Poorna Page #2

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But this... I don't understand.

The law and order in our state

is so perfect

that our officers want to work

in government schools for children!

Praveen, here's the question,

is it up to your potential?

Look, the Social Welfare Department

faces problems like

teachers coming late to class,

lentils mixed with water

and other such minor problems like this.

These aren't minor problems, sir.

Teachers come late to class

as they believe

education will not change

these children's lives

and water is added to lentils,

because the authorities believe

these children deserve no better.

When do you want to take charge?

Right away, sir.

This is horrible! It stinks!

This is your first day, right?

Gradually you will get used to it.

If you eat such huge morsels,

the food will obviously stink.

Eat tiny mouthfuls.

Madam, some yogurt please.

You will get some tomorrow, go!

Madam, she says her sister said

that she will be able to eat to her

heart's content here in this school

and even get eggs every day.

Is this true?

Of course it's true!

Do you get eggs in your house every day?

Do you?

Egg! You won't get anything!

Complain to whoever you want to!

Go! Get out, I say!

From where? Tadwai?

Okay, thank you.

- Morning. I am Praveen Kumar.

- Good morning.

I am Nasreen, sir. Your new PA.

I am new here, so you will have

to look after me a little bit.

Of course, sir.

How many years have you been in service?

17 years, sir. Four years with

Social Welfare Department.

Right.

Sir, there is a bit of bad news.

I've just learnt that a girl has

run away from our school in Tadwai.

Oh, Tadwai? That's about

two and a half hours from here.

Yes, sir.

Shall we go there?

Yes.

Okay, sir.

Come, please. Come, come.

Thanks, Gopinath.

Parents send their children

to our schools as it's free,

but as soon as the kids turn 12,

they take them out.

The girls get married

and the boys work in the fields.

After the 8th grade the dropout rate

increases dramatically.

What is the name of this girl?

Poorna Malavath, sir.

Sir, there she is.

Stop.

Wait. It's all right.

How many are there?

What?

Insects.

When I was your age, every day

I would wait for the school bus

and to pass the time I would count

the insects on the ground.

My highest score was 312.

Look, Poorna.

You can go back if you want to.

But think about all those girls

who come to our schools to study,

to make something of their lives.

What if they decide to give up

and go home because of you?

This way, sir.

This way.

Sir, please.

Poorna.

Thank you, sir.

We are blessed, sir.

You have come to visit our school.

What will you take?

For lunch, sir?

Let's eat with the children.

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