Poorna (2017) Movie Script
We have just received news
about an avalanche that occurred
on the Nepal side of Mount Everest.
According to reports,
16 climbers are dead,
while 30 Sherpas and
climbers are missing.
Locals say that this is one of
the worst avalanches in over 44 years.
This could affect the Indian expedition.
Poorna Malavath and
Anand Kumar are at Camp Three.
We'll have to wait and see
if they're allowed to make this summit.
If Poorna makes it to the summit,
then at 13 years 10 months
she will be the youngest girl in history
to climb Mount Everest.
As it is she's running a temperature
of 104 degrees and now this avalanche!
What will we do
if something happens to that girl?
Meena, look,
please don't panic like this.
I know you're worried about the girl.
Of course I am worried!
Of course I care, the government cares.
But this Operation Everest expedition
has my signature on it.
Look! I accept that 16 people have died,
but they were on the Nepal side.
Our children are ascending
from the China side.
It makes no difference, Alexander.
And you, if you're feeling bad
about calling them back,
please take a vacation then.
I will call them back.
She's started shivering.
It's definitely mild hypothermia.
She can't climb.
Sir, she won't listen.
We cannot take the chance,
prepare her for descent.
Okay, sir.
Anand, radio base camp.
- I'll do it right away, sir.
- Okay.
Don't worry. You'll be fine!
Why are you scared? Breathe!
Take a deep breath!
Hold your breath! Come on!
Hold your breath!
Yes! That's right! That's right!
Come on!
Sister! Sister! Sister!
Sister!!
Come on!
Puru!
You always do this.
Give me your bag.
I am Poorna, a poor girl!
Not poor silly, Power Girl Poorna.
- What?
- Wait. I will show you power.
Give me your hand, we'll walk together.
Like an army of ants.
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love.
Five, six, live as one.
Seven, eight, study hard.
Nine, ten, laugh your loudest!
Come on, you say it now.
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love.
Five, six, live as one.
Seven, eight, study hard.
Nine, ten, laugh your loudest!
We've come to study,
not to sweep floors!
Watch out!
We're done sweeping the floors.
Can we get back to class?
What? Until your father
and her father
don't pay your school fees,
keep sweeping!
I am going to break his head!
Shut your mouth and stay at home!
School fees?
Where will I get the money from?
Who will sweep the floors
if everyone goes to school? Me?
Should I pay for the house
or pay for the school?
What good will that do?
The Prime Minister of Pakala village?
Take it in from one ear,
and let it out from the other.
Listen, we're running after books,
clothes and food here.
In the social welfare schools
these very things will run after us.
Shut up! Does anything like this happen?
Of course! Here's what's
written, "Free Education".
Do you know what we will get there?
Listen.
Energy drink, milk, dosa, idli,
upma, biscuits, bananas and even eggs!
Have you ever eaten any of this?
Shall we run away?
Shall we run away tomorrow morning?
Quiet!
Don't shake your leg.
Now what?
Give me a minute.
Bye, Geeta! Don't forget me, okay?
Puru! Let's go!
Come on!
What are you both up to so early
in the morning?
Sister, I have brought you sweets.
You eat and celebrate your good fortune.
You're lucky.
I should have run away without you!
It'll be your turn soon.
I will feed you sweets then.
Run away, Puru!
Enough! Go to page number 36.
She's sulking like this all day.
My brother is right.
Priya has left, but she's left
our daughter with a school's obsession.
She is your daughter,
she'll do whatever you tell her to do.
You created such a fuss to come here.
Now what's the problem?
You want to go back?
Will you stay here?
Stay here for a couple of years.
It's free.
I don't even have money
to get you married right now.
India is my country.
All Indians are my brothers and sisters.
I love my country
and I am proud of it and my people.
I pledge my devotion.
In their well being and prosperity
alone lies my happiness.
Do you want to keep sketching
or can you go to school?
- Is that you inside the car?
- Yes! Yes!
When I become an important officer,
I will drive down this road.
Look at this, a small rugged lane.
This road will connect us to the city.
I'll take this route every day.
Who is that? The ghost on the hillock?
No, this is me.
When you come here
as an important officer,
I will wave to you from this hillock.
You will be married by then. Which
means you won't be in this village.
You there! This isn't the time to sit!
It's PT time. Come on! Let's go.
Come!
Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi...
Sir, we can't hear her!
Sir, her voice is not coming!
Stop! Where's your strength?
Are you scared?
Come on then!
Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.
- Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.
- Get her!
Come on!
Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.
- Come on!
- Move!
Kabbadi.
Okay, next!
- What's your name?
- Poorna.
I am Sargam, this is Saba.
Let's go have lunch.
I have learnt to serve the nation
through the IPS.
"It is with this feeling that I
request you to transfer me
on deputation to the
Social Welfare Department."
"Yours Sincerely,
Dr. R S Praveen Kumar, IPS."
After you took a break
and studied at Harvard
all of us thought you would ask
for a high profile job.
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.
- Namaste, sir.
- Namaskar.
I am Parvathy Swami,
the food matron, sir.
Here, sir.
No. Fasting, sir. Tuesday.
Sorry, sir.
You see, sir,
every project has a middle man.
Without a middle man,
no project can be successful.
I am just a food contractor, sir.
I am sorry, you fell ill eating my food.
No, no. I have been out
of India for two years
which has probably weakened my immunity.
Immunity?
Can we do something
to increase your immunity, sir?
Yes.
Get out.
Teachers of the world unite!
Teachers of the world unite!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
What are you doing, sir?
You chased our food supplier away.
You think this is your police station?
You are sending memo after memo,
teachers have to be punctual,
put in so many hours.
What are these new rules?
We are teachers, not factory workers.
Sir, I told you, we are all united!
I will make all principals
and teachers rebel!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
- Nasreen.
- Yes, sir.
Take down all their names
and issue suspension orders to them.
And place advertisements
asking for new teachers.
You are doing something very wrong, sir!
Sir, these bullying tactics won't work!
Sir, these bullying tactics won't work!
Your name?
Come, come, come! Let's play a game!
- What game?
- Poor game!
Not "poor" game, it's power game.
You always make the same mistake.
Not Power. It is Poor. Who is the
poorest of us all? That's the game.
Okay! Me first!
My mother makes chicken feather soup.
She says it will give me strength,
but I will never get chicken!
Listen, listen! I am so poor,
that even our goat has only two legs!
- Don't make things up, liar!
- Okay! Me, me, me!
I am so poor, that my mother says
it takes two days to cook a meal.
Does she think I am a fool?
Poorna, it's your turn!
What can I say?
My name itself has the word "Poor".
Namaste, sir.
- Brother...
- Let me speak.
You think this is a joke, sir?
You threw out our food supplier,
suspended all of us
and placed these ads for new teachers.
Don't deprive us
of our daily bread, sir.
Sir, we will go to the Chief Minister!
What are you saying?
I've been working for 15 years! There's
not been a single complaint, sir!
Keep your voice down.
Morning, sir. One moment. Here.
Who is it, sir?
CM.
What are you doing, sir?
Sir, my apologies.
I will call you back.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, this is terrible.
We have families.
What will happen to our children?
Think about it, sir. Please, sir.
Okay.
For all the days you have been
on strike, no salary cut.
But, from today,
the development of the children
will be linked to your
performance report.
Okay?
Enough! Don't say a word.
Two nitrogen and two oxygen.
They give rise to nitrogen oxide.
"I shall repay what I borrow."
"I shall not fear the unknown."
"I shall never give up."
Buses are leaving for the first annual
extracurricular activities excursion.
