Children play important role in decision-making: Onir

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Filmmaker Onir feels that children have the power to influence family decisions as it often becomes difficult to say 'no' to them.

The 43-year-old was present at the screening here Thursday of 10 short films made by school children for the campaign "Steer to Safety", which encourages the idea of spreading road safety awareness among school children.

"I think children are extremely important in the decisions of what their parents do and I think they can play an essential part in the change. It is not only important for today but also for tomorrow," Onir told IANS.

"You do things because you have an emotional connect with them (children) and you cannot say no to a child. If someone of your own age says something then we take it as an ego issue but if a child says then it does not harm your ego," he added.

The event, organised by PVR NEST, also saw celebrated actors like Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi, Sanjay Suri, theatre veteran M.K. Raina and Francois Richier, Ambassador of France to India, in attendance. They were also part of the judges' panel, which selected the best among the ten films.

In their short films, the school students depicted their own understanding of safety on roads and highlighted issues of too much honking, using cellphone while driving and sensitivity towards pedestrians.

The movies presented their idea of safety through sand art, working models, songs and street plays.

A book by same name was also launched, which is a collection of road rules compiled by children.

Onir Pictures