Fairytale mothers and fathers

The orphan child undergoes physical as well psychological trauma of being lonely and unwanted. His routine has been disturbed. He had seen d...

The orphan child undergoes physical as well psychological trauma of being lonely and unwanted. His routine has been disturbed. He had seen death in an unusually dramatic way. The sense of safety is gone. He lives in the constant fear of physical injury and death. The extent of fear and feeling of insecurity depends on what kind of traumatic event the child has faced.

Those who go into a shell of their own do not respond even to a close relative, or a loving social worker or helper. Here I would like to cite a story of a boy orphaned by an earthquake. He had lost everything—parents, house and school. It was a miracle that he survived. Nothing helped. He ate, slept, even attended the makeshift school, but all like a human robot. He did not respond to any treatment. One day when books were spread out, he saw one which his mother used to read to him. And he shouted ‘‘I found my mother’’. The book was on Gandhiji. He read that book again and again. And recovery began. Doctors, social workers and volunteers realised the importance of books. They established book corners and made extensive use of books.

It was found that books that told traditional stories, were more effective as they gave them a sense of continuity and stability. Folk songs and other group activities associated with festivals helped promote camaraderie and communication. Children associate festivals with love, friendship and good times. If stories are narrated—as is the practice during festivals—they bring back good memories, a smile to their faces and a twinkle in their eyes.

Story continues below this ad

It is important that children be given correct information about tragedies beyond their control. This is best done through books. A little girl who lost her leg during militancy was ready to try a new wooden leg after reading about Helen Keller and wooden-footed Sqd. Leader Gurmeet Singh who piloted the plane to drop food for people marooned on an island after the floods in Orissa.

The NGOs that worked with children from Kashmir, found that children huddled together whenever there was a loud noise or lots of people talking. They sat mum for hours. The volunteers spread out some books and showed them beautiful pictures of nature. Some children that suffered violence, terrorism and militancy tended to become violent and aggressive and had to be calmed down by stories of love friendship and reformation.

The reading needs of those who were rendered orphaned due to famine or aids are different. It did not surprise the volunteers in Maharashtra when children who were victims of drought or famine liked to sing songs about rain. The elder groups were inquisitive and wanted information about the causes of famine. The information made them aware about the environment and our role in preserving it.

Traumatic children must be given a sense of security and care to make them feel wanted. A volunteer can achieve this by telling stories and reading or introducing books. They also appreciate fairytales and traditional stories. The use of puppets with funny faces and movements evokes an immediate positive response.

Story continues below this ad

This combination of books and theatre proved very successfull with traumatised children orphaned during the earthquake in Latur, but can be replicated with traumatised children anywhere.

The writer is the convener of the AWIC Children’s Library Project

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a map while speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Amid walkouts, Netanyahu says ‘free the hostages’, asks Hamas to surrender in UN speech

World1 hr ago

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Hamas to disarm and reminded the UN General Assembly of the October 2023 attack. He praised Israel's military efforts against Hamas and other threats, and called for the UN Security Council's involvement. Netanyahu also reassured hostages held by Palestinian militants that they are not forgotten.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS