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Speaking on the occasion, Ashwani Kumar said that Devyani seeks to challenge outdated perceptions surrounding the birth of daughters and highlight their immense value and contribution to families and society.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.