Hyderabad, Jan.30 (RAHNUMA): Padma Shri awardee and renowned child rights activist Shanta Sinha on Friday asserted that “every child outside the formal education system must be treated as a child labourer”, terming it a grave failure of society.
Addressing a gathering at the 36th Annual Day Cultural Meet of Sister Nivedita School at Shilpakala Vedika, she said enrolling a child in school alone was not enough. “Protecting childhood, nurturing curiosity, and ensuring holistic development is a shared responsibility”, she stressed.
Warning against excessive exposure to mobile phones and tablets, Shanta Sinha said unrestricted digital access threatens children’s mental well-being and creativity. She called for preserving childhood through real-life experiences in a free and supportive environment.
Dr. W.G. Prasanna Kumar, President of the National Environmental Education Academic Network, described schooling as a joyful, transformative journey, and urged the parents to spend quality time with children while fostering early environmental awareness.
School Chairman Dr. Sudhakar Rao Polsani credited the institution’s academic success to dedicated faculty and personalised student care, while Principal Dr. T. Lalitha presented the annual progress report. The event concluded with colourful cultural performances by students.
School Correspondent Harihar Prasad and Secretary Rama Devi Polsani, along with parents, teachers, and students, participated in the event.
