This blog is a part of our academic activity, combining film review and literary analysis. It is assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma’am as part of our study on the portrayal of education in literature and cinema. After reading R.K. Narayan’s short story Crime and Punishment from Malgudi Days a sharp yet subtle critique of the education system and watching Aamir Khan’s 2025 film Sitaare Zameen Par in the theatre, we were asked to explore how both these works deal with themes of education, the role of teachers and parents, and the individuality of children. This blog presents my reflections on the film and its comparison with the short story.
How does the movie portray the education system?
Sitaare Zameen Par while not directly focused on the traditional school-based education system in the same way its spiritual predecessor "Taare Zameen Par" (which tackled dyslexia in a school setting) was, offers a powerful critique and commentary on societal attitudes that implicitly shape how the education system, and society at large, views and treats individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A Critique of "One-Size-Fits-All" Systems:
The film showcases a group of neurodivergent individuals who have likely faced significant challenges and exclusion within conventional educational frameworks. By highlighting their unique ways of learning, expressing, and interacting, the movie implicitly critiques an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. It suggests that the "factory where normal kids are produced like biscuits" (as one review puts it) often fails those who don't conform.
The Lack of Inclusion and Understanding:
The very premise of the film, where individuals with intellectual disabilities are coached for a basketball tournament as community service, points to a societal and perhaps systemic failure to fully integrate and value these individuals. It implies that these individuals are often seen as "other" or "problematic" rather than as individuals with unique strengths and potentials that a rigid education system might overlook or suppress.
Emphasis on Strengths Over Deficits:
The film's core message is about recognizing and nurturing the strengths of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This stands in contrast to an education system that often focuses on deficits and what individuals cannot do, rather than their inherent abilities and how they can contribute.
The Importance of Empathy and Acceptance (Beyond the Classroom):
While not explicitly showing classrooms, the film's message about empathy, acceptance, and "sabka apna normal" (everyone's own normal) is a direct call for a more inclusive approach that extends to educational settings. It advocates for an environment where differences are embraced, and learning is shaped by flexibility and understanding, rather than strict adherence to standardized norms.
The "Teachable Teacher" Concept:
The portrayal of Aamir Khan's character, Gulshan, as a "teachable teacher" who learns from his neurodivergent team, suggests a re-evaluation of traditional teaching roles. It implies that effective education, especially for diverse learners, requires educators who are willing to listen, reflect, and adapt, rather than simply impart knowledge. This is a subtle but potent critique of an education system that might not always foster such qualities in its educators.
In essence, "Sitaare Zameen Par" serves as a powerful reminder that true education goes beyond academic performance and includes the development of emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to foster inclusive environments where every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, can thrive and contribute. It underscores the need for a system that moves from mere awareness to genuine inclusion.
What message does the movie give about the role of teachers and parents?
"Sitaare Zameen Par" delivers significant messages about the roles of both teachers and parents, particularly in the context of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Role of Teachers: The "Teachable Teacher"
The movie challenges the traditional "miracle teacher" trope, where a single, exceptional teacher swoops in to magically fix all problems. Instead, it advocates for the concept of the "teachable teacher."
Learning is Reciprocal:
Gulshan, the basketball coach, initially approaches his task with prejudice and condescension. However, through his interactions with the team, he himself undergoes a profound transformation. The film emphasizes that true growth and progress in inclusive spaces emerge from reciprocal relationships, where both the teacher and the students learn from each other.
Empathy, Patience, and Acceptance:
The film highlights that effective teaching, especially for diverse learners, requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to accept individuals as they are, rather than trying to force them into a predefined "normal."
Adaptability and Reflection:
A "teachable teacher" is defined by their willingness to listen, reflect, and adapt their methods to the unique needs of their students. They don't see themselves as the sole source of knowledge but as co-learners, growing alongside their students.
Beyond Academic Metrics:
The film implicitly suggests that a teacher's role extends beyond academic instruction to fostering emotional intelligence, building confidence, and nurturing individual talents, even if those talents don't fit into traditional academic molds.
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Role of Parents: Acceptance, Support, and Advocacy
While the film doesn't explicitly focus on the day-to-day interactions of parents with their children, it strongly emphasizes their crucial role through the lens of supporting neurodiverse individuals. Drawing from insights about the role of parents in children's education, "Sitaare Zameen Par" reinforces these ideas:
Acceptance and Understanding:
The movie underscores that emotional intelligence in parenting begins with unconditional acceptance of a child's unique way of thinking and being. It challenges the societal pressure to "fix" or compare children, advocating instead for observing, pausing, and connecting with a child as they are. This aligns with the idea that parents are the "first teachers" who shape their child's character and self-worth.
Focus on Strengths, Not Just Challenges:
Similar to the message for teachers, the film encourages parents to look beyond a child's struggles and focus on their strengths and potential. This resonates with the parental role of nurturing diverse talents and celebrating individuality.
Promoting Inclusion Beyond the Classroom:
Parents are encouraged to actively provide opportunities for their children with disabilities to engage in various activities – be it sports, community spaces, or family gatherings. This aligns with the idea of parental involvement in their child's activities to ensure a holistic development.
