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Children’s Day Message – Vinita Khaladkar, Educon 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. 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, Vinita Khaladkar. She is the Executive Director of Educon International School, Pune.

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? Every child has a unique character, strengths & abilities to express their individuality in a social environment. During my long journey as an educator, I have been fortunate to experience this uniqueness of the children. For instance, there was a child who was a slow learner, but now he is a professional event manager; there was one who could not excel in academics but is now a Merchant Navy Officer, sailing all over the world, doing extremely well in his career. There are plenty more examples like these. Recently I had gone to one of the online classes that were about Learning Rejuvenation and it was centred around the thematic concept of “I am special’. I got a variety of answers. Someone said, “I am a good painter”, while another said, ”I am good at soccer” and so on. This variety of answers made me realize that each child has a unique talent. They are like different flowers that are blooming in a beautiful and colourful garden – some are red, some are yellow, while some are strong and some are fragile. That is why each child is special.

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. I believe every educator is a lifelong learner. We learn many things from our children too. Our Educon International School is an Inclusive School. One of the classes has a physically handicapped child. During the Annual Concert, her classmates brought her on the stage during their dance event. It definitely made the entire audience appreciate the gesture shown by our students. They don’t see colour, faults or flaws, but only see the potential of their friend. Every day, I am experiencing something or other which makes me realize that so much we can learn from our students – their Innocence, their curious approach, inquisitiveness, finding joy in small little things, showing emotions, not limiting themselves and so on. Now in this pandemic situation and in the virtual learning framework, we have all learnt their acceptance to any situation. We also got lots of technical tips from this digital generation. It’s very well said by the Irish Artist Stacia Tauscher, ”We worry what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”

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? Nothing is Impossible, the word itself is I M Possible. In my opinion, there are already measures taken by Educational Institutions to encourage special talents of the students, and school is the ideal place to identify the hidden talent of the child. Ample opportunities are given to each child in house, club and sports activities. A special CCA period is allotted in the class timetable too. The mindset of the parents and educators is definitely changing with time. More emphasis is given to the all-around development of the child. They are assessed on different dimensions – Intellectual, Physical, Creative & Emotional. Lots of platforms have been created so that children gain self-confidence. Many options are also made available these days so that students can pursue their passion and make it a profession. The New Education Policy also will be implemented stepwise and I am sure it will definitely bring a change in the Indian Education system.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. Dear Students, Thanks to all of you for making me what I am today. Obstacles like the COVID 19 pandemic will come into our lives or even something bigger. But treat them as opportunities and you will never give up or fail in life. The only dream that every teacher has is that her students are successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, effective contributors and that is what I wish for all of you. May God bless you with two precious gifts – the strong roots to hold yourselves and the strong wings to fly to achieve your dreams. Happy Children’s Day to my wonderful students!!

Many thanks to Vinita Khaladkar, Educon International School for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

Wishing Happy Children’s Day to all the students of Educon International School, Pune.

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