Pune MP Medha Kulkarni Inaugurates Short Film on Juvenile Diabetes Awareness
Pune, 17th November 2024: The short film Abhilaasha, which aims to raise awareness about juvenile diabetes, was inaugurated at the NFAI on Law College Road on the occasion of World Diabetes Day and Children’s Day. Medha Kulkarni, a Member of Parliament, emphasized the growing concern surrounding the increasing number of diabetes cases among children. She articulated that with both parents often consumed by their careers, it’s vital to ensure children receive quality time and traditional dietary habits passed down through generations.
Directed by Rahul Panshikar, ‘Abhilaasha’ tackles the escalating issue of juvenile diabetes, heightened by lifestyle changes, including parental neglect due to busy schedules and children’s excessive engagement with digital gadgets. The film highlights the diminishing involvement of grandparents, who traditionally balanced discipline with affection, a critical factor missing in today’s family dynamics.
The film was produced by Rahul’s Grafix, with significant support from Fleetguard Filters Private Limited through their CSR initiatives, which focus on health and wellness among other community contributions. The event saw the presence of notable figures, including Fleetguard Filters Private Limited’s President Sanjay Kulkarni, FITTR founder Bala Krishna Reddy, music director Aparna Panshikar, expert Diabetologist Dr. Ashwini Joshi, and the film’s cast.
Kulkarni highlighted a societal shift, stating, “Teachers are often criticized for enforcing discipline in schools while parents overly indulge children at home. The film ‘Abhilaasha’ provides a vital perspective for parents to recognize and address the seriousness of juvenile diabetes.” She called for greater use of audio-visual mediums to disseminate awareness about this critical social issue.
Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni discussed the significance of good food habits and physical exercise, stressing the importance of instilling healthy practices in young children. Bala Krishna Reddy shared alarming statistics from the ICMR, revealing that 11.4% of India’s population suffers from diabetes, projecting an increase to 124 million by 2045, with 53.1% of the population at risk.
Dr. Ashwini Joshi echoed the urgency of initiatives like ‘Abhilaasha,’ urging families with a history of diabetes to take proactive measures to ensure a healthier next generation. “In an age dominated by technology, it’s essential to maintain a balanced and nutritious lifestyle,” remarked director Rahul Panshikar during the event, which also featured talks from Samiksha Bhatnagar and Rahul Panshikar, who delivered opening remarks and the vote of thanks.
With an emphasis on raising awareness about the pressing issue of juvenile diabetes, ‘Abhilaasha’ aims to engage families in discussions around health and lifestyle choices, encouraging a return to disciplined living practices. The film is a collaborative effort, featuring talents like Naresh Dongarwar for assistance, Gandhar Bedekar for cinematography, and performances by Samiksha Bhatnagar, Shreejay Deshpande, and Sanjay Kulkarni.
Short Film Abhilaasha is available for free on youtube –
