
Nurturing Young Minds Through The Joy Of Play
To celebrate childhood through play and promote less screen time, "Bachpan Manao," an initiative by Ekstep and NDTV, aims to revive the magic of play in early childhood and underscore its importance for children's growth.
The Importance Of Early Engagement
During the formative years, a child's brain is highly receptive and adaptable, making it a prime opportunity for nurturing their interests and talents. Research shows that positive interactions through playful activities not only enhance cognitive skills but also build emotional connections between children and their caregivers.
Rohini Nilekani, Co-Founder and Director of Ekstep Foundation, emphasises the impact of early engagement:
"When we show young children things with care and love, they learn a lot and quickly. In the first few years of life, millions of neuronal connections get created every second in the small brain. If we make that very solid, it's gonna be great and can help a lot in learning.'
This highlights the idea that when parents and caregivers engage with children through play, it helps them learn and grow in amazing ways. The initiative urges families to cherish and prioritize playtime.
Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief of Policy and Partnerships at the Ekstep Foundation, stresses the magic that happens during these early years:
"Pay attention to the first eight years; something magical is happening. By focusing more on play, we unlock opportunities for children to develop important skills.'
The Vital Role of Play Play isn't just for fun; it's essential for a child's growth. Dr. Zirak Marker, a child psychologist, emphasizes that much of a child's learning occurs during play. He shares:
"Ninety percent of all your learning and pathways happen because of neuroplasticity. Play helps children develop social skills, manage their emotions, and learn lessons in kindness and empathy that are vital for their future.'
Free play nurtures creativity and imagination, providing a safe space for children to experiment with ideas and create new narratives. Mrunal Shah, founder of Sunday Bricks, points out,
"If there's hands-on learning, children will always learn, and that's the key to keeping them engaged."
Moreover, Harpreet Singh Grover, an Independent Researcher on Parenting, advises,
'You should say 'No' to the child with love, and it's essential to surround them with life; there must be loving adults around them.'
Echoing this sentiment, Sunisha Ahuja, a UNICEF Education Specialist, reminds us,
'We must remember that play is incredibly important. We should celebrate play. Parents often think the child is getting bored, but the child is not bored at all. The child is just exploring.'
The future of our children, and the world they will create, depends on the rich experiences they develop today through the power of play.
Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, emphasizes practical approaches, stating,
'Parents should learn four essential things: communication, exercise, play, and reflection; these are vital for children's development.'
Conclusion
"Bachpan Manao" is a reminder to embrace the joy of play, just like we did in our own childhoods. It calls on parents, grandparents, and caregivers to join in on the fun and create unforgettable moments with children. By making time for play today, we help build a brighter, more connected future for our little ones. Let's come together to ensure every child experiences the joy and benefits of play, filling their lives with laughter, learning, and love.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
12 hours ago
- NDTV
"Very Disturbing, Alarming": Supreme Court On Rising Stray Dog Bite Cases
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of a media report about incidents of dog bites leading to rabies and called it "very disturbing and alarming". "The news item contains some alarming and disturbing figures and facts," a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said. It said every day, hundreds of dog bites were being reported in Delhi and on its outskirts, leading to rabies and ultimately, children and the aged were "falling prey to the dreadful disease". "Let this order be placed along with the news report before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate orders," the bench added. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, who has been raising the issue, welcomed the move. "At last," he wrote on X, while sharing NDTV's breaking news post on the Supreme Court's suo moto cognisance. At last! — Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) July 28, 2025 Speaking to NDTV last week, he said it was a "serious health and safety problem" in India. He also called for a new national policy to build shelters for the strays across the country. "Move the dogs on the street, sterilise them, vaccinate them and keep them in a safe shelter," he said, adding that "We should increase adoption, but stray dogs can't be on the streets." Over 37 Lakh Dog Bite Cases In India In 2024 The Centre last week said that India reported over 37 lakh dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024. According to data shared by Union Minister SP Singh Baghel in the Parliament on July 22, the total number of dog bite cases stood at 37,17,336, while the total 'suspected human rabies deaths' were 54 last year. He said that municipalities are responsible for controlling the stray dog population, adding that they are implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme to regulate their population. He also said the Centre has notified the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which focuses on the neutering and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs. Elaborating on the steps, he said his ministry issued an advisory in November 2024 to states, asking them to implement the ABC Programme and related activities through local bodies, as part of its objective to ensure the "safety and security of children, especially toddlers, from stray dog attacks".


