Mr. Souptik Garai, Faculty Associate at the School of Mass Communication received the National Award in the ‘Filmmaking’ segment organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) at the Indian National Science Academy premises in Delhi on 11th February,2020.
The competition was held as a mission to sensitise the youth about the problem of ragging vehement in the Indian universities. The award ceremony was graced by Prof. D.P. Singh, Chairman, UGC; Prof. Bhusan Patwardhan, Vice-Chairman, UGC; Dr. P.K. Thakur, Finance Advisor, UGC; Dr. Dev Swarup, Additional Secretary (UGC) and Dr. Archana Thakur, Joint Secretary, UGC.
As a part of the anti-ragging sensitisation mission, UGC and MHRD had organised a national level filmmaking, poster, logo designing and slogan writing competition. UGC Chairman Prof. Singh in his address mentioned that ragging is a serious concern in Indian universities and colleges. “While in the past decade, the problem of ragging has been dealt significantly, such competitions will help make India ragging free to promote a conducive environment for students to pursue higher education”, he added.
UGC Vice-Chairman Prof. Patwardhan in his address mentioned that a participatory approach from citizens and students in such competitions will act as a means to involve the people in curbing the menace of ragging. The competition received over 161 films from across the country. The winning film, poster, logo and slogan will be promoted across all universities to sensitise the students and help create a responsible approach to prevent ragging.