Documentaries have the power to educate, inspire, and provoke thought. As a student, they offer a captivating way to explore diverse subjects, cultures, and social issues while expanding your knowledge and perspective. To help you embark on a journey of discovery, we've curated a list of the top 10 must-watch documentaries that are not only informative but also thought-provoking and relevant for Indian students.

"India's Daughter" (2015):

   - Directed by Leslee Udwin, this documentary examines the infamous Delhi gang rape case of 2012. It delves into the issue of gender-based violence in India and the efforts to address it. This documentary is a powerful exploration of societal attitudes and the fight for justice.

A Night of Knowing Nothing (2021)

Formal invention and ambition coalesce in Payal Kapadia’s ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’, a lyrical documentary that holds a mirror to the wave of student-led protests that erupted against the right-wing government’s distortion of art, education, and expression in contemporary India.

"The Story of India" (2007):

Hosted by historian Michael Wood, this documentary series takes you on a historical journey through the rich tapestry of India's past. It covers topics from ancient civilizations to the freedom struggle, offering a comprehensive overview of India's history and culture.

Born into brothels: 

This Oscar-winning documentary shows the inspiring non-profit foundation Kids With Cameras, which teaches photography skills to children in marginalized communities. In 1998, New York-based photographer Zana Briski started photographing prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta. She eventually developed a relationship with their children, who were fascinated by her equipment. After several years of learning in workshops with Briski, the kids created their photographs with point-and-shoot 35 mm cameras. Their images capture the intimacy and colour of everyday life in the overpopulated sections of Calcutta.

Gulabi Gang: 

The Gulabi gang was founded by Sampat Pal Devi, a mother of five and former government health worker as a response to widespread domestic abuse and other violence against women. Gulabis visit abusive husbands and beat them up with bamboo sticks unless they stop abusing their wives. This film explores the daily lives of the fiery women of the Gulabi Gang and traces the journey of Sampat Pal in a movement that grew from an individual crusade to snowball into a veritable one consisting of a large number of women. 

"An Insignificant Man" (2016):

Directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla, this documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party in Indian politics. It offers a glimpse into the dynamics of grassroots political movements.

"Supermen of Malegaon" (2008):

Directed by Faiza Ahmad Khan, this heartwarming documentary follows a group of passionate filmmakers in Malegaon, Maharashtra, who create low-budget remakes of Bollywood blockbusters. It offers a humorous and insightful look into the world of grassroots filmmaking.

"The Final Solution" (2003):

Directed by Rakesh Sharma, this hard-hitting documentary examines the 2002 Gujarat riots and their aftermath. It sheds light on communal violence and its impact on the lives of ordinary people.

"Senna" (2010):

   - Although not directly related to India, "Senna" is a remarkable documentary about the life of Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. It offers insights into determination, rivalry, and the pursuit of excellence—universal themes relevant to students everywhere.

Writing With Fire (2021):

Tracing a pivotal moment in the existence of Khabar Lahariya, a Dalit-led grassroots news organization run entirely by women, Writing With Fire strikingly underlines the price of being a female journalist in an upper-caste, male-dominated landscape of Indian journalism. For much of the Oscar-nominated film’s 94-minute-long runtime, it creatively cuts between its three Dalit protagonists, who cover brutal stories of murder, rape, and bureaucratic injustice while battling their own personal demons.

"I Am" (2010):

Directed by Onir, this documentary explores various social issues in India, including homosexuality, child abuse, and gender identity. It encourages open dialogue on important societal topics.

Seeds Of Plenty, Seeds Of Sorrow 1994: 

This documentary talks about the highly touted Green Revolution in India. The much-hyped Green Revolution is credited with ensuring that countries like India do not suffer from the scourge of hunger and famine anymore. Through this film, the director asks thought-provoking questions that are in dire need of strategic answers. Who has been the principal beneficiary of the biotech package? The poor peasant? The big farmer? The multinational corporation? And what damage has the Green Revolution done to the social structure and ecologies of Third World countries? The film attempts to show the off-side or the darker side of a supposed development strategy that was deemed to be successful. It reveals a darker, more problematic side to the Green Revolution.

"Period. End of Sentence." (2018):

   - Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi, this short documentary sheds light on menstrual hygiene and the efforts of women in a rural Indian village to produce and sell sanitary pads. It's an inspiring story of empowerment and entrepreneurship.

 "Katiyabaaz" (2013):

Directed by Deepti Kakkar and Fahad Mustafa, this documentary explores the issue of electricity theft in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. It provides insights into the challenges of electricity distribution in India's urban centres.

"The World Before Her" (2012):

Directed by Nisha Pahuja, this documentary provides a fascinating contrast between the lives of contestants in the Miss India beauty pageant and young women training at a Hindu fundamentalist camp. It explores the complex intersection of tradition and modernity in India.

These documentaries offer a diverse range of perspectives on India and the world, covering historical, social, and cultural topics. Watching these films can not only enrich your understanding of various issues but also inspire you to engage with the world around you in a more informed and empathetic way. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be both educated and entertained by these thought-provoking documentaries.