Here's to welcome you all into the fold of the Pratima Film Society.
Films have always fascinated us all - since pretty long. Then, there were the childhood experiments - of filling those empty light bulbs with coloured liquid and then watch the play of colourful images after throwing a beam of light into them. The scope of such experiments went on changing - to the kaleidoscopes - and then to the movies projected on the makeshift screen against a suitable wall. All these had consumed a part of our lives while we remained fascinated to the moving images.

I do remember - in the olden days, there was a film society functioning in Ruia College - available then to me for about 2 years.

Then a group of friends - at the G.S. Medical College did screen a few good movies at the lecture halls in the college campus. 'Bicycle Thieves' has been etched into our minds since then.

All this went on to become past. A small advertisement in Times of India (Aug. 2004) came as a turning point. The ‘Darshan’ collective screened “Pather Panchali” – on VCR – in a classroom of the Model English School – opposite the bus stand. As was expected a discussion followed – very naturally so, wherein I suggested such quality films be screened for a bigger viewer group – in a bigger cinema hall. I guess the Pratima Film Society took its roots there and then. A like–minded group collected together. Dr. Sanjay Randive stepped in - in the early stage – to contribute to ideas, plans and discussion.

Then come along “Thang”, a movie of Shri. Amol Palekar – in later 2006. We had an opportunity to meet him and hold discussions with Shri. Mahendra Veera (Owner of Madhuban / Pooja Theatres). Shri. Palekar suggested Shri. Veera to provide with the cinema hall for film society shows at fair rates. Shri. Palekar also encouraged us by suggesting 10 years programme, even if we screened just one good film a month. Shri. Veera proved to be all help at this juncture.

Soon, in Nov. 2006 – I, along with Dr. Randive, Dr. Shamala Kale had discussions with Shri. Vidyadhar Thanekar and Shri. Sunil Joshi (of Prabhat Chitra Mandal, Thane Branch) – who were into the activity for over 1½ years. Dr. Randive went on to visit CD libraries – in Andheri and Powai – to find out about the availability of classic films.

Things really moved fast after 7th Jan. 2007 when we got introduced to Shri. Abhijit Deshpande – the young professor at the Somaiyya College . He happens to be the Executive Editor of “Roopwani” monthly publication of “Prabhat Chitra Mandal”, also a committee member of Federation of Film Societies of India, Western Region. He proved to be the much-needed boots to our efforts. Shri. Sudhir Nandgaonkar, Veteran in film society movement suggested his name, being a Dombivli-ite.

Up to 15 involved colleagues met at Dr. Shamala Kale's residence on 14 th Jan. 2007 to bring the film society into being. The constitution of the society was thought of Invaluable help and guidance came at this stage from Shri. R. P. Randive (father of Dr. Sanjay Randive). Dr. Shamala Kale suggested the title “Pratima”, immediately followed by the beautiful logo – by Dr. Vasant Bhumkar and the catch line “Images Speak” by Shri. Abhijit Deshpande. Dr. Randive also suggested that a list of films to be screened along with their directors be given – printed overleaf the membership application form. It must be noted here that Shri. Sudhir Nandgaonkar, Hon, Secretary of All India FFSI, stepped in to provide immense guidance at this stage. We express gratitude to him.

Came 4th Feb. 2007, a 13 members managing committee passed the constitution of the Society at Dr. Bhumkar's residence, also nominated Dr. Puntambekar to register the Society. We were helped by Shri. Makarand Gopujkar and Shri. Pandit (advocates). Documents submitted on 6th Feb. 2007 and Pratima Film Society, Dombivli was eventually registered on 12th April 2007.

The membership drive was already begun on 22nd Feb. 2007 – which was in for considerable response. Rahul Enterprises and Puranik Vision Centre helped us – in this task. We also must acknowledge the hard work done by Shri. Pramod Mujumdar, Shri. Vinay Samant, Shri. Dilip Joshi and Shri. Nitin Samant (of Ashay Film Club – active in 1985) and Mrs. Sandhya Soman (of SAKAV), for nurturing this movement in the past. The society has crossed its 500 member figure on 19 th April 2007, before its inaugural programme, I am happy to say.

We used to have our rendezvous at the Date Hospital ground floor for the last 2 months meet and plan out strategies. We are fortunate to have with Shri. Nasiruddin Shah – noted artiste, Shri. S. N. Navare – the living legend of Marathi literature and scriptwriter, Shri. Sudhir Nandgaonkar – pioneer of the film society movement and Shri. Kiran Shantaram – the famed film personality – for our opening programmes on 21st April 2007 and inaugural screening of “Children of Heaven” Irani movie by Shri. Majid Majidi on 22nd April 2007. We understand, the movies as a vehicle for arts, and so they must be taken seriously by generations to come.

And then, how can we forget the invaluable help and support given by Dr. Vijay Dhondye, Dr. Shyamkant Ghotikar (valuable suggestions), Shri. Prakash Mahajan, Shri. Vinayak Kulkarni, Shri. Palav of Rangshala and Shri. Inamdar (in the printing job and commercial art), Shri. Anand Parvate and Shri. Vinay Borse (in software management and website job), Dr. Vijay Aage and his colleague (in registration of the society), Shri. Prakash Bhandarkar and Shri. Satish Bhamare (in accounts keeping), Dr. Nitin Bhat, Dr. Madhu Bendre and Dr. Sanjeev Gandhi – and many unnamed for all the co-operation extended.

A beginning has been made. Let's hope the sailing is smooth and memorable.

The 1st Managing Commitee
Sitting (From left) Dr. Dushyant M. Bhadlikar (Trustee) Mrs. Meenal R. Mahajan (Joint Secretary) Mrs. Meenakshi S. Brahme (Member) Mr. Abhijit A. Deshpande (Trustee)		Standing (From left) Dr. Sunil Puntambekar (President) Mrs. Rekha R. Deshpande (Member) Dr. Shamala D. Kale (Treasurer) Mr. Madan N. Mulay (Member) Dr. Pralhad K. Deshpande (Member) Mr. N. Satish Kumar (Member) Dr. Vasant A. Bhumkar (Vice President) Dr. Sanjay R. Randive (Secretary) Mr. Anil B. Joshirao (Member) Mr. Vijay K. Pathak (Member)