In a significant move coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17, 2025, the Union Ministry of Education has instructed schools across the nation to screen the non-feature film Chalo Jeete Hain. This directive applies to all institutions under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as well as the Centrally-governed Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas. The film is described as being loosely based on incidents from Prime Minister Modi’s childhood.
According to a Ministry letter dated September 11 and publicly released on September 17, schools are required to organize screenings of Chalo Jeete Hain between September 16 and October 2, 2025. The Ministry emphasized that the film is intended to help young students engage with crucial themes such as character development, community service, and personal responsibility. It further suggested that the film could be utilized as a compelling case study for moral reasoning, supporting goals related to social-emotional learning, fostering empathy, promoting self-reflection, encouraging critical thinking, and inspiring students.
The Ministry’s communication also highlighted its ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning Program,’ which has successfully engaged 65 batches of students across 650 districts nationwide. This program is conducted at the historic Vernacular School of Vadnagar, Gujarat, founded in 1888 – the very institution where PM Narendra Modi began his educational journey.
A Story of Deep Impression
First released seven years ago, Chalo Jeete Hain earned critical acclaim, receiving the National Award for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Values at the 66th National Film Awards. The Ministry noted that within the ‘Prerana’ program, the film has already made a profound impact on participants, who have reportedly internalized its core messages and demonstrated these reflections in their attitudes and actions.
The letter further explained that to enhance experiential learning, ‘Prerana’ incorporates diverse pedagogical tools. These include value-based sessions, storytelling, indigenous games, hands-on activities, and audio-visual learning. Film screenings are specifically cited as an effective tool for bringing abstract values, real-life stories, historical contexts, ethical dilemmas, and human emotions vividly to life for students.