The Brahmaputra River, a lifeline for Assam’s culture, communities, and ecology, recently became the centerpiece of creative expression through “Voices Through the Lenses,” a mobile short video contest organised by Care Luit with support from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The contest, held under the theme “Echoes of the Brahmaputra – Stories Flowing Through Time and Tide,” invited participants from across the state to document life along the river using their mobile phones.
Participants captured a wide array of stories — from intimate glimpses of riverine communities and their daily lives to the Brahmaputra’s ecological and cultural significance. The contest highlighted the power of visual storytelling in reconnecting people with the river, showcasing both its beauty and the challenges faced by those who depend on it.
A distinguished jury comprising filmmaker Pervez Ahmed and Gayatri Sarma, President of the Guwahati Theatre Society, selected the standout entries. “Salmora – A River Diary” by Sangeeta Medhi won Best Documentary, while Best Fiction was awarded to “Nadiya Ke Dui Paar” by Bondip Sarma, Akash Deep, and Mridupawan Parashar. The Jury Special Mention went to “Shifting Shore: Unscripted Brahmaputra Diaries” by Suhasini Handique. The awards were presented by Mr. Prabin Bora, Director (I/C), IWAI Regional Office, Guwahati.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bora called the Brahmaputra “a living heritage” and praised the filmmakers for promoting ecological awareness. Jury member Gayatri Sarma lauded the authenticity of the films, noting how they “let the river speak.” A Care Luit spokesperson added that the contest reflects the organisation’s mission to combine sustainability, culture, and community voices, using accessible tools like mobile phones to bring the Brahmaputra’s untold stories to light.
