Bachpan Manao Sabha - A Get-together To Celebrate Childhood

New Delhi: Imagine a vibrant gathering, buzzing with the energy of passionate minds, all coming together to celebrate childhood – that was Bachpan Manao Sabha! A lively gathering that brought together educators, policymakers, artists, and every individual with a spark for early childhood development under one roof. Their shared mission? To celebrate and embrace childhood. Bachpan Manao Sabha was not just about discussions; it was a dynamic tapestry woven with engaging sessions and activities. Such spaces or meetings allowed individuals to share their experiences and connect with others in the same field.

Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief of Policy & Partnerships at Ekstep Foundation, highlighted,

Bachpan Manao Sabha is a space to celebrate stories of transformation from the ground and the ideas that emerge from this work.

She further mentioned the three components of Bachpan Manao Sabha:

1. Workshop
2. BM8 Talks
3. Katha Utsav

DRAWING CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IN WORKSHOP

This workshop was a vibrant exploration into the heart of what makes a childhood truly flourish. For adults, it was a time to revive their favourite childhood memories, and for children, it was the time to express their thoughts and feelings they had about different situations they encountered. Both groups later came together to sharing thir stories and thoughts and bridging generations. 

“The shared understanding was truly beautiful to witness," expressed Deepika Mogilishetty. 

Showcasing her favourite childhood memory, participant Dr. Anuradha HS, Paediatrician and Founder of Confident Parenting Hub, shared her connection to sketching:

My drawing depicts my grandma serving me food along with my cousins during the summer holidays. Drawing is one of my favorite childhood activities. Childhood is synonymous with play, which has gone missing a bit at the present time. But gatherings like this makes us realise the importance of cherishing the most important part of our lives, childhood. 

THE BM8 TALKS 

Among the many vibrant threads woven into the fabric of the Bachpan Manao Sabha, the BM8 Talks stood out as a truly touching and vital component - a space where wisdom gently met wonder: these were not just 8- minute discussions, but heartfelt conversations by eight passionate individuals, representing diverse organisations. They articulated their visions for a blooming childhood.

KATHA UTSAV: A GET TOGETHER TO SHARE STORIES THAT TOUCHED HEARTS

Another truly captivating part of the Bachpan Manao Sabha was the Katha Utsav, a segment that brought an incredible depth of emotion and inspiration to the event. Here, ten individuals, dedicated to the early childhood space, stepped forward to share their personal odysseys. These weren't just presentations; they were heartfelt narratives of transformation, resilience, innovation, and profound achievements from their work on the ground. Each story was a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment, shared with the hope of igniting the same spark in every listener.

Talking about how adults can ensure a thriving childhood for kids, Mangal Pandey, Co-Founder and CEO of Key Education Foundation, and one of the eights inviduals to particpate at the BM8 talks, said,

“Instead of constantly trying to teach or direct kids, or give them something, we take a step back and focus on what we can learn from children and about them.”

His perspective highlighted the importance of valuing children's voices in their development, and how parents and educators should avoid spoon-feeding children but instead allow them to learn independently. Moreover, giving children the freedom to play will help parents understand their children better.

Shared her views on the Bachpan Manao Sabha, Aastha Patel, independent consultant and another BM8 talkers, said 

“The first step towards celebrating childhood is observing childhood. ‘Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao' (Celebrate childhood, and keep progressing).”

Bachpan Manao Sabha was a powerful gathering that underscored the importance of childhood. Through its engaging workshops, talks, and stories, the Sabha successfully created a unique platform bringing together diverse voices of early childhood, fostering essential connections and inspiring new ideas.