Over the past three years, Samvad has held more than 500 screenings, reaching over 100,000 people. The community video unit works to create awareness about issues and show viewers how to take action to improve their communities. The films have helped to direct hundreds of residents to services from the government, Saath and other NGO’s. Samvad also strives to increase accountability in government, by exposing corruption and giving residents a way to demand improved municipal services.
Impact Story: Samvad's video magazine "Ration ni Dukaan, Vardaan ke Abhishraap" (Corruption in Public Distribution System) exposed corrupt business practices of ration shop owners. Community members in Behrampura were inspired by the film to organize and make a complaint about their ration shop. Within 10 days, government officers raided the shop to do an inspection, which resulted in the suspension of the shopkeeper’s license. Residents reported that when he returned to work, he improved his business practices and rectified the disparity in kerosene rations.
Impact Story: Samvad's video magazine "Ration ni Dukaan, Vardaan ke Abhishraap" (Corruption in Public Distribution System) exposed corrupt business practices of ration shop owners. Community members in Behrampura were inspired by the film to organize and make a complaint about their ration shop. Within 10 days, government officers raided the shop to do an inspection, which resulted in the suspension of the shopkeeper’s license. Residents reported that when he returned to work, he improved his business practices and rectified the disparity in kerosene rations.
This effort proved to the community that if they unite their dissent, they truly can effect social change. As a result, residents have gone on to organize complaints against medical residents that were smoking outside of a hospital and the pollution of baths in a crematorium, and are currently planning to file complaints against people that are selling wine illegally. Ration ni Dukaan inspired them to be proactive and act upon their grievances, rather than just complaining about them.
Impact Video of S.N.P Video Magazine
