Disability inclusion needs systemic shift, not saviours

Mainstream Hindi cinema, with movies like Taare Zameen Par, Black, and most recently, Srikanth, has brought attention to the lives of children with disabilities, portraying their challenges and triumphs.

- Sagarika Parab

While these movies undoubtedly raise awareness, they often rely on the "miracle teacher" trope—a heroic figure who single-handedly transforms a child's life. This portrayal, while emotionally impactful, risks oversimplifying the reality that inclusive education depends on collective, systemic support from educators, administrators, families, and policymakers. In Taare Zameen Par, the world of a young boy who struggles with dyslexia is transformed when his art teacher "unlocks" his potential through empathy and unconventional teaching, suggesting that one caring teacher can reverse years of neglect. Black similarly follows the story of a girl with visual and hearing impairments, again someone whose life is transformed by her teacher. While their bond is heartwarming, the teacher is portrayed as the singular force behind the girl's growth, leaving out the broader support that true inclusive education demands.