“Every Child is Special”

Part 1: Parts of a Story

Plot
“Every Child is Special,” directed by Aamir Khan, is a
heartfelt drama that revolves around the life of an eight-year-old
boy named Ishaan Awasthi, who struggles with dyslexia. Despite
his artistic talent and imagination, Ishaan faces significant
challenges in school, where he struggles with reading and writing.
His teachers and classmates misunderstand him, leading to
feelings of isolation and frustration.
The story takes a turn when a new art teacher, Ram Shankar
Nikumbh, enters Ishaan’s life. Nikumbh recognizes Ishaan’s
learning difficulties and understands that he learns differently. He
takes the time to connect with Ishaan and helps him discover his
potential by using creative methods that cater to his unique way
of learning.
Through patience and encouragement, Nikumbh empowers
Ishaan to embrace his differences and helps him find confidence
in himself. The film explores themes of special education, the
importance of understanding individual needs, and the idea that
every child has unique talents and deserves to be recognized and
nurtured.
“Every Child is Special” is a poignant reminder of the value
of empathy, the significance of supportive education, and the
belief that every child has something special to offer.
Characters
1. Ishaan Awasthi – Played by Darsheel Safary (The
protagonist, a young boy who struggles with dyslexia
and faces difficulties in a traditional educational
setting).
2. Ram Shankar Nikumbh – Played by Aamir Khan (Ram
Shankar Nikumbh Ishaan’s art teacher, who recognizes
his potential and helps him cope with his learning
difficulties).
3. Ishaan’s Father (Mr. Awasthi) – Played by Vipin Sharma
(A strict man who struggles to understand Ishaan’s
challenges).
4. Ishaan’s Mother (Mrs. Awasthi) – Played by Tisca
Chopra (A supportive figure who also finds it difficult to
grasp Ishaan’s issues).
5. Ishaan’s Brother (Yohaan Awasthi) – Played by Sachet
Engineer (He has a more conventional path in
education and often contrasts with Ishaan’s
challenges).
6. Ishaan’s Classmates – They represent the typical school
environment and often showcase the bullying and
isolation that Ishaan faces.
7. The Principal – The head of the school who represents
the traditional educational system.
8. Various Teachers – Other educators at Ishaan’s school
who embody the conventional approach to teaching.

Setting
1. Ishaan’s Home: Where he lives with his family,
showcasing the dynamics and pressures he faces at
home.
2. T विद्या Mandir School: The primary school setting
where Ishaan struggles with his studies and faces
difficulties with traditional teaching methods.
3. Ishaan’s Classroom: A prominent setting where many
interactions with teachers and classmates occur,
emphasizing the academic challenges Ishaan faces.
4. Principal’s Office: A location where important
discussions and confrontations about Ishaan’s progress
and challenges take place.
5. Various Outdoor Locations: Including playgrounds and
parks where Ishaan and his classmates interact outside
of the classroom setting.
6. The Remedial Teacher’s Space: The area where Ishaan
receives special attention from his teacher, Ram
Shankar Nikumbh, who helps him understand his
learning difficulties.

Conflict
Ishaan grapples with feelings of inadequacy and frustration
as he struggles to keep up with his peers in school. His inability to
read and write like other children leads to low self-esteem and
feelings of helplessness.
Ishaan’s parents, particularly his father, are unable to
understand his difficulties. They pressure him to conform to
academic expectations, which exacerbates his anxiety and
feelings of alienation. The educational system also represents an
external conflict, as it often fails to accommodate different
learning styles.
The disconnect between Ishaan and his family and teachers
creates emotional turmoil. His lack of support at home and
misunderstanding by his teachers contribute to his plight.

The resolution comes when a new art teacher, Ram Shankar

Nikumbh, recognizes Ishaan’s potential and advocates for his
unique talents. Through their relationship, Ishaan begins to
understand his worth beyond academic success, leading to
personal growth and acceptance. The story ultimately highlights
themes of empathy, understanding, and the importance of
recognizing and nurturing each child’s individuality.

