The Union Ministry of Education has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) to direct affiliated schools to screen the film “Chalo Jeete Hain.” The film, based on episodes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s childhood, is intended to encourage students to reflect on values such as character, service, and responsibility.
In a letter dated September 11 to officials of CBSE, KVS, and NVS, Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Education, noted that the film is regularly screened as part of Prerana: An Experiential Learning Program. The initiative is conducted by the ministry at the historic vernacular school in Vadnagar, Gujarat, established in 1888, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his education. “Within the Prerana program, the film has already left a deep impression on participants, who have internalised its message and reflected it in their attitudes and actions,” she stated.
Chalo Jeete Hain, directed by Mangesh Hadawale and presented by Aanand L Rai and Mahaveer Jain, follows the story of young Naru, a boy inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Motivated by this philosophy, he embarks on a journey to understand its true meaning and make a positive impact in his small world.
In the letter, Awasthi requested CBSE, KVS, and NVS officials to issue directions for screening the film between September 16 and October 2. She stated that the film “will help young learners reflect on themes of character, service, and responsibility.” She further noted that it could also be used as a case study for moral reasoning, supporting key aspects of social-emotional learning such as empathy, self-reflection, critical thinking, and inspiration.
Released in 2018, the 32-minute film won the National Award for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Values at the 66th National Film Awards in 2019. While CBSE and NVS circulated Awasthi’s letter to their affiliated schools without any additional instructions, KVS forwarded the letter on Tuesday evening along with its own set of directions.
Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu Public School in Rohini, northwest Delhi, described Chalo Jeete Hain as an inspiring film based on Prime Minister Modi’s life that imparts values of service, hard work, and patriotism. “We plan to screen it for our students, as it motivates young people to rise above challenges, pursue meaningful goals, and prioritise the nation’s aspirations over personal ambition. It serves as a powerful tool for value-based education,” she said.
A principal of a Kendriya Vidyalaya said that KVS has directed schools to make “necessary arrangements and procure the required equipment” for screening the film. CBSE has over 31,000 affiliated schools, including those managed by KVS and NVS.
The Ministry of Education’s directive comes at a time when the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has announced a special nationwide re-release of Chalo Jeete Hain, starting September 17 to mark Prime Minister Modi’s birthday. As part of the ‘Chalo Jeete Hain: Seva Ka Sanman’ initiative, the film will be screened in lakhs of schools and nearly 500 cinema halls across the country, including major chains like PVR Inox, Cinepolis, Rajhans, and Miraj, through October 2.
“As part of this initiative, ‘Silent Heroes’ of schools and society, such as watchmen, cleaning staff, drivers, peons, and others who quietly contribute to daily life, will be recognised and honoured,” the ministry said. These felicitation ceremonies will be held after students watch the film alongside these individuals, aiming to inspire young minds to lead lives rooted in service to others rather than self-interest.
The ministry added that school screenings are a key component of the initiative, designed to ensure the film’s message resonates with students and encourages them to pursue a life of purpose.
