The Power of a Secure Childhood
Every child is born with possibilities waiting to flourish. A curious question, a new idea, a small achievement or a moment of courage may be the beginning of something remarkable. What helps these possibilities grow is the care, encouragement and confidence children receive during their early years. A secure childhood gives young minds the confidence to explore, the courage to learn and the belief that their dreams are worth pursuing. Childhood is a remarkable stage of human development. During the early years, the brain develops at an extraordinary pace, building the foundations for language, learning and emotional wellbeing. Harvard University's Centre on the Developing Child explains this through the concept of serve and return. When a child makes a sound, smiles or gestures, a caring adult responds with words, expressions or attention. These simple exchanges support healthy brain development. Harvard reports that more than one million neural connections form every second during the first few years of life. A secure childhood develops through patience, encouragement and caring support. Everyday experiences of listening, guidance and appreciation help children recognise the value of their thoughts and efforts. As they experience new situations and learn from mistakes, they gradually develop confidence, curiosity and an understanding of their abilities. Positive encouragement also inspires them to ask questions, explore new interests and discover opportunities for growth. The foundations of healthy childhood development extend beyond learning. The World Health Organization, UNICEF and the World Bank identify five essential conditions: good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning. Their Nurturing Care Framework explains how these elements work together. A child who is healthy, well-nourished, protected and encouraged has a stronger opportunity to learn and flourish. As children grow, they naturally experience new situations and challenges. These experiences can become opportunities to develop patience, confidence and problem-solving skills when the right support is available. Positive experiences, supportive guidance and a sense of stability contribute to children's emotional wellbeing and help them develop the confidence to face new situations. With encouragement and timely support, children can gradually strengthen their ability to adapt, learn and move forward. Internationally, universities and research institutions are exploring how early experiences influence human development. University College London studies children's social and emotional development. Professor Andrea Danese at King's College London researches childhood experiences and their effects on health. The University of Oxford's Rees Centre studies children's experiences in education and social care. Leiden University researches parenting and child development. Germany's Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry explores biological processes associated with human development, while Yale University's Child Study Center brings research, education and clinical care together. India, too, is making important progress in recognising the value of early childhood. The National Education Policy 2020 identifies Early Childhood Care and Education as the foundation of lifelong learning. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi connects nutrition, early stimulation and play-based learning through Anganwadi centres. In Maharashtra, the UNICEF-supported Aarambh programme uses home visits and play-based activities to help families encourage children's development. In Uttar Pradesh, Dular, developed with UNICEF and Dost Education Foundation, has used daily one-minute audio messages to guide caregivers on responsive parenting and early learning. Further initiatives are strengthening this effort. Navchetana provides a framework for early stimulation from birth to three years, while Aadharshila offers a curriculum for children aged three to six. Both promote responsive caregiving and age-appropriate learning. Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 aim to strengthen early-childhood services. NIMHANS in Bengaluru contributes through SAMVAD, a national initiative supporting child protection, mental health and psychosocial care, particularly for children requiring additional care and support. Indian universities and research institutions are also contributing to this field. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences studies children's emotional development and family wellbeing. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi has a Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development. Utkal University's Psychology Department has undertaken a UNICEF-supported Centre of Excellence project on Early Childhood Development and also operates the Radhanath Rath Centre for Early Childhood Education. The University of Jammu researches parenting and child wellbeing, while St. John's Research Institute in Bengaluru examines early-life experiences, nutrition and child development. Schools have an equally important opportunity to shape a child's future. A good teacher does more than explain lessons; a good teacher helps children recognise their abilities. Classrooms that welcome questions, encourage curiosity and appreciate effort can make learning an exciting experience. Creative activities, reading, sports, art and play allow children to discover interests, express ideas and develop confidence. Education becomes more meaningful when it prepares young people not only to gain knowledge but also to think thoughtfully, act responsibly and contribute positively to society. Harvard's National Scientific Council on the Developing Child identifies a stable connection with at least one