Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal joins children with special needs for an evocative screening of Sitaare Zameen Par, celebrating empathy through cinema

By Parshant Chohan ;

July 27, 2025 Jalandhar

A moment of warmth and inclusion — Dr Aggarwal shares smiles and conversations with the stars of the day, reaffirming that every child is truly special.

In an inspiring and heartwarming initiative by the Jalandhar District Administration, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal shared an emotionally resonant cinematic experience with specially-abled children by accompanying them for a special screening of the acclaimed Bollywood film Sitaare Zameen Par — a poignant narrative that delicately underscores the struggles and innate brilliance of children with learning differences.

This soul-stirring endeavour was held with the participation of 125 children from Red Cross School, Chanan Vocational & Skill Training Centre, and Vajra Aasha School, Jalandhar Cantt — institutions devoted to the education and holistic development of differently-abled youth.

The cinema hall was awash with innocent laughter, wide-eyed curiosity, and unfiltered joy as the young attendees immersed themselves in the film’s emotive storytelling. Their sparkling eyes and smiling faces bore silent testimony to the success of this rare administrative gesture that transcended policy and touched the very core of human connection.

Parents accompanying the children expressed profound gratitude towards the District Administration, commending the initiative as not merely symbolic, but deeply empathetic and inclusive in spirit. “Such acts not only bring happiness to our children, but also instil a sense of dignity and belonging,” remarked one parent, visibly moved.

Dr Aggarwal, reflecting on the day, said, “It was an immensely fulfilling experience to spend time with these remarkable children. The film’s message is timeless — every child is special, and it is our collective responsibility to see their brilliance and nurture it.”

In a time when administrative machinery often seems distant, initiatives such as this reassert the compassionate face of governance. By stepping beyond the corridors of bureaucracy and into the lived realities of these children, the District Administration has sent out a powerful message: that empathy, inclusion, and joy are integral to public service.

This initiative not only elevates the discourse around differently-abled children but also rekindles faith in a governance model that is as humane as it is efficient. It is through such thoughtful acts that true change germinates — not only in policy but in the hearts of people.