Kailash Satyarthi Releases Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda’s Book “Return to Innocence”

Renowned filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri and multiple National Film Awards, unveiled his debut literary work, titled Return to Innocence, on July 14, 2023, at a grand ceremony hosted by the British High Commissioner in New Delhi. Blending memoir and commentary, Return to Innocence showcases the creative versatility of Panda, whose exceptional filmmaking career has earned him critical acclaim internationally. The book launch was graced by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, British High Commissioner Mr. Alexander Ellis, and veteran actor Makarand Deshpande. The audience also got a glimpse of Panda’s upcoming web series, The Jengaburu Curse, through an exclusive teaser screening at the event.

This extraordinary event brought together luminaries from the realms of cinema and climate change activism, which have been two significant influences shaping Mr. Panda’s personal and professional journey. These remarkable passions are vividly reflected in the poetic and cinematic prose of Return to Innocence. The book chronicles his transition from the rustic world of his father in Dasharajpur, Odisha, during the 1970s to the fast-paced digital landscape of New Delhi in the new millennium. Mr. Panda’s films, spanning over two decades, capture the consequences of human actions on the planet through compelling narratives rooted in rural India. His introspective observations and perspectives transform these biographical accounts into thought-provoking and dramatic essays that explore themes of identity, intention, action, and consequence.

The launch event was a celebration of storytelling, resilience, and the transformative power of cinema. It left an indelible impression on fans, aspiring filmmakers, dignitaries, and literary enthusiasts who had the privilege of attending. The attendees had the unique opportunity to personally interact with Mr. Panda, listen to captivating excerpts from the book, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. A limited number of autographed copies of Return to Innocence were also presented to lucky winners during the event.

Panda shared his thoughts on the book, stating, “Return to Innocence is a reflection of my life’s journey, with its struggles, triumphs, and transformations as I navigated from a rural upbringing to the bustling world of filmmaking in a metropolitan city, and eventually to the global stage of cinema. Simultaneously, it mirrors the journey of our planet over the past four decades, from ecological sustainability to the looming threat of disaster. This book tells the story of how Indians, and humanity as a whole, have undergone unprecedented changes during one man’s lifetime, as told through his own experiences and craft. It serves as a testament to human resilience while also appealing to our inherent innocence to preserve our mother earth.”

In Return to Innocence, Panda intertwines anecdotes from his childhood, adolescence, adulthood, films, and relationships to contemplate the issues that weigh on his mind: the loss of innocence, insensitive progress, climate change, and the man-made crises that have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through captivating visuals from his homes and travels, as well as stills from his beautifully crafted films, these stories come alive as immersive sensory experiences.

Expressing his gratitude and excitement for sharing his debut book with the world, Panda expressed, “I hope that my story resonates with readers and inspires them to rediscover their own innocence, reconnect with the sacred harmony of nature, and nurture our planet as it has nurtured us. Both my book Return to Innocence and my upcoming web series The Jengaburu Curse are my heartfelt tributes to the sacred soil, water, and air of my homeland.”