Bharatbala’s ‘Ramnami’ wins National Award: The story of the Chhattisgarh sect that tattoos ‘Ram’ on their bodies
Filmmaker Bharatbala's documentary 'Ramnami' won the Best Documentary award at the 72nd National Film Awards. The film explores the history of the Ramnami community, a devotional sect that uses tattoos as a form of peaceful protest against caste-based discrimination.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the cultural significance of marginalized communities in India and the role of documentary filmmaking in preserving their history.
The story of this national award begins with one photograph.
Five years ago, Chennai-based filmmaker Bharatbala travelled to Champa in Chattisgarh, chasing the story of the Ramnami community, an ostracised devotional Hindu sect founded in the 1890s. Back in the 19th Century, they were barred from entering temples because of their caste. As a form of peaceful protest, they decided to immerse their bodies in streaks of carefully placed Sanskrit lettering spelling out the word ‘ Ram ’, a god in India in whose name miracles and unspeakable horrors alike, have been committed over the years.
Director Bharatbala receiving the national award | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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