Journalism of Courage
Written by Sneha Bhave
Child development, mental and physical health, the importance of reading for students and the concept of “Good Touch Bad Touch”. These were the key themes discussed at a state-level round table conference on child health, development and rights involving UNICEF in association with Gravittus Foundation.
“We have been in contact with UNICEF for the past three years, this collaboration will bring in new opportunities to work for child health. The focus of this conference is to discuss the importance of reading for children, effects of the climate crisis and the ‘Good Touch Bad Touch’ initiative taken by Gravittus,” said Usha Kakade, founder of Gravittus Foundation.
“An expert team to further the agendas of the ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ initiative has been set up by the foundation, which takes up 45-minute sessions, creating awareness and communicating to students,” said Kakade.
Rajeshwari Chandrashekhar, Chief of Field office, UNICEF-Mumbai, spoke about child rights, effect of climate change on health, and the importance of early stimulation.
“A child has rights to survival, protection, participation and development. A child’s brain development is over 75 percent in the first five years. Early stimulation via different parenting programmes and schools can facilitate major growth in children… UNICEF has initiated reading programmes like the ‘Goshtincha Shaniwar’ promoting extracurricular reading, which in turn develops curiosity and inquisitiveness in children. Reading is a foundational skill and enhances stimulation,” she said.
Among those who attended the conference were Dr Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council; Laxminarayan Tripathi, a transgender activist; Amitabh Gupta, ADGP (Prison); Sanjay Haldikar, a theatre activist; Farah Khan, actor-director; and actor Padmini Kolhapure.
Farah Khan and Padmini Kolhapure highlighted the role of films and entertainment in creating awareness. “Films have always shaped the way we perceive things in life. We need short and entertaining content, which can grab the short attention span of children. I would be glad to create content that educates while it entertains, so as to facilitate easy and fun learning in children,” Farah said.
