New Delhi, 24th September 2025 – Raahgiri Foundation is deeply honoured to announce that its co-produced documentary, The Silent Epidemic, has been awarded Best Non-Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Indian cinema.
Presented by Raahgiri Foundation and Cinema4Good, the film has been directed by Akshat Gupta, produced by social entrepreneur Sarika Panda Bhatt and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jitendra Mishra, with creative production by Akash Basu, in association with Wheeling Happiness Foundation.
The Silent Epidemic sheds light on the devastating yet often overlooked impact of road crashes in India. Through deeply personal narratives, the documentary captures the pain and resilience of individuals and families whose lives have been forever altered by unsafe roads, including Paralympic gold medalist Sumit Antil, who overcame life-changing injuries, and a family grieving the tragic loss of their young son in a hit-and-run incident.
“Road crashes are not just statistics; they are stories of lives upended and dreams lost,” said Sarika Panda Bhatt, Director at Nagarro, Founder, and Trustee of Raahgiri Foundation. “This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue advocating for safer, more inclusive cities. It is a reminder that every life matters and that our streets must be designed for people, not just vehicles.”
After receiving the award from Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Jitendra Mishra shared, “Cinema has the power to transform perspectives and inspire change. With The Silent Epidemic, we wanted to tell stories that go beyond headlines and numbers, stories that reflect the human cost of unsafe roads and the urgent need for collective action. This award is not just a win for the film but a call to action for society.”
Raahgiri Foundation’s broader mission focuses on transforming urban mobility by creating streets that are safe, equitable, and accessible for everyone. Through data-driven insights, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement, the foundation works to reduce road crashes, make cities livable and breathable, and improve the overall quality of urban life.
The foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the jury of the National Film Awards, and every individual and partner who helped bring this powerful narrative to life.
This recognition is not just a celebration of a film but also a promise to work collectively toward a future where no life is lost or altered due to unsafe roads.
About the Key Contributors
Sarika Panda Bhatt – Director at Nagarro and Founder & Trustee at Raahgiri Foundation
Born in Bhawanipatna, Odisha, Sarika leads the Raahgiri Day movement in Haryana and supports its replication across other cities in India. With nearly 20 years of experience in urban development, transport, environment, and architecture, she spearheads non-motorised transport initiatives and the Vision Zero programme to reduce road crashes in multiple cities.
She has been recognised globally for her contributions to sustainable mobility, having been named among the 60 Global Women Leaders shaping the future of urban transport by TUMI, Germany. In 2019, she was appointed as the Bicycle Mayor of Gurugram by BYCS, Netherlands. Sarika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, a Master’s in Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and a Master’s degree in Sociology.
Jitendra Mishra – Producer & Internationally Acclaimed Filmmaker
Hailing from Titilagarh, Odisha, Jitendra Mishra is one of India’s leading film producers and promoters, known for setting global benchmarks in socially relevant cinema. With over 110 films to his credit, his works span multiple genres and have received wide international acclaim. His notable films include The Last Color, Buried Seeds, Desires of the Heart, Human Oak, and The Saint of Brooklyn.
Jitendra has earned numerous national and international awards and currently serves as the elected President of CIFEJ (International Center of Film for Children and Youth) – a global media network established under UNESCO in 1955. He has also been the Festival Director of Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY), an initiative of Smile Foundation. A member of the Cannes Producers Network, Jitendra has been invited to serve on the jury of over 60 international film festivals worldwide.