Kashmiri Kids Must Break the Freeze Frame This Winter |
By Dr. Mushtaq Rather
Winter in Kashmir is harsh, long, and often unforgiving.
Schools close for nearly three months, cutting children off from classrooms and structured learning.
No other region in India faces such extended breaks, not even when the thermometer climbs to 50 degrees in summer.
Elsewhere, children make the most of school holidays. They join summer camps, explore outdoor activities, and learn skills that last a lifetime.
They move, play, and grow, while in Kashmir, many children spend the break indoors, sedentary, glued to screens.
Why do our children sit idle during months that could be rich with experiences? Why not encourage them to step outside, feel the cold, and discover the world beyond their screens?
Facing the challenges of winter can teach grit, gumption, and grace. On the other hand, keeping children indoors for long stretches can harm their physical health, mental balance, and emotional wellbeing.
Winter does not have to be a pause in life. With guidance, it can become a season of learning, growth, and connection.
One of the most important ways to use winter effectively is by focusing on life skills.
Our schools mostly reward........