BORN FREE STAY FREE

Imparting online teaching is a daunting task in India. Despite collective efforts, the closure of schools has adversely impacted the well-rounded development of students and led to their mental stress

- Devender Singh Aswal

EVERY man's home, even if it has a thatched roof, is his citadel. A home is the sanctuary which provides us shelter, privacy, safety, security and joy unspeakable. Yet, prolonged confinement to one's citadel curtails the most inherent and fundamental freedom to move freely, without which the right to life loses meaning and substance.

The home detention of children for almost two academic sessions due to the closure of schools has created "a shadow crisis for children". Children, even those who played truant, long desperately to go to their schools and enjoy the full blooded-throbbing environment, and reclaim their lost freedoms.

UNICEF feels that worldwide, especially in underdeveloped countries, "beyond falling behind on their education, many children are missing out on school-based meals and routine vaccinations, experiencing social isolation and increased anxiety, and being exposed to abuse and violence”. In fact, school closures have led to dropouts, child labour and, possibly, in many societies "child marriage”. According to a UNICEF report, “Many parents have been unable to continue with their employment while balancing their children's care and learning needs. Some have lost their jobs entirely, pushing their families into poverty and creating a deeper economic crisis."