Dr Arun Prakash
Sometimes, I imagine a parallel universe where I am a world champion—yes, you read that right! Picture me on the cricket field, bat in hand, my name echoing through the stadium. Or perhaps the world chess champion, eyes steely, my every move a revelation to the audience. In this parallel world, my name might just be as recognized as a Tendulkar or a Kasparov. But, alas, fate had other plans.
In reality, my childhood was devoid of bats and chessboards. Instead, we had sticks, pebbles, and a game that only village kids could invent. The closest we came to cricket was wielding these sticks in dusty fields, while dreams of championships remained as distant as the stars. And yet, maybe there was some spark within me, some glimmer of potential waiting to be ignited. But in my village, the right opportunities, coaches, or even basic sports equipment were hard to come by. That spark stayed just that—a spark. Perhaps I was always destined for the classroom, guiding others towards their potential, instead of swinging a bat on a world stage.
The point is, potential requires the right setting to bloom. Think of a child with the kind of boundless energy that would exhaust most parents. Left to itself, that energy might become nothing more than mischief. But with the right guidance, it can be moulded into something extraordinary. Take, for instance, the young Sachin Tendulkar. As a child, his restlessness could have easily been dismissed as just another kid being “too much to handle.” But his brother, Ajit, noticed something others might not. Seeing that spark, he introduced Sachin to coach Ramakant Achrekar, a man with an eye for potential.
Achrekar’s approach was brilliant in its simplicity—a fresh one-rupee coin placed on Sachin’s stumps every day. The rule was clear: any bowler who got Sachin out would win that day’s coin. However, if Sachin managed to defend his wicket until the end, the coin was his to keep. Day by day, coin by coin, this routine transformed a playful kid into a tenacious cricketer, fiercely guarding his stumps. Those humble one-rupee coins, though modest in value, became daily lessons in resilience and a relentless drive to improve. Years later, Sachin would look back on those coins as his first trophies—the foundation of the legend he would become.
So, you see, talent is a seed, but it needs water, light, and the right soil to flourish. Not everyone has an Achrekar, or an Ajit, or even that one-rupee coin to nudge them along. And perhaps I, too, was destined for this classroom, to help others find their spark, even if my parallel universe of championships was never meant to be.
When Results Take Over the Reality
Every year, as board results are declared, we see schools proudly display full-page advertisements of their top scorers, celebrating those who reach the elusive 99% and above. But in the flurry of numbers, is this the whole picture? What about the school’s average score? How are the alumni faring in the real world? And, more importantly, does the achievement of a handful truly represent the institution’s success?
I remember one memorable incident—a student who had topped the IIT entrance exam. The school’s excitement was palpable; billboards, newspaper ads, television interviews—the works. Teachers and administrators, some who hadn’t even taught the student, were thrilled, attributing his success to their efforts. Then, in an interview, the student graciously acknowledged the school for “not interfering.” Yes, he said he was grateful to his school for allowing him to study independently, with full freedom to follow his own style and pace. The truth was the school trusted his judgment enough to let him skip classes and learn in his own way—a decision that turned out to be right.
Recognizing potential means sometimes allowing a child the space to chart their own path. When a chess prodigy in our school received international acclaim, we didn’t hold her back. We gave her the time she needed to practice and travel for tournaments, even if it meant extra classes on holidays and weekends to catch up academically. She was studious, sincere, and determined. Our job was to support her—and she repaid that trust with flying colours.
Seeing Beyond the Surface
Identifying potential is no easy feat. It requires trained eyes, a deep understanding of the discipline, and, perhaps most importantly, a commitment to the child’s future. Just as Ajit saw Sachin’s hidden talent, we, as educators, need to look beyond a child’s immediate behaviour. High energy isn’t a nuisance; it might just be the precursor to greatness. Unfortunately, many energetic children are scolded or tamed into silence rather than guided toward something meaningful.
On my first visit to the UK, I spent time touring schools across the country, eager to learn from them. I was amazed at the facilities they offered—state-of-the-art theatres, all-weather swimming pools, and laboratories that would rival small universities here in India. One thing, in particular, stood out. Even in an ordinary school, they had an astroturf for hockey—something still scarce in India, where our young players often practice on uneven grounds with grass fields.
