Brain Research, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Customs and Traditions

Swati Popat Vats, President of Podar Education Network, Maharashtra, India, writes:

Brain research into how children learn is relatively new and so is the term developmentally appropriate. Education for all children is a United Nations goal, but did you know that in Hindu culture all these have been a part of our customs and rituals?

Vidyarambham (as it's known in South India) or Vidyarambh (as it's known in North India) is one of many customs and rites practiced in Hinduism. Vidya means "knowledge," and arambham means "to start." Basically, Vidyarambham means the initiation of knowledge, when a child aged two and four years is introduced to the world of education, to foster an enthusiasm for study in a child's mind from a young age. Before this age only oral work is done, after Vidyaaarambh the child can be introduced to the world of letters (developmentally appropriate).

The rite also highlights parents' responsibility for imparting knowledge to their children as they grow (education as a right of every child and duty of every parent).

Since Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the Goddess of wisdom, the ceremony is dedicated to her and usually conducted on the last day of Navratri or Vijayadashmi. Tiny tots dressed in traditional garb gather at temples with their families to mark the beginning of their studies. During Vidyarambham (also known as Ezhuthiniruthu), scholars, writers, teachers, priests, and other prominent figures in society guide children's hands as they write their first "letters of learning" with their index fingers on platters of rice.

As preschool edupreneurs it is important to understand culture of different states as it gives you an insight into why in South India many parents don't enroll children in June but they do so after Dassehra.  

Swati Popat Vats is India’s National Representative for the World Forum on Early Care and Education. Join the 2022 World Forum World Tour, October 31-November 4.

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