Sri.M.Vedakumar, educationalist, eminent environmentalist and an Engineer had his early schooling at his native village Pregnapur of Medak District in Telangana. He is a civil engineer from Mysore University and holds Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) Degree from JNTU, Hyderabad.
He is the President of Forum For A Better Hyderabad(FBH) and Former Co-convener INTACH AP State Chapter. He also made a study on Hyderabad Built Heritage and conservation of MUSI River since more than three decades and prepared Hyderabad built heritage inventorisation. He headed Hyderabad Heritage Listing Project and identified 1486 HBS. Organized many heritage activities on tangible and intangible heritage. Played key role in establishing Heritage Clubs at school and college levels.
As an Environmentalist, Educationalist, working on sustainable and livable cities, he on behalf of Chelimi Foundation made research on children’s literature and published many books. As a Chairman of Children’s Film Society, AP (CFSAP), he organized Seven Hyderabad Children’s Film Festivals from 1992 and also organized 1st and 2nd Asian Children’s Film Festivals in Hyderabad in 2002 and 2004 respectively (alternate year to ICFF) in association with A.P.S.F.Tv & T.D.C. Sri.M.Vedakumar played a critical role in persuading with Government of A.P., and Children’s Film Society, India to bring International Children’s Film Festival (ICFF) to Hyderabad in 1995. Subsequently Hyderabad became a permanent venue from 1997 for ICFF.
He was the master mind to initiate OPEN FORUM system in Film Festivals, on behalf of CFS, AP in association with Children’s Film Society of India & APSFDC which got accolades from all quarters. He involved in organizing Film Making, Puppetry and Theatre Workshops at the International Children’s Film Festivals held earlier and stands forefront in bringing children’s film movement in the country. Particularly Open Forum facilitated the children to interact with the eminent film personalities all over the globe and enhance their wisdom. The workshops made the children know about various aspects related to techniques of children’s film making and in becoming knowledgeable and concerned child audiences.
He was International Jury & Special Invitee at the following International Children’s Film Festivals:
- International Jury Member to 23rd ICFF in Hamedan, IRAN in 2009 organized by Farabi Cinema Foundation.
- International Jury Member at 37th ROSHD International Film Festival at TEHRAN, IRAN in 2007
- International Jury member in 3rd International Film Festival for Children and Young People held at Yerevan, ARMENIA in 2007.
- A Special Invitee at the International workshop at 36th Roshd International Film Festival, IRAN in 2006 to present a paper on Relationship between Education and Media.
- A Special Invitee to present a paper on Indian Education System at a Educational Forum at 8th Seoul International Youth Film Festival at Seoul, SOUTH KOREA in 2006
- An International Jury at the Sousse International Film Festival For Childhood & Youth, TUNISIA, North Africa in 2006.
- A Special Invitee at Giffoni Film Festival, Italy in 2004
- A Special Invitee at 8th Hengdian China International Children’s Film Festival in 2004.
- A Special Invitee at the 8th Dhaka International Film Festival in 2004.
- A Resource Speaker on Children’s Film Making, Asia at Asian Film Forum – Manila, at PHILIPPINES in
- A Special Invitee of 18th, 19th Isfahan Children’s and Young Adults Film Festivals in 2003 and 2004 respectively at IRAN.
- Jury in Little Directors Section at the 18th International Children’s Film Festival,2013 held at Hyderabad.