In India, I often say, our children achieve despite the odds, not because of them. With our talent pool, if only we had the facilities! But things are changing. Corporate sponsorships, government initiatives, and community programs are starting to make a difference, especially for students from marginalized backgrounds. Institutions like the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalayas, and scholarship programs from foundations like VidyaGyan are transforming lives by providing free, quality education. Now, up to 100% scholarships are available for deserving students, including boarding costs, in many schools across the country.
And who can overlook the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Odisha, founded by Dr. Achyuta Samanta, KISS, a unique institution, provides FREE education, shelter, and hope to over 40,000 tribal students. Dr. Samanta’s vision has lifted entire communities out of poverty, giving them not just a future, but a belief that they too belong in the modern world. KISS serves as a model for holistic education—a beacon of hope for what Indian education can become.
KISS: A Journey of Empowerment and Hope for Indigenous India.
In the heart of Odisha, the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for India’s indigenous communities. Comprising the KISS Foundation, School, College, and University, this initiative offers a transformative blend of education, food, and care, rooted in a belief that a world free of hunger, poverty, and illiteracy is possible. Founded by Dr Achyuta Samanta in 1992-93 with just 125 tribal students in a rented space, KISS has now grown to serve over 30,000 students on its main campus in Bhubaneswar and another 10,000 across satellite centres, creating a family of more than 40,000 alumni.
Odisha, home to one of India’s largest indigenous populations, faces enduring marginalization, but Dr Samanta’s vision sought to change this narrative. KISS provides FREE, comprehensive education from Kindergarten to PhD, alongside vocational and extracurricular training, making it the world’s largest institute of its kind. Through holistic learning experiences, KISS students continue to shine, not only in academics but also in sports and global arenas, carrying the legacy of this empowering institution forward.”
Empowering Talent from All Walks of Life
As educators, our job is to be vigilant—to spot that tiny sparkle in each child. But it’s not enough to merely recognize talent; nurturing it is a whole other story. And nurturing takes dedication, patience, and yes, resources. The good news is that more opportunities are opening up every day. Sports scholarships, academic programs, and even boarding facilities are now within reach for many students who, a generation ago, wouldn’t have even dreamt of such support.
Many inspiring stories circulate on social media these days about children rising from challenging circumstances to great heights. These stories, as wonderful as they are, should not just be a source of momentary awe; they should prompt us to think deeply about how we can create more stories like these. We’re fortunate to live in an era where so many people and organizations are invested in education. Parents, teachers, and administrators alike must come together to build an environment where each child’s potential has a chance to flourish.
Whether it’s on a cricket pitch, a chessboard, or in a classroom, identifying strengths and providing the right environment for improvement remains the cornerstone of true education. As educators and parents, we must remember that our role is not to shape children into replicas of ourselves but to support them in discovering their unique paths.
So, let us celebrate our high achievers, but let’s also be proud of those who may not be in the spotlight yet—the ones still finding their way, the ones whose talents may not yet be fully realized. With every young Sachin or chess prodigy, there are countless others waiting for someone to place a metaphorical one-rupee coin on their stumps and ignite their journey toward greatness. After all, talent may be rare, but the potential is universal.
Picture this: a room full of parents, eager faces turned towards you, each hoping to find a clue about their child’s potential. They’re here because they know there’s something special in their kids, something that, if noticed early, could set them on a path to greatness. And that’s why we’re here too, right? Because every one of these children, each with their quirks and dreams, has a spark waiting to be discovered.
So, how do we spot that spark? Let’s dive into this together, shall we? Let me tell you about how talent often hides itself, wrapped in the most unassuming of packages.
First, look for the joy, not just the skill. I don’t mean the skills they show in exams or the talents that shine through polished performances. No, I mean those little moments when they’re fully alive in what they’re doing. You’ll see it—it’s that unmistakable look in their eyes, a certain focus when they’re deep into building something with blocks or reading a book about animals for the fiftieth time. That’s passion, raw and unfiltered. And let me tell you, passion is where it all begins. Spot the joy, and the talent will follow.
