For years, actor Aamir Khan’s movies like 3 Idiots and Taare Zameen Par highlighted the need for a non-conventional approach in classroom teaching in India. It seems the winds of change are finally visible, that too with his latest film Dangal.
The movie, which is set to break all records at the Box Office, will be a part of the curriculum at some schools in Jammu and Kashmir this season. Taking a lead over other states, the government of this trouble-torn region has decided to screen the film for schoolgirls.
Kathua in Jammu region will be the first district to officially screen the blockbuster. An official handout released by the Information Department says: “As part of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ initiative, the administration has started a special drive under which movies depicting feats of inspirational women personalities will be screened for schoolgirls.”
“Under this initiative, District Development Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar, directed CEO to make arrangements for showing ‘Dangal’ movie: a biopic film of Commonwealth Games gold medallist Geeta Phogat among girl students of higher secondary schools,” the official handout adds.
The government spokesman says, “the initiative was taken to motivate girls by showing them the feats of inspirational women who have created a niche for themselves. More steps will be taken to provide exposure to the girls.”
Officials say the initiative was being extended to other districts as well whereby schoolgirls will watch Dangal as part of schoolwork. Interestingly, one of the child actors in the movie, Zaira Wasim, who plays Aamir Khan’s daughter, belongs to the Valley.