- Bus no 1...
- Priya.
Yes, Puru. Tell me?
Listen, I'm coming home!
I have a month's break,
and I have an admission form for you!
Now we can study together!
Have you spoken to your mother?
No, why?
Don't be a fool, don't go home.
My dad and your dad were talking about
getting you married these holidays.
- Okay, I'm hanging up.
- Priya, let's go.
Write to me in English.
Your language will improve!
This is the last call for children
participating in rock climbing.
This is the final call for children
participating in rock climbing.
Final call for children participating
in rock climbing.
Please report to Mr. Mannan.
Rest of the children, happy holidays!
- Divya!
- Yes, sir!
- Shweta!
- Present, sir!
- Navya!
- Present, sir!
- Ramya!
- Yes, sir!
- Deepika!
- Yes, sir!
- Saraswati?
- Present, sir!
- Pallavi?
- Yes, sir!
Lavanya!
- Anusha, sir!
- Anusha.
- Pragya, sir!
- Pragya.
- Sargam, sir!
- Sargam.
Poorna? You were supposed to go home?
Sir, I want to join them.
But they're participating
in rock climbing.
Sir?
Rock climbing.
I mean, climbing little hills.
Sir, let her join us! We will explain.
Come, Poorna! Let's go.
Poorna!
Poorna Malavath.
- Good morning, everyone!
- Good morning, sir!
My name is Parmesh.
This is Shekhar Babu.
He has summited Mount Everest!
Sir.
- All right. Good morning, children.
- Good morning, sir.
Welcome to Bhongir rock.
This is one
of Asia's largest standing rocks.
To climb this rock,
you will need three things,
will, power and special rock
climbing shoes that we will provide.
- Okay?
- Yes, sir.
So let's begin with some warm up. Boys?
Stretch your arms.
Stretch your arms, please.
Yes. You. Okay and crush
your fingers like this.
Now relax, crush again.
Good. Everyone, everyone stretch.
I don't have shoes.
So what?
Help!
Help!
Help!
That's Poorna's voice!
Poorna!
Sir!
Parmesh. Go up,
anchor the rope and throw it down.
- I will reach her this way.
- Okay.
- Sir!
- Hold, Poorna. I am coming!
Just stay there.
Sir!
Poorna.
There is nothing to be scared of.
Don't look down.
Just look at the rock face.
Poorna, There is a crack
near your right hand, a hold.
Get a grip on it.
That's it, very good.
Good girl! Hold on.
Hold on just one minute.
Well done, Poorna! Give me your hand.
Move your hand up. Hold it.
Now lift your leg. Good!
Now, left hand, left hand, push, push!
Well done!
I can understand why you left
the police cadre and took this job.
But it's a lost battle, you know.
The numbers are looking really bad.
Sir, I have just started renovations
in the schools.
It will take time.
I accept the fact,
that attendance rates are falling.
But what will happen to the children
who want to study?
Praveen, you have to shut
some under performing schools.
I am sorry.
Okay, sir.
When do you want to start?
Careful. Easy. Easy.
Our daughter is totally obedient.
She does exactly as she's told.
A perfect match!
Hello? Namaste, uncle.
Poorna, where are you?
Will you please pass on
the phone to my father?
Here, speak to Poorna.
Poorna, how are you?
Aren't you coming home?
Father, I am learning rock climbing!
What? What rock?
Rock climbing.
It means, climbing mountains.
You went there to study
and they're making you work
by breaking rocks?
Father, this is a part of our studies.
Oh! It's part of your studies!
Come back soon.
Okay.
Thank you, sir.
She is gone with her school.
Climbing rocks is a part of her studies.
All the kids have gone.
Devidas. If she grows too tall,
we won't find a groom.
Next time she comes home on vacation,
don't let her go back.
- Good job.
- Thank you, sir.
Sir, one last song.
Dress change and come back.
Five minutes, sir.
- Okay.
- Come. Come!
Come! Come!
We need a solution.
Children are not coming to school.
And the ones who are, don't stay long.
We have to do something,
that will motivate parents not to
pull their children out of school.
Sir, if they are assured their children
will get government jobs after school.
Yes, sir. Railways, police,
banks, jobs like these.
Steady income, sir. Job security.
Sir, after all
they have to look after their families.
We know all this. No.
We need something.
What is a factor,
that can be a game changer.
Not for now, for years.
- Nasreen.
- Yes, sir.
What's tomorrow's plan?
Sir, for tomorrow you'll be interacting
with rock climbing children in Bhongir
and the day after,
a drama competition in Warangal.
Sir, ready!
Good morning.
Good morning, sir!
Children, today I am going
to tell you a story,
about a woman named Junko Tabei.
Why is Junko Tabei so special?
Because she was very weak from
childhood. Her lungs were weak.
Everybody thought she wouldn't be able
to achieve anything with this disability.
One day she took a small step
by climbing rocks and small hills,
and then never stopped
till she became the first woman
to climb Mount Everest,
that too as a mother of two.
Junko Tabei.
This is the story Mr. Praveen told us.
Our training starts tomorrow.
Write to me, Priya. Yours, Poorna.
Take the rope, turn it 180 degrees
and put it in this gap.
300 feet rock face.
While it's not very dangerous,
it is definitely tough.
All holds will have to be used.
Pinch, pressure, bucket and foothold.
Keep your knees and elbows apart.
The foot hold is more important
than the hand hold.
This is called rappelling.
This is the most popular method
of descending.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir!
Nobody comes first or last in climbing.
Everybody wins or no one does.
What's your name?
Poorna. And yours?
Anand.
You climb well.
- Hello, Shekhar.
- Hello, sir!
Thank you for coming.
No, no, it's no problem.
You were sounding so enthusiastic.
Tell me, how are they performing?
Very good, sir. They are tough.
They never give up.
Their bodies are strong and light.
Okay. Who are the best climbers?
Most definitely Poorna, sir.
- Poorna?
- Yes.
And there is another guy, Anand.
Who is he?
That boy standing on the boulder.
Yes.
- Sir, may I ask you something?
- Yes.
What do you have planned
for them after this course?
Plan?
Sir, these children
have a natural rock climbing ability.
- I think they will be good mountaineers.
- Hi, sir!
Really!! Oh hi, hi.
Hello! Hi!
So, how is it going?
Really good, sir!
Yesterday we learnt rappelling
and river crossing!
Before that we climbed
the third base brick wall!
- Sir?
- Yes?
Will we have to return
these shoes after the course?
Of course!
No, I am only joking!
These shoes are yours, Poorna.
That's exactly what I was saying, sir.
How can we climb Mount Everest
like Junko Tabei without these shoes?
- Girls!
- Go, go, go! Climb up!
- Are you enjoying yourselves or not?
- Yes, sir!
All of you know Mr. Praveen Kumar.
- Hello!
- Hello, sir!
How did you like his presentation
on Junko Tabei?
We liked it very much, sir!
So, would you like
to come back here again?
Yes, sir.
For a tougher course than this one?
Yes, sir.
What if we took you to a high mountain?
Who will come?
Yes, sir.
And on those high mountains,
if we take you to the snowline,
where there is ice.
Who is willing?
- Sir!
- Yes, sir!
And not just for a day or for a week,
but for months. Right, sir?
Yes.
Eight hours of climbing every day,
with 45 pounds of weight.
In subzero temperature,
where even water freezes.
And just one meal every 24 hours.
Who will go?
Sir.
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
In you
Around 100 students
were trained at Bhongir.
And this was a basic training camp
which included bouldering,
balancing, climbing and rappelling.
