The unity and integrity of India is, and has always been, the most important commitment for every Indian. The strength of our nation lies in the people of all states being equal in terms of participants in the journey towards a bright and prosperous future. The decision of our respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to revoke Article 370 on August 5, 2019, was among the most significant steps in upholding this commitment. The abrogated Article gave “special status” to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. This landmark decision of the Prime Minister was later upheld by a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on 11 December 2023, and the Apex Court held that Jammu & Kashmir has no internal sovereignty different from other states of the country. The Court also upheld the government’s decision to carve out the Union Territory of Ladakh from the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir and, pursuant to the order, all provisions of the Indian Constitution can be applied to the erstwhile state.
The move had been long-awaited and has attracted a huge wave of support from the people. It is a matter of extreme pride and happiness for our state Goa, that a bright young director named Aditya Suhas Jambhale has directed a landmark film named “Article 370” which presents a powerful narrative inspired by true events that shaped the fate of Kashmir. Jambhale comes from Usgao, a village in Valpoi in North Goa on the beautiful Western Ghats. The young director has very skilfully weaved a tale of action, intrigue and bravery in this applauded political thriller. Jambhale is also associated with Marathi theatre and had been honoured with the National Award for best direction (Golden Lotus) at the 64th National Film Awards 2016.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed the hope that this film will be ‘useful for people to get correct information’ and this has prompted a large number of people across the country as well as in Goa to make it a point to watch it at the first available opportunity. As anticipated by the Prime Minister, the film has received great cheer, applause and support from people over the country.
Wide appeal
A special screening of the film was held in a theatre in Panaji where the director was felicitated. Its screening was also organized for 1500 Anganwadi workers and in the coming days, another 8000 people will be shown the movie. Moreover, the Anganwadi workers are being urged to spread the news to more people to watch the movie. The talented film director deserves huge appreciation for his courageous work, as the film has highlighted the significance of revocation of the erstwhile Article 370. It has a powerhouse star-cast that includes Yami Gautam, Priyamani, and Arun Govil. The portrayal of characters playing Army officers, intelligence agents, politicians and terror supporters is amazingly close to real-life and shows the grip of the director over the narrative and the actors. I am sure the people of Goa will be able to understand the correct information about this episode related to Kashmir in modern Indian history.
The film has been hailed by viewers as depicting the essence of the historic decision of revoking Article 370 by our Prime Minister. The move has led to a strong integration of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir with India, by abrogating the separate Constitution of the former state and now there is one Constitution for the entire country. The move also implied that Article 35A stood scrapped, allowing non-Kashmiris to buy property in the region, seek employment and other benefits. Residents of Jammu and Kashmir now enjoy the same rights and privileges as in other states. The move has also boosted business and exports from this region.
Films are a strong and effective medium for bringing to the big screen episodes from our fascinating history and slices of life from our society. I am extremely happy that a bright film-maker from Goa has succeeded in presenting a sensitive yet significant contemporary episode in such a skilful manner. I am sure the film will help viewers in understanding the events in the crucial border state with great clarity. The message comes through in a thrilling and informative manner, for which the entire team behind the film deserves kudos.
(The writer is the Minister for Health, Urban Development, Town and Country Planning, Women and Child Welfare, and Forests in Government of Goa)
