Ashwani Kumar, IAS
Secretary, Information Technology Department & Director, DITEC, Government of Assam

New Delhi, 9 August 2026: A special screening of the short film Devyani was held at PVR Chanakya, New Delhi, bringing together distinguished personalities from public life, governance, sports, education, media and the film fraternity. Directed by Aashish K. Panda and featuring Ashwani Kumar and Archana Gautam in lead roles, the film addresses important social issues concerning the girl child, women’s safety, gender equality and the responsibilities of society towards creating a safer and more inclusive future for women.

The event received extensive media attention through coverage by national news agencies ANI and IANS, generating significant visibility for the film and its social message. Discussions during the screening focused on the importance of empowering daughters, ensuring women’s safety and encouraging positive societal change through meaningful storytelling.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashwani Kumar said that Devyani seeks to challenge outdated perceptions surrounding the birth of daughters and highlight their immense value and contribution to families and society. He noted that the film encourages audiences to view daughters as a source of strength, pride and progress, while also drawing attention to issues that continue to affect women across society.

Director Aashish K. Panda shared that the concept of Devyani emerged during discussions with Ashwani Kumar on societal challenges faced by women and girls. He said the objective was to create a compelling narrative with a positive social message that could inspire reflection, dialogue and awareness among audiences.

Olympian and former World Boxing Champion Vijender Singh appreciated the concept and execution of the film, describing the work showcased in Devyani as commendable. He praised the performances and noted that the film carries a positive message that resonates strongly with contemporary society.

Pankaj Singh, MLA, congratulated Ashwani Kumar on his performance and observed that the dedication, commitment and sincerity associated with his public service career were equally visible in his portrayal on screen. He appreciated the film for bringing important social issues relating to women and daughters into public discourse.

Vijay Datta, Principal, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, described Devyani as an engaging and thought-provoking concept. Attending the screening along with students, he highlighted the role of socially relevant cinema in promoting awareness and meaningful discussion among young audiences.

Among the distinguished attendees was noted journalist and television anchor Sudhir Chaudhary, who appreciated the film’s powerful subject, compelling performances and social relevance. He commended the makers for effectively conveying a significant social message within a concise 20-minute format, remarking that the film successfully combines impactful storytelling with an important public cause.

Guests and attendees widely appreciated the film for its emotional depth and socially relevant narrative. The screening sparked conversations on women’s empowerment, gender equality, parental concerns and the collective responsibility of society to ensure dignity, opportunity and safety for every girl child.

The event successfully positioned Devyani as more than a film. It emerged as a social initiative aimed at fostering dialogue, awareness and positive action. National media coverage through ANI, IANS and associated digital platforms further amplified the film’s message and extended its reach to audiences across the country.

About the Film

Devyani is a short film directed by Aashish K. Panda and produced by Gautam Motion Pictures. Starring Ashwani Kumar and Archana Gautam, the film explores themes of the girl child, women’s safety, parental concerns, empowerment, and gender equality. The film is currently streaming on ZEE5.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan underscored that empowering young girls is fundamental to building resilient families and stronger communities. He highly lauded NTPC Bongaigaon for fostering an inspiring, protective environment and later inspected the residential amenities to interact directly with the participants. To encourage their independence and future educational journeys, Shri Srinivasan personally distributed bicycles to all 50 girls. Echoing this vision, Shri Arnab Maitra reaffirmed NTPC’s commitment to inclusive growth, defining GEM as a cornerstone initiative designed to groom confident, capable, and socially responsible future women leaders. The launch event also featured a vibrant cultural showcase, a documentary on the GEM journey, and moving success stories shared by the program’s 2023 alumni batches.

Running from July 4 to July 31, 2026, the comprehensive curriculum offers a life-enriching blend of academic learning, digital literacy, personality development, sports, creative arts, and emotional well-being. Since debuting locally in 2022, the Bongaigaon chapter has successfully empowered 210 girls, standout among which is a merit policy where the top 10% of performers—selected via independent external evaluation—receive fully sponsored free education at the township school. On a national scale, NTPC’s standard-setting GEM initiative has already transformed the lives of over 13,000 girls across India, firmly driving corporate social responsibility, gender equality, and sustainable grassroots development forward.

Shri V Jayanarayanan, General Manager (HR/CSR/LA/R&R), accepted this prestigious award on behalf of NTPC during a ceremony held in Delhi on November 29th. The award was presented by notable figures including Susan Ferguson, Country Representative for UN Women India, and Franck Viault, Minister Counsellor Head of Cooperation for the European Union. Additionally, Shri Jayanarayanan contributed to a panel discussion titled “Marketplace and Community: Transforming Supply Chains for Impact,” where he emphasized NTPC’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive work environment for women and its comprehensive engagement with the community through the GEM program.

This esteemed accolade underscores GIRI’s consistent efforts in driving initiatives that champion women’s leadership, professional growth, and equal opportunities across all levels of the organization. With women comprising a significant portion of its workforce, GIRI has set a benchmark in promoting gender diversity, particularly in senior management and leadership roles.

Ms. Sharada Prakash, Director of GIRI Trading Agency Private Limited, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are truly honored to receive the FICCI Women Empowerment Award. This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of women. At GIRI, we believe diversity is the cornerstone of innovation and business success. This recognition inspires us to continue our efforts in promoting gender equality and providing a supportive environment where women can thrive and excel.”

The award reflects GIRI’s dedication to creating a workplace that not only supports but actively encourages women’s growth and advancement, making it a true leader in championing gender inclusivity in the industry.