Former Minister of State, Prashanta Nanda, donates his voice for Odia animated software
“When I was a small student, I had read ‘prevention is better than cure’. I had read that, and I have felt it in my all these years. And today, I feel blessed to carry on this message through TeachAids.” – Prashanta Nanda
In order to increase the reach of effective HIV prevention efforts around the world, popular Odia cinema icon and former Minister of State Prashanta Nanda has donated his voice for the role of the male doctor in the Odia version of the localized animated software. His sagacious voice will complement the role of the female doctor played by dance luminary Aruna Mohanty. Localizing the software to further integrate nuances for the Indian state of Odisha will make the animations more accessible to over 41 million individuals, expanding the availability of high quality HIV education curriculum within India.
Nanda, who is known as a living legend, has played a pivotal role in the Odia film industry not only as an actor but also as a director, screenplay writer, lyricist, and playback singer. In 1962, Nanda won the award for Best Actor through India’s prestigious National Film Awards for his role in Nua Bou, his debut film. Since then, the stage was set for him to have a successful and long-lasting career in film. The talented actor went on to act and direct in Odia films for over 4 decades, catapulting his state’s films into the national spotlight by winning additional National Film Awards in 1966 and 1969. This led to opportunities to direct both nationally and internationally recognized films. More recently, his directorial success Jianta Bhoota received national accolades as the year’s best film on the environment and conservation.
In addition to his tremendous success in the film industry, Nanda has also served as the Minister of Higher Education and the Minister of Rural Development. To continue his active role in promoting social welfare through Odisha’s political system, Nanda now serves as a member of the legislative assembly as part of the ruling Biju Janata Dal party, which is led by current Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who endorsed the TeachAids work earlier this year.
Nanda views his involvement in TeachAids as a continuation of his civic involvement for the betterment of Odisha and his belief that preventive health is an important cornerstone for society.
It is under CM Patnaik’s leadership, and the Odisha State AIDS Control Society, that the Odia TeachAids materials have been formally approved for distribution throughout the state. TeachAids is honored to have Prashanta Nanda join our team of global icons to bring this critical preventive health information to the beautiful state of Odisha.
Photo: Animated character of Prashanta Nanda in the role of the male doctor for the Odia language version of the TeachAids software.