives.
Dr. K. H. Sancheti
(Padma Vibhushan Awardee)
Good health awareness should begin from school itself. If children learn the importance of hygiene, exercise, nutrition, and healthy habits at an early age, they can build a healthier future for themselves and society. Health films and awareness initiatives play an important role in educating the younger generation in an engaging and effective way. I appreciate efforts like the Aarogya Film Festival for spreading health awareness through cinema.
Ms. Devika Daftardar
(Actor)
Films do not just entertain; they also change perspectives. A good film has the power to inspire society, create awareness, and start important conversations. Health-related films, especially, can help people understand sensitive issues with empathy and awareness. Through meaningful storytelling, cinema can become a powerful medium for positive social change.
Dr. Bharat Vatwani
(Ramon Magsaysay Awardee)
Social work should never be done for likes or popularity on social media. Real service comes from compassion and a genuine desire to help people. Today, society needs meaningful action more than online attention. I appreciate initiatives that inspire humanity and spread awareness through meaningful cinema and social campaigns
Ms. Sumitra Bhave
(National Award Winner Filmmaker & Producer)
Health short films are like poems — brief in length, yet powerful in impact. In just a few minutes, they can communicate meaningful subjects very effectively. Cinema can create awareness, touch emotions, and inspire positive social change. I appreciate platforms like the Aarogya Film Festival that encourage meaningful films for social awareness.
Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar
(Padma Shri Awardee)
Health films should reach the common man in a simple and impactful way. After Covid, we have understood the importance of health education and responsible communication. Platforms like the Aarogya Film Festival are truly the need of the time, using cinema to spread awareness and inspire positive change.
Dr. Arun Gadre
(Social Activist, Gynecologist)
To understand what is happening around the world in the field of health, what problems people are facing, and what health challenges society is dealing with, films are a beautiful medium. Through meaningful cinema, people can connect emotionally with important health issues and become more aware and responsible. Health films can truly inspire discussion and social change.
Mr. Tukaram Mundhe
(IAS Officer, Commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)
Today, one of the biggest challenges before society is the growing health crisis caused by unhealthy lifestyles, rising healthcare costs, and lack of awareness. Building a healthier society is the need of the hour, though it is not an easy task. Cinema and initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival can play an important role in creating awareness and inspiring positive social change.
Mr. Sunil Sukthankar
(National Award Winning Director)
Because of digitalisation, filmmaking has become more democratic and accessible. Today, anyone with a strong idea and honest storytelling can create meaningful cinema and reach society. This democratisation of filmmaking is very important, especially for social and health-related subjects. Short films can now spread awareness, start conversations, and create impact among people at every level. I appreciate initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival that encourage socially relevant filmmaking.
Mr. Rushikesh Joshi
(Actor)
The 15th Aarogya Film Festival is an important initiative that beautifully brings together cinema and health awareness. Such platforms encourage meaningful storytelling while educating society about important health and social issues. Cinema has the power to connect emotionally and create lasting impact. I am happy to be associated with a festival that promotes responsible and socially relevant films.
Dr. Abhjit Vaidya
(Cardiologist and Consultant Physician)
Health films can be a powerful medium to remove misconceptions related to healthcare and spread correct information in a simple and impactful way. Through meaningful storytelling, cinema can help society become more aware, responsible, and health-conscious. I truly appreciate initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival that use cinema for health and social awareness.
Mr. Virendra Valsangkar
(National Award-winning Filmmaker)
Direct and honest presentation is the real strength of cinema. Simple and truthful storytelling can create a deep impact on society without exaggeration. Especially in health-related subjects, meaningful films can create awareness, change perspectives, and inspire action. I appreciate initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival that encourage socially relevant cinema.
Dr.Chandrashekhar Meshram
(Padma Shri Awardee)
Human health is our own responsibility, and every individual must remain aware of this fact. The Arogya Film Festival has consistently played an important role in creating and strengthening this awareness among people. Through the powerful medium of cinema, the festival effectively communicates vital messages related to health, encouraging individuals and communities to take responsibility for their well-being. The festival's continued efforts in promoting health consciousness through meaningful films are truly commendable.
Ms. Madhurani Prabhulkar
(Renowned Actress)
Nowadays, depression and anxiety are often spoken about very casually, but mental health is a serious and sensitive issue. We need awareness, empathy, open conversations, and proper guidance to understand it responsibly. Cinema and health awareness films can play an important role in helping society understand mental health in a more sensitive way.
Dr. Ravi Kannan R
(Padma Shri and Remon Magsaysay Awardee)
Lifestyle-related diseases are increasing rapidly due to unhealthy food habits, stress, lack of exercise, and poor sleep. Awareness about preventive healthcare and healthy living is more important than ever. Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference to our health and wellbeing. Health films and awareness initiatives can play an important role in educating society and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Ms. Renuka Daftardar
(Renowned Actress)
Cinema is one of the most powerful mediums for social change. Meaningful films can create awareness, change perspectives, and inspire society emotionally. Through storytelling, cinema can address important social and health-related issues in a responsible way. I appreciate initiatives like the Aarogya Film Festival that promote socially relevant cinema.