The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced plans to hold the National Film Awards at leading tourist destinations across India, rather than in conventional conference settings. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made this announcement, noting that the shift draws from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of taking major national events to different parts of the country. The move aims to connect the awards ceremony with popular tourist sites and bring the event closer to ordinary citizens.
The Plan
The Ministry has invited all States to submit proposals for hosting the National Film Awards at their best tourist destinations. Each proposal should identify a suitable location and outline the facilities available there, along with a comprehensive development plan for the area. The State whose proposal is selected will host the subsequent National Film Awards ceremony at that chosen destination.
Minister Vaishnaw cited Ekta Nagar, home to the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as an example of a globally recognised tourist destination that could host such events. He noted that when the President of India and leading figures from the film industry visit such locations, it creates opportunities for more people to experience and learn about these destinations.
The approach reflects a broader strategy to combine film and tourism. The Minister drew a parallel with how Prime Minister Modi’s G20 presidency featured events across multiple States rather than being concentrated in one place. The National Film Awards initiative follows similar thinking about spreading major national events geographically.
What this means for you
If you live in a State with significant tourist attractions, your region could potentially host the National Film Awards in the coming years. The ceremony becoming a tourist destination event rather than a closed conference room affair means more people may get to experience it and learn about Indian cinema. States and their tourism authorities will need to work on developing infrastructure and facilities if they wish to submit competitive proposals for hosting the awards.