‘Films are effective medium for creating public awareness on topics like organ and eye donation’ – Dr. Tatyarao Lahane

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Pune, December 22, 2017: “Films are effective medium for creating public awareness on topics like organ and eye donation as about 90% of the people have misconceptions regarding these topics. It is all the more baffling to know that even todays well educated generation holds silly pre-notions when it comes to organ donation,” expressed Dr. Tatyarao Lahane, Veteran Eye Specialist and Joint Director (Medical), Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Govt. of Maharashtra at city’s very own ‘Health Film Festival’ which started on Friday at National Film Archives of India (NFAI), Law College Road, Pune.

This 7th edition of two-day ‘Health (Aarogya) Film Festival’ organised by P.M Shah Foundation was inaugurated at the hands Dr. Tatyarao Lahane and Dr. Usha Kakade, Founder Chairman of USK Foundation. While Adv. Chetan Gandhi, Director, P.M Shah Foundation, Prakash Magdum, Director NFAI, Atul Shah, Director, Chandukaka Saraf, Sharadbhai Munot, Chairman, P.M Munot Foundation graced the festival with their presence. Also, jury members Mangesh Joshi, renowned Director, Leena Borude, Medical Practitioner and Sunil Bhondge, Artist who selected and shortlisted the films were present at the time.

Festival will showcase 19 short films and 11 documentaries from India and overseas over two days. The last and final day of the festival on Saturday, December 23, 2017 will show around 20 movies revolving around various health related topics starting from 11 am to 4.30 pm. All the movies can be viewed for free on first come first serve basis. Also, the festival will be concluded in the presence of famous actor Alok Rajwade and Paran Pethe in the evening.

“Organ donation can actually mean reincarnation for the receiver. There are 22 lac people including 2 lakh children in need of eyes and are being deprived of vision due to silly conceptions of masses. Out of 80 lac deceased people, only 50 thousand eyes are actually donated,” exclaimed Lahane while citing his example of rebirth after being a kidney recipient of his mother.

He also pointed out the ill effects of the excessive use of mobile, ‘screen’ devices on child’s eyes and the consequences of the frequent eating of junk food.

Gandhi said, “The scope of the festival is growing annually, and this year we have received entries from six states including Maharashtra and Iran and Belgium. Shortlisting wasn’t easy but we could manage to select 30 health films out of 63 entries. “

“It is important to invest more on health and good lifestyle as Prevention is always better than Cure,” expressed Usha Kakade.