IGNCA Hosts 'Streedesh' Screening of Film based on 13 Women Rulers of Kashmir

spannews

February 28

Film 'Streedesh' Highlights Indian Women's Global Contributions

28th February,New Delhi: Despite the contemporary challenges faced by women in Kashmir, centuries ago, numerous women in the region endeavoured to transform their homeland into an idyllic paradise through their exceptional leadership, administrative prowess, and unwavering courage. This remarkable narrative of resilience is vividly portrayed in the film 'Streedesh', which was screened at the 'Samvet' auditorium of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on Wednesday. Produced by IGNCA and directed by Ashish Kaul, the film sheds light on the historical legacy of female governance in Kashmir, dating back to the era of the Mahabharata.
During the Mahabharata era, Lord Sri Krishna himself crowned the first woman ruler of Kashmir, Yashovati, thereby heralding the epoch of 'Streedesh', known as Kashmir. Spanning until the 14th century, Kashmir witnessed a succession of formidable women leaders who not only ascended to power but also emerged victorious in battles, championing numerous welfare initiatives for their people. Notably, a female sovereign of Kashmir pioneered the world's inaugural public distribution system.

Director Ashish Kaul, addressing the audience, articulated that the film 'Streedesh', encapsulating a 60-minute journey, endeavours to unveil millennia of history. He emphasized the indispensable role of IGNCA in resurrecting obscured historical narratives, especially amid the scarcity of ancient records spanning thousands of years. Ashish Kaul asserted the global impact of Indian women, whose legacy reverberates in contemporary standards of taxation, banking, and warfare. Despite spotlighting only 13 female rulers, he advocated for broader recognition of countless unsung heroines, urging collective efforts to disseminate their narratives to the masses.
Following the film screening, addressing the audience, Anurag Punetha, Controller of the Media Centre, IGNCA expressed the film's mission to resurrect the forgotten narratives of these 13 remarkable women. He emphasized the film's role in enlightening audiences about the untold stories of these women role models. The overwhelming response from the audience, marked by resounding applause, accentuated the film's success in capturing the hearts and minds of viewers.