Some of these students are really
talented and naturally gifted.
In conclusion, looking at the performance
of the children you would think
they have been climbing for many years.
In other countries, children of this age
reach 14,000-15,000 feet.
Their children are physically
and economically strong.
Ours look like victims of starvation.
That's a generalization, Meena.
We all know you have
a weakness for underdogs.
You are not out to make
"Slumdog Mountaineer", are you?
The answer to every question
Is within you
In you
The answer to every question
Is within you
The entire universe
Is within you
Sir, I would like to
give these children a try.
I'll keep the CM in the loop.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, Praveen has come up
with a very innovative idea.
I've spoken to you about his efforts.
Yes, yes.
Social Welfare Schools Reform.
- Yes, sir.
- Prevention of dropouts
and re-energizing the system.
Yes, Praveen?
Sir, in our extra curricular
activities scheme,
the rock climbing children
have shown impressive ability.
We think some of them can
become expert mountaineers, sir.
So the children will climb mountains?
Not just any mountain, sir.
Everest.
Priya!
- Priya!
- Puru!
Priya!
That's a pinch hold in rock climbing!
Don't your hands hurt?
I came first in this!
Champion.
And this is rappelling, from 300 feet!
You are insane!
And this is from 600 feet on top!
God!
The Secretary of her school
has awarded her 5,000 rupees.
Don't you dare get her married
for another five years.
Priya!
We can study together!
Come, let's climb our favorite hillock!
I can't. I'm in my fifth month.
Tell me something.
When you get angry,
do you still pick up stones
and throw them at people's heads?
The number of stones have lessened,
but the heads have increased.
Are you all right?
What happened?
No, nothing.
Tell me.
"Poorna Malavath, you have been selected
for the Advanced Mountaineering
Darjeeling Camp."
Just two days left, Poorna!
Just two days left?
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
You want to stay here?
You will be married in two years.
You want to be someone like Junko Tabei?
Poorna, come on out!
How much will you dress up?
Your wedding is not taking place today!
His family is here.
Come and serve tea.
If she climbs mountains,
are you going to do the cooking?
And you think 5,000 rupees
is enough for her wedding?
Where the hell were you?
Go, get Poorna!
Get ready, Poorna,
Mr. Praveen has given the go ahead.
You are going to Darjeeling tomorrow.
- Hello, Mr. Shekhar!
- Hi. Hi!
My name is Jyoti. From HMI.
Instructor, sir.
These are my colleagues.
This is Tenzing and this is Dawa, sir.
- Come on! Let's go, let's go, let's go!
- Okay, sir. This way! This way.
Which are the highest peaks
in and around Darjeeling?
- Hello, Shekhar.
- Oh, hi, sir!
- How are you?
- Very well, sir.
Welcome back.
Sir, this is Parmesh.
He works with me at Transcend.
- Welcome.
- Hello, sir.
- Good morning, everyone.
- Good morning, sir!
Are you feeling cold?
- Yes, sir!
- So am I.
Children, this is Colonel Khan,
the principal of HMI
and a reputed climber in his own right.
I wouldn't know about that.
What I do know is that for the next
four weeks, this is going to be your home.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, these children are very special.
I imagine so.
They must be special
if they've come from so far away.
Tell me more about them.
Sir, these kids
have displayed determination
of the kind one only sees
in experienced climbers.
And ability?
Plenty of it, but we need you
and HMI to make them top class.
So what's the delay?
- Ah, Jyoti!
- Yes, sir!
You have come at the right time.
Take them out for a jog.
Okay, sir.
- Come, let's have a cup of tea.
- Okay, sir.
Yes, but we all know the eastern side
of Nanda Devi is the trickiest.
Sir!
How was their performance, Jyoti?
Sir, they went up to Tiger Hill.
Excellent! Timing?
Two hours and seven minutes, sir.
"Thy world is full of
possibilities limitless!"
"Opportunities endless", gentlemen!
Praveen Kumar is a man of few words,
- but when he says something...
- Then he is seldom wrong, sir.
Come on then. Let's make
mountaineers out of these kids.
Next is the ice hammer.
It has three parts.
Handle grip, hammer and pick.
These are crampons
with anti snowballing plates.
I could've never crossed the
Khumbu Icefall on Everest without these.
Now, Mr. Shubhendu
will show you stomach rappelling.
Children, now is the big challenge.
Climbing Mount Renock
with 20 pounds of weight.
Always keep in mind,
nobody comes first or last in climbing.
We all climb together.
Okay, everybody, listen up.
Come here.
So, this is the route
that we are going to follow.
We will first trek
up to Bakhim at 9,000 feet.
From there we have to reach
Zongri at 13,200 feet.
From there, up the pass to Chauri Khang.
Children, the climb from here up
will be difficult.
And finally the rock face
to the summit of Renock at 16,500 feet.
We have come to the point where
the instructors have no role to play.
All the techniques that
you have been taught
will have to be used
to get to the top of Renock.
From here onwards,
the instructors will only be observers.
- Poorna, you will take the lead.
- Yes, sir.
- And Anand, you go at the rear.
- Yes, sir!
All right, come on everyone.
Fall into formation.
Everybody switch to the ascender!
Sindhu, take the lead.
Kumar! Ethiraj! Watch out!
3,500 meters more to go.
Next stop is Chauri Khang. Come on.
Let's go, let's go!
Well done, Poorna. You led very well!
Thank you, sir.
- Thanks, Dawa.
- Meet Major Sharma, Indian Army.
- You climb very skillfully.
- Thank you, sir.
Children, you have broken
Mount Renock's national record.
The Indian Army salutes
your little army.
Well done.
Now we have a surprise for you.
Somebody has come to see you
from thousands of miles away.
Look there!
Hello! Hello! Hello!
- Hello! Hello!
- Hello, sir!
Hi! How are you?
Fine, sir!
How are you?
- Fine, sir!
- All well?
Sir, photo!
- Photo?
- Yes, sir!
Okay!
- Hello, Parmesh.
- Hello, sir!
- Shekhar Babu.
- Hello, sir!
- Nice to meet you.
- Welcome, sir.
- Mr. Praveen Kumar!
- Colonel.
- Photo opportunity!
- Thank you for everything you have done.
My pleasure!
Children love taking pictures.
Idli!
Congratulations, Poorna and Anand,
for being the best climbers.
Look, people climb Everest because
it is the highest point on earth.
But your reason to climb Everest, has
to be bigger than the mountain itself.
So, who is going to be the first
to tell us their reason?
Sir.
Sir, when my father got to know about
your school, he immediately applied
because he believes
education can change your fate.
Operation Everest,
is that opportunity for me.
Thank you, Anand.
What is your reason, child?
Poorna, don't be afraid.
Say whatever you feel.
Sir. I don't know what to say,
please, select me.
Okay.
Poorna,
Anand's and your Everest
expedition training starts today.
But you will only be selected
when you have an answer
to this question.
Okay?
6.8 million!
This is crazy!
3.4 million per child?
Less than one cent per tax payer.
Will you give me a solid reason
to sign this or not?
Not everything is about revenue, Meena.
You two, please! Meena,
how do we take this proposal forward?
Secretary of Social Welfare
will take all precautions.
- If anything goes wrong...
- One second. What is the hurry?
Why can't we wait?
Sir, for?
What sir is saying is, this
can happen next year as well, right?
- Exactly!
- There is no next, sir. Next is now!
Praveen, you are ready
to take this risk.
But what about the children's parents?
If I was in your place, perhaps
I would not have signed this waiver.
