Play Is Not A Luxury: The Playground Crisis In Indian Schools

New Delhi: Playgrounds are a basic right and not a privilege for our children. Yet, this essential component is missing in schools, communities, and at home. We still live in a world where we tend to think of learning as something that happens only inside classrooms.

But research and real-life experience tell us a different story:
Play fuels brain development,
builds social skills,
strengthens the body
sparks creativity.

Every child deserves the space to run, imagine, explore, and grow. In India, 62 per cent of government schools don't have access to something as basic as playgrounds. As a result, it denies millions of children their right to a healthy and happy childhood. When we prioritise play, we invest in our children's future and create a community where creativity, learning, and healthy development can thrive.

A Call for Community Action: Solving this crisis requires collective action from all corners of society. Parents, educators, local leaders, and concerned citizens, we all have a role to play.

Here's how you can help:

1. Look around your neighbourhood and ensure there is a place for kids to play! If there is a vacant lot, an unused patch of land, or a neglected schoolyard - make use of it and transform it into a playground.
2. Reach out to local authorities: Connect with your RWA, ward councillor, MLA, panchayat members, or school principals. Share ideas and the importance of play for children's well-being.
3. Raise your voice: Write a letter, talk to your neighbours, or start a petition to show that your community cares and ensure children can unwind at a safe place.

Let's make play possible for every child, everywhere. As #BachpanManao emphasises, early childhood is a vital period where joy and play lay the foundation for lifelong learning, imagination, and healthy development. By ensuring every child has access to safe, inviting playgrounds, we nurture their potential and create a future where creativity and growth flourish.

Together, through community action and collective effort, we can transform our neighborhoods into vibrant spaces where children can truly thrive because every child deserves the right to play, learn, and grow in a safe environment.