Punjab: Imparting values is more important than grades
Punjab: Arti Jaswal, Principal of CT World School, explains how the right nurturing of young minds right from the beginning can bring the desired results. There is always a teacher or principal in every student’s life who leaves an indelible mark. This impact – whether positive or challenging – is lasting, shaping attitudes and values in a way that is often only realised later. The undeniable impact of schooling extends far beyond textbooks and exams; it is the foundation on which the future is built. While society glorifies competitive exams, Ivy League universities and global careers, we often overlook the silent architects of success – 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 hone personality, but the foundations of values, discipline and creativity are laid in school.
It is, therefore, important that we recognise and uphold the importance of schooling in a person’s lifelong learning journey. The journey of education begins when a child steps into kindergarten, often at the age of three. Research consistently highlights that the first seven years of life are the most critical for social and emotional development. Experiences gained during this early stage shape an individual’s worldview, self-esteem, and learning ability. A structured but nurturing environment – both at home and school – creates a rhythm that fosters security, curiosity, and reverence for the surrounding environment. However, a child’s development is not just about academic instruction; it is also about healthy parenting. One of the biggest mistakes society makes is treating children as an extension of their parents’ aspirations, rather than as individuals with unique potential. The moment we attempt to mold them using society’s standardized templates, we risk erasing their individual identity.
It’s time to replace the outdated notion of “raising” children with the more meaningful pursuit of “right parenting.” Children are not products of rigid social structures; they are forces of nature that require a different kind of care and guidance. The goal of education should not be to create clones that fit into a cookie cutter, but to recognize and respect the uniqueness of each child. A truly effective early childhood education system aligns with the natural developmental trajectory of young minds. It should 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 deeper connection with the world around them.
Compare this with synthetic learning materials and screen-heavy education, which often stifle imagination rather than nurture it. Schools and parents must work together to create an environment where children experience the joy of learning rather than the burden of performance. The ultimate goal of education is not to produce high achievers, but to produce emotionally secure, socially responsible and curious individuals. The greatness of an educational institution should not be judged solely by its academic rankings or the number of toppers it produces. A truly successful school is one where students emerge not just with certificates but with a sense of purpose, resilience and inner satisfaction. An education system that focuses only on competition and standardisation is like a sculptor carving a masterpiece before it has even taken shape. Instead, we must focus on raising children in a way that nurtures their individual identities, stimulates their curiosity and retains their sense of wonder. Because ultimately, it’s not grades, degrees or accolades that define a well-educated person – it’s the values, attitudes and knowledge they carry forward into the world.
