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New York Documentary ‘Why Buddha Never Had Alzheimer’s based and titled on the award-winning book (Publisher, Simon & Schuster) written by Shuvendu Sen, MD, the Vice Chair (research) of Jersey Shore University, has been selected to be a part of New Generation (NGIA) In Action’s AFI World Peace Initiative (AFIWPI), a United Nations approved organization with “Consultative Status” through the Economic and Social Council and the NGO’s year round thematic programming (2024).
Dr Shuvendu Sen, has also been nominated to participate as a delegate of NGIA-AFIWPI for the conference that will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. A Merit Award from the organization will be presented to Dr Shuvendu Sen, for his global humanitarian efforts. The film was also selected to receive “Best Health Documentary Short” under the category – documentary for science, where a special jury selects ‘films of purpose’ that fit the organization’s goals and objectives to help with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The first of a series of activities will include a special invitation screening and panel discussion scheduled to be held at the organization’s side event during the next United Nations conferences of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62) taking place from February 5 -14, 2024 and will also celebrate the International Year of the Family.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sen to our family and share his work to an international audience. I am familiar with and have first-hand experience with Alzheimer’s because of my great grand-mother, and great aunt. We are proud to promote the film along with a panel discussion to celebrate the International Year of the Family. Certainly, the award-winning book turned into a film will help families and individuals learn ways to help others with Alzheimer’s and we believe the 62nd Session of Social Development is the best and most appropriate conference to host such an event, when the world is looking for help and answers to their several questions,” stated award-winning multi-disciplinary talent and Founder (NGIA-AFIWPI), Her Royal Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet of Eti-Oni, Osun State, Nigeria.
The film explored how meditation, yoga, music therapy and virtual reality can help alleviate and prevent stress and dementia with holistic and alternative approaches. The film is narrated by renowned Indian and International actor, Victor Banerjee with appearances from Indian Actor, Anupam Kher, Hollywood award-winning composer, songwriter, and screenplay writer, Oliver W. Tuthill, and award-winning Hollywood filmmaker, Professor Karl Bardosh who also served as a consultant to the film.
Additional appearances include Dr Shuvendu Sen, Lieutenant General Madhur Kanitkar, Ronald L. Brenner, MD, Aaron Feingold, MD, Andrew Newberg, MD, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home Affairs. Maharashtra Government, Sujata Saunik and OSD to Assembly Speaker, Rakesh Naithani. The film’s director and music composer were Chandan Singh and Shraman Sen respectively.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive the award nomination from NGIA/AFI World Peace Initiative, a UN-sponsored organization and deeply grateful to its Founder, Her Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson of Eti-Oni for the prestigious nomination. NGIA/AFI is a globally renowned humanitarian organization and will serve as an incredible opportunity for me in fostering awareness and education in wellness and all health-related matters. “ said Dr Shuvendu Sen on receiving the news of the nomination.
The organization has supported many independent projects which includes “films of purpose,” that have starred and or been produced by veteran actors/producers/directors such as Danny Glover, Ron Perlman, Graham Greene, Jeff Bridges, Cheryl Halpern, Professor Karoly Bardosh, Barry Alexander Brown and Spike Lee, including scholars and international personalities Dr. Ephraim Isaac, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Dr. Raghunath Manet, Olga Letykai-Csonka, and Madame Isabelle Kocher.
The film is also scheduled to receive merit during the 12th Annual AFI World Peace Initiative at the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to be held between May 20 -26, 2024. Renowned actor, Victor Banerjee has been nominated to receive the Merit Award for narration.