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Renu Gurnani, Medi-Caps International School shares her thoughts on Children’s Day

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, Renu Gurnan. She is the Principal of Medi-Caps International School, Indore.

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 career, I have met many students who were not so good in academics but were tremendously talented in other areas. I remember one such incident. One day while passing by an empty classroom during the lunch break, I heard some noise. There were some so-called ‘slow learners’ students beatboxing and singing in an empty class. When they were given a chance to perform in the annual function, they rocked on the stage. Two of the students later pursued music as a career and are climbing ladders of success. We just need to identify their potential. They can do wonders.

At times it happens that children end up teaching something valuable to adults. Please share any such experience that you have had. I think the biggest thing that I have learned from students is how important positive feedback and recognition is. Students will work harder in your class if they feel successful. Compliment them on the skills that you want them to continue to utilize. Reinforce the behaviour that you want them to do and when they are doing well. Praise them for using those skills and behaviours. It’s a win-win; they feel successful and are likely to continue or increase those behaviours. As a Principal, I applied it to my staff as well and it truly works.

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? Everybody is a genius. If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. It takes all sorts of people with all sorts of different talents and skills to create positive things in the world. I believe it is unfair to judge everybody by the same set of metrics, while not taking into account their individual strengths and weaknesses. Examinations are the yardsticks to measure academic excellence but concerted efforts from parents, teachers and government are required in order to identify individual competencies. Parents need to understand that they must not impose their will while choosing a career. They must rather support them and pursue their dreams. Government must run some awareness campaigns in order to make the students aware of the available career options. They must also be given a chance to assess their skills through various free psychometric tests. Teachers must also be trained on various newly available career options so that they can guide the students well.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, share your message with your and your children on the Curious Times platform. Dear Students, this Children’s Day, my wish for you is that you see the light in this world, in yourself, and in others. I see the light in you. If there is only one thing you take away from your school life, it is for you to tap your potential, know your X-Factor. It is for you to know and fully understand how important your life is. You matter. Your thoughts matter. Your ideas matter. Your dreams matter. Your vision matters. The way that you perceive the world and the place that you hope it becomes one day, matters. You have the potential for greatness. You have the ability inside of you to rise above any obstacle, any challenge placed before you. If we could ask one thing of you, it is to never stop believing in yourself, to never stop seeing the good in the world, to never stop going out of your way to help others. Work hard, work harder than you ever have in your life. Push yourself, challenge yourself, take a step out of your comfort zone; it’s the moments when you take a step out of your comfort zone that the growing begins. Your life has a purpose and you will get there. You are destined for greatness and it will happen. Believe in yourself, work harder than ever and stay positive. We, the teachers, are always there for you.

Renu Gurnani, Principal, Medi-Caps International School, Indore

Do catch her complete interview and motivational message in a chat with Curious Times Director, Deepti Beri on our YouTube Channel Curious Times

Many thanks to Ms. Renu Gurnani, Medi-Caps International School, Indore for sharing her thoughts on Curious Times.

Curious Times wishes A Happy Children’s Day to all the students of Medi-Caps International School, Indore.

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