Adoor Gopalakrishnan justifies remarks on film funding for women, marginalised
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Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Eminent filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Adoor Gopalakrishnan on Monday justified his remarks on the Kerala government's project to promote filmmakers from marginalised sections and said his statements were intended to empower them and improve their technical knowledge.
He said he wanted women filmmakers and those belonging to the SC/ST sections to continue in the film industry, and that's why he wanted them to undergo expert training in movie making and on how to utilise government funding.
Speaking to reporters here, the veteran said he was not responsible for the interpretations made by the media about his statements during the government-organised film conclave on Sunday.
He stressed that the films, being made with government finance, should have social relevance, aesthetic beauty, and technical excellence.
Stating the need for those directing films to have knowledge about movie making, Gopalakrishnan said he wanted the filmmakers from the marginalised sections to be updated periodically and get proper orientation under experts.
"The women filmmakers and those belonging to the SC/ST category should be continued in the industry...I said for their good... My intention was their upliftment. I never tried to picture them in a poor light and viewed them as derogatory," he said.
The 'Swayamvaram' director sought to know from the media what was objectionable in his remarks at the conclave.
"I saw films by some of such filmmakers. I felt that there were issues due to the lack of orientation in their films. I specifically mentioned these two categories of directors, as they are financed by the government," he further said.
Besides empowering them and giving them proper guidance, such filmmakers should also be given orientation on how to utilise public funds, he added.
He also criticised singer Pushpavati for interrupting his speech during the conclave and said she had no connection with the cinema.
When reporters asked about a police complaint lodged against him, Gopalakrishnan said, "Let them complain. They have all the rights to the same." Earlier in the day, Dalit activist Dinu Veyil lodged a complaint with the Museum police and SC/ST Commission against Gopalakrishnan, accusing him of insulting the entire backward community through his statements in the conclave.
While Port Minister V N Vasavan extended support to Gopalakrishnan, saying that his words were misinterpreted, Higher Education Minister R Bindhu rejected the veteran's remarks and said the government has the responsibility to ensure justice to those who have been denied all these years.
Gopalakrishnan has not criticised the government's stand, Vasavan said, adding that he just suggested exercising caution while disbursing funds in connection with the funding for filmmakers.
Bindhu, however, said there is nothing wrong with the government providing funds for women and those belonging to the SC/ST community for expressing their creativity.
Stating that filmmaking is an expensive process and there is nothing wrong with providing funds for the same by the government, the minister also said that it is one of the best projects of the cultural affairs department.
Gopalakrishnan on Sunday said the current practice of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) providing Rs 1.5 crore to prospective filmmakers from marginalised sections has not been producing the desired results.
He said the aspiring filmmakers belonging to these sessions should first undergo proper training by experts before such funds are disbursed.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
