Kashmir CMS Vatavaran 2006
Environment and Wildlife Traveling Film Festival
22-23 September 2006, Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Kashmir

Kashmir CMS Vatavaran 2006 Opens in the City Today



Sringar, September 22: Kashmir CMS VATAVARAN 2006, India’s premier environment and wildlife traveling film festival opened today for the first time in Kashmir at Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre. Organised by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), New Delhi, and Global Green Peace – Kashmir, in association with University of Kashmir this festival showcases award winning India films on an array of films on topical, Indian environment and wildlife issues for the very first time in Kashmir

In his opening remarks, Mr. Syed Ishrat, President Global Green Peace – Kashmir reflected upon the need for environmental conservation. Inaugurating the festival, Mr. Taj-Moin-ud-Din, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, J&K said “it is our glorious history that makes us to feel close to wild life and environment and gives us an impetus to take care of them.”

Ms. P.N. Vasanti, Director, Centre for Media Studies, New Delhi emphasized upon the commitment to spread environmental awareness to every nook and corner of the country. She added that CMS Vatavaran Traveling Festival is an effort in that direction. Apart from the festival here at Kashmir, CMS Vatavaran Traveling Festival will also be organized in six more cities this year namely Chandigarh, Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Ranchi. The festival has already gone international to korea and with Abu Dhabi, UAE CMS Vatavaran in 2006.

Columnist Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib said that it is the first time that such a film festival is being organized in the Valley. In his remarks he said ,”such events will encourage local film makers in furthering their cause and efforts to save our Environment and wild life .He further added that,” its not only Dal lake but other lakes like Wular and our alpine forests, mountains etc., that have much more effect on our ecological balance. He further referred to militarization of Kashmiri’s green pastures, forests, streams, mountains etc. saying that our efforts will bore fruits only when this occupation will end. He also said”, 80%of our livelihood is agriculture dependent and tourism constitutes only a fraction”.

Director Information J&K Khwaja Farooq Ranzoo said, ”The concept of protecting environment comes from all religious books,” and giving reference to Quranic verses he deliberated upon how religion has taught us to maintain ecological balance. He further promised to make a film on this seminar and distribute CD’S to all people.

Veteran Kashmir-based Environment Filmmaker Shahid Rasool and Shafqut Habib were felicitated at the occasion, for their relentless effort to highlight the local environment issues of Kashmir despite the conflict-ridden state of the valley. Eminent filmmaker Syed Fayaz and Suparna Chaddha were also felicitated on the occasion.

Mr.Nasir Mirza, HOD, MERC Kashmir University said, ”We should be optimistic and hopeful as we have got an opportunity through films to raise awareness about environmental issues as there are millions of audience for films.” Then there was a vote of thanks by Mr. Ashwani Sinha. The event was officially declared open by Honourable Minister Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din

Flagging off this unique festival film was the inaugural film 'Dal- Looking for Life' by Shafqut Habib. The film highlights Dal lake on its death bed due to pollution, the immediate retrieval measures taken by various concerned authorities to save the lake and its ecological viablility.

As a part of the film festival, CMS Vatavaran has organised a symposium - "Use the State's Ecology to Build a Self-Sustainable Economy", organized in association with the University of Kashmir. The festival also has a host of activities such as Film Bazaar, Photography exhibitions and discussions with eminent filmmakers. Film Bazaar will provide an opportunity to people to buy exclusive and intriguing CMS Vatavaran films. There will also be four Photography exhibitions titled "Dal Lake – Wounded Water" organized by Global Green Peace, a Kashmir-based NGO, 'Traditional Architecture of Kashmir" hosted by INTACH chapter of J&K; 'Natural Hazards and Impacts on Livelihoods' organised by ActionAid International and 'India and India making a better environment for elders" by Helpage India.

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of senior officers from the governments of J &K, Principals and teachers from schools and colleges, academicians from the university and leading research organizations as well as the general public. The 2-day festival will have special screenings for school students in the morning and for college students and general public in the evenings respectively.

For more information contact:
CMS Vatavaran Film Festival Directorate
Ashiwini Sinha
E: ashwanikrs@gmail.com
M: 9906780391
www.cmsvatavaran.org