Revisiting Pandit Nehru’s dearest dream

WHITHER NOW, BAL BHAVAN?

“Today a child faces lot of competition and due to the heavy burden of syllabus there is stress which could stultify the young creative mind. The Bal Bhavan’s free and open atmosphere and the scope to have such joyful activities help to reduce the pressure created by academics on a child.”

They dot the landscape all around the country. Bal Bhavan Centres were birthed with the aim of enhancing creative and sports skills of children between 5 – 16 years. There are various State and District Bal Bhavans which conduct programmes in fine arts, aero-modeling, computer-education, sports, martial art. They are also equipped with libraries housing books for children. As we celebrate Children’s Day this time, we pin down Basanti Roy, Director of Bal Bhavans, Maharashtra, and Divisional Secretary, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Mumbai Division, to find out a few things we’ve always wanted to know about our beloved first PM’s dearest dream