My Expressions

Children’s Day Message – Sangeeta Mukherjee Roy, Delhi Public School Ghaziabad, Meerut Road

Each child is special. Their uniqueness lies, as much as in their skills and talents, as in their questions, imaginations and sense of wonder. Some children may be good in sports, some in arts, some in science or some in business. Some are orators, others dreamers, some loud and expressive, some shy and conservative. But each child has something special to offer to this world. So, we strongly believe that ‘Every Child is Special’.

The UN celebrates World Children’s Day on 20 November while in India, Children’s Day is celebrated on 14 November. This date is the birth anniversary of India’s First Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru who believed that children are the real strength and foundation of a nation. We at Curious Times too believe that the holistic development of children is the first step in building a better world and we strive every day to do just that. We are also in constant engagement with the education community – students, teachers and educators. It is our cherished goal to make a meaningful contribution to the community by working and interacting with leaders in the field.

And so, this Children’s Day, Curious Times is delighted to bring you a special message from an eminent educator, Sangeeta Mukherjee Roy. She is the Principal of Delhi Public School Ghaziabad, Meerut Road.

In your inspiring journey as an educator, what different types of experiences have you had with children that make you believe every child is special? There isn’t one but so many experiences that I have had in my career that only strengthen the belief that each child is endowed with some unique talent and comes with a persona. I have come across children who remain unbeatable on the track, or the ones who are extraordinary in mathematical skills, some impeccable artists, stunning dancers and the ones whose innovative thinking set my grey cells thinking. They are the shining stars who bring radiance and vibrancy to our kaleidoscope. The ‘one size fits all’ mindset needs to change. It’s high time that the adults understand this fact and let each child grow at their natural pace, identifying their innate talent and interest. Children naturally learn, evolve when they are exposed to a free and enriching environment. What our children must know is that they are one individual with special abilities, but they are also one of many in a world of opportunity.

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. It’s a misconception to say that educators only teach children; they in fact learn so much from them. Many unplanned interactions and observations with children pave the way for some thought-provoking revelations and learning. Not only that, but it can also cause large shifts in our understanding of learners, curriculum, and classroom dynamics. On a more personal level, the outstanding talent of my students amazes me. To observe them take the lead in their learning, organise events independently, strategize and come up with plausible solutions with an indomitable spirit leaves me in awe. I feel a greater responsibility to provide the wind beneath their wings to facilitate them to soar higher and reach the zenith. When my students come up to me with cheery confidence and share their innovative ideas, my heart swells with pride. It’s with a great sense of gratitude that I accept that so many times I look up to them for their unparalleled energy, grit and resolve.

What steps should be taken collectively by Schools, Parents, Teachers and the Government to ensure that the special talent and uniqueness in every child is encouraged rather than measuring each child on the same traditional metric? Every child is a unique individual. The personalized learning process is the key approach to ensuring that each child receives an education that honours their individuality. We worry about what a child will become tomorrow but forget that they are someone today. The New Paradigm Shift in Education calls for the celebration of a child’s uniqueness. Personalized Learning, Progressive Pedagogy are the key approaches that will greatly facilitate this New Paradigm Shift. The community at large is often unaware of the potential of children with special needs. In the common mind, special needs are usually identified with very low calibre. But parents should believe in the value of educating children with special needs. The lesser the expectations, the higher will be their acceptance in the family. The Government should also ensure ‘Learning for all’- means ensuring that all students, and not just the most privileged or gifted, acquire knowledge and skills that they need. “Learning for All” promotes the equity goals that underlie Education for All.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. “I cannot rest from travel I will drink Life to the lees: For always roaming with a hungry heart Much have I seen and known.” Allegorically speaking, Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses truly exhibits our utmost determination ‘to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.’ The reality is that refocusing, changing, or making a new start on something, no matter how small, is a big deal. But it’s not impossible. With the right approach, you can definitely do it. Often, in our search for the perfect moment of absolute learning, we fail to see the beauty of the process. The stumbling blocks, the little steps that we falter at and the unsure moments of ‘I can’t do it’; all contribute to the making of a holistic individual. Education should not be taken as a race towards perfection and the highest possible grades. It is as much about the moral grain of the being and responsibility towards oneself and towards society. It is important for a student to think that peace, harmony, giving back to society and care for Mother Earth are not duties delegated to some specialists but to them as well. Tough times never last, but tough people do. It takes courage to keep trying. Every step you take, every day will move you closer to your goal. The more you learn, the more confident you become. Your biggest challenge will be staying focused and being diligent about learning. Let the voyage you embark upon, enable you to carve a niche for yourself and become a name to reckon with.

Many thanks to Sangeeta Mukherjee Roy, Delhi Public School Ghaziabad, Meerut Road for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

Wishing Happy Children’s Day to all the students of Delhi Public School Ghaziabad, Meerut Road.

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