Pune, July 2025 – Our adolescents are overwhelmed. A global UNICEF & Gallup survey in 2023 highlighted an alarming statistic of 1 in 5 young people aged 15 to 24, confirming that they very often feel depressed and have little interest in doing things. A recent study in India by the Indian Psychiatric Society also found that almost 40% of teens in the country report stress and anxiety as their primary concerns. While multiple reasons have been cited, some major ones include smartphone overuse (esp. social media), excessive academic and societal pressures, and lack of emotional support & attention. The social stigma attached to this sensitive issue further distances or alienates adolescents from opening up to friends or family.
Mass awareness and community sensitisation can, to a great extent, help in dealing with the issue, which is why, in an impactful initiative under its CSR programme, Pune-based Fleetguard Filters Private Limited (FFPL) supported the launch of a short film, BeRang, focused on adolescent mental wellness, emotional disconnect within families, and importance of early intervention.
Through persuasive storytelling, BeRang emphasises the need for families to foster open communication and create safe emotional spaces for teenagers at home. It also highlights the role of society in breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging empathy and supportive action. Directed by Raahul Panshikar and supported by FFPL, the film sheds light on the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by our adolescents, whose shoulders the future of this country rests upon. The story touches upon themes of parental disconnect and emotional neglect, and how such stressors can drive vulnerable and gullible adolescents toward substance abuse, and even unlawful behaviour.
The grand launch event saw participation from key stakeholders; including mental health advocates, educators, and members of the film fraternity. The dignitaries also included known psychologist & educationist – Mrs. Punam Kirloskar; Mr Niranjan Kirloksar, MD – FFPL, Mr Sanjay Kulkarni, President – FFPL & Mr. Piush Srivastava, Marketing & Corp. Communications Head- FFPL, who addressed the audience on the need for empathetic parenting and early mental health interventions to guide children at the right time.
Mrs. Punam Kirloskar, psychologist & educationist, said, that she has experienced this concern in all strata of society. She advised parents to not pressurise children to make certain career decisions and neglect their natural talents and interests. Parents should also try not to force students to make choices based on their life situations, rather, be considerate of their emotions and support them, allow them to fail and back them through tough times, if they fail. She spoke of allowing kids to explore and find their own identity and supporting them. She also expressed that even children should try to understand their parents’ perspective. She quoted her personal learning from her late father-in-law Mr. Arun Kirloskar, “weigh the pros & cons of any situation before you take a decision”. These wise words of wisdom always guide her in making decisions.
Mr. Piush Srivastava, Head Marketing & Corporate Communications, in his address, congratulated Mr. Raahul Panshikar & the entire crew, for exceeding expectations, mentioning that they stood up to the brand resonance of FFPL of always exceeding expectations. He said that the narrative of the movie is beyond just a script and screen; it touches many lives. He further highlighted that teenage mental health is an urgent and critical conversation of our time. In the age of information overload, self-image struggle, and academic expectations, this burden is taking its toll on teenagers, and they are carrying this burden silently. He quoted an impactful dialogue from a movie that broadly translated to “we wanted to understand you but were unable to listen to you.” He said this was the most powerful message of the movie. He also acknowledged the spark generated through the movie for such a social cause and concluded his note with an appeal to listen, support, and create spaces where every young mind feels safe to be seen, to be heard, and to be helped!
The initiative is a part of FFPL’s commitment to social responsibility; promoting mental health, youth well-being, and community awareness. The firm has long been committed to driving positive social change through its comprehensive CSR initiatives, which span across Education and Promotion of Art & Culture, Health and Safety, Environment, and Rural Development. By supporting films like BeRang, FFPL continues to reinforce its dedication to holistic education & raising awareness on important social issues as key pillars of its CSR efforts.
[ Watch Film Here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
