Daughters of Destiny

Daughters of Destiny is an astonishing and heart-moving Netflix Original documentary series from 2017. Presented as a four-part series, this highly impactful documentary captivates the audience with an inspiring narrative that aptly captures the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of five young Indian women. The work has been helmed by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth, with music by the acclaimed composer A.R. Rahman and vocal narration by the legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart.

Set against the backdrop of a conventional society where the unjust tradition of castes still fosters socioeconomic inequalities, Daughters of Destiny presents a profound narrative that truly defines the adage, 'Education is the key to success.' The documentary highlights the story of Shanti Bhavan, a unique educational institution situated in rural India. This school was established as part of a social experiment by the philanthropist, Dr. Abraham George, in 1997, whose ambition was to break the cycle of deep-rooted caste-based segregation and prejudice in India. This institution, however, is not a typical school; it offers free education and boarding facilities to a small group of children from the poorest families, right from the age of four until they graduate high school.

The show follows the life journeys of five young girls — Manjula, Thenmozhi, Preetha, Karthika, and Kirthika. The audience is taken on a powerful and emotional roller-coaster ride that encompasses the girls' struggles, their advancements, and their inspiring transformational journey through education at Shanti Bhavan. With the efforts of their mentors, and their own determination, these girls dream to rise above their destinies written by the caste system.

While the series focuses on these five girls, the audience is also given a broader perspective into the lives of their families, the harsh realities of poverty, caste discrimination, and the palpable hopes of a brighter future– a sentiment echoed by all families. The audience delves into the hearts and minds of the girls as they navigate through societal prejudices, personal drawbacks, and the pressure of responsibility to uplift their families from the binding chains of poverty.

Daughters of Destiny is a profound experience — it is not just about the education of underprivileged children but also about their potential to bring about a significant generational shift in the way society operates. The scope of this series is broad, encompassing several instrumental themes such as social justice, female empowerment, and the potency of education as a tool for socio-economic advancement.

This beautifully woven tapestry of narratives leaves no stone unturned, presenting a candid lens into the living conditions and stark socioeconomic discrepancies in India. Each episode is infused with a variety of emotions — from hard-hitting realities, heart-wrenching stories, and triumphs in achieving personal and academic advances. The complex layering of individual stories and larger socio-cultural issues make it an eye-opening watch.

The gripping documentary style story-telling is complemented by visually stunning cinematography, which successfully captures the essence of rural India– the charm of small villages, the simplicity of the people, and the shining spirit of the children of Shanti Bhavan who are striving against all odds to achieve their dreams.

Vanessa Roth's directorial expertise shines through the series, as she coolly crafts the narrative by effectively combining the personal journey of the girls with the broader societal message. On the other hand, A.R. Rahman's music beautifully sums up the emotional spectrum of the series, while Sir Patrick Stewart's exceptional narration adds an enriching layer to this documentary.

Daughters of Destiny is a thought-provoking social commentary, which resonates with viewers as it speaks volumes about some of the pressing issues faced by a significant portion of the world's population. The series impacts the audience deeply, kindling thoughts about social justice, privilege, poverty, and the significance of quality education.

In conclusion, this Netflix original documentary, Daughters of Destiny, is an emotionally charged journey that sends a powerful message about the paramount importance of education in breaking socio-economic boundaries and changing lives, through courage, determination, and hard work. It is an inspirational show that compels viewers to reflect on the numerous irrefutable privileges they take for granted in their everyday lives. It's a multi-layered narration of struggle, resilience, and hope that promises to stay with viewers long after the series has ended.