This series of articles is not just about parenting tips; it is an invitation to see your child with fresh eyes. You are not just raising a child—you are raising a future artist, scientist, entrepreneur, leader, or innovator. And the most beautiful part? You are raising a happy, fulfilled human being. So, take a deep breath. Let go of the stress and pressure. And embark on this journey with love, curiosity, and the excitement of discovery. Because when you truly know your child, you don’t just raise them—you empower them to become the best version of themselves.
India’s potential and the role of parenting
India still holds the potential to emerge as a global superpower. But this promise rests not in politics or economics alone—it lies in the hands of our future generations. If children are raised with proper guidance and moral grounding, they can undoubtedly lead the world. Sanchetna is a humble effort in this direction—a small step towards nurturing conscious and thoughtful parenting.
It is ironic that we spend the first 18 months of a child’s life teaching them to walk and talk, and then the next 18 years teaching them to sit still and remain silent. Parenting is an ever-evolving challenge, filled with new experiences and uncertainties at every step. While we may not predict what lies ahead, experience is said to be the ladder to growth. Perhaps the lessons from Sanchetna can serve as stepping stones to your child’s progress and development.
Parenting in today’s world
Even after more than three and a half decades in education, I still feel there are gaps in our approach to parenting. We aspire for our children to be paragons of excellence, yet in the relentless race for instant results, parents and children alike sometimes falter. The pursuit of short-term gains has led to the erosion of values and humanity.
Children are like malleable clay, ready to take the shape we mold them into. The responsibility lies with us adults to decide what shape we wish to give them. Often, due to a lack of time, we shape them hastily, carelessly. Over time, this shape solidifies, and we find ourselves forgetting them amidst our busy lives. Remember, once the clay has hardened, it cannot be reshaped.
We must awaken, be mindful, and sow the seeds of humanity and values while the clay is still soft and moist. Only in this tender stage can the sapling of values take root. And if nurtured with love and patience, it will grow into a tree that bears sweet fruits—a tree whose shade will first shelter you, then society, the nation, and perhaps one day, the entire world.
Parenting: A journey of love, effort & discovery
Raising a child is not just a responsibility; it is an endless journey of love, patience, and countless efforts. From the moment you hold your little one in your arms, you dream of giving them the best—a bright future, boundless opportunities, and above all, a happy and fulfilling life.
But parenting is not a smooth road. It is full of unseen and unexpected challenges—late-night worries, self-doubt, sacrifices, and moments of exhaustion where you wonder: Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? And the hardest part? It is often a thankless job.
Yet parenting doesn’t have to feel like a battle. It can be a celebration—a journey where you not only raise a child but also discover yourself as a parent.
The key to a happy and fulfilled child
Every child is born with unique strengths, intelligence, and potential. But often, in the rush of education, competition, and societal pressure, their true essence gets overlooked. We push them towards what we think is best, rather than understanding what truly makes them happy and fulfilled.
This series is your guide to decoding your child’s intelligence, talents, and passions—helping you nurture them in a way that feels natural and joyful. It is not just about raising a successful child; it is about raising a child who is confident, happy, and in love with what they do.
The ultimate goal: passion & purpose
Too many adults today live with unfulfilled dreams—stuck in careers that don’t excite them, doing jobs they never wanted. Why? Because no one ever asked them what they truly loved.
Parents have the power to change this for their children. When you truly know your child, you can guide them toward a future where:
✅ There is no mismatch between their potential and their career.
✅ They live their passion as their profession.
✅ They grow into confident, competent, and content individuals.
Because when a child lives their passion, they don’t just work—they dream, they create, and they achieve.
The joyful cry of life
Life itself is an immense question, a riddle whose answers evade comprehension. In today’s world, the greatest question looms: Our children—the architects of the future—how shall we guide their bloom?
This series is an earnest attempt to seek these answers, a humble effort to steer childhood with purpose and direction.
Before birth
In alignment with Vedic practices, nurturing begins even before birth. Balanced nutrition, light exercise, joy, and chanting of the Gayatri Mantra are recommended for expectant mothers to ensure the child’s physical, mental, and intellectual maturity.
After birth
- Sacred Beginnings: Soon after birth, inscribing the symbol “ॐ” on the baby’s tongue with honey is believed to instill sweetness in speech.
- Bathing Rituals: Bathing is not just cleansing—it is a ritual of love. Singing hymns or soothing melodies during this time sows seeds of compassion and goodwill.
- First Words: As children begin to speak, parents must nurture their curiosity with patience and positivity, ensuring values take root alongside language.
Conclusion
Childhood is the bedrock upon which the edifice of life is built. If the foundation is strong, the structure will rise to great heights. Parenting, therefore, is not just about raising children—it is about raising humanity.
India’s journey toward becoming a global superpower begins in its homes, in the tender hearts of its children, and in the conscious choices of its parents.
We became parents, that day so clear,
When we first saw our little one near.
A tender face, so innocent, so sweet,
Our hearts danced with joy, love complete.
To shape our child with grace and skill,
A masterpiece, a soul to fulfill.
We vowed to be the best we could,
To guide them right, as parents should.
But life’s a race, a hurried tide,
Challenges wrapped on every side.
Our children grew, time slipped away,
We saw our flaws, the price we’d pay.
Broken promises, regrets that stayed,
A tale of lessons, too delayed.
Years went by, and truth we faced,
Lost moments cannot be replaced.
“But still, a ray of hope remains,
A chance to mend, to ease the pains.
Let’s pledge today to nurture and strive,
For time has not yet passed us by.”
