In an event organized at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, released four cultural videos marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The event was attended by the members of the Indian film and entertainment industry including Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Kangana Ranaut, Anand L Rai, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sonam Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Sonu Nigam, Ekta Kapoor, members of Tarak Mehta group, ETV group.
In an interactive session, Prime Minister thanked the creative heads and contributors for taking time out of their busy schedule for paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, at his personal request.
Prime Minister urged the film and entertainment industry to channelize its energy to make entertaining, inspiring creatives that can motivate the ordinary citizens. He reminded them of their immense potential and their ability to bring about positive transformation in the society.
Gandhi, the thought that connects the world
Highlighting the impact of Mahatma Gandhi in the present day, PM said that if there is one thought, one person, who can establish a connect with people all over the world, it is Gandhiji.
Recalling the Einstein challenge proposed by him, Prime Minister urged the film fraternity to use the marvel of technology to bring Gandhian thought to the forefront.
Impact and potential of Indian Entertainment industry
Prime Minister recalled his interaction with Chinese President in Mamallapuram, wherein the President had highlighted the popularity of Indian films like Dangal in China. He also mentioned about the popularity of Ramayana in South East Asia.
He further exhorted the film fraternity to utilize their soft power potential to promote tourism in India.
Future Roadmap
Prime Minister outlined that India is going to celebrate the 75th anniversary its independence in 2022. In this regard, he requested the gathering to showcase the inspiring stories of India’s freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947 and India’s growth story from 1947 to 2022. He also underlined the plan to host an Annual International Entertainment Summit in India.
Cinestars praise PM
In an interactive session with the Prime Minister, actor Aamir Khan thanked the Prime Minister for igniting the idea of contributing towards the cause of propagation of Mahatma Gandhi’s message to the world.
Noted film director Rajkumar Hirani pointed out that the video released today is one of many coming out with the theme of ‘Change Within’. He thanked the Prime Minister for his contstant inspiration, guidance and support.
Thanking the Prime Minister for creating a platform for all the film fraternity to come together and work towards a cause, Shahrukh Khan said that such initiatives will re-introduce the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi by presenting Gandhi 2.0 to the whole world.
Acclaimed film maker, Anand L Rai thanked PM for making the entertainment industry realize its potential towards nation building.
Prime Minister assured the film fraternity of all the support from his government for the overall development of the entertainment industry.
The videos, centering on the theme of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were conceptualized and created by Rajkumar Hirani, ETV group, Tarak Mehta group and Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Happening now- PM @narendramodi is interacting with members of the creative and entertainment world on ways to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
The interaction is being held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/G4ZIfCfpaN
Gandhi is synonymous with simplicity. His thoughts reverberate far and wide: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/cEjDtoMLGo
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
The power of creativity is immense and it is essential to harness this spirit of creativity for our nation. Several people from the world of films and television have been doing great work when it comes to popularising the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
First and foremost, I want to appreciate PM @narendramodi for thinking about this effort (further popularising the ideals of Bapu).
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
As creative people, there is much we can do.
And, I assure the PM that we will do even more: noted actor @aamir_khan pic.twitter.com/XCDgYzukZv
I would like to thank PM @narendramodi for brining us all together, that too for a cause such as this (Mahatma Gandhi).
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
I feel we need to re-introduce Gandhi Ji to India and the world: noted actor @iamsrk pic.twitter.com/JE8Ibv09Ue
We are accustomed to being known as representatives from the world of entertainment. But, you have also added a spirit of responsibility to this by involving us in popularising the ideals of Gandhi Ji: Aanand L. Rai to PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/VoPooOKHlw
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
You all do great work but perhaps you do not know about its global influence!
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
Your work has reached all corners of the world. On the part of the Government, I am happy to help in anyway to ensure maximum impact of your creative initiatives: PM Modi to eminent film personalities
The members of the film industry came with a lot of suggestions. I am happy to share that we have addressed them to ensure more people can see the brilliant work done by our film personalities: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
I have an appeal to all of you - please visit the museum that has been made in Dandi.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2019
I would also request you to visit the ‘Statue of Unity.’ It is drawing numerous visitors from all over India and the world: PM @narendramodi