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Children’s Day Message – Mrs Shan Liz Sanju, D Y Patil International School

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, Mrs Shan Liz Sanju. She is the Principal of D Y Patil International School, Navi Mumbai.

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 my 23 years of teaching experience, I have come across students with diverse capabilities, learning styles and personalities. Every child had a special quality which could be (for example) in academics, musical talent or artistic skill. Unlike adults, students effortlessly accept their weaknesses and do not brood over them. They do not judge their peers based on their academic performance or societal views.

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. I had a student who used to stammer while speaking, especially to teachers. I used to complete the sentences for him when he had to communicate with me. This student had a close friend in the same class. And I noticed that he never used to help him in completing the sentences for him; instead he would wait patiently for the student to complete it by himself. I observed that this made the student who stammered very happy and could see the twinkle in his eyes once he conveyed whatever he wanted to his friend, after which his friend would reply. It was then I realised that by completing the sentences for the student I was reminding him of his weakness every time. This experience throws light on the fact that students can be more patient and understanding than adults.

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? Research, collaborative and service activities should be made a mandatory component of the curriculum. This would help in the holistic development of students. Developing research skills will help students in enhancing their critical thinking skills. Group discussions and tasks done in collaboration with peers will assist in accepting others views and create mutual respect. It is imperative for students to acquire a sense of responsibility towards the society and environment. This can be cultivated through service initiatives that can be taken up by the school authorities and parents.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. Dear Students, The pandemic situation has taught us that the most essential quality required by all of us are adaptability and resilience. Every child, regardless of ethnicity, religion and caste, is unique. On this Children’s Day, I give you loads of love and positivity and ask you to spread this good cheer all around the world. I believe that children are priceless treasures bestowed by God on humanity. As a token of affection from the teacher fraternity, I extend my sincere wishes and prayers as a token of our affection.

Mrs Shan Liz Sanju, Principal, D Y Patil International School, Navi Mumbai

Many thanks to Mrs. Shan Liz Sanju, D Y Patil International School, Navi Mumbai for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

Curious Times wishes A Happy Children’s Day to all the students of D Y Patil International School, Navi Mumbai.

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