Voices Unveiled, Change Ignited

Every story deserves to be heard—today we begin that story.” With this powerful message, students of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Apeejay Stya University organised a compelling poster launching event on campus. The event marked the unveiling of five thought-provoking documentary posters addressing pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues.

The initiative aimed to give voice to the unheard and bring critical conversations into the public sphere. Each documentary focused on a significant theme including public health, cultural preservation, gender justice, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability. The posters titled “Loud Corridors and Peaceful Impact,” “Main Pakhawaj Hoon,” “Wonder Women,” “I’m Not a Lesson,” and “Pyaasa Shehar” were unveiled as part of an awareness campaign designed to educate students and the wider community about contemporary social challenges and policy frameworks.

The documentary “Loud Corridors and Peaceful Impact” sheds light on universal healthcare coverage under the Government of India’s flagship health scheme, which provides eligible families with health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. The poster emphasized the transformative potential of accessible healthcare in improving lives across the nation.

“Main Pakhawaj Hoon” draws attention to the declining visibility of the Pakhawaj, a traditional Indian percussion instrument with deep cultural roots. The documentary advocates for the preservation and revival of this classical instrument among younger generations and cultural institutions, encouraging renewed appreciation for India’s musical heritage.

Addressing gender justice and resilience, “Wonder Women” narrates the journeys of acid attack survivors who transformed their pain into strength. The documentary portrays their scars not as symbols of shame, but as marks of courage, dignity, and survival. It highlights their fight for justice and their determination to live with pride, inspiring viewers to challenge societal cruelty and prejudice.

The observational documentary “I’m Not a Lesson” confronts gender-based violence and societal discrimination against the transgender community. Focusing on their childhood experiences, chosen families, stereotypes, and aspirations, the film emphasizes that they are not different from others—only different from expectations imposed upon them.

Meanwhile, “Pyaasa Shehar” addresses the growing water crisis in Delhi and underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and environmental responsibility. The documentary calls for awareness, accountability, and proactive solutions to combat the looming crisis.

Sharing her thoughts Apeejay Stya University student Kajal Shukla mentioned, “Directing this film was not about documenting an instrument; it was about honouring a family, a lineage, and a rhythm that refuses to fade. The Pakhawaj does not compete with time—it gives time its discipline.”

The posters stood not merely as artistic displays but as powerful voices representing those often unheard and unseen. The organizers urged viewers to look beyond the visuals and understand the deeper messages embedded in each narrative. The event concluded with a collective call for action—reinforcing that silence is no longer an option, and meaningful change must begin today.