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Children’s Day Message – Alka Sahni, Maharaja Agarsain Public School, Delhi

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, Alka Sahni. She is the Principal of Maharaja Agarsain Public School, Delhi.

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? Children are as varied as the fingers on the hand. Seemingly identical, yet unique and special! As an educator, I have seen children often termed ‘indisciplined’ undergo rigorous training with exemplary discipline and excel themselves in the school band. Then again, academically ‘mediocre’ also students demonstrate great artistic insight and talent. Even average students who ostensibly display no talent are unique for their special qualities – be it honesty, compassion or being considerate or an innate simplicity. As an educator, it is important to understand (in the words of Robert John Meehan), “Each child is unique, not only capable of learning…but also capable of succeeding”.

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. I learn from my students all the time; it could be related to technology, what’s trending or anything of value. One day, a student introduced me to Quora and got me hooked! Children often hold up a mirror to us adults. Their honesty as they inform you that they have been awarded more marks than they deserve and thus asking you to deduct their marks is disarming. At other times, you’ll find a student prompting another unruly child to apologize and let go. An instance that comes to mind is a tussle between an unruly student and me as I ordered him to come and sit in front. As he refused to do so, my bruised ego egged me on to get sterner and the scene turned into a power struggle. Just then a student sitting nearby walked up to him and urged him to apologize and bring the matter to an end. Much to my relief! That day that child taught me a valuable lesson: LET GO, not harp over petty issues and let them turn into tussles and conflicts.

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? Take the terror and awe out of academics. While exams are compulsory and necessary, let’s not celebrate or create a hue and cry over academic performances. Let’s celebrate achievements, be it small or big. We at MAPS believe that each child is special and SUCCESS DAY, celebrated at the end of each academic year, is a celebration of that uniqueness. Differentiated instructions while teaching would also help in boosting the morale of ‘average’ students and make them feel included, not lost. Schools, Teachers and especially Parents must be implored upon to NOT COMPARE. Let’s all remember that these children are but fishes asked to climb trees!

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. Dear Children, your growing up years are special, and so are YOU. Never let the child in you be lost. Keep the WONDER alive. Be CURIOUS and discover JOY in the mundane. Don’t wait for the eureka moment. Make each moment count. Keep a HAPPY FACE and a steady SMILE. Arm yourself with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and have FAITH in yourself. God bless!

Many thanks to Alka Sahni, Maharaja Agarsain Public School, Delhi for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

Wishing Happy Children’s Day to all the students of Maharaja Agarsain Public School, Delhi.

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