Kolkata to host India’s first kindness-based film awards on December 20
New Delhi, November 13, 2025: [Report by Prof S.S.Dogra]
In a remarkable step towards promoting empathy and humane storytelling in Indian cinema, the Film Federation of India (FFI) and People for Animals (PFA) have announced the launch of CineKind Awards 2025 — India’s first awards dedicated to celebrating kindness in films. The inaugural ceremony will be held in Kolkata on December 20, 2025.
With the inspiring theme “Where cinema meets compassion — Kindness is the new hero,” CineKind aims to recognize filmmakers, actors, and storytellers who reflect kindness, animal welfare, and humanity through their cinematic work.
A Unique Collaboration for a Humane Cause
The initiative, conceived by the Film Federation of India, represents a milestone in the Indian film industry’s evolution — linking entertainment with ethics. Partnering with People for Animals, India’s largest animal welfare organization led by Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, the awards seek to bridge the world of cinema with the cause of compassion.
Smt. Gandhi, Chairperson of PFA, emphasized the heart of this initiative:
“When we watch a film, we laugh, we cry — we live the story. But imagine a story that asks: ‘What about the voiceless?’ With CineKind, we want to shine a light on those stories. Every picture, every scene that honours kindness matters.”
FFI President Shri Firdausul Hasan echoed her vision, saying:
“Films have unmatched reach. With CineKind, we are saying that kindness should be as celebrated on screen as any action or drama. This isn’t just an award ceremony; it’s a movement to change how we tell stories — and how we live.”
Jury of CineKind Awards 2025
The esteemed jury comprises respected figures from the Indian film fraternity — Ms. Manju Borah, Mr. Rathnaja Prakash, Ms. Meghna Dharamsey, Ms. Satarupa Sanyal, Mr. Sachin Dev Sudhakaran, Mr. Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Ms. Mimi Chakraborty and Ms. Esha Dutta.
Winners of CineKind Awards 2025
The inaugural edition of the CineKind Awards will honour the following achievers:
Dr. Harsha Atmakuri – Maa Ka Doodh (CineKind Compassion)
Ms. Dolly Vyas Ahuja & Mr. Aryeman Ramsay – The Land of Ahimsa (Director of Change)
Ms. Rupali Ganguly – Anupama (Actor – Animal Protection)
Ms. Neha Dixit – In Search of Kasturi (Animal Welfare)
Mr. Nitin Vemupati & Mr. S.A. Chandrasekhar – Kooran (The Kindness in Frame)
Mr. Kushagra Dixit, Times of India (Voice for the Voiceless)
Ms. Pooja Bhatt, Fish Eye Network (Innovation for Compassion)
Dr. Sandhya Sekar, Mongabay India (Visual Storyteller for Animals)
Mr. Ashish Goswami, PFA Wardha (Guardians of Kindness)
Mr. Mohit Chauhan (The Humane Influence)
All awardees will be felicitated at the CineKind Awards Night in Kolkata on December 20, 2025.
Expanding Compassion Beyond Borders
Sharing her views on regional cooperation, Smt. Gandhi recalled her association with animal welfare efforts in Nepal, noting:
“We have been supporting movements in Nepal for years. I was glad to see army officials and hundreds of animal lovers participate in Kathmandu’s animal welfare conference. Nepal’s people are gentle and compassionate. A collective pledge to end animal sacrifices there would be a remarkable step for humanity.”
CineKind Awards 2025 marks not just a new chapter in Indian cinema but a cultural shift — where compassion, creativity, and conscience come together on one stage.
