The journey started with Dr Abraham George’s visionary initiative. He founded the Shanti Bhavan school in Tamil Nadu, to offer a life-changing seven-year education to one girl per “untouchable” family.
Usually denied education, the selected girls join Shanti Bhavan at the age of 4.
Dr George aims to empower girls to transcend their caste constraints and, through securing employment post-education, uplift their families and communities.
Over the course of seven years, Daughters of Destiny documents the lives of Shilpa, Manjula, Thenmozhi, Suma and Preetha, who win scholarships to the Shanti Bhavan school.
Knowledge is power; watching Daughters of Destiny shows viewers how transformative education can be while highlighting how, unfortunately, it remains a privilege rather than a basic right in certain parts of the world.
The series further exposes the disheartening persistence of caste discrimination in India despite its official abolition in 1950.
Masterfully weaving together personal triumphs and heart-wrenching setbacks, we grow fonder of the girls, episode after episode, and admire the incredible courage and tenacity they display from a young age, defying the many odds stacked against them.
Julie Raeside from The Guardian wrote: “The actions of one man have undoubtedly transformed the lives of hundreds of seriously disadvantaged children and their families. If this isn’t worth celebrating in this glorious fashion, then I don’t know what is.”
With one award, three nominations and an impressive 90 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, you’re in for an inspiring and transformative viewing experience.
Daughters of Destiny is a compelling documentary that reminds us of the profound impact education can have on people and the world.
It’s also a reminder of how we can all contribute to creating a better world by giving every child an opportunity to rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.
Catch Daughters of Destiny on Netflix.
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