President Droupadi Murmu has begun a three‑day visit to Gujarat, where she will preside over the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia tomorrow.

Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards are among India’s highest honours for excellence in cinema. Presented annually by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the awards celebrate achievements across feature films, non‑feature films, and writing on cinema, while also conferring the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

The winners of the 72nd edition, announced on July 18, 2026, were selected by three juries. The Feature Film section includes awards for Best Feature Film, Best Direction, acting, cinematography, music direction, and costume design. The Non‑Feature Film section honours documentaries, short films, animation, and cultural films, while the Best Writing on Cinema section recognises outstanding books and critics.

President Murmu’s presence at the ceremony underscores the importance of cinema as both an art form and a cultural force. Her visit also highlights Gujarat’s growing role as a host for national events, with Ekta Nagar emerging as a prominent venue for prestigious gatherings.