NDTV
15 hours ago
- NDTV
Lifestyle Instructor Shares Top 4 Protein-Packed One-Pot Meals, Ready In Under 30 Minutes
Many people consider sitting down to eat a balanced, home-cooked meal a luxury – especially when juggling work, parenting, travel and an endless to-do list. Fitness coach Luke Coutinho's new line of high-protein one-pot meals is a game-changer for people who are always on the go. These meals are not only quick and easy but also flavourful, nutritionally balanced and ideal for building lean muscle. The best part? Each requires minimal cleanup and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. You can get all the nutrients you need in one pot: protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and vital micronutrients. The meal options include Ragi and Moong Dal Khichdi, Millet and Masoor Dal Pulao, Chicken and Bajra Khichdi, and Egg and Jowar Pulao. 'Simple, quick to prepare, deeply nourishing, and designed to work with your body, not against it,' Luke Coutinho captioned his recent Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) Benefits of one-pot meals There's more to one-pot meals than just saving time. According to Team Luke, they are an innovative, environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to nourish your body. 1. Balanced macros High-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats are all incorporated into each dish to help regulate blood sugar, provide long-lasting energy and improve satiety. 2. Smart combinations for better absorption Iron-rich dals and millets combined with vitamin C-rich vegetables boost absorption. Millets and pulses together form a complete amino acid profile – great for immunity and muscle recovery. 3. Less cleanup, more time One vessel. Minimal prep. Little to no cleaning. These dishes save you time without compromising on nutrition. Perfect for post-workout recovery, travel prep, or hectic workdays. You can personalise the meals – skip what does not suit you, and add herbs or veggies that do – to create your perfect One-Pot Meal. Luke also emphasises using local, fresh produce to promote nutrient density, better absorption, and to support Indian farmers. This aligns with the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Made in India, Heal in India' missions. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.


NDTV
15 hours ago
- NDTV
4 Skin Changes That Could Indicate Liver Disease: Top Liver Specialist Reveals
A healthy liver is crucial for your overall health and well-being. The liver primarily filters toxins from the blood, produces bile juice for digestion, stores essential vitamins and minerals and metabolises nutrients. However, the liver is vulnerable to several diseases and severe damage. Factors like unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, excess alcohol consumption and certain genetic conditions increase the risk of liver disease, such as fatty liver and even cirrhosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy liver as early as possible. Timely diagnoses and medical assistance can help manage and prevent the onset of serious liver conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Fatigue, abdominal swelling, changes in urine, nausea, and vomiting are a few symptoms of fatty liver disease. A few subtle signs of a fatty liver are visible on your skin. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a liver specialist and gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS and Harvard, shared a few subtle signs and symptoms of liver disease visible on the skin. 4 skin changes that could indicate liver disease 1. Yellowing of the skin Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the bloodstream is one of the earliest symptoms of liver problems. "This is a classic sign of liver disease as the liver is responsible for processing bilirubin," Dr. Sethis said in an Instagram video. 2. Spider angiomas "Small dilated blood vessels that resemble spider webs are typically on the face, neck or chest. These are caused by increased estrogen levels, which can occur in liver disease," he said. 3. Palmar erythema Palmar erythema refers to redness and inflammation of the palms, often accompanied by swelling. "This is due to increased blood flow and increased estrogen levels, which can be a sign of liver dysfunction," the expert explained. 4. Itching Itching without a clear cause, which often worsens at night, is often associated with liver problems. "This can be due to bile salts building up in the skin, which can occur in liver problems," Dr. Sethis said. Taking proactive steps can help ensure your liver remains healthy and functions efficiently. Eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption, stay physically active, avoid exposure to toxins, drink enough water and get regular checkups to reduce the risk of liver diseases. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.