President Droupadi Murmu Presents 72nd National Film Awards in Ekta Nagar

President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards during a grand ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Congratulating the winners for their dedication and hard work, the President described filmmaking as a collaborative endeavor. She urged artists to promote healthy lifestyles and refrain from endorsing harmful products, noting their significant influence on the youth.

Veteran actor Anant Nag was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. Accepting the award with humility, he expressed gratitude for the support received throughout his journey, noting that his acting career was rooted in theater. He reflected on his long-standing commitment to the craft.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the initiative to host the National Film Awards outside Delhi at key tourist sites aims to highlight India's cultural diversity. He encouraged states to propose their tourist destinations for future editions. The Minister also acknowledged the vital role of technicians and behind-the-scenes contributors in the film industry.

In the acting categories, Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the award for Best Actor, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress. 'Article 370' received the award for Best Feature Film. The ceremony also celebrated regional cinema, with awards for Garhwali, Tulu, and Santhali films, underscoring the linguistic richness of Indian cinema.

Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed pride in Gujarat hosting the event. They described cinema as a mirror of society and a powerful medium for cultural influence. Secretary Chanchal Kumar noted that entries were received from 34 languages, with awards presented across various feature and non-feature categories.

The government announced plans to establish 15,000 creative labs to provide youth with opportunities to learn new technologies and skills. The Minister called upon the film fraternity to collaborate in identifying and nurturing hidden talent from smaller towns and cities.

The event took place in Ekta Nagar, a symbol of national unity. Organizers described the evening as a celebration of the soul of Indian cinema, where diverse languages and cultures converged. There are plans to continue hosting the ceremony in different cities across the country in the coming years.