I.I.M.U.N. Students Engage in an enlightening conversation with filmmaker Meghna Gulzar about Daayra

Mumbai, September 2026: Students from India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.) recently got an opportunity to watch Daayra and have a candid conversation with filmmaker Meghna Gulzar about the film, storytelling and some of the difficult questions it raises.

The conversation went beyond the making of the film, with students asking Gulzar about justice, accountability, systemic failures, censorship and the responsibility that comes with telling stories based on real and sensitive issues.

Speaking about storytelling, Gulzar stressed on the importance of empathy over sensationalism, especially when dealing with people and events that have caused real trauma. She also spoke about the need to balance individual responsibility with the larger systems around us, saying that change cannot simply be placed on one person or institution.

One of the key discussions with the students centred around the idea of justice versus the rule of law. Gulzar explained why Daayra deliberately leaves some questions open-ended, reflecting how ideas of right and wrong, and even justice, can sometimes be subjective.

The conversation also touched upon the way young people consume content and the importance of sensitising them to difficult conversations. Gulzar shared her perspective on film certification and why she believes young audiences need to engage with stories that can help them look at issues such as gender and violence differently.

Towards the end of the interaction, Gulzar left the students with a simple message: change begins with individual actions. “Be the change you want to see. Don’t ask for it from outside. It needs to start from you.”

The interaction was part of I.I.M.U.N.’s continued effort to give young people opportunities to engage directly with individuals from different walks of life and have conversations that extend beyond the classroom.

About India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.)

India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.) is one of the world’s largest youth-run non-profit organisations founded in 2011 with the vision of uniting the world by spreading the idea of India amongst tomorrow’s leaders.

Its programmes include simulations of the Indian Parliament and international organisations, leadership programmes, literature festivals, public affairs initiatives and experiential learning programmes.

In its 15th year, I.I.M.U.N.’s programmes have spanned 275 Indian cities and 40 countries, reaching more than 7.5 crore adolescents through its various initiatives. Its platforms have brought young people into dialogue with Heads of State and Government, Nobel Laureates, members of the judiciary, diplomats, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, policymakers and leaders from across professional backgrounds. I.I.M.U.N.’s work focuses on giving young people opportunities to engage with different perspectives, ask questions and develop the skills to think independently and lead.

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