supportive adult as an important protective factor as children navigate lifes varied experiences. This person may be a parent, grandparent, teacher or mentor. Such support can help children maintain confidence and find strength during challenging moments. Early experiences help shape a person's growth, while every new opportunity brings fresh possibilities for the future. With encouragement, education and opportunities, children can discover their strengths, develop their abilities and realise how much is possible for their future. A secure childhood is created through simple but caring actions: listening with attention, answering questions patiently, celebrating effort, encouraging creativity and making children feel valued. These actions can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth. Every child deserves the confidence to dream, the encouragement to learn and the support to pursue a fulfilling future. The lasting progress of a society is reflected in the opportunities it creates for future generations and the brighter possibilities it nurtures. When children grow with care, confidence and opportunity, they become better prepared to shape a capable, compassionate and hopeful world. Every child deserves the support, knowledge and encouragement to embrace life's opportunities, grow through new experiences and move towards a promising future. The greatest gift of a secure childhood is not a perfect life, but the confidence and ability to make life better. (The Author is a columnist and can be reached at: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )
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Shraddha Kapoor news: In the film Eetha, Shraddha Kapoor brings to light the extraordinary life of Lavani legend Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Overcoming significant obstacles, Vithabai gained fame in Maharashtra's folk theatre and was honored with the title 'Empress of Tamasha' for her steadfast dedication. Her passing led to the creation of a prestigious award to celebrate her contributions, solidifying her influential role in shaping Maharashtra's cultural heritage.
Bengal: Hawkers assault Rashtriya Ekta Diwas rally participants
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) People travelling from West Bengal to Vadodara in Gujarat to participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations were brutally assaulted by hawkers at the Bhusaval station in Maharashtra on Friday. The railway police at Bhusaval confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and several people have been detained for questioning. Further investigation is underway, an official said. We were in a group of 99 people from the Jhargram district in West Bengal, selected by the district administration to travel by a special train to Vadodara for the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on October 31. When the train stopped at the Bhusaval station, some of us decided to get out and stretch our legs as it had been a long journey, said Nirmalendu Mahato. He, along with his daughter, purchased some bananas from the platform. While Mahato remained outside, the girl went inside the compartment to keep the bananas near their luggage. Trouble started after she rejoined her father on the platform and Mahato started videographing the surroundings. We had heard a lot about Bhusaval and its bananas, so it was only natural for me to make a video. There were some hawkers around, but it was not my idea to focus on them. Suddenly, an elderly man approached me from behind and asked me harshly to stop making the video. I asked him the reason, when four others approached. Realising that they were out there to create trouble, I turned to send my daughter back into the compartment. This was when they pushed me from behind, Mahato said. His co-passengers noticed the incident and accosted the hawkers, resulting in a minor scuffle. The team from Jhargram, which comprises police and administrative officers from the district, then approached the elderly man who had started the whole thing. When he was asked why he started the whole ruckus, the man left. We believed that was the end of the matter. However, he returned in a few minutes with over 20 men and started assaulting us. At least a dozen members of our group received injuries to their faces, shoulders, backs, and other parts of the body. We somehow managed to get into the train and get in touch with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Mahato said. The injured, including Mahato, received treatment at the next station, where a complaint was also registered by the railway police. After reaching Vadodara, they were taken to a hospital for medical examination. On the evening of October 30, senior police officers from Bhusaval reached Vadodara and spoke to us in detail. A DSP of West Bengal Police, who was part of our group, also provided details. We were told that seven of the miscreants have been identified and detained. More people will be booked as the investigation progresses, we were told, Mahato said. According to a senior police official, it was the handiwork of illegal hawkers against whom Central Railway has been taking steps for the last few months. Several hundred illegal hawkers have been identified and removed from stations in that area. However, they keep on returning to the stations on the sly. It seems that they were scared that their activities would get recorded when the video was being made and attacked the passengers, the official said. Whatever the reason, the incident has left a bad taste in the mouth for Mahato and the others, who had left home so happily, proud to be part of the national event, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Gujarat doctor duped of Rs 1.50 crore over 8 years; retired professor among three held from UP
