Kumar Bahukhandi
The inspirational documentary “Hemraj Shah: A Life of Dedication” received a prestigious honour at an international film festival held in New Delhi, where director Manisha Sharma was presented with a Special Award. The film, which chronicles the extraordinary journey of social leader Dr. Hemraj Bhai Shah, also won the award for Best Original Screenplay.
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Dr. Hemraj Bhai Shah, founder of the Maharashtra–Gujarati Mandal
Based on the life of Dr. Hemraj Bhai Shah, founder of the Maharashtra–Gujarati Mandal, the documentary earned widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. The festival featured participation from filmmakers representing over sixty countries, making the recognition particularly significant.
Dr. Shah’s life reflects an inspiring journey from the deserts of Kutch to Mumbai, where he made notable contributions across social service, education, journalism, and public life.
The film has been co-directed by Saraswatichandra Acharya. Additionally, a stage play titled “Hemudada,” inspired by Dr. Shah’s life, is set to be staged soon. Written by Vasant Mara and Kavan Savla, the production will be performed five times over the next two months. Senior journalist Kishor Vyas has also written about the documentary’s artistic significance, while theatre enthusiasts can look forward to performances celebrating Kutch’s rich cultural heritage as part of the programme.
Dr. Hemraj Shah is also the founder of Navneet Bhavan, a seven-storey institution established as a major contribution to community service. Renowned for his impactful work across multiple fields, Dr. Shah’s remarkable life has now been brought to the screen through this documentary directed by Manisha Sharma and Saraswatichandra Acharya, which was officially screened in New Delhi as part of the festival showcase.
