Referring to the character Geeta Rani, a firm headmistress in the Tamil film Raatchasi, he said he believed there were many ‘Geeta Rani’ in the country.

‘’We want to give our appreciation to these superheroines. There are many more of these unsung heroes. So, we urge parents or students who know of a great principal, headmasters or teachers to share about them with the Ministry of Education,’’ he said.

He said this after attending a special screening of the film, Raatchasi together with the publisher and director of the film at a shopping complex in Puchong, near here today, which was also attended by over 100 teachers, headmasters and District Education Officers in the Klang Valley.

Raatchasi, directed by S. Gowthamraj was about a headmistress who was firm and brave. The character Geeta Rani, played by actress Jyotika, faced a myriad of challenges in bringing changes at a weak school with lazy teachers.

Her firmness eventually brought success when all the pupils performed excellently in sports and important examinations with the aid of teachers, parents and the local community.

Maszlee said the aspiration of Geeta Rani could be applied in the national education scenario such as turning a school not only into a medium to educate but also as something belonging to society and returning it to society.

‘’Similarly too, we saw Geeta eating together with her pupils. I also encourage our teachers to do this, what more, we will be starting the free breakfast programme for pupils from next year,’’ he said.

Producers of Raatchasi are reported to have written to Maszlee expressing their appreciation of his support for the film. Jyotika also expressed her appreciation through her husband’s Twitter account.