BROTHERHOOD is also working with the Post Master General, North Bengal and Sikkim regions to make Post Offices Community Information Centres for the disability sector in association with the Rehabilitation Council of India. Since Information is the corner stone of progress and prosperity, setting up information centres in rural areas can help bridge this gap. Since Post Offices have a wide network and are present even in villages, such information centres can be established in Post Offices. Information about Government policies and schemes, various facilities and concessions available for the disabled can be kept at these centres where people can come and seek information. Also, if they have any problem, they can write to the concerned departments through post cards which can then be given to the concerned agencies through a network of NGO referral centres at district as well as state levels.

PIONEER IN ORGANISING INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL FILM FESTIVALS IN INDIA

Research shows that in most countries, the majority of children with disabilities do not know any disabled adults and, consequently, many have a difficult time in imagining their future. The Audio-visual medium can provide opportunities for them to observe disabled adults undertaking a wide variety of activities, in effect, introducing them to positive role models.

Brotherhood has been using the Audio-visual media since 2002 to initiate discussions and dialogues for the integration of people with disability into the mainstream of society. Through several projects, we have demonstrated that film and documentaries can be a powerful medium for educating the public about disability issues, dispelling myths, stereotypes and misconceptions about persons with disabilities and promoting a new approach to disability which guarantees equal rights and opportunities and equal access.

In April 2002 the concept of an International Special Film Festival on disability issues took shape in our minds. In the initial days, it was indeed a real challenge as such an effort had never been mounted before in India. We came to know that film festivals on various other themes have been held in the country but people were not aware of any such festival on disability issues having been organized before. Various discussions were held with eminent directors and actors like Mr. Gulzar, Ms. Sai Paranjpai, Ms. Nandita Das, Ms. Revathy, Mr. Vinayan and with Rajshree Productions, Children’s Film Society – India, Directorate of Film Festivals and many embassies here before embarking on the venture. We also held discussions with Mrs. Anjali Duggal, the then Joint Secretary, Films, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Mrs. Deepak Sandhu, Director and Mr. Manoj Srivastva, Deputy Director, Directorate of Film Festivals. Needless to say, a positive response was received from all.

We started acquiring the films, documentaries and spots - both Indian and foreign from Directors, Producers and respective embassies. Considering films as the most effective means of communication, we started using the medium of films and documentaries for creating awareness about disability in schools as well. We are the pioneers, in India, in organizing the first of its kind - two film festivals on disability issues so far in collaboration with ActionAid India, National Film Archives of India.

The First International Special Film Festival was organized from March 14 to 20, 2003 and was aimed at creating awareness about disability issues through the medium of films and fostering integration in society by spreading the message of ability. In all, 14 films -- both 10 Indian (including 3 regional) and 4 foreign - were screened as part of the festival and it was well covered by the media. Well-known actress, Nandita Das, who is associated with Brotherhood and the co-founder of the concept of film festival on disability issues in India, addressed the press before the festival.

The Second International Special Film Festival - 2004 was organized from September 8-19, 2004 in Delhi in association with ActionAid India, NTPC and Delhi Tourism. The Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mrs. Meira Kumar, eminent lyricist and film maker Gulzar, the Chief Commissioner for Disabilities, Dr. (Mrs.) Uma Tuli, two well known film actresses – Revathy Menon and Nandita Das and H. E. David Daniele, Ambassador of Republic of Israel were present during the Second International Special Film Festival.

The second film festival was designed differently. We decided to screen films in public places and in schools where a large number of people gather for discussions and debate. Venues were the India International Centre, American Centre, Italian Cultural Centre, French Cultural Centre, schools, NGOs and public places like Delhi Haat.