“Choice Is Yours” Wins Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 for Social Impact and Road Safety Awareness

Veyil Foundation has officially announced the recipient of the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar for 2025, honoring the short film Choice Is Yours for its outstanding contribution to social awareness through cinema. Directed by Avishek Nandan Guha, the film has been recognized as the Best Social Awareness Film for its compelling focus on road safety, particularly emphasizing the life-saving importance of wearing helmets while riding. The award celebrates not only cinematic excellence but also the power of storytelling to inspire responsible behavior in society.

Choice Is Yours stands out for its unique narrative style and strong visual language. Presented as a silent short film in English, the film runs for a concise duration of just 2 minutes and 19 seconds. Despite its brevity, it delivers a profound message that lingers with viewers long after the screen fades to black. The absence of dialogue allows the visuals to take center stage, enabling the film to transcend linguistic barriers and reach a diverse, global audience. This creative decision enhances the universality of its theme, making the message of road safety accessible and relatable to people from all walks of life.

Director Avishek Nandan Guha’s artistic approach reflects a deep understanding of visual storytelling. By relying solely on imagery, expressions, and carefully composed sequences, the film communicates the consequences of everyday choices made on the road. The narrative subtly yet powerfully reminds viewers that safety is not a matter of chance but of conscious decision-making. The film encourages audiences to pause and reflect on how a simple act—such as wearing a helmet—can mean the difference between life and death.

The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is awarded to works that embody social responsibility and cultural relevance, and Choice Is Yours aligns perfectly with this vision. Road safety remains a pressing concern in today’s society, with accidents continuing to claim countless lives each year. By focusing on helmet usage, the film highlights a crucial yet often neglected aspect of rider safety. Its message reinforces the idea that individuals hold the power to protect not only themselves but also others through responsible choices.

The recognition by Veyil Foundation underscores the vital role cinema can play in shaping public consciousness and promoting positive social change. By honoring Choice Is Yours, the foundation amplifies an essential message of awareness, responsibility, and care on the roads. The award serves as a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication and creativity, while also encouraging the continued use of art and cinema as effective tools for education and social reform.