Cinema is an extremely powerful cultural medium that can be used to create awareness about the natural environment and wildlife. Former union minister and chairperson of People for Animals, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said this at the CineKind Award ceremony in Kolkata yesterday. The Film Federation of India FFI and People for Animals, aimed at encouraging compassionate and socially conscious filmmaking in India organised the CineKind Award. CineKind Award an one of its kind unique initiative which was taken by Firdausal hasan, president of FFI and Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, chairperson of People for Animals. The first edition of CineKind Award was held in Kolkata on Saturday.

Dr. Harsha Atmakuri for the film Maa Ka Doodh, was presented CineKind Award for promoting wildlife awareness. Director of Change Award presented to Ms. Dolly Vyas-Ahuja and Mr. Aryaman Ramsay for the film The Land of Ahimsa, cited for investigative storytelling rooted in ethical reflections. Cinematic Impact Award for Animal Welfare awarded to Mr. Nirmal Verma for the film Keeper of the Last Herd. In addition to these, six others were honored at the event. Firdausul Hasan, president of the Film Federation of India, noted that these honors were not limited to cinema alone but were also extended to various NGOs and literary contributors working toward wildlife awareness.

The ceremony was attended by several notable personalities including Bratya Basu, state minister and renowned theater personality, Babul Supriyo, singer and state minister.

Debasree Roy, actress, Arindam Sil, actor and director, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, former MP and eminent lawyer.