Do you have any idea
what's written in this?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Mr. Mannan explained it to us.
If anything happens on Everest,
even the body does not return.
She will climb, sir.
After all, you are there.
Climbers enter the Death Zone
at 26,000 feet above sea level.
Your psycho motor skills slow down.
Forget about doing anything, even
thinking clearly becomes a challenge.
Under incredible stress
your vital organs begin to fail.
The body literally starts to die.
If there is any weakness
in a climber's cardio vascular function,
the final ascent is impossible.
Hypoxia and hypothermia
at high altitude are the silent killers.
The loss of blood makes you
lose perspective of time and space.
Even your thought process
becomes difficult.
Many of my fellow climbers
have summited Everest,
with an imaginary friend by their side.
Hello, who is speaking?
She is climbing.
Poorna!
- Sir?
- There is a call for you.
Sir, I'll reach the top and come back.
She will call you back in a while.
Priya!
Priya!
Priya.
Priya, it's me, Poorna!
Why isn't she saying anything?
Priya. Are you okay?
Doctor, excuse me.
What's happened to her?
- Patient's name?
- Priya, sir.
Yes. She is too weak
to have carried twins.
She has a weak uterus
as well as jaundice.
Only one child has survived.
She also has jaundice.
Sir!
Good morning, sir.
Sir, Poorna's cousin is ill.
Please speak to Poorna.
Sir, we don't know what is going on!
Please, please do something!
Sir.
All right. Thank you, sir.
A doctor and an ambulance are coming.
Here.
Come.
Priya!
Puru.
My dear father!
My dear father!
All the ties
Were severed
My dear father!
All the ties
Were severed
The day has come to an end
And the night slowly took over
Poorna, don't be careless!
One more time!
Poorna, this is ascending! These
are the basics of mountain climbing!
You have done it thousands of times!
Climb up!
When Priya needed me,
I wasn't there by her side.
Sir, not me.
Priya should have been here.
She was better than me in everything.
All this is my fault.
What am I doing all this for, sir?
For what?
Poorna, I don't want to force you.
I don't want to put any pressure on you.
But before you decide anything,
think it through.
Because this decision
will be yours and yours alone.
I am not a Power Girl, sir.
I am not a Power Girl.
Your heart is broken.
It doesn't mean you lack ability.
Brought back your kit? Give it to me.
Where are the shoes?
Yes!
Poorna, one minute.
There was a letter for you...
Many days ago. You were out, training.
Yes!
This initiative has been born in India,
brought up in Andhra,
and will be made in, Telangana!
Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome
our young Everest hopeful, Anand Kumar!
Congratulations, Anand!
You are going to be a part of history.
Make us proud!
Thank you, sir. I will try my best, sir.
But Poorna is a better climber than I.
What do you mean?
A great mountain deserves
a great climber, sir.
Praveen?
Then why is she not going?
Has she not qualified?
The Hyderabad to Pakala bus leaves
in ten minutes.
I will go and get some water.
Take your medicine.
Look after yourself. Write letters.
Go. Go now.
My dearest Puru.
Remember Puru, when we used
to climb that hillock,
I said I would build a road
from our village to the city.
That road never got built.
But when you summit
the world's tallest hillock
it will connect our village
to the rest of the world forever.
And if I give birth to a girl,
I will name her Poorna,
and obviously call her Puru.
I am in my last month.
The doctor has said
I can deliver any day.
Your loving sister, Priya.
Sir, I have found my reason.
What a storm is it
Where a mountain
can change its course
What a flight is it
That loses breath when it's high
You have to believe in yourself
Run till you have
breath in your body
You have to write history!
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
Even after you leave
Welcome to Tribhuvan
International Airport, Kathmandu.
The temperature outside
is 24 degrees Celsius.
Do something precious
That makes your life meaningful
You have to do it
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love
Five, six, live as one
Seven, eight, study hard
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love
Five, six, live as one
Seven, eight, study hard
How many are there?
What?
Insects.
When I was your age...
Forget Everest,
I was terrified of Chemistry.
I still am.
Poorna, you do know you are not alone,
right? We are all with you.
Yes, sir.
As it is she is running a temperature
of 104 degrees and now this avalanche!
If something happens to that girl,
what will we do?
Meena, look,
please don't panic like this.
I know you are worried about the girl.
Of course I am worried!
Of course I care, the government cares.
But this Operation Everest expedition
has my signature on it.
Look! I accept 16 people have died,
but they were on the Nepal side.
Our children are ascending
from the China side.
It makes no difference, Alexander.
And you, if you are feeling bad
about calling them back,
please take a vacation then.
I will call them back.
Sir, tomorrow two expeditions have
been cleared to attempt the summit.
This is our last chance, sir.
Fever has gone.
Her breathing is normal.
She is in much better shape than before.
Poorna. Mr. Praveen Kumar.
Hello, Poorna?
Yes, sir.
Poorna, there has been
an avalanche on the Nepal side.
We don't know what the situation
is like on the China side.
Poorna, it is not safe for you.
We are also very concerned
about your health.
The fact that you have reached
where you have is a victory in itself.
No, sir.
Poorna. You don't have
to prove anything to anyone.
Sir. I can do it, sir.
I can do it, sir.
I have full faith
in what we have learnt.
Sir, I shall never give up.
I shall always think big and aim high.
I shall never fear the unknown.
Praveen! Why didn't you convince her?
What do we do?
Sir, it's your decision.
But the girl says she will not return.
What?
What options do we have?
She wants to climb, sir.
Sir, how can you leave
the choice to that girl?
Sir, sometimes we make choices,
sometimes choices make us.
Hello, sir.
Poorna, you have been cleared to go.
You have been cleared to go.
Yes, sir.
Show the world, you are our Power Girl.
I will do it, sir.
No reverse gears.
Good luck, Poorna.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, what now?
Now the phone will ring
when she summits.
And if it doesn't?
What are you doing? Huh?
Come on! Get up!
We have to climb the hillock!
We have to climb the hillock!
Come on!
What are you doing lying down?
I am with you! Come on!
Priya?
It's me!
Poorna, have you forgotten
the song I taught you?
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love.
Five, six, live as one.
Seven, eight, study hard.
Nine, ten, laugh your loudest!
One, two, never cry.
Hi, sir!
- Congratulations, Anand!
- Thank you, sir!
You have truly changed your fate.
Sir, you joined the police force again?
Yes! I was only waiting
for you to summit.
Come, please. Let us proceed.
Congratulations, Poorna.
From today onwards
I will be known because of you.
Enjoy this moment, because from today
your life isn't yours alone.
Poorna! Poorna!
Poorna!
Poorna! Poorna!
You are the youngest girl
in history to climb Mount Everest.
Who do you attribute this success to?
Congratulations, Poorna!
Who is the inspiration behind
your fantastic achievement?
Pravin Kumar sir, we are SWAEROES.
We're on the top of Everest.
Congratulations.
What storm is it
Where a mountain
can change its course
What flight is it
That loses breath when it's high
You have to believe in yourself
Run till you have
breath in your body
You have to write history
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
After you leave
Your name should be remembered
Do something precious
That makes your life meaningful
You have to do it
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
It is you
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
It is you
Even if you drop to the depths of
The deepest oceans
The moon and stars
You may travel to the sun
Try to look within you
And then you will know
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
It is you
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
This is the philosophy of life
This is the philosophy of life
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
The entire universe is within you
It is you
The answer to every question
Is within you
The entire universe
Is within you
about an avalanche that occurred
on the Nepal side of Mount Everest.
