Mumbai:Over 60 National Film Awards recipients including artists from Bengal cinema have said they will skip the ceremony this afternoon because President Ram Nath Kovind will be presenting only 11 awards, a departure from 64 year old tradition.
The artistes from across the country have written a letter addressed to the Directorate of Film Festival, Office of the President of India and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to express their disappointment.They said they were “disheartened” on being informed at the last minute that the president will present only 11 awards. The rest will receive it from Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani. “It feels like a breach of trust when an institution/ceremony that abides by extreme protocol fails to inform us of such a vital aspect of the ceremony with a prior notice. It seems unfortunate that 65 years of tradition are being overturned in a jiffy,” the letter read.
Baahubali producer Prasad Devineni told ANI, “When we had gone for the rehearsal we were told that most awards will be given by the minister and some will be given by President. The award invite also says that the award will be given by Pres. We were never told about the change hence we are upset…we were unformed about the change in the last minute.”
Congress leader Manish Tewari also criticised President Kovind’s brief appearance at the National Awards ceremony which is expected to begin at 3.15pm on Thursday afternoon. He took to Twitter and wrote, “It is unfortunate Hon’ble President of India has not been able to find time to present ALL National Film Awards that show Case India’s creativity,performing Arts& Soft Power. President should reconsider as awards presented by the office he represents carries different GRAVITAS.”
President’s office clarified his one hour appearance and issued an official statement saying, “”President attends all award functions and convocations for a maximum of one hour. This has been the protocol since he took office. It was conveyed to Information and Broadcasting Ministry several weeks ago and the ministry knew this all along. Rashtrapati Bhavan is surprised by the 11th hour questions that have been raised,” said Ashok Malik, press secretary to the president.