A recent film festival organized by brotherhood in association with the Asian Academy of Film and Television in the capital aimed at raising awareness about disability issues. The festival showcases 38 films and documentaries that sent out a strong message on empowering people with special needs through including them, providing education, valuing their existence and making them aware of their rights.

The first film “Inclusion: Make Everyone Happy” introduced a general theme of inclusion by portraying a society where disabled, non-disabled and even animals live happily. Muppets in the film ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim’ sang that all children are equal and one of their new friends is a child with special needs who sings and dances with them.

The theme becomes specific in a documentary on Shri Rakum School that depicted life of a visually impaired boy, who is aware of his disability but is happy because he has friends with whom he eats, studies and even learns karate. This inclusive education has proved beneficial to many and this was shown in the story on Anuradha. The film ‘Girl Star’ showed how Anuradha, a medical college student feels confident about her achievements.

A film depicting the life of a girl Pragati, who is physically and mentally challenged, showed what needs to be done to make such people happy. Pragati’s neighbor identified her strong grip. She taught her to make paper bags and now Pragati has reason to smile.

The message resonated through the films – there are strong people who counter their disability and get education to become successful.