Play is children’s language, honour it, urges Rohini Nilekani

Rohini Nilekani, city-based philanthropist and children’s author, unveiled The Playbook of Play, that invites adults to rethink what play truly means in early childhood, at Makkala Habba at Freedom Park here on Saturday.

“Play is a child’s language. It’s how they build a relationship with the world — people, planet, and possibilities,” Ms. Nilekani shared. “When we honour that language, children truly thrive, and it is a societal responsibility to enable this for all children across the country.”

According to the author, the science is clear, play is not optional, but essential. “Decades of neuroscience and child development research affirm what children instinctively know: free play is essential for healthy learning and growth,” Ms. Nilekani said.

Science showed that play strengthened brain structure and function, built executive skills such as focus, self-control and problem-solving, and supported cognitive, physical, social and emotional development, she added.

The book project was an initiative of EkStep Foundation’s Bachpan Manao.

“We are having this conversation surrounded by children bringing childhood alive though the well curated experiences and installations at Makkala Hubba,’’ said Deepika Mogilishetty, chief of Policy and Partnerships, EkStep Foundation, a non-profit organisation co-founded by Nandan Nilekani, that uses technology to improve learning opportunities for millions of children.