Early Identification and Intervention (Implicitly):
Although not explicitly shown, the film's portrayal of individuals with intellectual disabilities, some of whom may have been identified earlier in life, implicitly supports the importance of early identification and seeking professional support.
Advocacy and Challenging Societal Norms:
The film serves as a wake-up call for parents to advocate for inclusion and challenge societal stereotypes and ignorance surrounding neurodiversity. It encourages parents to reflect on how they talk about disability and the values their children learn from them, highlighting the parent's role as a moral guide.
Support Systems and Connecting with the Child:
The film, by showing the coach's journey, mirrors the journey of parents who learn to navigate challenges and find joy in connecting with their children on a deeper level. This emphasizes the importance of parents being a "good friend" to their child, understanding their concerns, and providing a supportive environment.
In essence, "Sitaare Zameen Par" advocates for a shift in perspective for both teachers and parents: from being authoritarian figures who simply impart knowledge or impose expectations, to becoming empathetic facilitators, co-learners, and unwavering advocates who empower individuals to embrace their "own normal" and shine in their unique ways.
How does it compare with the story?
While both "Sitaare Zameen Par" and R.K. Narayan's "Crime and Punishment" touch upon themes of education, discipline, and the roles of adults in a child's life, they differ significantly in their approach, context, and the specific messages they convey.
1. Context and Setting:
"Crime and Punishment" (R.K. Narayan): This short story is set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, a microcosm of traditional Indian society. It focuses on a private tutoring scenario, highlighting the dynamics between a schoolmaster and a mischievous, privileged student. The setting is intimate and grounded in everyday realities of a specific cultural context.
"Sitaare Zameen Par": This film is a modern-day narrative, spiritual successor to "Taare Zameen Par," and an adaptation of a Spanish film. It broadens the scope to address the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in a broader societal context, specifically through the medium of sports (basketball). While set in India, its themes are more universal in their appeal regarding neurodiversity and inclusion.
2. Core Conflict and Themes:
"Crime and Punishment": The central conflict revolves around the schoolmaster's struggle to discipline a pampered and defiant child. The story delves into themes of:
- Discipline vs. Indulgence: It satirizes "over-parenting" and modern child-rearing theories that eschew corporal punishment, suggesting that excessive leniency can spoil a child. The teacher believes in the "spare the rod and spoil the child" approach, contrasting with the parents' "gentle and non-repressive methods."
- Authority and Obedience: It explores the power dynamics between a teacher, a student, and the influential parents, highlighting the challenges teachers face when parental approaches undermine traditional discipline.
- Moral Dilemma: The teacher faces a moral dilemma after physically punishing the child, fearing the parents' reaction, which leads to a comical yet insightful "punishment" for him.
"Sitaare Zameen Par": The core conflict is the journey of a prejudiced coach learning to understand and empower a team of neurodivergent individuals. Its themes are:
- Inclusion and Acceptance: The film's primary message is the importance of accepting and including individuals with intellectual disabilities, challenging societal stereotypes and rigid definitions of "normalcy."
- Empathy and Understanding: It emphasizes the need for empathy, patience, and a shift from focusing on deficits to recognizing and nurturing strengths.
- Reciprocal Learning ("Teachable Teacher"): The coach's transformation highlights that learning is a two-way street; teachers (and parents) can learn invaluable lessons from those they are meant to guide.
- Beyond Conventional Success: The film redefines success beyond academic or competitive achievements, emphasizing dignity, self-worth, and the joy of participation.
3. Portrayal of Teachers and Parents:
"Crime and Punishment":
- Teacher: Portrayed as a frustrated, financially struggling individual who believes in traditional, stricter methods of discipline. He is a victim of both the child's naughtiness and the parents' indulgent approach.
- Parents: Depicted as well-intentioned but misguided, overly theoretical in their parenting, and perhaps unknowingly contributing to their child's defiance by spoiling him. They are against any form of physical punishment.
"Sitaare Zameen Par":
- Teacher (Coach): Initially arrogant and prejudiced, Gulshan (Aamir Khan) undergoes a significant transformation, evolving into a "teachable teacher" who learns empathy, patience, and the value of seeing individuals for their unique abilities. He represents the potential for adults to change their perspectives and become true enablers.
- Parents: While not the central focus, the film implicitly calls for parents to practice unconditional acceptance, focus on their child's strengths, advocate for their inclusion, and be open to learning from their children's unique perspectives. The presence of Genelia Deshmukh's character often serves as a moral compass for Gulshan, guiding him towards a more empathetic understanding.
What did you feel or learn after watching the movie?
The movie powerfully conveys the importance of empathy and unconditional acceptance. It challenges the narrow societal definition of "normalcy," highlighting that every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, possesses unique strengths and deserves dignity. I would learn that true education and guidance involve seeing beyond perceived limitations and fostering an environment where differences are celebrated.
The concept of the "teachable teacher" is profound, emphasizing that even those in positions of authority have much to learn from their students. It underscores the transformative power of patience and a willingness to adapt. Ultimately, the film teaches that genuine inclusion enriches everyone involved, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.
Narayan, R. K. “The Malgudi Days : R.K. Narayan : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming.” Internet Archive, 7 Jan. 1943, archive.org/details/the-malgudi-days/mode/2up.
Prasanna, R. S., director. Sitaare Zameen Par. 2025. Aamir Khan Productions.
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