“When our narratives respect humanity, society flourishes.”

The Narrative

Peace, harmony, and prosperity depend on the social order that shapes our lives. At the core of this order lies a belief system often referred to as the narrative. This narrative can be cultural or social, telling how things are, what is truth, and how to live and act. Narratives define how societies interpret reality, how cultures evolve, and how norms and rules are formed.

When a narrative is grounded in shared humanity and unity, it nurtures peace. But when it becomes divisive, delusional, or detached from human dignity, it produces suffering—manifesting in tragedies such as the Holocaust, untouchability, widow burning, human rights violations, attacks on free expression, and other threats to democratic order.

Reforming the Narrative

Born into a socially and religiously closed environment, Rihaan Patel grew up surrounded by rigid, unquestioned norms. Guided by an innate curiosity, he began noticing contradictions and inconsistencies in the narratives around him. Short Films became his tool to question and challenge the harmful beliefs embedded in society.

His work raises fundamental questions:

Why is a girl child killed simply because she is a girl (The Burial of Daughters)?
Why is an orphan adopted only to become a slave (Dust of Orphan)?
Why is menstruation labeled impure (Spoiled Daughter)?
Why is marriage reduced to a transaction (Dulha on Sale)?
Why do rituals justify human sacrifice (Captain Bahadur- Series)?
Why do government schools fail to offer basic education (Footpath School)?
Why are journalists killed for asking difficult questions (4th Pillar)?
Why does VIP culture crush the dignity of common people (India My Identity)?
Why do we judge one another by language (Soul of India)?
Why are seniors neglected (Grandpa’s Wish)?
Why do we still believe girls cannot teach martial arts (Respect Her Expertise)?

Achievements

Rihaan’s storytelling journey began with Dust of Orphan, which won the Audience Award at WNET Reel 13 in New York. This recognition opened the door to a prolific filmmaking career. To date, he has created more than 125 films and received multiple national and international awards and festival selections.

His documentary Footpath School is now archived at the University of Toronto Libraries, highlighting his dedication to stories centered on education, human rights, and social awareness.

In 2013, Rihaan founded the Lost and Found initiative in India, mentoring emerging actors, filmmakers, and changemakers. The initiative produced several impactful short films that gained millions of views, won awards, and were featured in national media.

Earlier in his career, he was part of the Global Shapers Community of the World Economic Forum in Ahmedabad, where he helped organize Shape South Asia 2014—bringing together young changemakers from across the region.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rihaan moved from India to Canada. That same year, he collaborated with Entrepreneurs of Port Credit to produce a video campaign supporting local family businesses during an economically challenging time.

Path Ahead

Rihaan is now exploring new questions that reflect the challenges of our time.

• Can we recognize our shared humanity beyond the boundaries of nationality, caste, religion, race, and ideology?
• Is it possible to live happily, harmoniously, and prosperously without submitting to dogma?
• Can today’s polarizing political narratives be reformed into narratives that heal rather than divide?
• At the same time, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence raises deeper questions about the future of human purpose. As algorithms shape our choices and experiences, what happens to our inner journey, our sense of growth, and the meaning we derive from life?

These questions guide his current writing, filmmaking,