India’s pioneering animated family planning campaign

In 1969, India’s government intensified its national family planning campaign, producing educational materials to address the challenges of rapid population growth. One of the most memorable was “Umbrella,” a three-minute animated short by Films Division of India, directed by B. R. Shendge. The film used the metaphor of a small umbrella sheltering a large family, symbolizing the difficulty of sharing limited resources such as housing, food, and education. In contrast, a smaller family found comfort and stability under the same umbrella, illustrating how fewer children could lead to greater well-being and individual care.

“Umbrella” stood out for its ability to communicate a sensitive topic in a light, accessible, and emotionally resonant way, especially for rural audiences with low literacy rates. Instead of technical language or direct lectures, the campaign relied on the power of animation as an educational tool, a pioneering strategy for its time. This approach helped make family planning more understandable and relatable, marking a significant moment in India’s public health and social education history.

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