To, paraphrase Balaji Srinivasan, India and China are emerging as ascending civilizations, while the West is on a descending trajectory. This shift compels Western institutions, which have overlooked Eastern achievements, to acknowledge and respect them, both historically and in contemporary contexts.
Consider, for example, the remarkable acclaim “RRR” received at last year’s Oscars. The accolades were as much a recognition of the film’s excellence as they were an acknowledgment by the Academy of the importance of honoring outstanding cinema from various parts of the world. I foresee a future where Indian films regularly feature among Oscar nominees. Given India’s vast market, no U.S. company or institution can afford to ignore it. Catering to, or even pandering to, this audience is essential for their own survival and relevance.
My remarks at the recent Finale Screening of the K. Vishwanath Memorial Short Film Contest, which honored eight films in various categories, were made in this background.
At INDICA Pictures, Vishwanath garu’s films epitomize our mission: preserving tradition while fostering a progressive outlook. Naturally, we are committed to honoring his legacy in diverse ways. Following this successful contest, we plan to award grants for script development and a pilot for a four-part documentary series aimed at various OTT platforms. Additionally, we’ll create a coffee table book and offer Research Fellowship Grants to scholars and students of cinema. These grants will support scholars in studying Vishwanath garu’s films, with the goal of integrating their research into academic curricula worldwide. His works, representing a unique Cultural/Civilizational Genre, deserve study alongside the cinema greats of the 20th century.
One of the West’s strengths lies in its documentation and research, an area where India has been very weak. Scholars are the fountainhead for any cultural movement. By promoting the study of Vishwanath garu’s work, we aim to inspire filmmakers globally to explore our civilization and heritage, making films that entertain, educate, and empower.
I also predict that by 2028, Yash Chopra will receive a posthumous honorary Oscar, and by 2033, K. Vishwanath Garu will also receive similar recognition.
This is our sankalpam. Join Danji and me on this journey.
We are already on the cusp of becoming an economic superpower, so this Diwali, let’s pray to Goddess Lakshmi to bless us with an abundance of the wisdom of Goddess Saraswati, for, becoming a soft superpower or a Vishwaguru is also in our destiny.
Hari’s Curries
A Buffet of Reflections