Moodubidire: The Rostrum Speakers’ Club of Alva’s Education Foundation organized an interactive session Aghanashini Speaks - River Rhythms on Monday at Kuvempu hall.
Aghanashini docufilm director Ashwini Kumar Bhat delved into the nuances of documentary creation, underscoring the significance of storytelling. “It’s not just about capturing moments but weaving them into a narrative through careful scripting, editing, and cinematography. These elements must work in harmony to create a compelling film,” he said.
Speaking about the impact of the Aghanashini documentary, Bhat noted that it raised awareness about the need to conserve rivers in their natural state. “The film played a key role in proposing the Aghanashini estuary as a Ramsar site, which it eventually became.
When asked how students could contribute to protecting local rivers like Nethravathi, he suggested, “You can engage in photography, videography, advocacy, or writing articles to raise awareness and encourage action.”
Documentary Film Maker and Deputy Commissioner State GST, Sahana Balkal emphasized the importance of pursuing hobbies alongside professional ambitions. “In any field you pursue, treat it as both a hobby and passion. If you have a skill, nurture it and allow it to become either your source of joy or livelihood,” she remarked.
She also shared her personal experience of working on the Aghanashini documentary, which spanned over two and a half years. “This project became my stress reliever during competitive exam preparations. Cultivating creative skills can serve as a powerful stress buster,” she noted, inspiring students to balance creativity with academics.
Presiding over the program, AEK Management Trustee Vivek Alva, stressed the critical role estuaries play in the ecosystem. “Estuaries are the lifelines of every region. It is vital to understand the impact of waste being disposed of in rivers. While cleansing a polluted river is challenging, destroying it is far easier,” he said.
He further elaborated on the ecological harm caused by pollution. “Rivers are habitats for numerous bird species, but pollution disrupts these ecosystems and causes irreparable damage. This is a growing concern that requires urgent attention,” he added.
The program concluded with an appeal to the audience to take collective responsibility for conserving rivers and maintaining their natural state. The speakers urged participants to use creative mediums to advocate for environmental preservation and contribute to sustainable practices. Journalism Dept Head Prasad Shetty, Sanksrit Dept Head Dr Vinayak Bhat Galimane were present among others.