Filmmaker Harsh Atmakuri’s investigative documentary “Mother’s Milk” about the illegal and unethical practices prevalent in the Indian dairy industry has won four awards at the ongoing Jaipur International Film Festival. The 15th edition of the film festival began on Friday in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. This year, 282 films from 63 countries are being screened at the festival. “Mother’s Milk” won Best Director, Best Documentary Feature, Best Screenplay and Film with a Global Message.
Atmakuri said that through the documentary he has tried to make the audience aware of the need to fight “abuse, incest and exploitation of animals”. It would surprise most people that the animals that give us milk are often slaughtered for meat at the end of their milk-producing lives.
The film explores the ethical, cultural, environmental, religious, economic and political complexities that surround dairy consumption in India and highlights numerous examples of animal cruelty not only left unchecked by the authorities but in pursuit of the norm. has been made. To increase milk production.
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It captures many cruel and harmful practices such as the starvation of male calves (as they do not allow them to consume much of the mother’s milk), the use of hormones such as oxytocin to induce milk production, and the animals being treated in unhygienic and unhygienic conditions. keep in tight conditions. Furthermore, it also highlights the fact that beef exports have increased as a result of increasing dairy cattle population, making India one of the top beef exporters in the world.
Atmakuri, a general practitioner turned animal rights activist, traveled by road over 20,000 kilometers across India, meeting people directly or indirectly connected with the dairy industry for over two years.
He conducted interviews with dairy farmers, gaushala administrators, gau rakshaks and restaurant owners.
He also spoke to several eminent personalities like BJP leader Maneka Gandhi, spiritual guru Shri Acharya Prashant and Padma Shri awardee Smt Sudevi Mataji.
“To produce one liter of milk, approximately 1062 liters of water is required. As consumers, we need to be aware of how our purchases are fueling the development of practices that are harmful to the planet and animals Man cannot survive if this kind of exploitation continues.” Atmakuri said. “Mother’s Milk” will soon be released on YouTube for public viewing.