NEW DEHLI: Film-maker Onir, best known for his film My Brother Nikhil, feels that children have the power to influence family decisions as it often becomes difficult to say ‘no’ to them.
The 43-year-old was present at the screening of 10 short films in Delhi on Thursday. The films were made by school children for the campaign Steer to Safety, which encourages the idea of spreading road safety awareness among school children.
“I think children are extremely important in the decisions of what their parents do and I think they can play an essential part in the change. It is not only important for today but also for tomorrow,” said Onir.
“You do things because you have an emotional connect with them [children] and you cannot say no to a child. If someone of your own age says something then we take it as an ego issue but if a child says then it does not harm your ego,” he added.
The event, held by a non-governmental organisation PVR NEST, also saw celebrated actors like Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi, Sanjay Suri, theatre veteran M.K. Raina. The Ambassador of France to India Francois Richier was also present. The celebrities were also part of the judges’ panel, which selected the best among the 10 films.
In their short films, the school students depicted their own understanding of safety on roads and highlighted issues of excessive honking, use of cell phones while driving and lack of sensitivity towards pedestrians.
The movies presented their idea of safety through sand art, working models, songs and street plays.
A book by the same name Steer to Safety was also launched, which is a collection of road rules compiled by children.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2013.
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