Celebrating Children's Day, influencers from all walks of life in Chennai and Bengaluru share what it takes to keep the child in them alive.
Published Nov 14, 2023 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 14, 2023 | 10:56 AM
As we grow up and take on more responsibilities, it becomes easy to move away from our playful and light-hearted spirit of childhood. (iStock)
As we grow up and take on more responsibilities, it becomes easy to move away from our playful and light-hearted spirit of childhood. Whether its being outdoors with a bunch of friends, creating some kind of art, playing a game, or engaging in silly activities, children often notice the small joys around that are important to approach life with a sense of wonderment.
But the rigour and vagaries of adult life can put our carefree demeanour off-kilter.
South First speaks to influencers from different walks of life to know how they keep the child in them alive despite the vicissitudes that come with adulthood. Because if you look around, you’ll find little humans who have a grown-up bubbling in them, and adults who never signed up for adulthood!
Dr Mohan Rajan indulges in playing a sport of watching a game of cricket. (Supplied)
As a busy doctor, it is rather easy to lose touch with one’s inner child and an inquisitive mind. But somehow I have consciously chosen to embrace playfulness and a carefree spirit in my adulthood.
Either by playing a sport like golf or watching with curiosity the game of cricket, I allocate a significant portion of my personal time to reignite the spark of playfulness.
I attempt to innovate by thinking outside the box for newer treatment modalities and procedures in my engagement in ophthalmology. It is this curiosity that has enabled me to enjoy the joy of discovery.
I cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships by surrounding myself with positive influences, sharing laughter, and cherishing the bonds that bring joy to my life.
Revathy Ashok loves hoolahooping with her twin grandsons. (Supplied)
It is important to keep the child in you alive if you want to stay relevant to today’s times. The best way for me is to spend time with my twin seven-year-old grandsons. They keep me on my toes and bring the fun in me.
They taught me how to hoolahoop, three years ago. We three have a good laugh while doing it. They take videos of me looking silly. It’s interesting how they are the teacher and I am the student. They keep correcting me.
I do things that you won’t associate with a 64-year-old grandmother. I play football with them. Learning new skills, keeping yourself current is what I believe in.
I find it invigorating to be with young people. It keeps my mind young and open to new ideas. As long as your mind is open, you have something to give and take.
Vijay Kapoor dances every morning for 11 minutes. (Supplied)
To feel like a child, I dance with enthusiasm every morning for 11 minutes before getting dressed.
This not only puts me in a peak state of happiness, physically and mentally but also aligns my feelings with how I wish to live the rest of my day. Happiness is a decision I make every morning, and I walk into my office spreading cheer, reminding myself to let go of the small, inconsequential moments like a child.
Back from work, I first run into the arms of my 83-year-old mother and hold her tight for a few moments, experiencing pure love and bliss.
My wife Rakhi, the love of my life, is next to get smothered with my affection and cuddles. We keep doing funny and sometimes not-so-funny things to annoy or cheer each other up. This childlike innocence in our adult marriage keeps us young and craving each other’s company, even after 27 years of marriage.
Alok Babu prefers staying away from comparisons and judgements. (Supplied)
I think the only thing that will keep the child in you alive is when you stop comparing yourself to others. If you notice kids, they don’t do this comparison that adults do.
They just mingle with everybody, they just play and have fun without judging anyone. They don’t think this boy/girl is from another caste, religion or whether they are rich or poor, what they are wearing etc.
Like children, we should learn to take everything with a positive attitude, and with a smile. That’s the best way to keep the child in us alive.
Vilas Nayak is learning to live in the moment. (Supplied)
I often ask myself why did I start painting when I was a kid? It was purely because I had fun while painting. So I keep reminding myself even now to keep that intention pure.
A child teaches us not to hold grudges or worry about insignificant things. They teach us to live in the moment without worrying about the future. So I keep travelling and constantly try to learn about new things.
It comes with a sense of amazement and curiosity and I believe that helps me to keep the child in me alive.
Deepika prefers unwinding over a round of board games. (Supplied)
Staying connected to my inner child is a beautiful and essential aspect of my life that I’ve embraced thanks to my parents’ influence.
My father enjoying the occasional lollipop and my mother’s enduring child-like enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on me. As I grew up witnessing their ability to stay young at heart, I always wanted to do the same.
For me, board games are a delightful means of reconnecting with that youthful spirit. Reading children’s books is another heartwarming way to recapture the innocent joy that stories can bring.
Spending time with my daughter and engaging in activities typically reserved for children is a heartwarming way to strengthen that connection. Whether it’s simply getting lost in a game of make-believe or playing run and catch!
Sukanth Rallapati prefers staying engaged in LEGO creations. (Supplied)
I approach life with a sense of wonder, ask questions, explore new interests, and stay curious about the world around me. I play sports, games, or engage in activities that bring out my inner child. It could be anything from a game of hide-and-seek to playing with LEGO bricks or just even playing in rain puddles.
I like to spend time with people who make me laugh, and don’t take life too seriously.
I am not afraid to express my emotions – whether it’s joy, excitement, or even a bit of silliness, helps me be authentic
Remember, it’s not about avoiding responsibilities or the realities of adult life but finding a balance that allows you to enjoy the simple pleasures, stay curious, and appreciate the joy in everyday moments.
Aryan Santhosh unwinds with Tom & Jerry. (Supplied)
I consider it very important for me to remain a child inside. It helps me learn and unlearn things as we go about our lives.
I still watch cartoons like Tom & Jerry, I love playing with kids, I love telling them grandma tales.
All of these activities help me in keeping the child in me alive.
Pranitha Subhash loves playing pretend train rides with her daughter. (Supplied)
After becoming a mother, my days have become about keeping the child in me alive.
Entering bouncy castles, sitting on train rides, and even going up on a slide with my daughter, these have been my best days as she also enjoys these the most.
Not only do these activities let her explore life, but also let me be a child with her.
Aravind KP loves playing ‘lagori’. (Supplied)
For me, being a child is about staying carefree and fearless.
I keep going back to the stuff that I would do as a child like swimming in our temple tank when it’s raining, playing lagori with friends, going to the sea to play.
