VPRA Foundation’s International Women’s Day Observation 2026

Film Screening and Community Dialogue at Palashbani Village

On the occasion of International Women's Day 2026, VPRA Foundation participated in a community program organised under the aegis of Bidu Chandan Trust at Palashbani village. The event brought together community members, social workers and youth to celebrate the contributions of women in society while reflecting on the challenges they continue to face.

As part of the program, VPRA Foundation organised the screening of three short documentary films focusing on women social workers from Jharkhand who are actively contributing to fields such as environment protection, education, rural entrepreneurship and community development. Through these films, the Foundation aimed to highlight real stories of grassroots leadership and inspire wider recognition of women’s role in shaping local communities.

Opening Ceremony

The event commenced with a solemn tribute to the memories of Bidhu and Chandan, after whom the trust is named. Members of Bidu Chandan Trust offered floral tributes to their photographs, followed by a welcome song that set a reflective and respectful tone for the gathering. Following the opening ceremony, speakers discussed the growing participation of women in the initiatives undertaken by the trust and emphasised the importance of strengthening women’s involvement in community decision-making and development activities.

Film Screening by VPRA Foundation

The central segment of the program featured the screening of three short films produced by VPRA Foundation. Each film documented the work and experiences of women from Jharkhand who are working at the grassroots level in areas such as sustainable agriculture, education, environmental awareness and small-scale entrepreneurship. Through personal narratives and field footage, the films portrayed how these women are addressing local challenges while creating opportunities within their communities. The screenings generated considerable engagement among the audience, many of whom related closely to the situations and struggles reflected in the stories.

Discussion and Film Review

Following the screenings, a discussion session was held to analyse and reflect upon the themes presented in the films. The review of the films was presented by Shubham Pati, a PhD scholar from University of Delhi. In his remarks, he highlighted the significance of documenting grassroots stories and emphasised how visual storytelling can bring attention to social initiatives often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Adding to the discussion, social commentator Pragya Singh spoke about the evolving role of women in contemporary society. She underlined the need to further strengthen women’s participation in social, economic and educational spaces, noting that empowerment must translate into tangible opportunities and leadership roles.

Community Perspectives

During the program, social worker Ankur Shashwat shed light on the challenges faced by rural women in their everyday lives. He discussed issues such as access to resources, social barriers and economic constraints, while also presenting possible pathways and community-based solutions that could help address these challenges.

The gathering also received words of encouragement from Father Alex, who appreciated the initiative and commended the organisers for bringing attention to women’s contributions through cinema and dialogue. He acknowledged the important social roles played by women and encouraged them to continue their efforts with confidence and determination.

Participation and Coordination

The program was smoothly conducted by Shivani Mardi, who moderated the proceedings and guided the event through its various segments. Members of VPRA Foundation, including Vikas Kumar, Prakash and Sumit Marandi, were also present and actively engaged with the audience during the film screenings and discussions.

The Women’s Day observation at Palashbani village demonstrated how cinema can become a powerful medium for social dialogue. By presenting stories of women working at the grassroots level, VPRA Foundation created a space where community members could reflect on the importance of women’s leadership in everyday development processes.

The event not only celebrated the achievements of women but also encouraged collective thinking about the steps needed to support and strengthen their participation in social transformation. Through such initiatives, VPRA Foundation continues to use storytelling and community engagement to highlight voices that are shaping change from the ground up.