Writer-Director Ajay Govind, known for his compelling storytelling and social initiatives, recently received the prestigious Helen Keller Award from the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP). Alongside his colleague Remya Sasindran, Govind has been instrumental in empowering marginalized voices through their innovative storytelling initiative, Digital Storytellers for Social Change (DiSSC).
Govind’s multifaceted career is rooted in his passion for storytelling and its role in fostering understanding and inclusion. A graduate of English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, he has leveraged his creative talents across various mediums, from award-winning films like Madappally United to music videos and lyrical compositions for psychological thrillers. His ability to blend creativity with purpose has established him as a pioneer in educational storytelling. Driven by his relentless passion for storytelling and inclusivity, he continues to inspire many, carving a path for impactful cinema and social transformation.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, Ajay Govind shares insights into his work, his philosophy, and upcoming projects.
Excerpts
Q. Congratulations on winning the Helen Keller Award. Could you tell us more about this recognition?
A. Thank you! I recently received the Helen Keller Award from NCPEDP, which was for a project Remya Sasindran and I conceptualized and started in 2020. The project aims to enable people to tell their own stories using mobile phones. This year, we trained people with disabilities in over 15 cities and conducted more than 20 workshops.
Q. What is the significance of the Helen Keller Awards to you?
A. This being the 25th edition makes it particularly special. However, I believe the award does more than just celebrate individuals and organizations working in the disability and inclusion space. It highlights pressing issues that need attention, encourages people to learn more about these challenges, and inspires them to seek solutions.
Q. Could you elaborate on DiSSC and how the initiative was conceived?
A. Remya (Project Director – DiSSC) and I (Training Lead – DiSSC) run the agency with focus on two core activities: filmmaking and training. DiSSC was born out of the idea to merge these two. Considering the growing popularity of mobile filmmaking, we felt it was the right time to nurture polished and responsible storytellers. Our focus has always been to amplify untold and neglected stories, enabling individuals to use the medium effectively to bring about social change.
Q. What is your long-term vision for this initiative?
A. Enabling storytellers is, in itself, a long-term goal. It’s a gradual process for individuals to see their lives and challenges as stories worth telling. We hope more people trained under DiSSC continue honing their skills. As a filmmaker, I also envision building an audience that demands better stories from their creators, pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Q. You wear multiple hats as a filmmaker, trainer, and more. What is your success mantra?
A. Being open to experimentation and taking calculated risks has been key for me. This is possible only because of a committed team that co-creates with me. Success and failure are everyday phenomena, but choosing a path and progressing at your own pace is a victory like no other.
Q. What are your upcoming plans? Are there any film projects in the pipeline?
A. We aim to take DiSSC to the next level. Participants often express a desire for more sessions, so we are working on developing a longer course and figuring out its rollout.
On the filmmaking front, I recently completed a short Hindi film set in Dehradun, featuring Sohaila Kapur, Radha Bhatt, and a talented child actor, Alaina from Delhi. Produced by Drishyam Films, the film is now gearing up for its festival journey. Additionally, I am writing the screenplay for a web series slated to be shot in early 2025.