CHANDGARGH, 06.04.26-The documentary ‘Nirmala’ from Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh, has received an Honorable Jury Mention at the prestigious 16th Dada SahebPhalke Film Festival 2026, on Thursday, April 30th, in New Delhi.
Selected from 700+ entries from nearly 145 countries, the film was evaluated by a 7-member international jury and an 8-member selection panel on nine parameters, with each parameter carrying 10 marks.
The jury included: Mr. Gennadii Omelianiuk, Film Director, US & Ukraine; Mr. Piyush Thakur, Film Director, US & India; Mr. Phil-ju Jung, Film Producer, South Korea; Mr. Santhosh Kallatt, Film Director, India; Mr. Joao Amorim, Film Director, Brazil; Mr. S. Rishikesh, Film Director, Malaysia; and Jury Member Late Mr. G. L. Bhardwaj, National Award Winning Film Director, India.
The award was presented by *Dr Sandeep Marwah*, Chancellor, University of Media and Arts; Founder and President, Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT); President, International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry; Vice President, Film Federation of India; Founder of Noida Film City and Brand Ambassador for BRICS+ Fashion and Lifestyle.
Produced by the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, and conceptualised, scripted, and directed by Dr. Priya Chadha, HoD, ‘Nirmala’ beautifully portrays the journey of our sacred Ganga - its history, struggles, and spirit with a powerful message to protect our mother river.
"Nirmala is more than a documentary. It is an expression of reverence for Maa Ganga and a reminder of our collective responsibility toward the environment and heritage. To see this work recognized with Honourable Jury Mention at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2026 is humbling. “ Dr Priya Chadha
"I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity by GGDSD College and our mentor, Dr. Priya Chadha, to be part of this documentary. Serving as the narrator and assisting in scriptwriting for a project that received Honourable Jury Mention at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2026 is truly rewarding. “Aadi Kattyan, Student, GGDSD College
“ I am deeply honoured to have contributed to the lyrics writing for this project. Working on Nirmala under the guidance of Dr. Priya Chadha and GGDSD College has been an enriching experience. It’s a privilege to be part of a documentary that received Honourable Jury Mention at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2026." Arj, Student, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, GGDSD College
Principal Dr. Ajay Sharma, while extending heartiest congratulations to Dr. Priya Chadha and the entire team, stated, “The Honourable Jury Mention at the 16th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2026 reflects the college’s strong academic foundations paired with media that addresses social issues.”