The India Book of Records production “Vườn Tình Yêu – Prem Ki Surdhara” has achieved international acclaim by winning the Best International Film Award at the 8th Haryana International Film Festival, held at Kurukshetra University on March 25, 2026 – emerging as a powerful testament to the enduring cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
The prestigious award was presented to Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que – Honorary Doctor, professor, artist, and Chairman of the Policy and Development Consultative Council of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations – by Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, a revered spiritual guru and founder of the Shri Krishna Kripa Seva Samiti and GIEO GITA.
Also present were – Mr. Som Nath Sachdeva, Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University; Justice Lalit Batra, Chairman of the Haryana Human Rights Commission; Mr. Walid Hasbi, Cultural Ambassador of Morocco; Dr Nguyen Hoang Anh (Julia), General Secretary of the World Records Union and Permanent Vice-Chairwoman of the Vietnam Records Organization; Mrs. Hoang Thu Hang, Head of the Culture Department at the Sports and Culture Newspaper, Vietnam News Agency; Artist Chu Thuy Hang, Head of the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Arts Group; Artist Nguyen Thu Trang, Deputy Head of the UNESCO Vietnam Folk Arts Group; Mr. Dharmender Dangi, the organiser of the film festival; and Mr. Vikas Sharma – among others – all of whom contributed to strengthening cultural ties at the event.
Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Chief Editor of the India Book of Records, also graced the occasion and presented copies of the India Book of Records 2026 Edition to esteemed dignitaries and distinguished guests.
Cinema as Cultural Diplomacy
Addressing the audience, Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que eloquently described cinema as more than just an art form – it is a bridge between cultures. Through “Vườn Tình Yêu – Prem Ki Surdhara,” he emphasised the team’s mission to revive the ancient cultural connections between Vietnam and India, rooted in shared philosophies, traditions, and spiritual heritage spanning thousands of years.
He highlighted a central message of the film: heritage remains alive only when it is shared, preserved, and continuously reimagined. The project, he noted, is not merely about honouring history but about inspiring future generations to embrace and carry forward their cultural legacy. As two of the world’s oldest civilisations, Vietnam and India have a unique responsibility to lead this global cultural dialogue.
A Global Stage of Artistic Excellence
The four-day festival showcased 80 internationally acclaimed films across multiple languages, drawing filmmakers, artists, media and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The strong presence of Vietnamese delegates underscored the event’s international significance.
The festival’s organiser, Mr. Dharmender Dangi, extended a warm welcome to international guests through a traditional Haryanvi dance performance. This cultural exchange was beautifully reciprocated by Vietnamese and Indian students, who presented a vibrant Vietnamese dance, creating a harmonious blend of traditions on stage.
A Cultural Bridge Between Nations
The film is part of the Indo-Vietnam Cultural Heritage Exchange Program, an initiative dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and preserving shared heritage. As part of this broader effort, “Guardian of Heritage,” a book authored by Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury was released in February 2025 in New Delhi and subsequently in Vietnam.
Directed by Biswadeep Roy Chowdhury, with cinematography by Vimal Mishra, the film uses symbolic storytelling, music, and layered imagery to explore shared spiritual and cultural values. It presents a “garden of memory,” where love, identity, and heritage intertwine in a visually poetic narrative.
Reimagining Heritage for the Future
At its core, “Vườn Tình Yêu – Prem Ki Surdhara” raises a profound question: how can heritage remain relevant in modern society? Its answer lies in continuous reinterpretation. Heritage thrives when it is retold, reshaped, and reimagined across generations.
Prof. Dr. Chu Bao Que’s pioneering work in cross-national cultural cooperation has positioned cinema and the arts as essential tools of diplomacy. His contributions have helped build a global network for heritage preservation while enhancing Vietnam’s role in cultural dialogue on the world stage.
A Milestone in Cultural Collaboration
The film’s success at the festival marks a significant milestone for its creators as it begins its journey across international platforms. With plans for a Vietnamese-dubbed version and global release with English subtitles in cinemas and on OTT platforms, the film is set to reach audiences worldwide.
More than just a cinematic achievement, “Vườn Tình Yêu – Prem Ki Surdhara” stands as a symbol of friendship, artistic collaboration, and shared heritage. Its recognition not only celebrates excellence in filmmaking but also reinforces the enduring cultural bond between India and Vietnam – one that continues to inspire, connect, and flourish across borders.