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

Some might think of Bollywood — and films in general — as a distraction for school children. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), however, thinks films can be excellent resource material in the curriculum, and for a rather interesting subject — Value Education.

In a handbook on Value Education launched today, CBSE has listed 47 classroom-worthy movies that "highlight social and moral values".

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.

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