Children’s Day: A journey through childhood

Childhood is a special treasure of our lives; it’s like a magic box full of wonderful memories. Remember those shiny toys and yummy treats? It made our childhood so great! The innocence we had back then, made everything seem so easy and beautiful. The laughter, adventures, and friendships of those early years were the building blocks of happiness that has shaped who we have become today. We may have outgrown our childhood but the essence of our early years never truly departs from us.

Every year on November 14, the joyous spirit of childhood is commemorated through the celebration of Children’s Day. This day serves as a vibrant tribute to our enduring spirit. It is a day when we collectively reflect on the magic and innocence that once defined our youth, recognising the profound impact it has had on our journey through life.

As we celebrate this special occasion, it becomes an opportunity not only to honour the children of today but also to reconnect with our inner child, fostering a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the joy that characterised those formative years.

Therefore, in the spirit of Children’s Day, let’s gather up some cool stories about childhood from talented adults. This isn’t just about celebrating their achievements but also about remembering the good times they had when they were kids. By hearing their stories, we can see how the happy and tough moments in childhood shaped these individuals into the awesome people they are today.

A rewind to the best memories

Mrs Maninder Kaur, a Social Science Educator at Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar, recounts her fondest memory by expressing, “I used to play a game named (teacher-teacher) quite a lot. I took classes for students in my neighborhood and made them sit in the verandah of my house. The funniest part? The exam they took was the same irrespective of their age. In my childhood, this game became my passion. Checking notebooks, writing with chalk on blackboard and using my red fountain pen fascinated me.”

Truly, our experiences and lessons from childhood lay a strong foundation, influencing our present selves. Another factor that plays a role in shaping our present selves is the representation of our family during our childhood.

Shedding light on it, Dr Shiva Khurana, a pediatrician and mother of Nihit Khurana, a student at Rhythms Kinderworld School in Greater Kailash – II, shared, “I used to share everything

with my mother after returning from school. Besides, I recall how to teach me alphabets, my father took me to the gaushala – showcasing ‘C’ for cow, ‘P’ for parrots, and ‘R’ for rabbits. He would drop me off to the tuition center every day. During rainy days, he used to make me sit on a covered rickshaw and he would come on a scooter, all drenched in rain. These memories hold a special place in my heart.”

Similarly, Mrs Kaur shared, “My parents played a big role in making me who I am today. From my dad, I learned kindness, positivity, strength, and the importance of resilience. He highlighted serving the needy and instilled values of self-respect, moral character, love, generosity, hard work, and family. From my mom, I gained physical and mental strength, courage, resilience, and the virtue of perseverance. She encourages truthfulness and relentless pursuit of dreams. Even today, I admire her strength and aspire to be as wise as her.”

Childhood fears: Overcoming and shaping experiences

During childhood, there are several incredible moments intertwined with a few fears. What once seemed fearful now, more often than not, appears humorous. These contrasting experiences create a colourful tapestry of memories, highlighting the transformative nature of growing up.

Sharing about her childhood fear, Mrs Kaur said, “My utmost fear was Math. I worried about scoring well in the subject too much. But my parents supported me. Soon, I began to dedicate extra time to practice and do well in it. Hence, it’s my plea to all parents: avoid over- expectations and let children learn without unnecessary pressure. With the right guidance at the right time, everything is possible.”

According to Dr Khurana, “Even though I was naturally bold, there was a small fear of not standing first in the class that lingered on. However, I constantly worked hard to do the best. It taught me the importance of effort and resilience in pursuing my goals.”

Guidance for young minds: Word of advice

Ms Shriya Maini an entrepreneur and alumna of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg shares valuable advice, “I suggest the younger generation to enjoy their childhood as much as they can. At the same time, they should explore different opportunities based on their interests and passions. As life goes on, this golden time may not return. So, it’s important to use it wisely with equal contribution of curiosity and joy. Last but not least, never let your inner child die.”

Dr. Shiva also shared some pearls of wisdom by saying, “Enjoy life to the fullest. Try everything and have many experiences. Engage in activities that will shape your future and never lose hope.” Truly, these accomplished individuals have some wonderful insights and encouraging words. Their responses reflect wisdom and offer valuable guidance for those seeking inspiration.

The stories of these awesome people are like flipping through a happy scrapbook. It’s full of laughs, bravery, and smart lessons. Each story is proof that our childhood experiences stick with us and help us become successful grown-ups.