Kollam, Kerala – A government school in Kerala is making headlines nationwide for turning a movie-inspired idea into classroom innovation. The Ramavilasom Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVHSS) in Valakom, Kollam, has introduced a fresh seating concept where every student gets a front-row seat — literally.
The inspiration? A scene from the Malayalam movie Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, where a Class 7 student suggests a new layout after facing humiliation for sitting on the backbench. Taking a cue from this moment, RVHSS rearranged classroom seating by placing benches along all four walls, ensuring every child has equal visibility and access to the teacher.
When Cinema Influences Education
Director of the film, Vinesh Viswanathan, shared that the layout idea was not entirely new — it once existed under the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) — but had faded over time. The movie helped revive the thought, and schools are now embracing it again.
Viswanathan also revealed that a school in Punjab adopted the same system after watching the film on OTT, even screening it for students. “I never thought it would get such national attention,” he said.
One School’s Experiment Becomes a Movement
The idea received early backing from Kerala Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar, whose family runs the RVHSS. After previewing the film ahead of its release, he encouraged staff to test the model in one primary class. The outcome was so positive that the new seating plan is now used across all lower primary classes at the school.
According to Headmaster Sunil P. Sekhar, the system helps break the “backbencher” stereotype and enables teachers to give equal attention to all students.
Veteran teacher Meera, with nearly 30 years of experience, said, “I can now attend to every child better. Students are more focused and engaged as they can see everyone and feel equally involved.”
The Impact is Spreading
The model has already been adopted by at least eight other schools in Kerala and is sparking discussions among educators nationwide. While some online critics have questioned its feasibility in crowded classrooms, the film’s director responded by noting that such overcrowding is itself against school norms — and that positive change is being noticed.
Even business leader Anand Mahindra appreciated the concept on social media, calling it a welcome innovation — though he joked that he personally identifies with backbenchers.
This heartwarming shift from screen to school showcases how storytelling can inspire real-world improvements in education — one classroom at a time.
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