In Camera Committee Screens ‘Daughters of Mother India’

A screening of the awardwinning documentary film, “Daughters of Mother India”, was arranged on the evening of September 18 by the In Camera Committee in the auditorium of Ravi Sheth at his Worli office. The screening of Ms Vibha Bakshi’s 45-minute film was attended by 35 persons, including members, Rotaryanns and daughters. Almost all of them were keen to see the entire film, having witnessed a four-minute clip when the film-maker addressed the Club on July 28. “Daughters of Mother India” is the film-maker’s journey through the aftermath of the rape and murder of Nirbhaya, a 23-year-old medical intern, in New Delhi on December 16, 2012.

It delves deep into Indian society and looks at the changes brought about by the government, the police, the judiciary and community groups, which provoked a national dialogue on the sexist attitudes of society and how to change it. For the first time, cameras were allowed inside the Delhi Police Control and Command Room after the brutal rape and murder of Nirbhaya. In fact, Ms Bakshi happened to be present in the Control Room when the police received a call about another brutal rape, that of the sixyear- old Gudiya. Police across India are screening the film to gendersensitise the force. For the first time, the Bombay and Delhi Police Commissioners, along with senior police personnel, came together for the screening of the film. It has also been screened at various other forums including schools and colleges and women’s associations. Ms Bakshi will be travelling to New York later this month for a special screening at the United Nations. The film received the National Award for Best Film on Social Issues earlier this year. Ashokkumar introduced Ms Bakshi on behalf of the In Camera Committee.

The screening was followed by a meaningful interaction and debate with its maker. Members expressed their views quite frankly; some shared personal experiences regarding gender bias. It was heartening to see the daughters of three members taking part in the debate. Just before the screening. Film-maker Ms Vibha Bakshi (from left) with Vandana Kanoria, Anar Shah and Chitra Ashokkumar You have a lovely auditorium. Nandan Maluste compliments host Ravi Sheth When age and experience speaks. President Dr. Sonya Mehta and film-maker Ms Vibha Bakshi are all ears to a senior citizen According to Ms Bakshi, her film is not an attempt to sensationalise the incident but carries a message of positivity and hope in the face of the gloom engendered by the increasing incidents of rape, violence and other heinous crimes against women. Some of the members asked whether the film could be shown at schools, including those where the Bhavishya-Yaan programme is being carried out, as well as at women’s groups. Ms Bakshi readily agreed to loan a DVD for the same. President Dr. Sonya Mehta thanked Ms Bakshi for a stimulating evening and Ravi and Amita Sheth for their gracious hospitality.

Members partook of some delicious refreshments before the screning of the film commenced. The In Camera Committee was happy with the overwhelming response to the event and planned to arrange more such programmes in future. This was the second event organised by the Committee which opened its innings with a talk by the well-known author, Ms Sudha Shah, on her book dwelling on the exile in India of the Burmese Royal family.