Malayalam film inspires U-turn in classroom seating

Arrangement ensures that every child is in the front row

- BY LEKSHMY PAVITHRAN Assistant Online Editor

Schools in Kerala are phasing out traditional backbench seating — a setup long associated with either mischief or mystery. The new plan? A U-shaped classroom layout that puts teachers at the centre, ensuring every student gets equal visibility and attention.

This arrangement is designed to promote inclusivity by eliminating the physical and symbolic divide between frontbenchers and backbenchers. With no one left behind, the model is gaining traction not only in Kerala, but across the country.