Children learn best through joy and play, Let them celebrate childhood, their way
बच्चों को हंसते-खेलते सीखने दो,
उन्हें बचपन मनाने दो

Play is the heart of early childhood. But screens often get in the way, taking time away from play, which brings learning, growth and joy!

Less Screen More Play

By taking this pledge, you join a community committed to reducing screen time and bringing more play into children’s lives.

Thank you!!
    PLEDGES TAKEN

    Play is the ultimate cheat code for joyful learning! It has the potential to unlock a range of learning opportunities

    Bringing the Celebration Alive

    Sharing the Festive Feeling

    More
    • Kareena Kapoor Khan
      “As parents and caregivers, let’s make time to play and learn with our children, making it a priority for every child everywhere.”Kareena Kapoor KhanActor & National Ambassador, UNICEF India
    • Ayushmann Khurrana
      “Going out, playing with friends, and having a good time with family are important for children because they help in overall development and support their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.” Ayushmann KhurranaActor & National Ambassador, UNICEF India
    • Shabana Azmi
      "I feel that childhood can only be enriched when you get a chance to step out of your house, meet other children too, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s important to celebrate childhood as you grow."Shabana AzmiActor
    • Cynthia McCaffrey
      “Play is not a luxury. It's an essential part of a child's ability to both survive and thrive.”Cynthia McCaffreyRepresentative, UNICEF India
    • Jyothika
      "All parents say that children should get good marks. I believe that achieving good marks also requires physical strength and good blood circulation. Playing outside is essential for brain activity."JyothikaActor
    • Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
      "Never pressure your child about anything or force them to do something, because the more you do that, the more reluctant they will become." Rishab Rikhiram SharmaMusician
    • Darsheel Safary
      "I learned about the wonderful campaign, Bachpan Manao. It highlights the importance of a child's first 3,000 days, up to age 8 emphasising that play is essential."Darsheel SafaryActor
    • Guranshi Sharma
      "We know education is important, but so are play and sports, as they keep you refreshed, active, and energetic. They support both physical and mental development.”Guranshi SharmaBadminton Deaflympics Gold Medallist, UNICEF India Youth Advocate

    Stories

    Play Is Not a Luxury. It Is Infrastructure

    Play Is Not a Luxury. It Is Infrastructure

    Play is not a luxury - it's essential infrastructure for every child. Giving kids time, space and permission to play builds the brain's core

    We Are Designing Childhood. We Should Act Like It

    We Are Designing Childhood. We Should Act Like It

    AI that replaces human attention can quietly take from children's development. The simple test: does the tool strengthen human relationships - or compete with them?

    NDTV, Voices of Play & Bachpan Manao Initiative Brings Children Together To Draft India's First National Play Manifesto

    NDTV, Voices of Play & Bachpan Manao Initiative Brings Children Together To Draft India's First National Play Manifesto

    Children across 10 states contribute drawings, stories and reflections as part of the Voices of Play initiative

    From Montessori To Play-Way: Bachpan Manao Looks At Learning Beyond Books

    From Montessori To Play-Way: Bachpan Manao Looks At Learning Beyond Books

    Bachpan Manao's latest offering looks at why curiosity and hands-on learning matter in a child's early years

    Rediscover Everyday Childhood With The Bachpan Is Gr8 Toolkit

    Rediscover Everyday Childhood With The Bachpan Is Gr8 Toolkit

    A gentle reminder that the magic of childhood already exists in everyday moments

    From Play To Nature: Neha Dhupia On What Shapes A Child's Early Years

    From Play To Nature: Neha Dhupia On What Shapes A Child's Early Years

    Neha Dhupia shares Bachpan is Gr8 tips: Free play sparks creativity, grandparents foster confidence, play builds skills, and nature with quiet time nurtures growth

    Technology Should Help Children Think, Not Think For Them

    Technology Should Help Children Think, Not Think For Them

    AI in education will help spark kids' thinking, don't replace it. Support struggle, free teachers, enable offline equity

    What Data Can See, And What It Cannot, In Children's Lives

    What Data Can See, And What It Cannot, In Children's Lives

    The article critiques the growing reliance on data in education systems while emphasizing its boundaries

    Children Learn Through Attention Before They Learn Through  Instruction

    Children Learn Through Attention Before They Learn Through Instruction

    Children learn not just from what we teach, but from how we attend. They watch our faces and sense our focus—or lack of it

    The Skills That Sustain Us Begin Long Before School

    The Skills That Sustain Us Begin Long Before School

    Education obsesses over curriculum. But early foundations? Built through human moments—like an adult returning as promised. That's trust