According to reports,
16 climbers are dead,
while 30 Sherpas and
climbers are missing.
Locals say that this is one of
the worst avalanches in over 44 years.
This could affect the Indian expedition.
Poorna Malavath and
Anand Kumar are at Camp Three.
We'll have to wait and see
if they're allowed to make this summit.
If Poorna makes it to the summit,
then at 13 years 10 months
she will be the youngest girl in history
to climb Mount Everest.
As it is she's running a temperature
of 104 degrees and now this avalanche!
What will we do
if something happens to that girl?
Meena, look,
please don't panic like this.
I know you're worried about the girl.
Of course I am worried!
Of course I care, the government cares.
But this Operation Everest expedition
has my signature on it.
Look! I accept that 16 people have died,
but they were on the Nepal side.
Our children are ascending
from the China side.
It makes no difference, Alexander.
And you, if you're feeling bad
about calling them back,
please take a vacation then.
I will call them back.
She's started shivering.
It's definitely mild hypothermia.
She can't climb.
Sir, she won't listen.
We cannot take the chance,
prepare her for descent.
Okay, sir.
Anand, radio base camp.
- I'll do it right away, sir.
- Okay.
Don't worry. You'll be fine!
Why are you scared? Breathe!
Take a deep breath!
Hold your breath! Come on!
Hold your breath!
Yes! That's right! That's right!
Come on!
Sister! Sister! Sister!
Sister!!
Come on!
Puru!
You always do this.
Give me your bag.
I am Poorna, a poor girl!
Not poor silly, Power Girl Poorna.
- What?
- Wait. I will show you power.
Give me your hand, we'll walk together.
Like an army of ants.
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love.
Five, six, live as one.
Seven, eight, study hard.
Nine, ten, laugh your loudest!
Come on, you say it now.
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love.
Five, six, live as one.
Seven, eight, study hard.
Nine, ten, laugh your loudest!
We've come to study,
not to sweep floors!
Watch out!
We're done sweeping the floors.
Can we get back to class?
What? Until your father
and her father
don't pay your school fees,
keep sweeping!
I am going to break his head!
Shut your mouth and stay at home!
School fees?
Where will I get the money from?
Who will sweep the floors
if everyone goes to school? Me?
Should I pay for the house
or pay for the school?
What good will that do?
The Prime Minister of Pakala village?
Take it in from one ear,
and let it out from the other.
Listen, we're running after books,
clothes and food here.
In the social welfare schools
these very things will run after us.
Shut up! Does anything like this happen?
Of course! Here's what's
written, "Free Education".
Do you know what we will get there?
Listen.
Energy drink, milk, dosa, idli,
upma, biscuits, bananas and even eggs!
Have you ever eaten any of this?
Shall we run away?
Shall we run away tomorrow morning?
Quiet!
Don't shake your leg.
Now what?
Give me a minute.
Bye, Geeta! Don't forget me, okay?
Puru! Let's go!
Come on!
What are you both up to so early
in the morning?
Sister, I have brought you sweets.
You eat and celebrate your good fortune.
You're lucky.
I should have run away without you!
It'll be your turn soon.
I will feed you sweets then.
Run away, Puru!
Enough! Go to page number 36.
She's sulking like this all day.
My brother is right.
Priya has left, but she's left
our daughter with a school's obsession.
She is your daughter,
she'll do whatever you tell her to do.
You created such a fuss to come here.
Now what's the problem?
You want to go back?
Will you stay here?
Stay here for a couple of years.
It's free.
I don't even have money
to get you married right now.
India is my country.
All Indians are my brothers and sisters.
I love my country
and I am proud of it and my people.
I pledge my devotion.
In their well being and prosperity
alone lies my happiness.
Do you want to keep sketching
or can you go to school?
- Is that you inside the car?
- Yes! Yes!
When I become an important officer,
I will drive down this road.
Look at this, a small rugged lane.
This road will connect us to the city.
I'll take this route every day.
Who is that? The ghost on the hillock?
No, this is me.
When you come here
as an important officer,
I will wave to you from this hillock.
You will be married by then. Which
means you won't be in this village.
You there! This isn't the time to sit!
It's PT time. Come on! Let's go.
Come!
Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi...
Sir, we can't hear her!
Sir, her voice is not coming!
Stop! Where's your strength?
Are you scared?
Come on then!
Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.
- Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.
- Get her!
Come on!
Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.
- Come on!
- Move!
Kabbadi.
Okay, next!
- What's your name?
- Poorna.
I am Sargam, this is Saba.
Let's go have lunch.
I have learnt to serve the nation
through the IPS.
"It is with this feeling that I
request you to transfer me
on deputation to the
Social Welfare Department."
"Yours Sincerely,
Dr. R S Praveen Kumar, IPS."
After you took a break
and studied at Harvard
all of us thought you would ask
for a high profile job.
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.
- Namaste, sir.
- Namaskar.
I am Parvathy Swami,
the food matron, sir.
Here, sir.
No. Fasting, sir. Tuesday.
Sorry, sir.
You see, sir,
every project has a middle man.
Without a middle man,
no project can be successful.
I am just a food contractor, sir.
I am sorry, you fell ill eating my food.
No, no. I have been out
of India for two years
which has probably weakened my immunity.
Immunity?
Can we do something
to increase your immunity, sir?
Yes.
Get out.
Teachers of the world unite!
Teachers of the world unite!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
What are you doing, sir?
You chased our food supplier away.
You think this is your police station?
You are sending memo after memo,
teachers have to be punctual,
put in so many hours.
What are these new rules?
We are teachers, not factory workers.
Sir, I told you, we are all united!
I will make all principals
and teachers rebel!
Praveen Kumar! Down, down!
- Nasreen.
- Yes, sir.
Take down all their names
and issue suspension orders to them.
And place advertisements
asking for new teachers.
You are doing something very wrong, sir!
Sir, these bullying tactics won't work!
Sir, these bullying tactics won't work!
Your name?
Come, come, come! Let's play a game!
- What game?
- Poor game!
Not "poor" game, it's power game.
You always make the same mistake.
Not Power. It is Poor. Who is the
poorest of us all? That's the game.
Okay! Me first!
My mother makes chicken feather soup.
She says it will give me strength,
but I will never get chicken!
Listen, listen! I am so poor,
that even our goat has only two legs!
- Don't make things up, liar!
- Okay! Me, me, me!
I am so poor, that my mother says
it takes two days to cook a meal.
Does she think I am a fool?
Poorna, it's your turn!
What can I say?
My name itself has the word "Poor".
Namaste, sir.
- Brother...
- Let me speak.
You think this is a joke, sir?
You threw out our food supplier,
suspended all of us
and placed these ads for new teachers.
Don't deprive us
of our daily bread, sir.
Sir, we will go to the Chief Minister!
What are you saying?
I've been working for 15 years! There's
not been a single complaint, sir!
Keep your voice down.
Morning, sir. One moment. Here.
Who is it, sir?
CM.
What are you doing, sir?
Sir, my apologies.
I will call you back.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, this is terrible.
We have families.
What will happen to our children?
Think about it, sir. Please, sir.
Okay.
For all the days you have been
on strike, no salary cut.
But, from today,
the development of the children
will be linked to your
performance report.
Okay?
Enough! Don't say a word.
Two nitrogen and two oxygen.
They give rise to nitrogen oxide.
"I shall repay what I borrow."
"I shall not fear the unknown."
"I shall never give up."
Buses are leaving for the first annual
extracurricular activities excursion.
- Bus no 1...
- Priya.
Yes, Puru. Tell me?
