Latest news with #BachpanManao
NDTV
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
The Significance Of Play: Enhancing Brain Development, Skills, And Happiness In Children
New Delhi: It starts with a laugh, a chase, or a cardboard crown. A child transforms a room into a jungle, a classroom into a kingdom, and a stick into a magic wand. What looks like simple play is actually a complex, beautiful process of becoming, where children build not just games but themselves. Recognizing this hidden brilliance of play, the Bachpan Manao initiative by EkStep and NDTV is championing a powerful message: let's bring joy back into learning. Through playful experiences, every child, regardless of background or ability, can unlock their full potential. It's not about adding more; it's about bringing back what was always essential. Play Lights Up the Brain Science backs what every child's giggle already proves: play builds the brain. When children role-play, build, or create, they activate key regions of the brain involved in problem-solving, emotional regulation, and memory. It's during play that the brain's 'happy hormone,' dopamine, gets released, boosting not just mood, but motivation and learning. From the American Academy of Pediatrics to cutting-edge neuroscientists, the verdict is clear: Play sharpens communication Enhances creativity Strengthens social-emotional skills And lays the groundwork for resilience Every Child, Every Way Play isn't one-size-fits-all. For children who are neurodiverse— those with autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities—play can look different, but it's just as powerful. Sensory play helps calm and focus. Movement play supports coordination and expression. Parallel play offers a gentle social connection. 'Role play helps neurodiverse children prepare for real-life situations with confidence and comfort.' Learning in Disguise Even in neurotypical children, play does what textbooks often can't—it teaches empathy, cooperation, and emotional intelligence. A pretend school game, a shared puzzle, or a dance-off with friends can become the backdrop for powerful learning moments. 'Play makes children resilient. It teaches conflict resolution, negotiation, and communication,' says Richa Shukla, CEO of Dost Education. Play is Preparation, Not Pause Bachpan Manao reminds us that play is not the opposite of learning—it's the foundation of it. It's how children process the world, build relationships, and develop the strength to handle life's challenges. When we protect and promote play, we invest in smarter, kinder, and more capable generations. So let them build forts, invent planets, and make a mess. That's not just play—it's the work of childhood. And it matters more than we think. Play is their language. Joy is their guide. Let's give every child the freedom to learn in the way they were born to.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Play Isn't Just Fun, It's Science: Dr Zirak Marker
'We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.' - George Bernard Shaw Experts consider the first 3000 days of a child's life as the most crucial period. Highlighting this vital timeframe, initiatives like Bachpan Manao by NDTV and EkStep Foundation highlight that during this duration, the child develops an emotional quotient (EQ), Intellectual Quotient (IQ), and physical capabilities. In this technological age where devices hasten the process of essential development, it becomes crucial to emphasise traditional learning and playful patterns for the child. Engaging learning and active participation in physical, creative and cognitive exercises ensures a child's holistic development. Highlighting the significance of play, Dr Zirak Marker, a Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychiatrist, said that 90 percent of one's learning and neuronal development happens because of a concept called 'Neuroplasticity'. Dr Zirak Marker, Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist, said, This phenomenon is completed approximately 90 per cent by the age of 5-6 years. He further said that learning isn't restricted to academics and linguistics; it develops through physical development, energy building, balance and motor skills. The child develops the 'pre-reading and pre-writing', which develop further into their education, their curiosity, and their motivation to learn, these are all driven by dopamine, the 'happy hormone' play releases. He added, Playing at an early onset leaves with so many beautiful learnings. With that being said and done, there sure are some elements that prove to be of utmost importance while engaging with kids between the ages of 0-8 years as parents (you might want to look out for these). According to Dr Marker, there's a certain set of essentials that are required to be taught to children in the 'Parenting Starter Kit'. For one, expert and parental advice pertains to agreeing on a common conclusion, it is imperative to teach the kids the importance of failing. They need to know it is not always about the win, Dr Marker stated, they need to learn from failure too. Secondly, it always comes in handy to be equipped with anger management skills. It helps the child with conflict resolution and team-building. Third, and the most important lesson we need to teach the kids as parents, as educators and as stakeholders in the child's life is to be kind, empathetic, gentle, creative and open not just towards each other, but also towards nature and all its elements. All of these, no matter how spoken about and no matter how repetitive, are essential for the child's physical and mental growth and health. In recent years, children, even 9-10-year-olds, are being diagnosed with chronic illnesses, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, stress and much more. So, to avoid these extreme circumstances, let children be children, let play drive them. Thus, by consciously prioritising foundational experiences, minimising screen exposure and academic pressures, one can empower their children to develop resilience, empathy and a genuine eagerness for learning, ultimately fostering a generation that is not only academically capable but also emotionally adept and physically capable.
