With the message “Circumstances don’t define us — it’s how we respond to them that truly matters,” the 16th edition of the International WeCare Film Festival unfolded with emotion, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose at Apeejay Dwarka Campus. The event was organised by Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) in collaboration by with Brotherhood, a reputed organisation known for curating such festivals, and is supported by the UN Information Centre, UNESCO, and several other distinguished bodies
This year’s festival stood as a heartfelt tribute to individuals who inspire the world to believe in endless possibilities. Anchored by students Arjun and Diya, the event opened with warmth and optimism, celebrating the extraordinary achievements and resilience of people with disabilities.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in the presence of esteemed guests including Sunit Tandon, Former Director, IHC & DG, IIMC; Sheevardhan Trivedi, News Anchor & TV Personality; Karishma Lamba, Motivational & TEDx Speaker, popularly known as #girlonhotwheels.
Other disguised guests present were Mr. Satish Kapoor, Founding President – Brotherhood and Festival Director, Prof. Ashok Ogra, Founder Director and Advisor of AIMC, Prof Sajal Mukherjee, Director, AIMC, Dr. R P Hooda, Emeritus Professor, Apeejay School of Management, Ms Reetu Batala, Founder Director, Apeejay Institute of Design along with students from various other universities and institutes.
This was followed by Professor Sajal Mukherjee, Director of AIMC, welcoming everyone to the 16th edition of the International WeCare Film Festival. He acknowledged the institution’s continued commitment to promoting awareness, empathy, and equality through creative media.
He expressed pride in how the festival has grown over the years, both in participation and impact, bringing together students, artists, and filmmakers from across the nation to celebrate the diversity of human experience.
Subsequently, the audience immersed themselves in the singing of the national anthem along with a video of the same in sign language, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and children with disabilities, playing simultaneously on the screen.
Voices that Inspire Change
Mr. Satish Kapoor, Founder of Brotherhood and the driving force behind the festival, expressed gratitude to Dr. Ashok Ogra for his unwavering support in making the WeCare Film Festival a success. He highlighted how the festival’s reach has expanded to new locations across the country, spreading the message of inclusion far and wide.
The audience was then treated to “Feet in the Sand,” “Fish & I”, some of the many thought-provoking films screened during the festival, followed by a heartwarming performance by the children of the Ashish Foundation. Another awe-struck moment was an astounding performance by a rising star with neurodiversity Devansh Chandra, a singer with autism spectrum disorder who has won 20 national awards.
Mr Sunit Tandon, the chief guest of the event, lauded AIMC for maintaining the tradition of this meaningful festival for 16 consecutive editions. He remarked, “It is remarkable that AIMC has kept this legacy alive. I am deeply impressed by the quality and thought behind the photos and paintings displayed. It’s incredible to see how sensitised students have become towards inclusivity. The celebration of diversity and ability here gives immense hope for a brighter, more compassionate future.”
Changing Perspectives
The guest of honour Mr Sheevardhan Trivedi shared his profound thoughts on perception and acceptance. “Everything changes when our perspective changes,” he said, urging the audience to see beyond limitations. He emphasised that society thrives on values, and no individual is “complete” — every being contributes uniquely to creation. His message reinforced that inclusion begins with empathy and understanding.
Adding a personal dimension to the discussion, another guest of honour Ms. Karishma Lamba, shared her inspiring journey as a wheelchair user. “I didn’t always know how to respond to disability,” she confessed. “But accepting oneself is the first step. We are born to embrace life with compassion and purpose. Everyone faces challenges — it’s our perspective and grace that define us.”
The key coordinators of this two-day event were PG Diploma students of Corporate Communication and Event Management of AIMC, who organised the festival under the able guidance of faculty members Prof. Naveen Gautam, Prof. Mudita Raj, Prof. Ankit Kumar Malyan as well as Prof. Sukriti Arora.
Art, Expression, and Empowerment
The festival also featured painting and photography competitions that drew entries from across the country, each artwork reflecting powerful interpretations of inclusivity, empathy, and human connection. For the photography category, winners included Pari Tiwari and Abhijit Saxena from Manav Rachna University and Garima Patel from Aditi Mahavidlaya. From AIMC Sonam, Soumili Seth, Shantanu Samudrika and Om Patel were the winners.
In the school category, the first and second prizes were bagged by Akshit and Parin Gupta from St. Mary’s School and the third prize was won by Vinayak of Lingaya’s Lalita Devi Institute of Management and Sciences.
For the painting competition in the higher education category, Nupur Jain, JIMS, Anchal Jain from Apeejay Institute of Design and Vanshika Panchal JIMS Rohini won prizes.
From the school side, 1st category (1st- 5th) prizes were awarded to Kaira Samal and Swati of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, Khushi Jhajaria from N K Bagrodia Public School, and Piyush Kumar from Modern Convent School.
In Category 2 ( 6th-9th), first prize was bagged by Ananya Singh from Vishwa Bharti Public School and Sohaib Hassan from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Second prize was won by Raagavi Chopra from Apeejay School, Noida, Saima from Modern Convent School and Harshita Negi from Vishwa Bharti Public School. The third position went to Shanaya of N K Bagrodia Public School, Aarav Chandila from Modern Convent School and Yukti of Vishwa Bharti Public School.
In the class 10th-12th category, 1st prize went to Yahsika. M of St. Mary’s School, 2nd prize was won by Mannat from Modern Convent School, and 3rd prize was bagged by Alisha from Shiksha Bharti Public School.
The creativity and depth showcased by the participants captured the essence of the WeCare spirit — that art has the power to heal, communicate, and transform society.
As the day came to a close, the message was clear — WeCare is not just a festival, it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that inclusivity, compassion, and equality are not acts of charity but expressions of humanity.