Lucknow: In classrooms where marks often define success and social media shapes aspirations, experts at a panel discussion on Wednesday urged parents and schools to look beyond academic scores and focus on helping children become confident, curious and compassionate human beings.The discussion, titled “Humming Classrooms and Notorious Corridors,” was moderated by author, Devyani Kapoor, at Universal Book Sellers on Wednesday.Former principal of La Martiniere College, Carlyle McFarland, said: “Schools should teach children the art of living rather than constantly pressuring them to chase higher marks. My marksheet from school is only used to cross-verify my date of birth and nothing else. Children have not changed, technology has. Children are learners and as educationists, we must evolve with the times.” ADG STF and law and order, UP, Amitabh Yash, said peer and societal pressure had contributed to suicides among students, particularly in hostels. “The narrative of ‘study hard and get good marks’ is ineffective. Schools should teach students the ‘skill to learn’ and encourage lifelong learning,” he said.He highlighted growing exposure to drugs among students and called for parents, teachers and society to create an environment where teenagers feel comfortable speaking about their concerns.Lucknow Farmers Market CEO Jyotsana Kaur said unconventional careers should also be encouraged. “Marks do not matter, a smile on a child’s face is more important than an F in the results,” she said and urged parents to celebrate small victories and not just marks.Gaurav Prakash, partner at Universal Book Sellers and state chairperson, MSME Growth, CIMSME UP, said: “Social media often makes children feel deprived of what they have. Parents should spend more time with children and engage with them in homework, schoolwork and activities instead of leaving them dependent on screens.”
