The End of Innocence

A few months back I saw my neighbor's chubby two year old son prancing around happily with a new 'Chhota Bheem' backpack. It was his first day at playgroup and he seemed super excited. I felt so sorry for the poor chap. After the bliss of childhood and being the cynosure of everyone's eyes, the little boy was now going to witness the catastrophic event called 'school' . Nothing would  be the same ever again.

School is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as an institution for the teaching of children. I call it, 'The End of Innocence' particularly and unfortunately in reference to thecurrent education system. I pity the little kids. After living in a carefree, free spirited world where everyone loves and adores them, they are transported to a world of rules, discipline, competition and 'academic performance'. A place where their erstwhile adorable baby babble becomes 'unclear speech' and scribbling (earlier appreciated as 'work of art') becomes a sign of 'inadequate motor skills'.  Worst still, they step into a world where they are no longer accepted unconditionally but only when they fit into a predetermined mould of behaviour and personality. This all at the tender age of 2+.

My own experience with early school was nothing short of a nightmare. I hated everything about it. The sanitized corridors, expressionless teachers sans affection, nursery rhymes and songs which made no sense and wicked looking ayahs who terrorized us with threats of “I’ll tell the teacher”. I created a ruckus to go to school every day for nearly six months. Finally my parents and teachers gave in and I was home schooled for a year. [Only :-( ]

Of course there is also a school of thought that credits this "education system" for the  "Indian Software revolution' and success of the Indian diaspora on foreign shores. However..I beg to differ. I strongly believe that it is this education system which has nipped many a talent in the bud creating a band of diffident, unthinking,  rote learning, marks thirsty zombies who can follow but not lead, make but not invent, write but not create.

If ever I could have my way, I would make sure all children are home schooled till the age of 5 and then sent to kindergarten. It is well known that the first six years of one’s life is significant for the brain to develop fully. What a waste to use this super active sponge like brain cells to cram unnecessary, meaningless nursery rhymes and multiplication tables !! Instead, children should be exposed to the beauty and variety of our universe. Be it through music, dance, art and crafts, sculpture or climbing trees and mountains, sailing seas, making sand castles or even planting gardens or looking at the stars. We should develop the tender minds by teaching reading, analysis, thinking, absorbing, experimenting and innovating. Just Imagine the possibilities if this were to come true !!!  Our children will become thinkers, innovators, builders and designers that break the mould, think outside the box and enhance lives of millions around the world through their brilliant ideas and inventions. I really hope to be around to see that day !!!

The Beginning of the Journey

Any Journey is most fun, exciting and interesting at the outset. As it progresses the boredom, monotony and familiarity sets in. In the Journey called life, Childhood is the most exciting and fun part. You can speak as you please, do as you please, climb trees, do cart wheels, jump in puddles ,dance in the rain, laugh at will and cry at will. Life appears to be a chance to  experiment and try out new things, a canvas where you can paint all the colours and hues you wish to.

My first memories of childhood are being carried by my father to a park near our home as my lovely young mother walked along. There was a lot of laughter and conversation. I loved to see the world perched up on my father’s firm shoulders hearing his soothing voice talk about things that did not really make much sense to me. But nevertheless I felt so safe and secure ensconced in his strong arms with not a worry in the world.  

It is said that for any girl her father is the eternal hero in her life. He depicts strength, security, voice of reason and one who knows and protects his family from the forces of the big bad world out there. In fact it is said every girl chooses a partner who is a reflection of her father. I am not sure about this but my father was definitely my hero growing up and still is. In fact it was he that inspired me to write my first ever verse.

My Daddy Strongest

A frail little girl was afraid of loneliness and the dark

Always scared to play alone in the park

A strong comforting hand held her tight

The fear vanished and so did the dark night

The soothing light of faith shone the brightest..

Her heart leapt up and cried MY DADDY STRONGEST!!!

As she got older and bolder and knew her worth

She still flinched to take the tests life put forth

A strong, determined hand pushed her forward

Courage returned and her confidence soared skyward

The elusive self-belief was conquest

Her heart leapt up and cried MY DADDY STRONGEST !!!

 Now she is a mother and wife and holds the strings of her life tight

But there are still times when she is too stressed to fight

And help is still just a phone call away

Always ready to rescue and find a way

Because she has no doubt in the faintest

MY DADDY IS and WILL ALWAYS BE THE STRONGEST !!!

Our parents and siblings are the key connection between our childhood and adult life. That is the reason why we feel that sense of security and peace when we are with them even in later years. They have seen you at your weakest and still love you unconditionally and that says a lot. I strongly believe in family reunions and regular meeting up of families on happy and festive occasions. In today's fast paced, competitive, challenging and success obsessed world, these are the times when you go can go back to being the unadulterated non pretentious version of yourself and who knows you may become inspired enough to add a new splash of colour to your life's canvas. :-)