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The scene shows the lead character, Srikant Tiwari, played by Manoj Bajpayee, having a conversation with his son about using the pronouns “they/them” to refer to his daughter.
A scene from The Family Man has started a conversation about gender-neutrality. (Photo Credit: Reddit)
Manoj Bajpayee’s The Family Man returns with its third season on Friday, November 21. While the series has been garnering praise for the impeccable performances of the cast and the interesting story, one particular scene has started a conversation about an important topic: gender-neutral language.
The scene shows the lead character, Srikant Tiwari, played by Manoj Bajpayee, having a conversation with his son about using the pronouns “they/them” to refer to his daughter. Talking about his elder sister Dhriti, Atharva says, “Akka likes to be called she, not that.”
When asked why, she explained, “They (Dhriti) wanted to show their support for all non-binary people, which is why Akka changed her pronouns from ‘she’ to ‘they’.” Like some other viewers who watched the episode, Srikanth also seemed confused by the explanation.
If you’re one of them, here’s what you need to know about gender-neutral pronouns and how to use them to encourage respectful language and inclusivity.
What are gender neutral pronouns?
They/their pronouns are gender-neutral and are used to refer to someone without specifying their gender. These are used for people who do not identify as male or female, especially nonbinary, genderqueer, or genderfluid individuals. For example, instead of saying “He’s here” or “He’s here,” say “They’re here” for the person who prefers these pronouns.
She/her pronouns are traditionally associated with individuals identifying as female, but may also be used by some gender-nonconforming people. Respecting a person’s chosen pronouns accepts their gender identity.
pronoun use
Pronouns play an important role in respecting individuals’ gender identity. Using correct pronouns is essential for inclusive communication. Traditionally, pronouns such as “she/her” are used to refer to individuals who identify as female, as seen in examples such as “She’s going to the store,” “This is her book,” and “The choice is hers.”
On the other hand, “he/him/his” is used for those who identify as male, such as “He’s playing football,” “This is his car,” and “It was his idea.” However, for individuals who do not identify solely as male or female, gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them/theirs” are used, as in “They are coming soon,” “This is their backpack,” and “The choice is theirs.”
Some individuals may also use less common non-binary pronouns such as “ze/hir/hirs”, such as “ze is coming,” “that’s hir book,” and “the idea was hir.” It’s worth noting that “it/its” is not generally used to refer to people, being reserved primarily for objects or animals. To ensure respectful communication, it’s best to ask or listen to a person’s pronouns if you’re unsure, as this acknowledges and respects their gender identity.
pronouns in education
To reflect the growing awareness of gender diversity, pronouns such as they/them and he/him are increasingly being included in school curricula, particularly in English and social studies. By including lessons on personal pronouns and respectful language, educational institutions aim to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect for all gender identities.
This educational approach enables students to understand the importance of using correct pronouns, such as they/they and he/her, when referring to their peers. However, the extent of pronoun education varies significantly across different regions and boards of education, with no universal curriculum to standardize this aspect of education.
The primary focus of these initiatives is on middle and high school students, typically between the ages of 10 and 18, who are at the stage where they are more aware of the importance of gender identity and personal pronouns. By educating students about pronouns and their role in promoting respect and inclusivity, schools can play an important role in shaping a more empathetic and understanding society.
pronouns in indian education
India’s traditional education system has been primarily based on the binary gender model. It only recognizes male and female categories with limited inclusion of non-binary or gender-neutral pronouns. This framework often results in transgender and non-binary students facing social exclusion and a lack of institutional support in educational settings.
Some urban and private schools are taking steps to educate students and teachers about the importance of gender diversity and preferred pronoun use. While the National Education Policy 2020 and various legal directives emphasize the need for inclusive education, practical implementation of these policies remains a challenge. Awareness and inclusion of pronouns is gradually increasing, especially in metropolitan areas, but mainstream school curricula still largely follow a binary gender framework.
As a result, there is a strong need for more comprehensive and comprehensive efforts to create an educational environment that values and supports all gender identities.
A team of writers at AyraNews24x7.com brings you stories on what’s making waves on the Internet, exploring science, cricket, technology, gender, Bollywood and culture.
A team of writers at AyraNews24x7.com brings you stories on what’s making waves on the Internet, exploring science, cricket, technology, gender, Bollywood and culture.
Delhi, India, India
November 23, 2025, 09:30 IST
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