National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare

For its intense and graphic representation of the twin problem of poverty and over-population, which it tackles on the level of both the family and of society.

For the humanity with which it traces a character coming to terms with the problem of old age through suffering, resolution and understanding.

For the skilful way in which the message of small family norm is communicated.

For its bold depiction of a widow who defies tradition.

For the urgency of family welfare through human love and compassion.

For extending the pressing social issue of female infanticide onto a melodrama spanning the canvas of rural Tamil Nadu, a dimension that is now uniquely Bharathiraja signature.

For the effective handling of the problem of alcoholism through the determined efforts of a young girl to save her father from self destruction.

For focusing on the plight of the seniors in the society and how a determined group of pensioners transform the power relations in a family, in a wholesome manner.

For an original script evolved from personal experience in a film that nartures family and community life. The protagonist makes sacrifices in order to project the emotional and moral needs of his family members and through them projects a larger picture of the National Interests that bind us all.

For vividly portraying emotional and moral problems faced by an extended family wearing a rich tapestry of relationships, the film brings forth hope for the aged and celebrates life for the young.

For unfolding several aspects of family life in an Indian Town where awareness of women's health and upbringing of girl-child is enveloped in ignorance and blind belief.

For telling the story of Raghunath Karve, who, early in this century, pioneered the debate on sexual and reproductive rights. The film recreates the period in painstaking detail and helps to raise consciousness about issues which are extremely relevant today.

For raising a voice against early marriage and for its advocacy of women's education in a conservative society.

The film deals with a social evil of family planning in a Muslim community. The story of women and her children deserted by a drunkard husband is handled in a unique and subtle way.

The film explores the father-son relationship, and particularly charts the travails an Indian father goes through in raising his sons. The film is awarded for the evocative portrayal of a family caught in trials and tribulations in a simple narrative style.

For redefining family values in the slums of a city through the life of a man who irons clothes for a living.

For delineating the need for family through the predicament of an illegitimate child.

For realistically depicting the psychological dialectic between an ordinary family driving their children to educational excellence, thereby neglecting their specially gifted child dealing with the problem of dyslexia in isolation.

For its witty and intelligent handling of the conflicts and convictions confronting the Parsi community.