‘Imparting values more vital than grades’
Interacting with The Tribune, Principal of CT World School, Arti Jaswal, shares how the right nurturing of young minds from the very beginning can bring desired results.
In every student’s life, there is always that one teacher or principal who leaves an indelible mark. This influence — whether positive or challenging — is permanent, shaping perspectives and values in ways often realised only in the hindsight. The undeniable impact of school education extends far beyond textbooks and examinations; it is the very foundation upon which the future is built.
While society glorifies competitive exams, Ivy League universities and global careers, we often overlook the silent architects of the success — the schools. It is within the walls of these institutions that the raw clay of a child’s intellect and character is first moulded. Universities and colleges may refine personalities, but the bedrock of values, discipline and creativity is laid in school. It is crucial, then, that we recognise and uphold the significance of school education in a person’s lifelong learning journey.
The journey of education begins the moment a child steps into kindergarten, often as young as three-year-old. Research consistently highlights that the first seven years of life are the most crucial for social and emotional development. The experiences gained during this formative phase, shape the individual’s worldview, self-esteem and ability to learn.
A structured yet nurturing environment — both at home and in school — creates a rhythm that fosters security, curiosity, and reverence for the surroundings. However, a child’s growth is not just about academic instruction; it is equally about healthy parenting. One of the biggest mistakes society makes is treating children as extensions of their parents’ aspirations rather than as individuals with unique potential. The moment we attempt to mould them using society’s standardised templates, we risk erasing their individuality.
It is time we replace the outdated notion of “bringing up” children with the more meaningful quest of “right nurturing”. Children are not products of rigid societal frameworks; they are forces of nature that require different kind of care and guidance. The purpose of education should not be to produce clones that fit into cookie cutters but to recognise and respect the distinctiveness of each child.
A truly effective early childhood education system aligns with the natural developmental trajectory of young minds. It must begin with holistic physical activities, sensory-rich experiences and imaginative play before gradually introducing structured cognitive learning. Unfortunately, many schools still confine children to four walls, expecting them to learn through passive absorption rather than active engagement. But children do not thrive in restriction — they learn best through movement, imitation and interaction with their environment.
Nature has always been the best classroom. Children playing with mud, twigs, stones and leaves are not just having fun — they are building creativity, motor skills, problem-solving abilities and most importantly a deep connection with the world around them. Contrast this with synthetic learning material and screen-heavy education, which often stifles imagination rather than nurturing it.
Schools and parents must work together to foster an environment where children experience the joy of learning rather than the burden of performance. The ultimate goal of education is not just to produce high achievers but to raise emotionally secure, socially responsible and curious individuals.
The greatness of an educational institution should not be judged solely by its academic ranking or the number of toppers it produces. A truly successful school is one where students walk out not just with certificates but with a sense of purpose, resilience and inner contentment.
An education system that focuses only on competition and standardisation is like a sculptor chiselling away at a masterpiece before it has even taken shape. Instead, we must focus on nurturing children in a way that allows their individuality to flourish, their curiosity to thrive and their sense of wonder to remain intact.
Because in the end, it is not the grades, degrees or accolades that define a well-educated person — it is the values, perspectives and wisdom they carry forward into the world.
Jalandhar