In CBSE’s Value Education handbook,47 must-watch films

So,the 1954 Boot Polish,produced by Raj Kapoor,promotes dignity of labour,and Nagesh Kukunoor’s Dor shows the compassion and friendship that can exist between people. The Sanjay Dutt starrer Lage Raho Munna Bhai takes a “new look at Gandhian philosophy”,and No One Killed Jessica showcases the fight for justice.

A slice of colonial history can be seen in Aamir Khan’s Lagaan,and love and respect for parents in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Baghban. All these films are suggested as worthy tools of “media literacy” in schools.

The handbook points out that “often intentionally or unintentionally cinema does provide avenues for challenging rigid beliefs and exploring solutions for intractable conflict”. While cinema often constructs and perpetuates stereotypes,it can also be used to initiate public discussion and questioning of these very stereotypes,it says.

Paan Singh Tomar is included for showcasing determination and hard work — even though the film released with an U/A rating,and some censoring might be required. Same with No one killed Jessica,which had an A rating.

The list is dominated by Bollywood blockbusters,and covers a wide range. There are the children’s films Bumm Bumm Bole,

Chillar Party and The Blue Umbrella based on a Ruskin Bond novel; Taare Zameen Par,and Parichay. A clutch of patriotic films — Haqeeqat,LOC: Kargil,Kranti,Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero,Shaheed,The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey,Sardar,The Legend of Bhagat Singh,Upkar — have made the list. There are also the classics — Purab Aur Pachhim,Naya Daur,Manthan,Mother India,Do Bigha Zamin,Jagriti,Do Ankhen Barah Haath,and so on.

The only Hollywood films in the list of 47 are Sidney Poitier’s To Sir,with Love — for its underlining message of morality,respect and integrity — and the Tom Hanks starrer Cast Away,which depicts the fight for survival against difficult odds through sheer grit.

HRD Minister Pallam Raju unveiled the Value Education kit on Thursday,including the Value Education handbook for teachers. Besides the films,the Handbook gives a number of examples of how moral lessons can be weaved into the teaching of various subjects.