The story centres on 8-year-old Ishaan, son of a business executive, an artistically talented boy struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia, unnoticed by his parents or teachers. His creativity and painting talent go unnoticed. He is contrasted with his brilliant, athletic elder brother and made to feel ashamed before all. Ishaan hates school.

His frustrated parents send him to a boarding school in the hope of improving his performance. But things get worse with abusive teachers whose attitudes make him feel like a great loser. The boy, overcome by anxiety and fear, becomes a victim of depression. Rajan Damodharan, a physically-challenged boy and one of the toppers in his class, befriends Ishaan. But this does not improve the boy's condition. When he attempts suicide, Rajan intervenes to save him.

            Things begin to change when Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the new art teacher, enters Ishaan’s dark world. Ram’s approach to teaching is radically different.  He discovers a budding artist in Ishaan during a visit to his parents, where he finds some of Ishaan’s drawings. Ram trains the boy to overcome his challenge, get rid of his low self-esteem, and build his self-confidence. The deep bond between Ram and Ishaan is the heart of the film.

Ishaan’s academic performance improves. His art gives him a new identity. The story climaxes with an art-‘n’-craft contest organized by Nikumbh for the whole school. Ishaan becomes the winner, and Nikumbh, who painted Ishaan’s portrait, comes second. The boy’s parents are overwhelmed, and the school authorities declare Nikumbh as the permanent art teacher.

            The story of Ishaan and Ram Shankar Nikumbh highlights the inadequacies of the educational system and suggests ways to address them. The prevailing system is inconsiderate of a little boy's real needs -- a common issue many face. Parental and societal pressures demand that children perform academically, regardless of each child’s particular interests and psychic conditions. But an empathetic, supportive teacher can make a huge difference in their lives, by focusing on individual strengths rather than comparing kids to their peers and putting them all in the same rigid mould.

Teachers have to become mentors, respecting the individuality of the pupils and becoming true “gurus”. The trust between the pupil and the guru serves as a model of Teacher- student relationship. The guru identifies the pupil as a unique person, guiding the student beyond mere curricula and recognising their individual tastes and struggles, and grooming them to become happy, self-respecting individuals. The parents can take the cue from the change undergone by Ishaan’s parents. The intervention of Nikumbh transforms Ishaan’s parents from making unrealistic demands on the boy to becoming empathetic and supportive.

For the Glory (2012): Runtime -- 105 minutes

Director: Donald Leow

Cast:  Jason Burkey, Michael Landers, Robby Stone, Chelsie Casagrande, Danny Cornett, Nancy Fondriest.

            This real-life story of Kurt Kuykendall, the soccer hero of the US, demonstrates the power of motivation derived from friendship and deep faith, resilience, perseverance, and self-discovery. Faith and spirituality play a vital role in Kuykendall’s transformation from an insecure, lost teenager to a decorated athlete.

            Kurt Kuykendall was born on October 30, 1952, in Maryland, to an authoritarian father and an alcoholic mother. His boyhood was marked by a passion for basketball. Endowed with good looks and dreaming of becoming an Olympian, Kurt secured a spot on the basketball team at the American University. But tragedy haunts him. At the end of his first year of the University basketball season, an ankle injury disables him and Kurt’s dream crumbles as he is cut from the team. Additionally, his younger brother Kirk’s death in a road accident has a profound impact on him and his family. But Kurt endures and eventually triumphs over all of these, eventually making it to the Olympic team.

            Some of Kurt’s friends share their faith with him, and he seeks solace in pursuing it. Sports become an outlet and a source of purpose, helping him rise above self-doubt and the trials of tragic family situations. He leans on his support system, consisting of friends and mentors, to navigate tough times. Kurt concentrates on what he could control – his own life, goals, and passions and finds a way to overcome adversity with the emotional support and encouragement provided by those around him.

Though not presented directly, his coaches and mentors play a significant role in guiding Kurt to discover his true calling in soccer and leading him along the path to success. While training as the team’s goalkeeper, his coach tells him, “The ball doesn’t stop, neither should you!” Kurt’s discovery of faith in God and the importance of a strong support system help him overcome obstacles and achieve his dream of making to the U.S. Soccer team in the Munich Olympics 1972, as the goalkeeper.

Faith and spirituality play a significant role in Kurt’s life, providing comfort and guidance. Kurt's journey showcases his perseverance, resilience, and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals. Kurt's journey towards redemption and making the most of second chances exemplifies the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. It is also a testament to the value of human connectedness and empathy that make us fully human.

Three quotes from the movie carry the key themes:

“Faith is taking the first step when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time you fall.”

“It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being persistent.”

Kurt's emotional struggles make him a relatable and endearing character. Kurt Kuykendall was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997.