Theme
The film emphasizes the importance of recognizing and
celebrating each child’s unique talents and learning styles. It
advocates for the idea that every child is special in their own way,
encouraging acceptance of individual differences.
A significant theme is the need to understand and
accommodate children with learning disabilities, like dyslexia. The
film portrays the challenges these children face in traditional
educational settings and highlights the importance of supportive
teaching methods.
The movie critiques the conventional educational system
that often prioritizes rote learning and standardized testing over
creativity and emotional intelligence. It suggests that education
should be more inclusive and adaptable to cater to diverse
learning needs.
The story underscores the importance of compassion and
empathy in interacting with children, particularly those who face
challenges. Through the character of Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the
film showcases how understanding and kindness can transform a
child’s life.
The film celebrates the role of art and creativity in nurturing
a child’s self-worth and expression. It suggests that fostering a
child’s creative abilities can be just as important as academic
success.
So overall, “Every Child is Special ” conveys a message of
love, understanding, and the value of looking beyond
conventional measures of intelligence to appreciate the unique
gifts of each child.

Point of View
The film “Every Child is Special” primarily adopts a third-
person limited point of view, focusing mainly on the perspective
of the main character, Ishaan Awasthi. This perspective allows the
audience to gain insight into Ishaan’s thoughts, feelings, and
struggles as he navigates his challenges with dyslexia and the
pressure from his family and school.
However, the film also provides glimpses into the
perspectives of other key characters.
Ishaan’s Parents: I witnesses their misunderstanding and
frustration with Ishaan’s academic difficulties, illustrating the
societal pressures they face and their desire for him to succeed.
Ram Shankar Nikumbh (the art teacher): His compassionate
and empathetic approach to teaching provides another viewpoint,
showcasing a more understanding and supportive perspective on
education and the importance of recognizing individual talents.
Ishaan’s Classmates: Through their interactions, the film
explores themes of bullying and social dynamics within the
classroom, reflecting how children can be both supportive and
cruel.
The narrative structure allows viewers to engage emotionally
with Ishaan’s journey while also understanding the broader
societal context. This multi-faceted point of view enriches the
film’s themes and messages, making it relatable to a wide
audience. The film emphasizes the need for empathy and
understanding from all perspectives involved in a child’s life.

Part 2
Metaphors
Characters frequently use metaphors to express complex
emotions or to draw comparisons between different concepts. For
instance, the idea of a child’s mind being like a “canvas” ready to
be painted can represent how children have the potential to learn
and grow.

Similes
Similar to metaphors, similes use “like” or “as” to make
comparisons. Phrases like “he is like a bird who can’t fly” illustrate
the struggles of the main character, Ishaan, in expressing his
potential.

Imagery
The film uses vivid imagery in dialogue to convey emotions
and feelings. Descriptions of colors, nature, and art evoke a sense
of wonder and highlight Ishaan’s artistic inclinations.

Symbolism
The dialogue often contains symbolic references, such as the
significance of a child’s drawing or a specific animal that
represents freedom or creativity. These symbols help to articulate
larger themes in the film, such as individuality and acceptance.

Part 3
The story “Every Child is Special,” often associated with the
film “Taare Zameen Par,” conveys a powerful message about the
uniqueness of each child and the importance of understanding
individual learning needs.
The central conclusion of the story is that every child
possesses unique strengths and challenges. The narrative
emphasizes the idea that traditional education systems may not
cater to all learning styles, and it’s essential for parents, teachers,
and society to recognize and nurture each child’s potential rather
than impose rigid standards.

Lessons Learned:
Individuality Matters: Each child is different, and it’s crucial
to acknowledge and celebrate those differences.
Understanding Learning Differences: Some children may
require specialized teaching methods to thrive. Patience and
tailored support can help them succeed.
Importance of Empathy: Understanding the struggles and
emotions of children can lead to better communication and
stronger bonds.
Creativity and Passion: Encouraging creativity and passion in
children can unlock their potential and lead to fulfilling lives.
Positive Reinforcement: Supporting children with
encouragement rather than criticism fosters a healthy self-esteem
and motivation to learn.
Overall, the story advocates for a more compassionate and
individualized approach to education and parenting, highlighting
that every child deserves love, understanding, and the
opportunity to excel in their own way.