My Expressions

Children’s Day Message – Dr. Manisha Sahni, Delhi World Public School, Zirakpur

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, Dr. Manisha Sahni. She is the Director Principal of Delhi World Public School, Zirakpur.

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? In the words of John Buchan, “Our task is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there”. I agree that every child is unique, bringing with them their own unique perceptions that shape their world and reflect outwards to the environment. It is up to the educator to draw out that uniqueness. To single out one experience will be difficult. Children exhibit their uniqueness every day. For example, Angel may be shy but her artwork speaks a lot; Jay may be academically weak but his stories and poems warm the hearts of the readers; Sarthak may struggle with a speech disability but sings flawlessly. Every child is an inspiration, you only have to know how to look for it!

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. Children are never passive recipients of our efforts. They are active change-makers who can help us grow into a more mindful society. Children teach us every day by questioning and challenging the status quo. For example, my daughter at 10 years of age asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Amused at her question, I told her I was already grown up and was her mother and an educator. Her response was, “This is what you are ‘now’, don’t you think that you could be anyone you wanted to be at any time?” It is children who force us out of our lethargy with their forthrightness and non cynical approach.

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? I am a firm believer in the importance of Emotional Intelligence in the development of an individual. A child may be academically strong but fail at life due to poor decision making and interpersonal skills. As educators and parents and even at the policy level, we must include flexibility in our curriculum providing diverse options to the students that they may excel in as per their talents. We must build space for creative, critical and reflective thinking into the design of our education systems so that children are skilled at life and not just in a few subjects.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. My message for the children is to focus on building their inner core, their character as opposed to their personality. As a society, we admire shine over substance and aspire to be cool, charming and charismatic. No harm in doing so as long as we are also kind, compassionate, respectful and empathetic as well. Develop your inner voice and let it guide you into becoming a good human being first and foremost, one with strong convictions and a spirit of collaboration and the rest will fall into place!

Many thanks to Dr. Manisha Sahni, Delhi World Public School, Zirakpur for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

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

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