Listen, I'm coming home!
I have a month's break,
and I have an admission form for you!
Now we can study together!
Have you spoken to your mother?
No, why?
Don't be a fool, don't go home.
My dad and your dad were talking about
getting you married these holidays.
- Okay, I'm hanging up.
- Priya, let's go.
Write to me in English.
Your language will improve!
This is the last call for children
participating in rock climbing.
This is the final call for children
participating in rock climbing.
Final call for children participating
in rock climbing.
Please report to Mr. Mannan.
Rest of the children, happy holidays!
- Divya!
- Yes, sir!
- Shweta!
- Present, sir!
- Navya!
- Present, sir!
- Ramya!
- Yes, sir!
- Deepika!
- Yes, sir!
- Saraswati?
- Present, sir!
- Pallavi?
- Yes, sir!
Lavanya!
- Anusha, sir!
- Anusha.
- Pragya, sir!
- Pragya.
- Sargam, sir!
- Sargam.
Poorna? You were supposed to go home?
Sir, I want to join them.
But they're participating
in rock climbing.
Sir?
Rock climbing.
I mean, climbing little hills.
Sir, let her join us! We will explain.
Come, Poorna! Let's go.
Poorna!
Poorna Malavath.
- Good morning, everyone!
- Good morning, sir!
My name is Parmesh.
This is Shekhar Babu.
He has summited Mount Everest!
Sir.
- All right. Good morning, children.
- Good morning, sir.
Welcome to Bhongir rock.
This is one
of Asia's largest standing rocks.
To climb this rock,
you will need three things,
will, power and special rock
climbing shoes that we will provide.
- Okay?
- Yes, sir.
So let's begin with some warm up. Boys?
Stretch your arms.
Stretch your arms, please.
Yes. You. Okay and crush
your fingers like this.
Now relax, crush again.
Good. Everyone, everyone stretch.
I don't have shoes.
So what?
Help!
Help!
Help!
That's Poorna's voice!
Poorna!
Sir!
Parmesh. Go up,
anchor the rope and throw it down.
- I will reach her this way.
- Okay.
- Sir!
- Hold, Poorna. I am coming!
Just stay there.
Sir!
Poorna.
There is nothing to be scared of.
Don't look down.
Just look at the rock face.
Poorna, There is a crack
near your right hand, a hold.
Get a grip on it.
That's it, very good.
Good girl! Hold on.
Hold on just one minute.
Well done, Poorna! Give me your hand.
Move your hand up. Hold it.
Now lift your leg. Good!
Now, left hand, left hand, push, push!
Well done!
I can understand why you left
the police cadre and took this job.
But it's a lost battle, you know.
The numbers are looking really bad.
Sir, I have just started renovations
in the schools.
It will take time.
I accept the fact,
that attendance rates are falling.
But what will happen to the children
who want to study?
Praveen, you have to shut
some under performing schools.
I am sorry.
Okay, sir.
When do you want to start?
Careful. Easy. Easy.
Our daughter is totally obedient.
She does exactly as she's told.
A perfect match!
Hello? Namaste, uncle.
Poorna, where are you?
Will you please pass on
the phone to my father?
Here, speak to Poorna.
Poorna, how are you?
Aren't you coming home?
Father, I am learning rock climbing!
What? What rock?
Rock climbing.
It means, climbing mountains.
You went there to study
and they're making you work
by breaking rocks?
Father, this is a part of our studies.
Oh! It's part of your studies!
Come back soon.
Okay.
Thank you, sir.
She is gone with her school.
Climbing rocks is a part of her studies.
All the kids have gone.
Devidas. If she grows too tall,
we won't find a groom.
Next time she comes home on vacation,
don't let her go back.
- Good job.
- Thank you, sir.
Sir, one last song.
Dress change and come back.
Five minutes, sir.
- Okay.
- Come. Come!
Come! Come!
We need a solution.
Children are not coming to school.
And the ones who are, don't stay long.
We have to do something,
that will motivate parents not to
pull their children out of school.
Sir, if they are assured their children
will get government jobs after school.
Yes, sir. Railways, police,
banks, jobs like these.
Steady income, sir. Job security.
Sir, after all
they have to look after their families.
We know all this. No.
We need something.
What is a factor,
that can be a game changer.
Not for now, for years.
- Nasreen.
- Yes, sir.
What's tomorrow's plan?
Sir, for tomorrow you'll be interacting
with rock climbing children in Bhongir
and the day after,
a drama competition in Warangal.
Sir, ready!
Good morning.
Good morning, sir!
Children, today I am going
to tell you a story,
about a woman named Junko Tabei.
Why is Junko Tabei so special?
Because she was very weak from
childhood. Her lungs were weak.
Everybody thought she wouldn't be able
to achieve anything with this disability.
One day she took a small step
by climbing rocks and small hills,
and then never stopped
till she became the first woman
to climb Mount Everest,
that too as a mother of two.
Junko Tabei.
This is the story Mr. Praveen told us.
Our training starts tomorrow.
Write to me, Priya. Yours, Poorna.
Take the rope, turn it 180 degrees
and put it in this gap.
300 feet rock face.
While it's not very dangerous,
it is definitely tough.
All holds will have to be used.
Pinch, pressure, bucket and foothold.
Keep your knees and elbows apart.
The foot hold is more important
than the hand hold.
This is called rappelling.
This is the most popular method
of descending.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir!
Nobody comes first or last in climbing.
Everybody wins or no one does.
What's your name?
Poorna. And yours?
Anand.
You climb well.
- Hello, Shekhar.
- Hello, sir!
Thank you for coming.
No, no, it's no problem.
You were sounding so enthusiastic.
Tell me, how are they performing?
Very good, sir. They are tough.
They never give up.
Their bodies are strong and light.
Okay. Who are the best climbers?
Most definitely Poorna, sir.
- Poorna?
- Yes.
And there is another guy, Anand.
Who is he?
That boy standing on the boulder.
Yes.
- Sir, may I ask you something?
- Yes.
What do you have planned
for them after this course?
Plan?
Sir, these children
have a natural rock climbing ability.
- I think they will be good mountaineers.
- Hi, sir!
Really!! Oh hi, hi.
Hello! Hi!
So, how is it going?
Really good, sir!
Yesterday we learnt rappelling
and river crossing!
Before that we climbed
the third base brick wall!
- Sir?
- Yes?
Will we have to return
these shoes after the course?
Of course!
No, I am only joking!
These shoes are yours, Poorna.
That's exactly what I was saying, sir.
How can we climb Mount Everest
like Junko Tabei without these shoes?
- Girls!
- Go, go, go! Climb up!
- Are you enjoying yourselves or not?
- Yes, sir!
All of you know Mr. Praveen Kumar.
- Hello!
- Hello, sir!
How did you like his presentation
on Junko Tabei?
We liked it very much, sir!
So, would you like
to come back here again?
Yes, sir.
For a tougher course than this one?
Yes, sir.
What if we took you to a high mountain?
Who will come?
Yes, sir.
And on those high mountains,
if we take you to the snowline,
where there is ice.
Who is willing?
- Sir!
- Yes, sir!
And not just for a day or for a week,
but for months. Right, sir?
Yes.
Eight hours of climbing every day,
with 45 pounds of weight.
In subzero temperature,
where even water freezes.
And just one meal every 24 hours.
Who will go?
Sir.
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
In you
Around 100 students
were trained at Bhongir.
And this was a basic training camp
which included bouldering,
balancing, climbing and rappelling.
Some of these students are really
talented and naturally gifted.
