CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Corporal punishment, a practice banned in Indian schools over a decade ago, remains a troubling reality in classrooms and homes across the country. A new short film titled ‘Maarna Nahi Hai Solution’, premiering this Children’s day is a hard-hitting critique of the normalization of violence against children disguised as discipline.

Behind closed doors and inside school walls, millions of children face a grim reality: punishment disguised as discipline. Globally, over 60% of children aged 2–14 suffer physical discipline at home, according to the World Health Organization.

Chaanta aapne uske gaal pe maara hai, par dhamaka uske dil mein hua hai,” says Rafique Siddiqui, a school principal featured in the film. Maarna Nahi Hai Solution exposes the emotional scars and systemic flaws behind the normalization of hitting and offers alternatives rooted in empathy and positive reinforcement.

Produced by Much Much Spectrum – part of Much Much Media LLP – in collaboration with Ummeed Child Development Center, the film features educators, parents, experts, and people who’ve experienced corporal punishment growing up.

Directed and produced by the filmmaker-entrepreneur couple Aditi Gangrade and Aalap Deboor, co-founders of Much Much Media LLP – the film combines storytelling and expert insights to:

Expose the harmful impacts of corporal punishment, including anxiety, depression, and long-term behavioral issues.

Highlight the gap between India’s progressive child protection laws and their enforcement.

Advocate for positive, non-violent disciplinary methods that foster trust and empathy.

“Filming this was an eye-opener for us. The everyday pain of corporal punishment and the life-long trauma it left on the protagonists is unimaginable,” said Deboor, producer of the film.

Around 60% of children globally experience physical punishment from caregivers. (Source: WHO)

Only 14% of the world’s children are fully protected by law from all corporal punishment. (Source: End Corporal Punishment)

Corporal punishment remains widespread in Indian schools despite the Right to Education Act (2009) explicitly banning it. (Source: End Corporal Punishment)

#EndCorporalPunishment #ProtectOurKids #SafeChildhood #EducationReform