A movie adaptation of Brad Cohen’s autobiography Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had. The book was also adapted into a television movie in the U.S by the same name in 2008.
Hichki is an inspiring tale with great insights for both kids and teachers. The film stars Rani Mukherji who plays the role of Neha Mathur a teacher with Tourette’s Syndrome. After being rejected several times for the job of a teacher, she gets an opportunity to teach a class of students, enrolled under the RTE Act in a private school. In addition to her Tourette’s, the students in her class are not very interested in learning and are on the verge of being expelled. She is given six months to prove her worth as a teacher, by helping them pass the final examination.
The movie showcases the exemplary determination and innovation that is required of her to overcome Tourette’s while teaching. It also explores the difficulties that kids from lower economic backgrounds face while trying to get an education. Ignorance about people with disabilities and the problems they face are highlighted in the movie.
The protagonist Neha Mathur, faces constant ridicule at the hands of her peers and students on account of her disability. Loud noises and funny faces are what people saw, but she was motivated and determined to show people that those who are different or have disabilities can still be successful. The movie can be summed up simply in the words of Brad Cohen, the real-life success story, on whose life the movie is based.
“Everyone, regardless of ability or disability, has strengths and weaknesses. Know what yours are. Build on your strengths and find a way around your weaknesses.” – Brad Cohen
The unconventional approach adopted by Neha Mathur in the movie, to unlock her students potential is an inspiration to teachers and parents alike. It teaches us that every child is unique with a rare set of talents and that different teaching methods are sometimes needed to set them on the path to success. Teachers at MBIS adapt to the different needs of every child while preparing them for the real world. So remember sometimes to make a difference, we may need to adopt a different approach.
For more information on RTE: http://righttoeducation.in/know-your-rte/about
For more information on MBIS: https://www.mbis.org.in/
