On January 20 and 21, 2024, a group of eight students, accompanied by Prof Ajay Raina and Prof Sangita Shroff – Director of the Institute of Design, undertook a research trip to Praganchakshu Mahila Seva Kunj in Surendranagar. The primary aim was to explore the organisation’s activities, engage with its members, and document key events through video recording. The NGO, Praganchakshu Mahila Seva Kunj, focuses on empowering physically challenged women of all ages and backgrounds. Committed to holistic well-being, it provides tailored support, vocational training, and education, fostering unity and self-reliance.
During the two-day immersion, students documented various events, including a cooking competition, awards ceremony, marriage celebration, and meetings with board members and inmates. The cooking competition showcased inmates’ culinary skills, fostering camaraderie. The awards ceremony recognised achievements, capturing emotional highs. The marriage celebration provided insight into the community’s dynamics, while meetings with board members and inmates revealed challenges and triumphs.
The diligent video documentation of the trip captured emotions, stories, and nuances, serving as raw material for subsequent stages. Post-trip, students were tasked with presenting a comprehensive film proposal and editing recorded footage into 2 to 3-minute stories. This material will form the foundation for the upcoming moving images elective course. During this period, students will transform initial stories into fully developed scripts, refining narratives, developing characters, and incorporating cinematic elements.
In conclusion, the research trip to Praganchakshu Mahila Seva Kunj Surendranagar lays the groundwork for an enriching academic project. The immersive experience and documented footage will contribute to impactful short films, deepening understanding of the organisation’s mission and impact. This report attests to the dedication and commitment of the students, reflecting their genuine interest in exploring and portraying the narratives uncovered during this insightful research trip.