The second day of Malwa Media Fest 2.0 witnessed an inspiring exchange of ideas, featuring discussions on cinema, society, security, and the art of acting. The event brought together prominent personalities, including former RAW agent Lucky Bisht, “Panchayat” web series actor Durgesh Kumar, and Oxford University’s first Hindu President, Rashmi Samant, who shared their insights and experiences with the enthusiastic audience.
Rashmi Samant: Encouraging Indian Students to Aim for Global Education
Addressing the students, Rashmi Samant emphasized that Indian students, including those from Ratlam, have the potential to enroll in top universities worldwide. She shared her journey and highlighted how Western nations, unable to overpower India by force, sought to do so through intellectual means. She remarked, “India has always been a matriarchal society, and our youth must not fear taking risks and embracing struggles—this is the true essence of India.”
Lucky Bisht on National Security and Military Discipline
The session on security, cinema, and society featured former RAW agent Lucky Bisht, who provided a glimpse into the thrilling world of secret services. He revealed that while RAW agents operate in complete anonymity during their service, selfless dedication eventually earns them recognition and admiration. Sharing his rigorous training experiences in Israel, he urged Indian youth to consider serving in the military at least once in their lifetime, as it instills discipline and resilience.
Lucky Bisht also discussed his biography, RAW Hitman, which became a bestseller within just 21 days of publication. The book chronicles the life of a secret agent and has captivated readers worldwide.
Durgesh Kumar: The Journey from Theater to Web Series
In an engaging session on acting, Durgesh Kumar, renowned for his role in the web series Panchayat, shared valuable lessons from his journey in the theater world. Encouraging students to immerse themselves in books, he stated, “If you befriend books, your life will change.” He emphasized the importance of clarity in one’s aspirations and narrated anecdotes from his theater days in Ratlam.
Speaking about perseverance, Durgesh Kumar passionately remarked, “There is no substitute for hard work. I am where I am today because of my relentless effort.” To the delight of the audience, he also delivered his famous dialogue, “Dekh raha hai Vinod?”
Soumya Pandey on Women in Cinema
The final panel discussion featured Bollywood actress Soumya Pandey, who spoke on the role of women in cinema. Hailing from Jabalpur, she shared her experiences of making a mark in the Indian film industry and encouraged young aspirants to embrace their parents’ advice rather than considering it a burden. She stressed that while pursuing dreams, one should never lose sight of Indian values. Talking about her production house, she highlighted her mission to create meaningful and impactful content for the youth. Soumya Pandey also revealed her ongoing collaboration on a major project with acclaimed Bollywood directors Abbas-Mustan.
Grand Finale: Theatrical Tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar & Award Ceremony
The second day of the fest concluded with a spectacular theatrical performance on the life of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, marking the first such production in Ratlam by a team of Mumbai-based artists. The mesmerizing performance captivated the audience, making for a fitting grand finale to the festival.
The closing ceremony also witnessed the felicitation of winners from various competitions held during the fest:
- Essay Writing on Ahilyabai Holkar:
- 1st Place: Radhika Solanki (CM Rise School)
- 2nd Place: Chitransh (Utkarsh Vidyalaya)
- 3rd Place: Keshavi Dashottar (CM Rise School)
- Reel-Making Competition on Ratlam’s Heritage & Cuisine:
- 1st Place: Parvati Titiksha
- 2nd Place: Moksha Singh
- 3rd Place: Bhupesh
Throughout the day, enthusiastic participation was observed from students of leading schools and colleges in Ratlam, including NCC cadets. Their involvement reflected the growing interest in media literacy, storytelling, and digital content creation.
Malwa Media Fest 2.0 successfully served as a dynamic platform for fostering creativity, democratic awareness, and cultural preservation. By bringing together young minds and experienced professionals, the festival cemented its reputation as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the region.