India

Over the past decade, India has emerged as the leader in the global market for outsourced white-collar jobs-one reason for the nation's rapid economic growth. This Wide Angle case study explores the experiences of emerging Indian professionals who have been recruited into positions requiring long hours, late-night shifts, and Westernized work habits. The program reveals the human and cultural impact of a controversial yet essentially unstoppable global economic trend-examining its effect on Indian family life, on the evolving landscape of urban India, and on the aspirations and daily lives of young Indian citizens, especially women, as they enter the work force. In addition, anchor Daljit Dhaliwal discusses social, political, and economic development in India with Michael Elliott, editor of Time International. (56 minutes)

Designed specifically with students and classrooms in mind, this video explores major themes in the history, geography, and culture of India. Emphasizing the diversity of this vast and ancient land, Images of India provides an overview of the country, with sections on Land, Culture, Religion, History, and Life Today, including current economic and social conditions. Spectacular footage helps viewers appreciate the varied population and topography of India. Maps and graphics are used to illustrate geographical features. Viewers follow the history of India from the 13th-century Islamic dynasties through British rule and the struggle for independence, to its current status as the world's largest democracy and an emerging economic superpower. Through it all, India has absorbed many influences and incorporated them into its own unique and diverse culture. Other key topics include: spiritual life, the caste system, agriculture and monsoon rains, the leadership of Gandhi and Nehru, the formation of Pakistan, industrial development, and the problems of poverty. Images of India is a memorable introduction to one of the world's most important nations. A Cambridge Educational Production. One 35-minute video.

Immerse your students in India's current political landscape and the influence of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Focusing on the accomplishments of Mohandas Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Nehru's descendants-including the improbable rise of Sonia Gandhi in 2004-this program uses archival images, dramatic press footage, and interviews from a broad cross-section of Indian society to vividly depict the social, economic, and ideological legacy of the Mahatma and his inner circle. While viewers will encounter information on Congress Party detractors, the program clearly demonstrates that the Gandhis remain a powerful political force. (52 minutes)

Billionaires are popping up all over India, but 300 million of its people still live on less than a dollar a day. This CNBC Original program examines the astonishing new power of the Indian economy as well as its growing pains. Reporting on a wide range of business and economics topics, the program presents interviews with key players in India's rise-including Ravi Kant, managing director of Tata Motors; Ravi Narain, managing director of India's national stock exchange; and Palaniappan Chidambaram, the nation's Finance Minister. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus shares his views, while call centers, rural poverty, the caste system, and India's evolving consumer habits are also explored. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (44 minutes)

Although child labor has been banned in India, it still thrives because too many see a profit in the grueling work of young hands. This program spotlights the exploitation of children as bond slaves in the rug-weaving, bangle-making, quarrying, and gemstone-cutting industries and the measures being taken to eradicate this practice. Advocates including John Matthew, of the Rugmark Foundation; Kailash Satyathri, of the Coalition Against Child Slavery; and antislavery activist Swami Agnievesh speak out-as well as Rishi Poddar, an unabashed carpet exporter who defends the distasteful practice of child labor. (45 minutes)

Containing nearly a sixth of the world's population, India is home to almost a billion people, more than half of whom live in rural villages. This program provides an overview of topics such as the caste system as it exists in the holy Hindu town of Varanasi and the massive pilgrimages to Allahabad, where millions of Hindus come to ritually bathe at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers. Also discussed are arranged marriages; local trades in Agra, site of the matchless Taj Mahal; Sikhism in the city of Amritsar; the Indian/Pakistani tug-of-war for Kashmir; and the plight of small farmers, driven from their holdings by powerful landowners. (50 minutes)

This program examines India's immense child labor problem and the fight against it. The video contrasts this nation's status as the world's largest democracy with the fact that, inside its borders, 80 million children work physically exhausting jobs for minuscule wages. Incorporating interviews with Shanta Sinha, founder of the organization known as MVF, the video illustrates how the group coordinates community action against the exploitation of young people and creates bridge schools that help children with the transition from work to education. It also makes a strong case that child labor increases poverty levels. (Portions have English subtitles, 26 minutes)

The valley of Kashmir is occupied by both India and Pakistan and acts as a buffer zone between these two nuclear powers. The Kashmiri people want an independent, autonomous state, which India refuses to grant. India fears that if Kashmir gains sovereignty, other ethnic minorities may also demand independence. The Kashmiri rebels, backed by Pakistan, and Indian government forces are waging a war of attrition that nobody appears to be winning and which could result in nuclear conflict. This program provides a history and a thorough analysis of the political, religious, and ethnic causes of the Kashmir conflict. (44 minutes)

This program travels extensively through the colorful landscape of Indian cinema, providing insightful contrasts and comparisons to the film industry most Westerners know. Interviews with Shah Rukh Khan, India's rugged action hero, and Manisha Koirala, a top female star, examine the unusual pressures of Indian film acting. Sensuality without sex, the brevity of female stardom, and the premium placed on fantasy and escape are some of the issues discussed. For an exploration of the other Hollywood"-vastly different from, yet surprisingly similar to, America's-Larger Than Life promises an unequalled itinerary. (Portions in Hindi with English subtitles, 57 minutes)"

In southern India, Yellamma is the goddess of the untouchables, and the joginis are typically Dalit girls dedicated to their service-and to the servicing of the local men. The jogini role as representative of the goddess has been corrupted: Society has deliberately turned the jogini into sex workers, and exploits them as such," says jogini-turned-activist Hajamma. After describing the sacred side of jogini life, this program explores the dark side: prostitution and outright rape. Interviews with joginis illustrate that although their abuse has been formally abolished, little has changed. Some content may be objectionable. (30 minutes)"

Mehndi is traditional painting of intricate patterns drawn on hands and feet with natural dye extracted from henna leaves," says mehndi artist Smarahjit Jana. In addition to numerous demonstrations of mehndi being applied, this program shows the gathering and preparation of henna leaves, discusses types of mehndi patterns and their significance, and describes different purposes of mehndi. More than mere adornment, this venerable form of body art is an important part of Indian culture. (13 minutes)"

This program offers provocative perspectives on the fate of Kashmir and investigates the accusations of international human rights groups that Indian troops and police systematically kidnap, torture, and kill innocent civilians. Through firsthand accounts of the Indian troops and police as well as Pakistani militants immersed in the conflict, the documentary argues that the inhabitants of Kashmir are hapless victims of both sides. (50 minutes)