Autism Narratives – Awards Evening

The ‘Autism Narratives’ Awards Evening, organised by the Bangur Impact Foundation, was a powerful tribute to storytelling on the Autism spectrum. The event brought together filmmakers, educators, and mental health professionals to celebrate cinema that deepens our collective understanding of neurodiversity. Selected short films were screened which created an environment deeply rooted in empathy. The jury, featuring notable figures such as Shatarupa Sanyal and Sudeshna Roy, recognized several impactful works on the subject. A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the Jury Prize to Dr. P. Chandralekha for the film ‘Agar Tum Suno’.

The event sparked vital discussions on how to foster an inclusive environment within educational institutions. Key takeaways included:

• Student Awareness: using storytelling and film screenings as tools to teach students about Autism
  Parental Support: circulating these films within parent circles to provide a platform for sharing concerns and building a supportive community
• Empathy-based Initiatives: moving beyond clinical definitions to focus on emotional intelligence and understanding

Participants:
Ms Debjani Mukherjee (Counsellor, Garden High School)
Ms Madhumita Dasgupta (Special Educator, Garden High School)

The event was successful at conveying that by integrating these cinematic narratives into the school ecosystem, a more compassionate environment can be created where every student feels understood and supported.