A Burning

Shortly after Jivan is arrested, her mother and father are visited by a reporter named Purnendu Sarkar who knows more about Jivan’s arrest than her own parents do. More journalists gather, as do curious neighbors. One neighbor, Kalu, forces his way through the crowd and helps Jivan’s mother get to the police station where Jivan is being held. There is a crowd of reporters at the station as well, but Jivan’s mother is not allowed in to visit her daughter, who is now branded as “the terrorist.”

Jivan is informed she will move to prison to wait one year for her trial. She is surrounded by men who try to abuse her and is unable to see or speak to anyone.

PT Sir, a gym teacher, prepares his students for Republic Day, which is his moment to demonstrate his work to the rest of the school. He is stunned when he sees the news that his former student Jivan has been arrested on charges of assisting terrorism. He remembers Jivan as a hard-working “charity” student who left school early without a goodbye. PT Sir recalls giving Jivan food when she seemed hungry and care when she needed support in basketball.