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

    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

    Eight Wonders Of Childhood: Bachpan Is Gr8 Shares Simple Parenting Guide

    Eight Wonders Of Childhood: Bachpan Is Gr8 Shares Simple Parenting Guide

    EkStep's toolkit celebrates 8 wonders (play, stories, nature) with easy activities: peek-a-boo for toddlers, gardening for 3-6s. No pressure - just joy in routines

    A Banyan Tree, A Playground, And A 'Pod for Happiness' That Reimagined Village Life

    A Banyan Tree, A Playground, And A 'Pod for Happiness' That Reimagined Village Life

    Pod for Happiness is more than a playful shelter. It is a powerful idea that happiness grows where children are seen, heard, and included

    The Power Of Lullabies: A Legacy Across Generations

    The Power Of Lullabies: A Legacy Across Generations

    A lullaby, or cradle song, is a soothing song or piece of music sung or played for children to help them sleep

    Bachpan Ka Tyohaar: Celebrating The Joy Of Childhood

    Bachpan Ka Tyohaar: Celebrating The Joy Of Childhood

    Bachpan Ka Tyohaar celebrates childhood and encourages communities and Anganwadi centers to plan activities for children

    First Songs: A Language And Literacy Bridge

    First Songs: A Language And Literacy Bridge

    Lullabies in home languages, enriched with subtitles are emerging as a powerful tool for early education in school and brain development

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

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

    In India, 62% of government schools lack playgrounds, denying children a healthy childhood. Prioritising play invests in their bright future

    Bachpan Manao Sabha - A Get-together To Celebrate Childhood

    Bachpan Manao Sabha - A Get-together To Celebrate Childhood

    Bachpan Manao Sabha celebrates the joy and power of early childhood and helps educators share their stories of transformation from the ground up