Education Ministry directs CBSE, KV, Navodaya schools to screen film inspired by PM Modi’s childhood till Oct 2

The communication, which was issued nearly a week ahead of the Prime Minister’s birthday on September 17, added that the ministry is implementing an experiential learning programme called ‘Prerana’. It said the programme is based on “9 core human values: Swabhiman aur Vinay; Shaurya aur Sahas; Parishram aur Samarpan; Satyanishtha aur Shuchita; Karuna aur Seva; Navachar aur Jigyasa; Vividhta aur Ekta; Shraddha aur Vishwas; Swatantrata aur Kartavya.”

“Prerana program is being conducted from the historic Vernacular School of Vadnagar, Gujarat, established in 1888, the very institution where Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi began his educational journey,” it stated.

Read | PM at 75: Rising from margins, he rewrote Indian politics. Now, it is about his legacy shaping the future

The programme involves storytelling, value-based sessions, “indigenous games”, activities, and audio-visual learning. Film screenings are used as a tool as part of the programme to “help bring abstract values, life stories, historical contexts, ethical dilemmas, and human emotions to life,” as per the communication.

It added that a film that is regularly screened as part of Prerana is Chalo Jeete Hain, which is inspired by “true events and embodies the 9 binary values and the quote of Swami Vivekananda, ‘Only those who live for others, actually live’.”

Going by Tuesday’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the nationwide re-release of the movie, which was first released in 2018, “the film is inspired by a childhood incident from the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

“It tells the story of young Naru, who, deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, seeks to understand its meaning and strives to make a difference in his small world. With this initiative, the timeless message of selflessness and service will reach a new generation in an impactful manner,” the release stated.

The ministry’s communication provided a YouTube link for the film, and added that it was awarded the ‘National Award for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Values’ at the 66th National Film Awards, “and has been appreciated for its capacity to inspire young minds.”

“Within Prerana programme, the film has already left a deep impression on participants, who have internalised its message and reflected it in their attitudes and actions,” it stated.

The film is being screened in cinema halls from September 17 to October 2.