Nobody Lies in a Temple

English/28mins/2003
Producer: H. B. Muralidhara/Seema Muralidhara, Beacon Television
Commissioned by: Public Service Broadcasting Trust

Subject Focus: Collective action for village reform and water harvesting.
Summary: A village that smiles even when the Rain Gods frown. A half-hour television feature for the Public Service Broadcasting Trust under the series ‘Ideas that Worked’. Today, Ralegan is a much-celebrated village. Cine actress Mita Vasisht explores the magic formula, the one based on simple common sense. Collective action is the mantra of Ralegan, whether in the decision-making or for the implementation of these decisions. The village is governed by her own set of rules that nobody dare violate. The village leadership does not hesitate in taking strict action against the violators, whether in the form of public boycott, or public thrashing! Nobody Lies in a Temple rekindles hope that things can work if people take the initiative and act collectively.

Producer’s/Director’s Profile: Under the banner of Beacon Television Mr. Muralidhara has directed and produced several programmes for Channels like ZEE TV, DD10, Mumbai channel, Siti Cable, Doordarshan. Also worked as Freelance TV journalist for Parakh. As a journalist reported live in most NDTV and Doordarshan Election Analysis from Mumbai.

Seema Muralidhara has worked as a Director-Producer, and also on concept and script. She has directed and produced several programmes for channels like ZEE Network, Doordarshan, etc. Their TV series Earth Charmers on organic farming was awarded Bronze Tree in India’s first National Film Festival on Wildlife and Environment titled Vatavaran 2002.Earth Charmers was screened at Zanzibar International Film Festival 2002, Tanzania. Screen Panasonic nominee for Best TV Programme Hum Zameen, 1994, Onida Awards nominee for Best Environment Programme Hum Zameen, 1995. Dinaman award for investigative news report on prison conditions in India.