There was a debate on the increasing cases of depression among youngsters at a conference held in Goa
recently. The experts spoke about how, at times, the weight of expectations may
be too much for the child to bear and how these youngsters should be encouraged
to pursue their goals and ideas.
When the students were asked what they wanted to do when they
grow up, a majority of them stuck to choices such as doctors and engineers.
Most of these kids, many still in primary school, stated that their parents’
opinions were the reason behind their choices. The parents present stated that
they felt that children should be encouraged to focus on academics and stick to
traditional streams that would assure them a ‘set’ future.
The experts, while not disagreeing with the parents, spoke about
situations where the child may have different aspirations and dreams.
An organisation that promotes literary arts, Abhinav Creationz
has been working with children through various programs and workshops and has
had similar experiences.
“During the course of these programs, we have come across
different psyches of parents and children too. We often find parents in a mad
race to achieve something that their children cannot or do not want to aim at.
But parents’ aspirations seem to overhaul them. We have seen parents not
interested in books or anything they consider mere entertainment or leisure.
They want everything linked to education. This pains us. And we are always in
search of little means to do something differently,” said Amol Kamat, one of
the co-founders.
The other co-founder, award-winning author Anwesha Singbal,
spoke about what happens to the future artists, dancers, sportspersons,
musicians etc: I am a huge propagator of education beyond curriculum. I hate
the mad race that is on. Everyone is in awe of Sachin Tendulkar or Amitabh Bacchan
or Sharukh Khan, but no one wants to know their journeys. Many big names may
not have been brilliant in academics, but they still achieved success. They
nurtured their talents and did what they loved to do. There are so many
examples of people in Goa who have chosen to follow their passion from a young
age and are doing well in life, “added Anwesha.
Their ‘Majja’ vacation camps have been designed to promote this
thought. “We do not do any last day presentation or display of anything they do
at the camps. We indulge in poetry, stories in our mother tongue. We have even
introduced science in a ‘PlayWay’ teaching method, something that we’ve always
wanted to do. We do not engage them in mere learning but fun through learning.
Slowly and steadily, parents too are appreciating this concept,” added Anwesha.
As part of this consciousness, Abhinav Creationz have initiated
a unique campaign to inspire parents think differently about their children.
“We want them to understand that their children are not an investment but an
asset that they need to nurture them. We have already started getting a good
response and we are sure this Children’s Day is going to be a different
experience for all of us,” said Anmol.
The
ongoing campaign, titled #LetmyChildBeFree, will culminate on Children’s Day,
November 14. through it, they have reached out to parents (and even future
parents) to discuss the dreams of their children. To participate, a parent
should take a photograph with their child, both holding a slate or page stating
in one sentence their broad future plan for their child. The photo should be
Whatsapped to 9923442746 with their name and address. The same will then be
uploaded on social media on November 14. As a follow up, they will use their
platforms to help the children seek guidance with relevant experts in the
fields and put them in touch with various programmes and workshops to help hone
their skills.
