There were a total of 16 Vatavaran 2003 Awards.

The Vatavaran Awards are symbolized by a Tree. The Tree of life is an important symbol in nearly every culture. With its branches reaching into the sky, and roots deep in the earth, it dwells in three worlds- a link between heaven, the earth, and the underworld, uniting above and below. A tree also bears seeds or fruits, which contain the essence of the tree, and this continuous regeneration, is a potent symbol of immortality.

 

PRITHVI RATAN AWARD


Given to Mike H. Pandey -for Outstanding Achievement in Global Conservation through Environment and Wildlife Filmmaking.

This award was Supported by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

 

I. IN THE CATEGORY OF BEST OF FESTIVAL

' In Troubled Waters' by Reef Watch Marine Conservation
Won The Best of the Festival Award of Rs. 1,50,000.
"for the lasting relevance of its theme, uniqueness of the subject, visual brilliance and overall excellence".

 

II. IN THE CATEGORY OF THEME OF THE FESTIVAL 'WATER'


'Unquiet Flows the Chaliyar' by Sridevi Mohan.
Won The Best Documentary Award of Rs. 50,000.
"for its very effective portrayal of how a life-sustaining river is slowly poisoned by industrial effluent and turned into an environmental disaster".

'Words on Water' by Sanjay Kak
Won The Second Best Documentary Award (shared) of Rs. 25, 000
"for its abiding human concern and poignant observations as the water level in the catchment area of a dam keeps rising drowning the hopes of a people uprooted from their natural moorings."

'Waterworks India: Four Engineers & a Manager' by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
Won The Second Best Documentary Award (shared) of Rs. 25, 000
"for its convincing as well as engaging portrayal of the intricacies of the science and practice of traditional water management".

 
III. IN THE CATEGORY OF 'NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION'


'The Ridley's Last Stand' by Shekar Dattatri
Won Golden Tree Award of Rs. 1,00,000 for the Best Documentary
"for its authentic, persevering and compassionate study of the life drama of Olive Ridleys on the Orissa coast threatened with a tragic end in the face of human cruelty and callousness".

'Kalpavriksha - Legacy of Forests' by Mike H. Pandey
Won The Silver Tree Award of Rs. 75,000 for Second Best Documentary
"for its effective championing of the cause and philosophy of traditional medical practices".

 
IV. IN THE CATEGORY OF DOCUMENTARY/ANIMATED FILMS PRODUCED BY'CHILDREN'


'Birds Through My Window' by Rudransh Mathur
Won the Award of Rs. 50,000 for The Best Documentary
"for its keen observation of life, sensitivity and the abiding sense of togetherness with nature".

'Spandan' by Leoarts Communication
Won the Jury Special Mention Award
"for its earnest attempt to get across the important message, Don't pollute water employing simple animation".

 
V. IN THE CATEGORY OF 'PUBIC SERVICE MESSAGE'


'Rainwater Harvesting' by Leapfrog
Won The Best Documentary Award
"for its imaginative and hilarious treatment".

 

VI. IN THE CATEGORY OF 'WILDLIFE CONSERVATION'


'A Brush with Death' by Wildlife Trust of India
Won Golden Tree Award of Rs. 1,00,000 for The Best Documentary
"for its forceful, investigative and thought provoking treatment focusing on the insensitivity of humans to nature and wildlife".

'Timeless Traveller - The Horseshoe Crab' by Gautam Pandey
Won Silver Tree Award of Rs. 75,000 for The Best Documentary
"for its revealing treatment of a unique subject - the mysterious and millions years old Horseshoe Crab that is proving to be man's best friend in his fight against many deceases and deficiencies".

'Nagarhole: Tales from an Indian Jungle' by Eco Media (P) Ltd.
Won Jury Special Mention Award
"for its fervent feel for nature and wildlife and the strong case it makes for preservation of the rich heritage".

'Sahyadris - Mountains of the Monsoon' by: Sandesh V. Kadur, Gorgas Science Foundation.
Won Jury Special Mention Award
"for its sensitively captured images of the Western Ghats in all its wild beauty and bio-diversity".
VII. IN THE CATEGORY OF 'REVELATION'


'Timeless Traveller - The Horseshoe Crab' by: Gautam Pandey
Won The Best Documentary Award.
"for opening before the spectator a whole new area of information and scientific knowledge making us wonder how very little of the world man has come to comprehend".

 
VIII. IN THE CATEGORY OF 'NEWCOMERS'

'Magic of Life' by Gautam Pandey
Won The Best Documentary Award
"for its simple and sensitive treatment of nature in all its magic and wonders - with special appeal to children".






















   


Awards