In conclusion, looking at the performance
of the children you would think
they have been climbing for many years.
In other countries, children of this age
reach 14,000-15,000 feet.
Their children are physically
and economically strong.
Ours look like victims of starvation.
That's a generalization, Meena.
We all know you have
a weakness for underdogs.
You are not out to make
"Slumdog Mountaineer", are you?
The answer to every question
Is within you
In you
The answer to every question
Is within you
The entire universe
Is within you
Sir, I would like to
give these children a try.
I'll keep the CM in the loop.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, Praveen has come up
with a very innovative idea.
I've spoken to you about his efforts.
Yes, yes.
Social Welfare Schools Reform.
- Yes, sir.
- Prevention of dropouts
and re-energizing the system.
Yes, Praveen?
Sir, in our extra curricular
activities scheme,
the rock climbing children
have shown impressive ability.
We think some of them can
become expert mountaineers, sir.
So the children will climb mountains?
Not just any mountain, sir.
Everest.
Priya!
- Priya!
- Puru!
Priya!
That's a pinch hold in rock climbing!
Don't your hands hurt?
I came first in this!
Champion.
And this is rappelling, from 300 feet!
You are insane!
And this is from 600 feet on top!
God!
The Secretary of her school
has awarded her 5,000 rupees.
Don't you dare get her married
for another five years.
Priya!
We can study together!
Come, let's climb our favorite hillock!
I can't. I'm in my fifth month.
Tell me something.
When you get angry,
do you still pick up stones
and throw them at people's heads?
The number of stones have lessened,
but the heads have increased.
Are you all right?
What happened?
No, nothing.
Tell me.
"Poorna Malavath, you have been selected
for the Advanced Mountaineering
Darjeeling Camp."
Just two days left, Poorna!
Just two days left?
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
You want to stay here?
You will be married in two years.
You want to be someone like Junko Tabei?
Poorna, come on out!
How much will you dress up?
Your wedding is not taking place today!
His family is here.
Come and serve tea.
If she climbs mountains,
are you going to do the cooking?
And you think 5,000 rupees
is enough for her wedding?
Where the hell were you?
Go, get Poorna!
Get ready, Poorna,
Mr. Praveen has given the go ahead.
You are going to Darjeeling tomorrow.
- Hello, Mr. Shekhar!
- Hi. Hi!
My name is Jyoti. From HMI.
Instructor, sir.
These are my colleagues.
This is Tenzing and this is Dawa, sir.
- Come on! Let's go, let's go, let's go!
- Okay, sir. This way! This way.
Which are the highest peaks
in and around Darjeeling?
- Hello, Shekhar.
- Oh, hi, sir!
- How are you?
- Very well, sir.
Welcome back.
Sir, this is Parmesh.
He works with me at Transcend.
- Welcome.
- Hello, sir.
- Good morning, everyone.
- Good morning, sir!
Are you feeling cold?
- Yes, sir!
- So am I.
Children, this is Colonel Khan,
the principal of HMI
and a reputed climber in his own right.
I wouldn't know about that.
What I do know is that for the next
four weeks, this is going to be your home.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, these children are very special.
I imagine so.
They must be special
if they've come from so far away.
Tell me more about them.
Sir, these kids
have displayed determination
of the kind one only sees
in experienced climbers.
And ability?
Plenty of it, but we need you
and HMI to make them top class.
So what's the delay?
- Ah, Jyoti!
- Yes, sir!
You have come at the right time.
Take them out for a jog.
Okay, sir.
- Come, let's have a cup of tea.
- Okay, sir.
Yes, but we all know the eastern side
of Nanda Devi is the trickiest.
Sir!
How was their performance, Jyoti?
Sir, they went up to Tiger Hill.
Excellent! Timing?
Two hours and seven minutes, sir.
"Thy world is full of
possibilities limitless!"
"Opportunities endless", gentlemen!
Praveen Kumar is a man of few words,
- but when he says something...
- Then he is seldom wrong, sir.
Come on then. Let's make
mountaineers out of these kids.
Next is the ice hammer.
It has three parts.
Handle grip, hammer and pick.
These are crampons
with anti snowballing plates.
I could've never crossed the
Khumbu Icefall on Everest without these.
Now, Mr. Shubhendu
will show you stomach rappelling.
Children, now is the big challenge.
Climbing Mount Renock
with 20 pounds of weight.
Always keep in mind,
nobody comes first or last in climbing.
We all climb together.
Okay, everybody, listen up.
Come here.
So, this is the route
that we are going to follow.
We will first trek
up to Bakhim at 9,000 feet.
From there we have to reach
Zongri at 13,200 feet.
From there, up the pass to Chauri Khang.
Children, the climb from here up
will be difficult.
And finally the rock face
to the summit of Renock at 16,500 feet.
We have come to the point where
the instructors have no role to play.
All the techniques that
you have been taught
will have to be used
to get to the top of Renock.
From here onwards,
the instructors will only be observers.
- Poorna, you will take the lead.
- Yes, sir.
- And Anand, you go at the rear.
- Yes, sir!
All right, come on everyone.
Fall into formation.
Everybody switch to the ascender!
Sindhu, take the lead.
Kumar! Ethiraj! Watch out!
3,500 meters more to go.
Next stop is Chauri Khang. Come on.
Let's go, let's go!
Well done, Poorna. You led very well!
Thank you, sir.
- Thanks, Dawa.
- Meet Major Sharma, Indian Army.
- You climb very skillfully.
- Thank you, sir.
Children, you have broken
Mount Renock's national record.
The Indian Army salutes
your little army.
Well done.
Now we have a surprise for you.
Somebody has come to see you
from thousands of miles away.
Look there!
Hello! Hello! Hello!
- Hello! Hello!
- Hello, sir!
Hi! How are you?
Fine, sir!
How are you?
- Fine, sir!
- All well?
Sir, photo!
- Photo?
- Yes, sir!
Okay!
- Hello, Parmesh.
- Hello, sir!
- Shekhar Babu.
- Hello, sir!
- Nice to meet you.
- Welcome, sir.
- Mr. Praveen Kumar!
- Colonel.
- Photo opportunity!
- Thank you for everything you have done.
My pleasure!
Children love taking pictures.
Idli!
Congratulations, Poorna and Anand,
for being the best climbers.
Look, people climb Everest because
it is the highest point on earth.
But your reason to climb Everest, has
to be bigger than the mountain itself.
So, who is going to be the first
to tell us their reason?
Sir.
Sir, when my father got to know about
your school, he immediately applied
because he believes
education can change your fate.
Operation Everest,
is that opportunity for me.
Thank you, Anand.
What is your reason, child?
Poorna, don't be afraid.
Say whatever you feel.
Sir. I don't know what to say,
please, select me.
Okay.
Poorna,
Anand's and your Everest
expedition training starts today.
But you will only be selected
when you have an answer
to this question.
Okay?
6.8 million!
This is crazy!
3.4 million per child?
Less than one cent per tax payer.
Will you give me a solid reason
to sign this or not?
Not everything is about revenue, Meena.
You two, please! Meena,
how do we take this proposal forward?
Secretary of Social Welfare
will take all precautions.
- If anything goes wrong...
- One second. What is the hurry?
Why can't we wait?
Sir, for?
What sir is saying is, this
can happen next year as well, right?
- Exactly!
- There is no next, sir. Next is now!
Praveen, you are ready
to take this risk.
But what about the children's parents?
If I was in your place, perhaps
I would not have signed this waiver.
Do you have any idea
what's written in this?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Mr. Mannan explained it to us.
If anything happens on Everest,
even the body does not return.
