President Pranab Mukherjee has called upon the film industry to portray positive societal values through movies to build tolerant and harmonious India. Expressing concern at growing violence against women and children, Mr Mukheerjee said, cinema can play a pivotal role in resetting the moral compass of the society and prevent erosion of values.

Addressing the 60th National Film award function in New Delhi this evening, the President hailed the Indian cinema, which reflects India’s soft power the world over. He said, Indian film Industry has upgraded and altered the manner in which the films are produced and it has market in large number of countries. He said country’s cinema has greatly improved in terms of quality over the years and Indian film makers are now recognized and acclaimed worldwide.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari announced instituting centenary film award, which will be given from this year for paradigm shift in film making. Mr Tewari also announced make over of Delhi- based Mahadev auditorium into a platform to discuss alternative film making.
On the occasion President also released commemorative Postal Stamps depicted the stalwarts Indian Cinema. Telecom Minister, Kapil Sibal also present in the Awards giving Function occasion.