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Grand Finale of 17th PRAKRITI International Documentary Film Festival inaugurated at JU
Jammu, February 23: The Grand Finale of the 17th PRAKRITI: International Documentary Film Festival was inaugurated today at the University of Jammu in the august presence of Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) Tashi Rabstan, Former Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The festival is being organised by the University of Jammu in collaboration with the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, an Inter-University Centre of the University Grants Commission.
The inaugural session was presided over by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai. Prof. Parikshit Singh Manhas, Director, CEC; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies and Shri Sunil Mehru, Joint Director, CEC were present on the dais.
In his address, Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) Tashi Rabstan described the 17th Prakriti International Documentary Film Festival as a significant platform that goes beyond cinema and serves as a forum for awareness and social reflection. He appreciated the University of Jammu and the Consortium for Educational Communication for sustaining an initiative that brings filmmakers, academicians, students, and civil society together to engage with pressing contemporary issues. He observed that documentary films have the power to present ground realities with honesty, raise difficult questions, and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Highlighting the themes of environment, development, human rights, and social responsibility, Justice Rabstan noted that these concerns are deeply interconnected and central to building a balanced and humane society. He emphasized that when young people engage with such films, they do not merely watch, they reflect and learn. Congratulating the filmmakers whose works were selected through a rigorous jury process, he expressed confidence that the festival would inspire thoughtful discussions and strengthen a collective sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Umesh Rai expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and to CEC for choosing the University of Jammu to host the Grand Finale of the 17th PRAKRITI International Documentary Film Festival. He remarked that hosting such a festival reflects the University’s commitment to connecting education with societal realities.
Prof. Rai observed that the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 can only be achieved through sustainable development, respect for human rights, and an education system that prepares students to respond to contemporary challenges. He stated that documentary cinema provides a meaningful extension of classroom learning by encouraging critical thinking and civic awareness.
Highlighting the University’s academic reforms aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, Prof. Rai spoke about innovative initiatives such as the “Design Your Degree” and integrated UG-PG programs that promote interdisciplinary learning, digital competence, creativity, and responsible citizenship. He shared that these programmes equip students with skills in IT, artificial intelligence, data analysis, communication, and critical thinking while encouraging experiential learning. Appreciating the dedication of the faculty and the University’s growing research and outreach initiatives, he expressed confidence that the documentaries being screened would inspire students to become informed, compassionate, and active contributors to society.
Prof. Parikshit Singh Manhas, Director, CEC, expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the University of Jammu for hosting the Grand Finale. He described the occasion as personally significant and acknowledged the support extended by the Vice-Chancellor and the entire team of the University.
Tracing the journey of the festival since its inception in 1997, Prof. Manhas noted that Prakriti has travelled across several cities in India and steadily evolved into a respected academic and cultural platform. He emphasized that documentary filmmaking plays a vital role in education by engaging with themes such as environment, development, human rights, and Swachh Bharat. In today’s digital era, he said, young people learn not only within classrooms but through media and technology, and CEC remains committed to strengthening ICT-enabled higher education in alignment with the National Education Policy and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He further shared that this year’s edition received entries from across India and Southeast Asia, out of which eight films were selected after a rigorous jury process. Notably, two of the shortlisted films are from Jammu & Kashmir, a matter of pride for the region.
Encouraging students to actively participate, watch the screenings, and engage in dialogue with filmmakers, he described the festival as a rare opportunity to learn through meaningful cinema and thoughtful discussion.
Earlier Sh. Sunil Mehru, Joint Director, CEC, welcomed the distinguished gathering and described the Grand Finale of the 17th Prakriti International Documentary Film Festival as a celebration of ideas, creativity, and social responsibility. He highlighted CEC’s role as an Inter-University Centre of the UGC in expanding access to quality education through ICT-enabled initiatives and meaningful media engagement. He noted that since its inception in 1997, the festival has evolved into a respected annual platform bringing together filmmakers, academicians, students, and media professionals to engage with themes such as environment, development, human rights, and Swachh Bharat. Informing that 72 entries were received this year, including submissions from Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh, he shared that eight films were selected after a rigorous jury process, with each winning documentary receiving a cash prize of ₹50,000. He expressed gratitude to the University of Jammu for hosting the festival and hoped that the screenings would spark dialogue, awareness, and lasting social impact.
The formal Vote of Thanks was delivered by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Vice-Chancellor, the Director, CEC, jury members, filmmakers, faculty, students, media representatives, and the organizing teams. She acknowledged the collective effort that made the Grand Finale possible and hoped that the festival would leave a lasting intellectual and social impact.
On the first day of the festival, documentaries were showcased at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium (BRSA) and simultaneously screened at three additional locations within the University campus to facilitate wider student participation.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Bhagwati.
Among others present on the occasion included, Deans, Rectors, Heads, Directors, prominent members from the Civil Society, faculty members, officers, staff scholars and students.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a dramatic presentation of Rashmirathi was also staged on the opening day, drawing appreciation from the audience for its powerful portrayal and artistic expression.
The University of Jammu has extended an open invitation to members of civil society and the media to attend the remaining screenings and interactive sessions on February 24, 2026.