Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 22: The University of Jammu is hosting the Grand Finale of the 17th edition of PRAKRITI: International Documentary Film Festival on 23-24 February, 2026 in collaboration with the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, as the Grand Finale Partner.
JU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai, while sharing this information during a curtain raiser press conference here today, said that the documentary film festival is not merely a cultural event but an academic exercise that encourages learning beyond the four walls of classrooms.
He underlined that themes of the festival-Environment, Development, Human Rights, and Swachh Bharat-are deeply interconnected and reflect the national vision of a Sustainable India by 2047.
The Vice-Chancellor described the documentaries as catalysts for curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among young minds and invited students, faculty, media, and civil society to participate actively and engage in meaningful intergenerational dialogue.
The press conference was held in the presence of Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, CEC; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Prof Prakash Anthal, Dean Students Welfare; and Sunil Mehru, Joint Director, CEC.
Prof Manhas outlined the role of CEC as an Inter-University Centre of the University Grants Commission, established in 1993 to strengthen digital higher education through ICT initiatives.
Operating through nearly 20 Educational Multimedia Research Centres (EMRCs) across the country, CEC delivers educational content through flagship platforms such as SWAYAM MOOCs and SWAYAM Prabha’s 24×7 DTH channels.
He informed that the Prakriti Festival began in 1997 in Hyderabad and has since travelled to various cities, evolving into a competitive international platform that also attracts entries from South East Asian countries.
This year, 72 entries were received, including nominations from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Eight selected documentaries will be screened over two days, and winners in each of the four thematic categories will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with a trophy and certificate. Filmmakers, producers, writers, and directors will interact with audiences after each screening to encourage thoughtful dialogue.
To ensure maximum participation, special arrangements have been made across the University campus. In addition to the main screening venues, documentaries will be displayed through LED screens at multiple locations making the festival accessible to a larger audience.
The University of Jammu has extended an open invitation to the civil society of Jammu to attend the screenings and be part of this significant academic and cultural initiative.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