Think about young Sachin Tendulkar—yes, the one we all know as the cricket legend. His talent for cricket didn’t show up in fancy stadiums but in dusty streets, with just a bat and a big dream. It wasn’t about aiming for records; it was about letting him play, letting him explore, and giving him the space to fail and try again. That’s what we need to do—give them the room to follow their heart, even if it means a bit of mess at home. Who knows? Your living room could be the training ground for the next big idea!
Let them experiment; let them play. Childhood is a bit like an open buffet—they want to taste a little of everything. One day they’re scientists, the next day they’re bakers, and by evening they’re setting up a pet hospital for stuffed animals. Go ahead, let them sample the world! Because experimentation isn’t just about finding what they like—it’s about discovering what they love. Trust me, talent doesn’t come neatly packaged. Sometimes, it’s hidden in a pile of crayons and glitter on your kitchen table. Remember, experimentation is the gateway to revelation.
Pay attention to their stubbornness. Yes, that’s right—the same stubbornness that drives you up the wall when they insist on trying just one more time. Don’t dismiss it as mere mischief; that persistence is a powerful clue. Every time a child insists on getting back on their bike after a fall or keeps working on that drawing until it’s “just right,” they’re building something bigger than skill. They’re building resilience. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold. A little stubbornness today might be the foundation for greatness tomorrow.
Here’s another secret: sometimes the best thing we can do is… nothing. That’s right. Step back, let them lead their own learning. When a child takes ownership of their work, whether it’s a school project or a science experiment at home, they’re showing you how they like to think, learn, and grow. Let them figure out the steps, make the mistakes, and get things a little wrong before they get it right. We’re not here to control their steps; we’re here to cheer them on as they take them. Guide, don’t guard. Sometimes the best help is knowing when to let go.
And oh, problem-solving. Have you ever watched kids approach a challenge? It’s like watching a detective at work, each in their own way. Some kids will take things apart just to see how they’re made, while others might take a more imaginative route, creating stories or drawing their solutions. They’re showing us their unique way of thinking. These problem-solving methods? They’re precious clues. You’re not just watching them play—you’re watching them grow. Problem-solving isn’t about right answers; it’s about creative thinking.
Then, there are the born leaders. You know who I mean—the ones who can rally the entire neighbourhood for a game or organize their friends into a team faster than you can blink. These kids may not know the term “leadership,” but they’re already practicing it. Give them a bit of responsibility, let them organize, and watch them take on the challenge. Leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about guiding, inspiring, and helping others find their own strengths. A little responsibility today can reveal a lot about the leaders of tomorrow.
Now, as we encourage all this growth and exploration, remember to celebrate their efforts, not just their victories. It’s so easy to applaud the winning goal or the top grade, but true talent isn’t always wrapped up in immediate success. True talent often takes a few stumbles before it learns to stand tall. So, cheer them on when they try, even if they don’t quite make it. Encourage the persistence, because it’s the journey that truly counts. Celebrate the effort; that’s where the magic of learning happens.
Finding a child’s potential is like finding a tiny flame in the dark. It needs air, patience, and a whole lot of encouragement. Whether you’re looking at a future scientist, artist, athlete, or leader, remember that every child’s light is unique, and it’s not our job to shape them into something they’re not. It’s our job to give that light a chance to shine in its own way.
So, parents, teachers—let’s make a promise together, right here, right now. Let’s promise to look beyond what’s obvious, to see the spark before it becomes a flame. To nurture, without controlling. To let each child’s journey unfold at their own pace, guided by their own passions and strengths. Because at the end of the day, talent may be rare, but potential is universal. And we’re the lucky ones who get to witness that potential grow and blossom, one small spark at a time.
So here’s to finding the spark, and kindling it with love and patience. Here’s to raising dreamers, thinkers, and doers who will shape tomorrow in ways we can’t even imagine. Thank you for being part of this journey, for believing in your children, and for helping them believe in themselves. Let’s watch them soar, shall we?
Next : Navigating Early Childhood Education: The significance of the early years: Play, creativity, and learning.