Towards Inclusive Education: NEP 2020, Indian Cinema, and Changing Social Attitudes towards Children with Special Needs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53032/tvcr/2026.v8n3.14Keywords:
Inclusive Education, NEP 2020, Children with Special Needs, Indian Cinema, Social Attitudes, RPwD Act 2016Abstract
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a significant milestone in India’s movement towards inclusive education. In accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the policy emphasizes providing equal opportunities in mainstream education to Children with Special Needs (CwSN), also referred to as children with disabilities. Parallel to these policy developments, Indian cinema has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past two decades in its representation of children and individuals with special needs. Films such as Taare Zameen Par (2007), Paa (2009), Barfi! (2012), Hichki (2018), Margarita with a Straw (2014), and the recent Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) have contributed to shifting social attitudes beyond pity and sympathy towards acceptance and empowerment. This research paper analyses the provisions of NEP 2020, the contribution of Indian cinema, and their combined role in transforming social attitudes towards children with special needs. The study reveals that educational policy and media together are contributing to the foundation of a more inclusive society. However, significant challenges related to resources, professional training, implementation, and persistent social stigma continue to remain.
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