Pune, 13th December 2025: As India progresses towards becoming a developed country, the incidence of infectious diseases has decreased, while lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise, observed Padma Shri Dr. Ravi Kannan R. the renowned cancer specialist who revolutionized cancer treatment in Assam and is also a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner. Dr. Kannan stated that significant changes are occurring in the lifestyles of citizens, and therefore, everyone needs to focus on maintaining good health to stay away from diseases.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 14th Health Film Festival, organized by city based P. M. Shah Foundation and Vardhaman Pratishthan at the National Film Archive in Pune. National Film Archive Director Jasbir Singh, P. M. Shah Foundation President Kiran Kothadia, Vilas Rathod, Foundation Directors Adv. Chetan Gandhi, Sharad Munot, Kiran Shah, Dr. Vikram Kaluskar, Satish Kondhalkar, and other dignitaries were also present. Anuja Deodhar, Neeta Mehta, and Dr. Leena Borude, who served as judges for selecting the health films, were specially felicitated on this occasion. The health festival began with the screening of the short film ‘Venom Warrior’.
Dr. Kannan also pointed out that in recent years, the increased purchasing power of Indians has led to changes in their lifestyles, resulting in a significant increase in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. He emphasized that if we want to keep the country healthy in the future, we need to pay more attention to our health.
Dr. Kannan further added, “If the younger generation focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and simultaneously works towards creating awareness about it in society, it can greatly benefit the country. Many diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are rooted in factors like consumption of tobacco & alcohol, poor diet, and lack of exercise, so citizens should pay attention to these aspects too.” Films can be an effective medium for creating awareness about good health in society. Dr. Kannan expressed his desire to organize the health film festival in Silchar, Assam, where he works.
For this year’s 14th Health Film Festival, more than 145 short films and documentaries from India and abroad have registered their participation. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch 31 selected short films and documentaries. These films cover topics such as mental health, children’s health and child sexual abuse, women’s health issues, organ donation, cancer, social health, sanitation, and health problems of senior citizens. Chetan Gandhi informed that entries for the festival have come from India as well as from countries around the world including Dubai, Australia, Germany, USA, Pakistan, Algeria, England, Bangladesh, Senegal, Philippines, France, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Africa, Serbia, and Iran. The program was compered by Monica Joshi.