Bhubaneswar, Oct. 29: Filmmakers from Odisha, including national award winners, have lend their support to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) students and also voiced their concern over the 'rising intolerance' in the country.

Lipika Singh Darai and her husband Indranil Lahiri had returned their national awards yesterday along with 10 other eminent filmmakers from across the country.

Darai, who has won three national awards, took part in the symbolic protest to 'not let the FTII students shoulder the burden alone'.

"Receiving three national awards in the early stage of my career was a big boost, but one cannot stay silent to the indifferent attitude of the government. On one hand it is forcing its ideology on us about what to eat and read and on the other hand is awarding us with medals for our works of expression," said the alumnus of FTII.

Director Gadadhar Puty, who won the national award for Puja Paien Phulatie, said: "The post of the chairman of FTII is a huge post that requires years of experience in the field. I feel the present chairman doesn't fit into the position, which was earlier graced by stalwarts such as Mrinal Sen and Shyam Benegal. I express my solidarity with the students and am considering to return my award," said Puty, who is at present working on his upcoming film Sathi Pari Sathi Tie.

National-award winning Odia filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda has also taken a strong stance against 'politicising of education'. He said: "Culture gives identity to a country and it is the responsibility of the government to take care of it. But, when politics is involved with education, a country loses its identity. The growing cultural intolerance in our country is a cause for concern and I wish for a quick and peaceful negotiation between the government and the students."

He further said he would reconsider his decision of participating in the International film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa scheduled to be held from November 20 to 30.

Sabyasachi Mohapatra, who won a national award this year for his film Adim Vichar, though supports the cause, but don't to see a point in returning the awards.

"It is definitely true that experienced people are required to run a reputed institute such as FTII, but somehow I do not find a strong reason behind returning the award as a sign of protest. By doing it, we would be insulting the veteran people involved in the process of selecting the awards," said the 65-year-old filmmaker.

Mohapatra said he would prefer other forms of protest such as written campaigns, debates and discussions.