Rinku Banerjee is sure to be a hit with children, anytime, anywhere. She has to be, considering how perfectly she echoes every wish that they are not in a position to express, but would desperately wish to implement.

As a mother of two and a member of several social organisations, Banerjee?s ideas hopefully will reach those who are in a position to give them a practical twist.

Banerjee is not surprised that burdened with undue pressure, so many children are falling prey to depression and even suffering from suicidal tendencies, she feels.

It was not so always. In fact, as she says: ? Earlier, children used to remain at home till five, and parents were not in a hurry to admit them to schools. But today, no sooner a child is two-and-a-half, they are in a hurry to admit him. This is hardly healthy.? There were other advantages, too, of which the children now are deprived.

In Class VIII, students had to study different streams. ?They could opt for science or arts. Today, they have to study both, which leads to tremendous pressure,? she rues.

While the children are burdened, parents are hardly spared. Apart from the emotional pressure of helping their children cope with the stress, they also have to pay exbortitant fees and tuition money.

?There are very few parents, who can afford to send their children to tuition classes but most want to,? she says, adding that it?s a very discouraging trend that has steadily developed and grown over the years.

As has the size of the school bag the children are forced to carry, resulting in so many problems like back and spinal aches and that too, from a very young age, she complains, rightfully pointing out that it?s a problem not so common abroad. It also agonises her to see the way parents bully and push their children to extremes.

?There are few outdoor activities, as they are always engrossed in studies. It?s hardly good for their mental growth and makes them dull,? she said, speaking for all the children whose childhood is lost buried in books.

Arti Sahuliyar