New Delhi, September 06, 2023. EkStep Foundation has launched "Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao" initiative to harness the potential of early childhood experiences and prepare children for future success. The initiative aimed at fostering the holistic development of children, brings together a network of more than 75 organizations committed to addressing the growth, well-being, and development of India's youngest citizens. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative action in ensuring every child's fundamental right to comprehensive growth.
As part of this endeavour, the initiative has launched a short film that captures the simple joys of childhood, highlighting moments when children learn and thrive. The film's aim is to inspire individuals to "Celebrate Childhood" and recognize the broader mission of optimizing the foundational years. It encourages parents and teachers to prioritize the holistic development of children during these crucial early years, emphasizing the power of exploration and play in strengthening foundational learning.Scientifically, it is well-established that a child's brain exhibits the highest plasticity during the first 8 years of life, with over 85% of brain development occurring by the age of 6. These early years play a pivotal role in shaping a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development and thus "Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao" is dedicated to ensuring that every child in India has access to a nurturing and empowering environment during this critical phase.The initiative builds upon decades of government policies and scientific research, emphasizing curriculum frameworks and the abundance of opportunities inherent in childhood. It calls upon every adult to celebrate the first eight years of childhood as a ‘festival of growth’, providing a powerful narrative for every child in India, regardless of their location.
Sharing her vision for the initiative, Rohini Nilekani, co-founder, EkStep Foundation, said, “Bachpan Manao, Badthe Jao’ is a societal mission to nurture the learning journey of India’s children by celebrating childhood itself, which is the greatest teacher of all. The youngest citizens of our country are the future. Every year, about 25 million children are born in India, and every year we have the opportunity to ensure that every generation of children is learning. We have the best opportunity to give that firm foundation of learning for every child in the country. A growing network of organizations has come together to complete this unfinished task of giving every little child the strong foundation needed to become a lifelong learner in a rapidly changing world. Come, let’s all help to democratize the joy of learning."
Shankar Maruwada, said, “This mission urges us to relook at the way we approach early childhood in today's world. It invites us to understand, value and celebrate the abundance within and around each child. Our role is to be a catalyst for this mission so that it can grow further, carried proudly on the shoulders of all collaborators.”