Digital Desk | Surat, Oct 30 (IANS) Three persons, including a 64-year-old retired professor, have been arrested for allegedly cheating a senior citizen doctor of around Rs 1.50 crore over eight years by promising refunds on insurance policies, with the police tracing the accused to Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh using a single mobile number that had since been switched off. The Surat City Cyber Crime Cell said on Friday that the accused had posed as representatives of the Insurance Ombudsman and persuaded the complainant to purchase around 15 insurance policies in 2018. After gaining his trust, they allegedly contacted him over the last two to three years, claiming that the money invested in his policies could be refunded if he paid various charges. The complainant was allegedly made to transfer money in small instalments of Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000, Rs 25,000 and other amounts. Over the period from 2018 to 2026, he lost approximately Rs 1,50,33,004 (Rs 1.50 crore), police said. The complainant approached the cybercrime police around two to three months ago. Investigators examined the mobile numbers from which he had received calls and WhatsApp messages and conducted technical analysis of their call detail records. A team subsequently spent a week in Ghaziabad tracing the accused on the basis of a single calling number, which had become inactive. The arrested accused have been identified as Atulkumar Sharma (64), a retired professor who holds BSc and MBA degrees and had worked at IMT College; Mahesh Sharma (43), who has worked in vehicle loan arrangements, electricity meter reading and as a salesman for an Ayurvedic medicine company; and Sonu Thakur (32), a Class 12 pass-out who had previously worked as a telecaller at a call centre. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Bishakha Jain, Atulkumar allegedly arranged SIM cards and bank accounts by approaching financially needy people on the pretext of helping them obtain gas connections. He got accounts opened in their names and retained the SIM cards, net banking credentials, passwords and bank kits before passing the SIM cards to Mahesh Sharma, she said. Mahesh allegedly forwarded the SIM cards and bank account details to Sonu Thakur, who used different mobile handsets to contact insurance policyholders and demand money on the pretext of processing refunds. Jain said, Sonu had worked in the call centre operations of insurance companies since 2018 and was familiar with the process of obtaining policyholder data. During searches, police recovered around 70 pages of printed Excel sheets containing insurance policyholders' details. The sheets had markings indicating which people had already been contacted and which were yet to be approached. The accused used these sheets to identify and call different victims. They would tell them that if they wanted their insurance policy money back, they would have to deposit a certain amount towards charges, Jain added. The money deposited by victims was withdrawn through the bank accounts arranged by Atulkumar. He allegedly retained 35 to 50 per cent of the withdrawn amount as commission and passed the rest to Mahesh, who kept another 15 to 20 per cent before transferring the remaining amount to Sonu. Police recovered nine mobile phones, 42 cheque books, 17 passbooks, 90 debit cards, 25 SIM cards of different companies, around 80 empty SIM card trays and Rs 28,740 in cash from Atulkumar. Two mobile phones were seized from Mahesh. From Sonu, police recovered three mobile phones, Rs 1.77 lakh in cash and 70 printouts containing policyholder details. Investigators also identified 47 bank accounts linked to Atulkumar on the basis of the cheque books and passbooks recovered from his residence. A check of these accounts on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) revealed 73 complaints registered across 15 states, involving alleged online fraud of approximately Rs 33.10 lakh. Telangana accounted for the highest number of complaints at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu with 14, Maharashtra with seven, Karnataka and Goa with six each, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan with five each, and Bihar with four. Gujarat accounted for three complaints, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh two each, while Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Tripura had one complaint each. The complaints could involve other cyber fraud groups as well, as such gangs were suspected of sharing policyholder data, DCP Bishakha Jain said. She said insurance policy frauds of this nature were frequently reported from Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad, where different groups allegedly exchanged data to target policyholders. The case has been registered under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2008. The police have advised insurance policyholders not to respond to unsolicited calls promising bonuses or refunds on policies and to verify such claims directly with the insurance company.
Maharashtra fixes dry fodder price at Rs 12 per kg, silage at Rs 8 amid drought
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Air India gets DGCA approval for flying academy in Maharashtra
Air India has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish its flying academy at Belora Airport in Amravati, Maharashtra, as the airline looks to strengthen pilot training capacity and support the growth of India's aviation sector. The Air India Flying Academy will be the first such academy established by an Indian airline in the country. It will operate a fleet of 31 single-engine and three twin-engine aircraft for pilot training. In an official statement on Friday, the company stated,
