The Eternal Civilisation

The Mandate

To mark India’s presidency of the G20, the Ministry of Education—via its Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division—sought to showcase Bharat’s living traditions of knowledge to global education ministers and policymakers. The brief was clear: create a film that is both a visual and intellectual gateway into India’s deep-rooted civilizational wisdom. The Indian Knowledge Systems Division, under the leadership of Professor Ganti Murthy, entrusted Prachyam with this responsibility.

The Vision

As the founder and creative lead of Prachyam, I helmed this project from its earliest conceptual stages. The objective was to develop a culturally rich and emotionally compelling film that captured the timeless essence of Indian knowledge systems, while resonating with an international audience. The narrative was designed in the spirit of immersive documentary formats seen on platforms like Nat Geo and Discovery—specifically inspired by Morgan Freeman’s storytelling style in The Story of God.

The Journey

What followed was more than a month of meticulous research, stakeholder coordination, and logistical planning across South India. Working closely with local scholars, ASI officers, and temple authorities, we conducted exhaustive recces and finalised a travel route spanning Udupi, the coastal belts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and back into Karnataka—covering nearly every major heritage site and living knowledge tradition along the way.

A 30-member crew traveled in tight synchrony, managing schedules against extreme time constraints. I served as the creative director and on-ground production lead, ensuring the execution remained aligned with the high-level vision while also navigating the practical complexities of working across multiple protected heritage zones.

Storytelling in Action

The film was structured around an experiential journey, anchored by Praveen Chaturvedi, who served as the on-screen narrator and host. His travel across ancient sites served as the backbone of the visual narrative—bridging philosophy, tradition, and modern relevance. I personally wrote the script, drawing from months of research, and oversaw the full post-production process as the senior editor—crafting the narrative rhythm, guiding the music and voiceover sessions, and refining the final visual tone.

Reception and Legacy

Premiered at the G20 Education Working Group sessions, Eternal Civilization was received with overwhelming positivity. It opened a new chapter in India’s cultural diplomacy—offering a sophisticated yet heartfelt introduction to India’s intellectual legacy. Today, the film is being telecast in major colleges and universities as a primer for students, giving them a fresh, emotionally resonant entry point into the world of Indian Knowledge Systems.

Key Highlights

• Commissioned by Ministry of Education, Government of India

• In collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, led by Prof. Ganti Murthy

• Shot across 30+ locations in South India including top ASI-protected heritage sites

• Anchored by on-screen host Praveen Chaturvedi

• Written, directed, and edited by me

• Designed as India’s cultural showcase for the G20 summit

• Currently in use as an educational film across Indian universities