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Children’s Day Message – Kavita Chatterjee Das, St. John’s High School, Chandigarh

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 truly 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 educator, Mrs Kavita Chatterjee Das. She is the Principal of St. John’s High School, Chandigarh.

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? No two children have the same set of fingerprints. So, we can see, God’s and Nature’s message is loud and clear – every child is unique and special. Inclusion is a way of life in St. John’s. We have children with many challenges as well as from varied backgrounds. We believe in focussing on each child individually and this focus has ratified our thinking that every child is special. The only question we ask a child is “could YOU have done better?” There are no comparisons.

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. An ex-student dropped by unexpectedly and narrated a story to me. He said that I had entered his class one day and asked the class about the author of a drawing that was pinned on the bulletin board outside. He stood up hesitantly expecting to be scolded and was pleasantly surprised when I admired his drawing and wrote a special word of praise in his diary. He told me that that moment changed his life and he made the decision to follow his passion. Today he is an artist with the legendary DC Comics. I learnt from his story that the smallest of gestures and words can make or break a child and alter the course of his destiny. I am always careful to speak positively and encouragingly – a lesson I learnt from a child.

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? Comparisons need to cease altogether. Opportunities need to be created for children to explore and identify their talents. Provisions need to be made for these talents to be nurtured and to become a livelihood for children. Traditional, narrow mindsets about “respectable jobs” need to be shattered. Children must understand, love and respect the fact that there is no one in the world who can replace them because every child is unique and be allowed to follow their dreams.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. Children bring Joy, Mystery and Awe into the world with them. Their unbridled delight at each new experience transforms the mundane into the magical. They are the unspoilt, best versions of ourselves. Never lose the child within you or you will grow old and stale before your time. Always keep the child in you alive; learn to laugh at life’s challenges, believe in your uniqueness and place your trust in God. He will never fail you.

Mrs Kavita Chatterjee Das, Principal, St. John’s High School, Chandigarh

Many thanks to Mrs Kavita Chatterjee Das, Principal, St. John’s High School, Chandigarh for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

Curious Times wishes A Happy Children’s Day to all the students of St. John’s High School, Chandigarh.

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