‘Ram-Nami’— A Film on Chhattisgarh’s Ramnami Tradition Earns National Recognition at 72nd National Film Awards
Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal Congratulates Entire Team including Director Shri Bharatbala Ganpati
Raipur, September 23, 2026/Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal has congratulated director Shri Bharatbala Ganapathy, producer BBP Studio Virtual Bharat Private Limited and the entire team of ‘Ram-Nami’ after the documentary based on the distinctive cultural tradition and identity of the Ramnami community won the prestigious Best Documentary honour at the 72nd National Film Awards.
Shri Agrawal described the recognition as a matter of immense pride and joy for Chhattisgarh, saying the award goes beyond honouring an outstanding documentary. It represents national recognition for the State’s folk traditions, cultural values, spiritual consciousness and heritage carried forward through generations.
He said the Ramnami community’s distinctive traditions are a unique expression of Chhattisgarh’s cultural diversity. Through its faith, customs and way of life, the community has made an important contribution to enriching the State’s folk culture. The documentary has effectively brought this distinctive tradition to a wider audience across the country.
Appreciating the creative efforts of director Shri Bharatbala Ganapathy and the entire team, Shri Agrawal said presenting a folk tradition on a national platform through sensitive and compelling cinematic storytelling is itself a significant achievement. He acknowledged the contribution of every artist, technical expert, producer and associate involved in the film.
The Minister said that Chhattisgarh has a rich and diverse cultural heritage encompassing folk arts, folk songs, folk dances, tribal traditions, religious practices and centuries-old customs that collectively shape the State’s distinct identity. The national recognition for ‘Ram-Nami’, he said, is also an important achievement in taking these traditions to audiences across India and the world.
Shri Agrawal further said that the State Government is continuously working to preserve, promote and widely showcase Chhattisgarh’s folk and cultural heritage. He expressed confidence that the recognition received by ‘Ram-Nami’ would inspire other folk artists, writers, filmmakers and cultural practitioners to present their roots, traditions and heritage through creative mediums.
The 72nd National Film Awards, announced for films released in 2024, selected ‘Ram-Nami’ as the Best Documentary in Hindi. The film has been produced by BBP Studio Virtual Bharat Private Limited and directed by Shri Bharatbala Ganapathy.
Shri Agrawal extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the future to Shri Bharatbala Ganapathy and the entire team of ‘Ram-Nami’, describing the honour as an important milestone in strengthening the recognition of Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity on the national stage.
