COVERAGE
T
o celebrate “Odisha day,” the inaugural screening
of “People’s Leader - a Visual Rendition of the
Transformation of Odisha in 20 years” through the
lenses of cinematographer Ravi Varman, ISC” was held at
the Oberoi Hotel.
The Diplomatic Corp of New Delhi including Ambassadors
of the SAARC Countries were present at the cultural event to
foster conversation on social transformation.
In recent times, the transformation of Odisha from a
sleepy state known for its poverty and underdevelopment
and more often than not in the news for the wrong reasons,
to a vibrant society & economic power in eastern India has
been noteworthy.
“My tryst with Odisha started with the state’s preparation
to host the World Cup Hockey as I travelled across the silken
roads running through lush green farmlands. With its striking
history and rich heritage, Odisha has been a state on the
move since the last 19 years. Consequently, today it off ers an
unparalleled blend of tradition with modernity. The capital
city of Bhubaneswar is a powerhouse of development with its
world-class infrastructure and Smart City initiatives. All this
has been possible through eff ective and visionary leadership,”
said Ravi Varman.
Dr. Panda, the Director of HALKAA has been hailed
as a new-age sensation of Indian cinema. His fi rst feature
fi lm, the highly-acclaimed “I Am Kalam”, has won twenty-
four International awards, one national award, two Industry
awards (Film fare and screen) and several nominations. It
has travelled to about sixty International fi lm festivals. His
other fi lms “Jalpari - the desert Mermaid” and “Kaun Kitney
Paani Mein” are on contemporary issues and well received by
the audience. His last fi lm ‘Kadvi Hawa’ on Climate Change
and Global Warming has won one national award and is still
making waves at diff erent international festivals. Dr. Panda
is a recipient of Padmashri and honorary doctorates among
numerous recognitions for his works and contribution to the
Cinema.
Introducing the short film, Ravi Varman said ‘as a
cinematographer, one observes a lot of things that are happening
around you. The transformation
of Odisha is unmissable’. The
film captures the remarkable
transformation of Odisha from a
dull state infamous for its poverty
and lack of development to one
known for its vivaciousness and
economic prosperity. Odisha has
been a state on the move since
the last 19 years with its journey
of resilience since the great
devastation in the 1999 Super
Cyclone. The fi lm underpins how
a single man; Naveen Patnaik’s
faith gave rebirth to hope of the
people of Odisha.
The fi lm was also released on
social media and has been made
to record the legendary leadership
of Naveen Patnaik for posterity
and to create awareness amongst
younger generations.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 4 • April-May 2019, Noida • 33