Film inspired by incident in PM Modi's childhood to be screened across schools

New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) A national award-winning film on principles espoused by Swami Vivekananda and inspired by a childhood incident in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life will be screened across lakhs of schools and several cinema halls for the "silent heroes" of society.

The film 'Chalo Jeete Hain', which was released in 2018, will be screened between September 17 and October 2 in schools, where students will watch it along with "silent heroes" -- watchmen, cleaning staff, drivers, peons and others who contribute quietly to the smooth functioning of the daily life of society, an official statement said.

Prime Minister Modi turns 75 on Wednesday, and the start of the screening coincides with his birthday.

The film will be screened under the 'Chalo Jeete Hain: Seva Ka Sanman' initiative, which will also have ceremonies to honour the 'silent heroes' after students watch the film along with them.

"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," an official release said here.

The film 'Chalo Jeete Hain' is a cinematic tribute to Swami Vivekananda's philosophy, "Bas wahi jeete hain, jo doosro ke liye jeete hain" (Only those are truly successful who live for others).

It is being re-released across India from September 17 to October 2.

The critically acclaimed film, among the most viewed short films of 2018, will be screened in lakhs of schools and nearly 500 cinema halls nationwide, including PVR Inox, Cinepolis, Rajhans and Miraj, the statement said.

With this initiative, the timeless message of selflessness and service will reach a new generation in an impactful manner, it said.

The short film reinforces the timeless values of selflessness, empathy and duty to the nation, which is a true tribute to our prime minister, said producer Mahaveer Jain.

"Through this film, we hope to ignite a spark in the hearts of youth, encouraging them to live a life of purpose and to contribute positively to society," he said.

The film was directed by Mangesh Hadawale and presented by Aanand L Rai and Jain.

"It's special re-release now seeks to carry that message further, as a tribute to the inspiring life and philosophy of the Prime Minister," the statement said.

The screenings in schools are a significant part of this initiative, ensuring the film's message resonates with students and encourages them to embrace a life of purpose, it said. PTI SKU RHL