The Indian Navy will celebrate Navy Day 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram on December 4 with a special premiere of Jalkanya, a documentary directed by filmmaker couple Sanjeev Sivan and Deepti Sivan. The film, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, showcases the creativity, courage, and resilience of young girls across India.
The premiere is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries. For the Sivan couple, the event represents a milestone as the documentary highlights the voices of India’s youth while reinforcing national messages of empowerment and inclusion.
“Jalkanya aims to amplify young voices through cinema and reinforce the national message of empowerment,” Sanjeev told IANS.
The documentary was developed through an intensive five-day filmmaking workshop in Mumbai, where 25 students from Navy schools nationwide participated. The sessions were guided by some of India’s most celebrated film and music personalities, including Aamir Khan, Anurag Kashyap, Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Jaffrey, and A. Sreekar Prasad.
Students were encouraged to conceptualize and create short films based on personal experiences, community issues, and aspirations. Their works form the core of Jalkanya, offering a unique perspective on empowerment, equality, and societal change.
Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign focuses on preventing gender-biased sex selection, ensuring the survival and protection of girls, and promoting their education and participation in all spheres of life. Over the years, it has grown into a nationwide movement fostering respect and empowerment for daughters.
“Jalkanya serves as both a tribute to this mission and a platform to nurture the next generation of storytellers,” Sanjeev added.
The film also carries a strong cinematic legacy. Sanjeev’s father, the late Sivan, was a National Film Award winner. His brothers include acclaimed cinematographer Santosh Sivan and the late Sangeeth Sivan, who directed popular Malayalam films like Yodha starring Mohanlal. Continuing the family tradition, Sanjeev and Deepti’s 14-year-old son, Sidhanshu, recently headed the Children’s Jury at the 55th Giffoni International Film Festival in Italy.
With Navy Day 2025 set to highlight the premiere of Jalkanya, the documentary promises to celebrate India’s young female talent and underscore the continuing importance of gender equality, education, and youth empowerment through storytelling.
