Short Story- Crime and Punishment

Blog is given by Megha ma'am.

 Crime and Punishment is a short story by celebrated Indian writer R.K. Narayan, best known for his vivid portrayals of life in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi.

Watching Sitare Zameen Par was an emotional and eye-opening experience for me. It is not just a sports film but a heartfelt story about understanding, patience, acceptance, and growth. The journey of Gulshan Arora, from being a disillusioned basketball coach to becoming a mentor who truly connects with his team of intellectually challenged players, offers deep lessons. While reflecting on this movie, I found many interesting connections and contrasts with the short story by R. K. Narayan, which also speaks about education, the role of teachers, and the impact of understanding students’ real needs.

How does the movie portray the education system?

The movie shows the education system indirectly but powerfully. Instead of a traditional classroom, the basketball court becomes a learning space. The team of intellectually challenged players does not fit into the “normal” expectations of success that society and mainstream education often impose. At first, even Gulshan himself struggles to see their potential because he is used to judging success by typical standards—winning matches, following standard methods, and expecting quick results.

The movie criticizes a rigid education system that often fails to see each child's unique abilities. Gulshan’s initial frustration is similar to how teachers sometimes lose patience with students who don’t learn “normally.” But as he spends more time with the team, Gulshan learns to adapt, listen, and teach differently. This part of the story reflects what an ideal education system should do: see each student as an individual, respect their pace, and create an environment where they can grow.

For example, helping Guddu overcome his fear of bathing is not part of traditional sports training, yet it becomes the most important lesson for both coach and player. This shows that education should go beyond books or winning; it should focus on the overall development and well-being of students.

 What message does the movie give about the role of teachers and parents?

The movie sends a very strong message that teachers and parents should look beyond what is visible and obvious. Gulshan starts as someone who only sees the team’s weaknesses. But gradually, he becomes more like a guide and friend. He learns to value small victories, like Guddu overcoming his fear, rather than only aiming for big wins like trophies.

Similarly, although the movie focuses more on Gulshan’s journey as a coach, his transformation reflects what every teacher should ideally do—understand students’ fears, respect their struggles, and celebrate their unique progress.

The film also gives an indirect message about parents. Gulshan’s acceptance of his mother’s unexpected relationship with the cook, though it shakes him at first, mirrors the acceptance he learns to show towards his players. This shows that in families too, love and understanding matter more than rigid social expectations.

Together, the film suggests that the roles of teachers and parents overlap: both should guide, support, and love without judging, even when situations seem difficult or unconventional.

How does it compare with the story by R. K. Narayan?

The short story by R. K. Narayan (though not named here) typically highlights the flaws and pressures of the traditional education system—such as parents pushing children too hard, and teachers sometimes failing to see the child's individuality.

In the movie, Gulshan initially behaves like the strict or impatient teachers from Narayan’s story. He expects quick results and feels irritated when he doesn’t get them. But the turning point comes when he stops seeing the team members as “problems” and starts seeing them as people with feelings, fears, and talents.

Both the story and the movie criticize an education system that focuses too much on uniform standards. But where the story ends with criticism, the movie shows a hopeful path forward: Gulshan changes his method, connects deeply with the team, and accepts each player’s journey.

Another comparison is that both the story and the movie show how adults (teachers or parents) can learn from children if they remain open. In the movie, Gulshan realizes at the end that the team has taught him more than he taught them. This message is beautifully universal.

What did I feel or learn after watching the movie?

Personally, the movie left a deep impact on me. It reminded me that true teaching and coaching are about love, patience, and acceptance. Gulshan’s journey teaches that sometimes, helping someone overcome a small fear (like Guddu’s fear of bathing) can be more meaningful than winning any competition.

I also felt inspired by how the players, despite facing intellectual challenges, never gave up. Their spirit was unbreakable, and their journey mattered more than the final result. Even though they lost the tournament, their happiness and unity showed that real success is about growth and connection.

Gulshan’s story also taught me about self-acceptance. His struggle with his own fear of lifts and his initial shock at his mother’s relationship show that adults, too, have fears and judgments to overcome. His transformation, and the way he embraces the news of his wife’s pregnancy, shows that change is always possible—no matter your age or past disappointments.

Final thoughts

Sitare Zameen Par is more than a sports drama. It beautifully shows that:

Education should see every student as unique.

Teachers and parents must guide with love, not just discipline.

True teaching is about connecting deeply and helping overcome real-life fears.

Sometimes, it is the students who become the teachers.

When compared with R. K. Narayan’s story, the movie offers a more hopeful view: change is possible if adults choose understanding over judgment.

After watching the film, I felt more aware that everyone has struggles we might not see, and sometimes patience, kindness, and faith in someone’s potential can change their life—and our own.

In the end, Gulshan didn’t just teach basketball; he learned about love, resilience, and acceptance. That, to me, is the true heart of education.