This documentary is a true reflection of artisans’ lives and showcases their pride, fears, sacrifice, and passion for enhancing and preserving the distinct identity of India.
Our Bureau
New York, NY
A 17-year-old class 12 Economics student Rhea Bakshi has created a flutter with her first documentary titled “India’s Treasures” at the New York International Film Awards by bagging an award in the best student film category, being the only film from India to be awarded the finalist laurel.
“India’s Treasures” is an intimate take on the enchanting world of one of India’s centuries-old traditional art forms – handmade silver jewelry – adorned by royalties across all continents. Rhea Bakshi, the director, and presenter hails from India and is a student at The Shri Ram School, Moulsari, Gurugram. The documentary passes through the mystical Rajasthan, magical Jharkhand, and narrow bylanes of traditional old Delhi, embracing the lives of artisans and showing their pride, sacrifice, passion, and fears in creating and preserving India’s distinct identity.
Rhea Bakshi, on the Finalist Laurel, said, “I am overjoyed and grateful to the New York International Film Awards jury for this distinguished honor. This will trigger a wider audience for the documentary and viewers will witness the impact and contribution of the talented self-employed Indian artists, especially women.”
“The focal point for this film was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of inclusive economic growth, which I believe is critical to realize the vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy. For the last four years, I have been engaged with Nai Disha, an NGO providing education for underprivileged children, which sensitized me to the aspiration and challenges of the vulnerable sections of our society. I would like to share this award with all my students at Nai Disha who have immensely enriched my perspective and imminent career path,” Rhea added.
The documentary showcases the diverse jewelry-making styles, unique to varied Indian geographies, including Orissa’s fine filigree work, Jaipur’s art of enameling, and the setting of semi-precious stones in Old Delhi. It introduces inspiring stories of inclusive economic growth, a purpose close to Rhea’s mission, by discussing the microcredit facility as an amazing solution for the Indian artisans and enabling them to continue their age-held craft and secure a future for their children.