She will climb, sir.
After all, you are there.
Climbers enter the Death Zone
at 26,000 feet above sea level.
Your psycho motor skills slow down.
Forget about doing anything, even
thinking clearly becomes a challenge.
Under incredible stress
your vital organs begin to fail.
The body literally starts to die.
If there is any weakness
in a climber's cardio vascular function,
the final ascent is impossible.
Hypoxia and hypothermia
at high altitude are the silent killers.
The loss of blood makes you
lose perspective of time and space.
Even your thought process
becomes difficult.
Many of my fellow climbers
have summited Everest,
with an imaginary friend by their side.
Hello, who is speaking?
She is climbing.
Poorna!
- Sir?
- There is a call for you.
Sir, I'll reach the top and come back.
She will call you back in a while.
Priya!
Priya!
Priya.
Priya, it's me, Poorna!
Why isn't she saying anything?
Priya. Are you okay?
Doctor, excuse me.
What's happened to her?
- Patient's name?
- Priya, sir.
Yes. She is too weak
to have carried twins.
She has a weak uterus
as well as jaundice.
Only one child has survived.
She also has jaundice.
Sir!
Good morning, sir.
Sir, Poorna's cousin is ill.
Please speak to Poorna.
Sir, we don't know what is going on!
Please, please do something!
Sir.
All right. Thank you, sir.
A doctor and an ambulance are coming.
Here.
Come.
Priya!
Puru.
My dear father!
My dear father!
All the ties
Were severed
My dear father!
All the ties
Were severed
The day has come to an end
And the night slowly took over
Poorna, don't be careless!
One more time!
Poorna, this is ascending! These
are the basics of mountain climbing!
You have done it thousands of times!
Climb up!
When Priya needed me,
I wasn't there by her side.
Sir, not me.
Priya should have been here.
She was better than me in everything.
All this is my fault.
What am I doing all this for, sir?
For what?
Poorna, I don't want to force you.
I don't want to put any pressure on you.
But before you decide anything,
think it through.
Because this decision
will be yours and yours alone.
I am not a Power Girl, sir.
I am not a Power Girl.
Your heart is broken.
It doesn't mean you lack ability.
Brought back your kit? Give it to me.
Where are the shoes?
Yes!
Poorna, one minute.
There was a letter for you...
Many days ago. You were out, training.
Yes!
This initiative has been born in India,
brought up in Andhra,
and will be made in, Telangana!
Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome
our young Everest hopeful, Anand Kumar!
Congratulations, Anand!
You are going to be a part of history.
Make us proud!
Thank you, sir. I will try my best, sir.
But Poorna is a better climber than I.
What do you mean?
A great mountain deserves
a great climber, sir.
Praveen?
Then why is she not going?
Has she not qualified?
The Hyderabad to Pakala bus leaves
in ten minutes.
I will go and get some water.
Take your medicine.
Look after yourself. Write letters.
Go. Go now.
My dearest Puru.
Remember Puru, when we used
to climb that hillock,
I said I would build a road
from our village to the city.
That road never got built.
But when you summit
the world's tallest hillock
it will connect our village
to the rest of the world forever.
And if I give birth to a girl,
I will name her Poorna,
and obviously call her Puru.
I am in my last month.
The doctor has said
I can deliver any day.
Your loving sister, Priya.
Sir, I have found my reason.
What a storm is it
Where a mountain
can change its course
What a flight is it
That loses breath when it's high
You have to believe in yourself
Run till you have
breath in your body
You have to write history!
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
Even after you leave
Welcome to Tribhuvan
International Airport, Kathmandu.
The temperature outside
is 24 degrees Celsius.
Do something precious
That makes your life meaningful
You have to do it
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love
Five, six, live as one
Seven, eight, study hard
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love
Five, six, live as one
Seven, eight, study hard
How many are there?
What?
Insects.
When I was your age...
Forget Everest,
I was terrified of Chemistry.
I still am.
Poorna, you do know you are not alone,
right? We are all with you.
Yes, sir.
As it is she is running a temperature
of 104 degrees and now this avalanche!
If something happens to that girl,
what will we do?
Meena, look,
please don't panic like this.
I know you are worried about the girl.
Of course I am worried!
Of course I care, the government cares.
But this Operation Everest expedition
has my signature on it.
Look! I accept 16 people have died,
but they were on the Nepal side.
Our children are ascending
from the China side.
It makes no difference, Alexander.
And you, if you are feeling bad
about calling them back,
please take a vacation then.
I will call them back.
Sir, tomorrow two expeditions have
been cleared to attempt the summit.
This is our last chance, sir.
Fever has gone.
Her breathing is normal.
She is in much better shape than before.
Poorna. Mr. Praveen Kumar.
Hello, Poorna?
Yes, sir.
Poorna, there has been
an avalanche on the Nepal side.
We don't know what the situation
is like on the China side.
Poorna, it is not safe for you.
We are also very concerned
about your health.
The fact that you have reached
where you have is a victory in itself.
No, sir.
Poorna. You don't have
to prove anything to anyone.
Sir. I can do it, sir.
I can do it, sir.
I have full faith
in what we have learnt.
Sir, I shall never give up.
I shall always think big and aim high.
I shall never fear the unknown.
Praveen! Why didn't you convince her?
What do we do?
Sir, it's your decision.
But the girl says she will not return.
What?
What options do we have?
She wants to climb, sir.
Sir, how can you leave
the choice to that girl?
Sir, sometimes we make choices,
sometimes choices make us.
Hello, sir.
Poorna, you have been cleared to go.
You have been cleared to go.
Yes, sir.
Show the world, you are our Power Girl.
I will do it, sir.
No reverse gears.
Good luck, Poorna.
Thank you, sir.
Sir, what now?
Now the phone will ring
when she summits.
And if it doesn't?
What are you doing? Huh?
Come on! Get up!
We have to climb the hillock!
We have to climb the hillock!
Come on!
What are you doing lying down?
I am with you! Come on!
Priya?
It's me!
Poorna, have you forgotten
the song I taught you?
One, two, never cry.
Three, four, always love.
Five, six, live as one.
Seven, eight, study hard.
Nine, ten, laugh your loudest!
One, two, never cry.
Hi, sir!
- Congratulations, Anand!
- Thank you, sir!
You have truly changed your fate.
Sir, you joined the police force again?
Yes! I was only waiting
for you to summit.
Come, please. Let us proceed.
Congratulations, Poorna.
From today onwards
I will be known because of you.
Enjoy this moment, because from today
your life isn't yours alone.
Poorna! Poorna!
Poorna!
Poorna! Poorna!
You are the youngest girl
in history to climb Mount Everest.
Who do you attribute this success to?
Congratulations, Poorna!
Who is the inspiration behind
your fantastic achievement?
Pravin Kumar sir, we are SWAEROES.
We're on the top of Everest.
Congratulations.
What storm is it
Where a mountain
can change its course
What flight is it
That loses breath when it's high
You have to believe in yourself
Run till you have
breath in your body
You have to write history
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
After you leave
Your name should be remembered
Do something precious
That makes your life meaningful
You have to do it
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
Your efforts are worthwhile
If you can shake mountains
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
It is you
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
It is you
Even if you drop to the depths of
The deepest oceans
The moon and stars
You may travel to the sun
Try to look within you
And then you will know
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
It is you
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
This is the philosophy of life
This is the philosophy of life
The entire universe is within you
The entire universe is within you
The answer to every question
Is within you
The entire universe is within you
It is you
The answer to every question
Is within you
The entire universe
Is within you