NDTV
23-04-2025
- General
- NDTV
How Can We Ensure A Balanced Childhood? Experts' Parental Guidance To Reduce Screen Time
New Delhi: The early years of a child are significant as it is a period of rapid growth - physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Engaging them in playful learning, and encouraging active participation are fundamental to their holistic development. And this is the essence of 'Bachpan Manao', an initiative by EkStep and NDTV. This social mission is dedicated to maximising the learning and growth opportunities of early childhood. There are several individuals who recognise the impact of the formative years, and Mrunal Shah, Founder of Sunday Bricks is one of them. He champions environments and interactions that allow children to thrive. According to Shah, the critical need for well-crafted play areas for a child's overall well-being. Harpreet Singh Grover, expert in parenting and education, also shared essential measures for parents to limit screen time and foster more creativity, exploration, and family bonding. In a world rapidly dominated by digital screens, the experts highlighted key tips that can help reduce children's screen time effectively: Parents are suggested to participate in a child's day-to-day activities as it encourages interaction. Parents must engage in play together to strengthen bonds, stimulate imagination, and provide a fun alternative to screen time. Give children space and opportunities to interact with grandparents, cousins, and family members, as this will foster their social skills. Parents should be involved in a child's participation in school events. This will help improve academic performance and strengthen the parent-child relationship. Spend quality time with children. Being present leads to deeper understanding, open communication, furthermore keeping them away from screen use towards. Children learn by watching. Parents must show their kids the joy of play by participating themselves. Monkey See, Monkey Do! By actively playing, you're not just having fun, you're directly contributing to your child's healthy development. By engaging in playful learning and being involved in a child's day-to-day activities, we can give children the best chance to learn, grow, and enjoy a well-rounded childhood. Play is the heart of early childhood. But screens often get in the way, taking time away from play, which brings learning, growth and joy! Take the pledge to ensure less screen, more play for your children. Log on to
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nurturing Young Minds Through The Joy Of Play
New Delhi: In a lively neighborhood not too long ago, children spent their days outdoors, laughing together, climbing trees, and creating their own adventures. Their imaginations sparked as they built castles in the sand or played games with friends. Fast forward to now, and many kids are glued to screens, missing out on 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.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Unlocking Childhood Through Free Play: Celebrating Joy, Curiosity And Connection
Remember the magic of your own childhood? Climbing trees, inventing games, chasing butterflies, or simply daydreaming under the sky. Those carefree moments weren't just fun—they were formative. Today, however, the sounds of outdoor laughter are being replaced by the quiet hum of screens. Childhood is changing. But it doesn't have to. Why Play Matters—Now More Than Ever From the moment a child is born, play becomes their language. It's how they explore, connect, and understand the world. Experts say the first 3,000 days of life —from conception to age eight —are crucial for brain development. And during this window, play is not optional; it's essential. Bachpan Manao: A Movement to Reclaim Childhood Recognizing the urgent need to reconnect children with the joy of unstructured play, EkStep and NDTV have launched 'Bachpan Manao'—a nationwide movement celebrating childhood through free play and less screen time. The goal? To help parents, educators, and communities rediscover the power of play as a tool for joyful learning. Dr. Amit Sen, a Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, captures it perfectly: 'When a child engages in play, it isn't just about joy. It's about building connections in the brain that last a lifetime.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by NDTV (@ndtv) Indeed, science backs this up. Play activates the prefrontal cortex (decision-making), amygdala (emotional regulation), cerebellum (motor coordination), and hippocampus (memory formation). In short, when a child plays, their whole brain lights up. From Solitary Play to Team Games: Every Stage Matters As children grow, their style of play evolves—from stacking blocks alone to creating imaginary worlds with friends. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology, explains: 'Play is a method of exploration—of self, interests, and the outside world. From solitary play in early years to team-based games later, each stage supports connectivity, communication, and holistic growth.' But there's a growing concern: screens are replacing swings, and passive scrolling is replacing pretend play. Dr. Sharma recommends 'digital fasting'—setting aside screenfree time each day for offline, sensory-rich activities. Learning from the Little Teachers Harpreet Singh Grover, a parent and independent researcher, offers a refreshing perspective: 'To children, everything is play. There's no division in their mind between tasks and play. For example, sorting vegetables at home can become a beautiful moment of learning and bonding.' His advice? Turn everyday moments into playful ones. Let your child help in the kitchen, splash in puddles, or make up stories under the stars. And whenever possible, take it outside. 'Children thrive when they can roam under a tree or chase a butterfly,' Harpreet adds. Simple Play, Big Impact You don't need expensive toys or elaborate plans. Dipali Som, a content creator and former teacher, believes that the simplest activities make the biggest difference. 'Among the best are pretend play, drawing, colouring, sorting, sensory bins, water play, and outdoor games.' These activities ignite creativity, boost emotional well-being, and strengthen the parent-child bond. Letting Kids Be Kids At its heart, Bachpan Manao is a gentle reminder to pause, unplug, and play. Because when we let kids be kids— messy, curious, imaginative, and free—we're not just nurturing their childhood. We're shaping confident, empathetic, and resilient adults. So next time you see your child build a castle out of cushions or turn a stick into a magic wand, don't interrupt. Join in. Laugh with them. Learn from them. Childhood is fleeting, but play makes it unforgettable.
