Is India failing its children?

For years, we’ve witnessed our education system come under fire for the immense stress it places on our children. The pressure of traditional examinations, combined with rigid curricula and a one-size-fits-all approach, leaves little room for creativity, often making learning feel like a burden rather than a joy. As parents, educators and well-wishers of the younger generation, we’ve all felt the weight of this challenge.

Recognising these concerns, the assessment pattern introduced under the New Education Policy, similar to the CBSE’s now defunct Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation system, aimed at lightening the load on students by expanding the evaluation process beyond just exams. It envisioned a more holistic approach — one that included regular assessments through quizzes, projects, presentations and class participation. It aimed to foster a balanced and engaging learning environment, allowing our children to showcase their understanding in diverse ways and grow as well-rounded individuals, not just as test-takers.

While the new system marked a positive shift in addressing the shortcomings of traditional assessments, it is yet to live up to its promise. Despite the well-meaning intentions, I’ve seen students juggling school notebooks, projects, speaking assignments, periodic tests and exams, leaving them perpetually occupied. The constant pressure to perform and stay on top of never-ending assessments has, sadly, meant that they have little time left for relaxation or pursuing personal interests outside of school. The very system that aimed to make learning more enjoyable sometimes ends up being just as demanding, if not more so.

As if the school system wasn’t enough, the craze for extracurricular classes in urban areas has added to the pressure. As competition in academics and future careers continues to intensify, parents, educators and even society at large have placed an increasing emphasis on honing a wide array of skills outside the traditional classroom. While the intention behind enrolling children in extracurricular activities is often to enhance their overall development, the overwhelming focus on structured classes/activities from tuition to sports and extracurriculars, leaves little time for unstructured, spontaneous play.

The overuse of technology, particularly among children, is increasingly linked to reduced physical activity, which can have serious negative consequences including mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, reduced attention spans and a heightened sense of social isolation.

As if this wasn’t enough, the absence of adequate parks and shrinking open spaces in urban areas compound these challenges. Lack of accessible, safe and open environments where children can play, engage in physical activities and simply be themselves is a serious concern. Without these spaces, children are often left with limited options — many turning to screens and sedentary lifestyles, further intensifying issues such as obesity, social isolation and even mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. The absence of such green spaces in our cities, therefore, is not just a missed opportunity for physical activity but also for holistic development.

For those who are fortunate enough to have a neighbourhood park, the situation can still feel frustratingly limited. Even with access to such spaces, many children find themselves confined within the walls of their homes because parents, understandably, restrict outdoor play due to the fear of crime.

With limited physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle becoming the norm for both adults and children, the health risks are further compounded by the alarming issue of food adulteration, leading to long-term health complications, negating the benefits of a healthy diet even when families make conscious efforts to eat well.

Adding to this challenge is the increasing threat of air pollution, which particularly affects children’s health. Things have come to such a pass that closing schools due to alarming air pollution levels has become an annual feature in the capital, further limiting their opportunities for outdoor activities and social interaction. This measure, however, should not be normalised or accepted as a standard course of action. Instead, it should raise our collective conscience about the urgent need to address the root causes of pollution and serve as a wake-up call for stronger environmental policies, greater public awareness and more sustainable urban planning to ensure a healthier future for our children.

It’s crucial to remember that the future we envision for our nation is directly tied to the present we create for our children. Let us strive to create an environment where children can thrive — not just in academics but in every aspect of life, where their well-being is prioritised, their creativity nurtured, and their freedom to simply be kids is respected. Let us endeavour towards creating happy kids rather than successful ones. Each small step we take to uplift our children brings us closer to a nation that is truly progressive and inclusive — one where every child has the opportunity to shine.