Description: I. "THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT" Scenes of Americans enjoying rodeo scenes at a grandstand involving horses, mules, bulls and lassoing. In Bombay, Canadian troops look after Indian "orphans" at a Christmas party featuring Father Christmas. Children enjoy skipping and later receive presents for the soldiers.
II. "KAR SEVA IN PATIALA" The Maharajah of Patiala visits Fatehgarh to participate in Sikh religious ceremony. Maharajah digs spadefuls of earth in a project to build two Gurdwaras, "shrines worthy of the sacrifice of the two heroes". Dignitaries including the Maharajah place earth upon their heads, and carry it away, symbolising the principle of Sikhism, Kar Seva, or humble service. Service men and women from overseas join procession at end.
III. "TAKING CARE OF THE BLIND AND THE ORPHANS". Richard Gardiner Casey, Governor of Bengal, visits a blind school in Calcutta. The blind children are "taught to help themselves," states the commentary, "and they're taught to help one another. At first maybe, they need a helping hand...but soon they learn to stand alone, and independent." Scenes of Governor Casey visiting orphan boys who "learn to make simple toys" while formerly destitute adults learn paper making. Weavers, formerly beggars, are "spinning themselves a new life".
IV. "SYED JAMAL-UD-DIN - TRAVELLER, STATESMAN, PHILOSOPHER AND SAINT" Coffin of Syed Jamal-ad-Din al-Afghani is carried through streets of Karachi, forty five years after his death in Turkey en route to Kabul, Afghanistan. Scenes of priest speaking to crowd upon railway platform as they pay tribute.
V. "DRAMATIC RESCUE IN ENEMY WATERS BY THE ROYAL INDIAN NAVY" Midshipman Worth takes pictures of rescue of American airmen after three days search featuring a Liberator bomber. Signals from ship and aircraft bring discovery of men in tiny rubber dinghies. Men help survivors aboard and are given a coffee. One man receives treatment for his injuries. Commentary states that "the little ships of the RIN had done a big job, and done it in true naval style".
Alternative Title:INDIAN NEWS PARADE [Series Title]
Production Details: Department of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India (Production sponsor)
Moylan, William J (Production individual)
Moylan, William J (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 768 ft; Running time: 9 mins
