CEMCA and UNESCO New Delhiannounce CMC 2023 winners


In collaboration with UNESCO New Delhi, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), Commonwealth of Learning’s regional centre, proudly announces the winners of the much-anticipated Community Media Challenge 2023 (CMC 2023). The first prize was presented to Mr Hruday Ranjan Parida for his film, 'Untold Questions of Every Raktashanta.' This compelling work sheds light on the pervasive societal taboos and barriers surrounding discussions and awareness about menstruation. The second prize was awarded to Ms Jharana Kadraka for her short film, 'A Small Step (Voice of Courage and Action).' This poignant film showcases how taking a small yet impactful step, such as discouraging the use of polythene at the village level, can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. The third prize winner, 'Keladi Kanmani,' directed by Bharanidharan, narrates the inspiring journey of a visually impaired girl who overcame immense challenges to crack a competitive exam and ultimately secure a government job by regularly listening to community radio programmes on education. 

Additionally, five outstanding videos received special recognition awards:

  • 'Kuni's Radio' by Debaraj Malla
  • 'Home is Where Story Begins' by Nirmal Kumar V
  • 'Weavers of Hope' by Shinjan Chatterjee
  • 'Sathi Haath Badhana' by Vedvati Rajopadhye
  • 'Agira - The Ray of Hope' by Sanjay, Mathi Pugazhenthi, Darsana, Alan Antony, Kathiravan, Nahul, Premnaren, Pavan Krishay, Preanushkar, Reshika, Pressanna Kumar, Pawan Kumar and Gnanashivanathan

These videoscan be viewed here.

CMC 2023 marks a glorious decade of the Community Radio Video Challenge (CRVC) Competition -- a transformative initiative that has played a central role in mainstreaming Community Radio (CR). The CRVC, over the past ten years, has been on a mission to ignite the passion of Indian youth for the Community Radio (CR) movement and champion CR as a powerful alternative medium for community self-expression, learning, and development. CMC 2023 broadened its horizons by embracing all forms of media, emerging as the Community Media Challenge. The central theme, "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" (AKAM), was chosen to take the spirit of AKAM celebrations to the last mile. The competition welcomed students from schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions across India to participate and showcase their creative prowess.

The call for entries resonated strongly with students at all levels,and a total of 45 entries were received by CEMCA and UNESCO New Delhi.
In the presence of Director, CEMCA, Dr B. Shadrach and Mr Hezekiel Dlamini, Officer-in-Charge, UNESCO New Delhi, the esteemed jury members meticulously evaluated the submissions based on four critical criteria:

  • Overall Impact: Assessing persuasiveness, informativeness, and educational value.
  • Originality and Creativity: Exploring innovative concepts, ideas, and formats.
  • Relevance and Clarity of Message: Ensuring a clear and meaningful message.
  • Technical Proficiency and Quality: Gauging the technical finesse and production quality.

The Community Media Challenge 2023 has not only celebrated a decade of media excellence but has also nurtured a new generation of media champions in India. This remarkable initiative continues to inspire and empower youth to harness the power of media for community betterment as it looks ahead to many more years of success and innovation.