MTIFF 2011- Fragmented Journal 2

This fragmented journal on the Mother Teresa Film Festival, that we’re trying to organize in Patna. So much to do, and so little time.


Some great experiences: Dr Diwakar Tejaswi coming on board immediately and narrating to us how inspired he was by Mother Teresa’s service. Manoj Kumar, a camera-man, said he couldn’t contribute much, but has arranged for a projector free of cost that could be used in the first week of September. Amitabh Pandey, who has offered his designing skills. Dr Atul Pandey saying that his students in Art College may not know much about Mother Teresa, but that they should be given that knowledge through film. After an orientation, they would be ready to produce an art exhibition on her, he said. Ajit Chouhan relaying the information on MTIFF 2011 via Cool Bihari and urging his friends to try and help out, saying that this is a celebration that the whole of Patna should join.

And then the sadness and disappointment: There is this ‘friend’, who was once the Press Secretary in what is now Archbishop’s House. He has resources, he has educational institutions. He fills my mailbox [and those of his numerous other contacts] each day with ‘inspirational’ messages, lauding works of charity and spirituality. One of the steering committee members, urged me to contact him. “He will definitely be a part of this event, and it would be good if we can involve the lesser known schools as well.” So I sent him an email. He declined to be a part of the event. That was okay. But, what made me sad and disappointed was what he wrote back:

“The kids in St. Mary's are not hifi kids like in DPS and Don Bosco etc...they are very poor people. They hardly know much about Mother Teeresa. The teachers are Hindus...they are also middle class and not interested in anything else but their fixed...that's the situation, O wise one.”

I leave it to my readers to assess the import of this statement.

Our venues have grown in number: Art College, Don Bosco, Notre Dame, Patna Women’s College, Nav Jyoti Niketan. Students from other schools and colleges and film lovers will be invited to special screenings.