TEZPUR, May 3 � A video documentation centre �Green Hub�, established to engage and empower the youth and community in the conservation of biodiversity, was inaugurated by noted actor and faculty of the New Delhi-based National School of Drama (NSD), Adil Hussain, at Jonak, the historic building of Hriday Agarwala, founder of first cinema hall in Assam �Jonaki�, here on Saturday.
Inaugurating the documentation centre, the noted cine actor with international repute emphasized the importance of the centre and expected that through it a message of importance of conservation of nature could be spread to every corner of the society. He also urged the society to be sensitive in saving the wildlife without which, he said, the existence of human being can never be possible.
Meanwhile, in the sideline of the august occasion, briefing the media, Adil Hussain touched upon certain serious social issues. He said that social degradation has become a global phenomenon in the present day scenario, but it is more intense in Assam. Highlighting the reasons behind it, he said that this is only because of large scale betrayal of a section of leaders who came to power after the six-year-long Assam Agitation.
�It has affected the overall social scenario of the region which is a great tragedy of the Assamese people,� he said, continuing that the dream of the people was totally collapsed as the leaders of that period failed to deliver the promises that they had made, resulting in loss of faith among the people.
Replying to a query regarding the present state of the film industry, particularly the Assamese cinema, he expressed total dissatisfaction over the agencies concerned for their alleged failure to make concrete policies for boosting up the Assamese film industry. He was of the opinion that the government and the agencies concerned could do a lot, including establishment of more cinema halls and proper taxation policy.
Without going deep into the subject matter of a film or cultural item, he also lauded that Jyotiprasad Agarwala had deep love and intense affinity towards the society and filmmaking which got reflected in his films like Joymati or theatrical works like Karengor Ligiri. The same can still be seen in the works of some dedicated people who have been working on natural issues and themes by going into far-flung areas.
�I feel it is a matter of regret that due to the lack of real love towards a particular subject, the present generation does not come forward to deal with issues related to biodiversity and ecosystem,� he said. He added that some people are today giving more emphasis on commercialization in the name of culture which has directly affected the sense and sensibility of the cultural arena.
At the same time, highlighting the objectives of the Green Hub, Dr Monika Behl stated that 20 trainees from across the northeastern region were selected and they would be undergo a one-year course on video documentation on conservation of wildlife free of cost. She added that Tezpur has been selected for the Green Hub as it is situated within a 100-km radius of six national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, namely, Kaziranga, Pakey, Nameri, Orang, Sonai Rupai and Burha Chapari.
�The centre would work towards engaging and empowering the youth and community in the conservation of biodiversity through the innovative medium of film and visuals to renew and revive their love and respect for natural resources as well as protection of the environment,� she said. She added that the centre would connect individuals, organizations, networks and groups working on the issues of conservation, facilitating exchange and share of knowledge, besides taking a combined action.
Another office-bearer of the environmental programme, Rita Banerjee informed that beginning with the current year, fellowships will be given to 20 young people who will be trained to develop their skills in filmmaking specifically, with sessions by experts in wildlife biology, anthropology, social development, government policy, environment issues, etc.
It is pertinent to mention here that a documentary on the conservation of Amur falcons in the Doyang river valley in Nagaland was also screened on the occasion.
