Arifa Tausif : From Mockery to Meaning, How The True Purpose Behind Anganwadi Worker Training Can Be A Learning Opportunity
A recent video from a training session for Anganwadi Workers in Baramulla district sparked a viral storm across social media, inviting ridicule and criticism from the public. Many social media users were quick to mock the training, reminiscent of a similar incident last year in DIET Srinagar. Content creators and influencers joined the chorus of criticism, using the footage to gain attention by “roasting” the officials in charge.
However, as professionals trained in nationally renowned institutions, my colleagues and I understand the crucial significance behind such sessions. While the social media mockery may have been a source of amusement for some, it does little to deter us. We remain steadfast in our mission to enrich the lives of children under six years of age, using creative methods that others may dismiss as mere “dance” or “drama.”
In the Anganwadi centres, we don’t simply teach children the basics of colours or shapes. We engage them in thematic, non-formal learning, where an apple becomes a tool to teach the colour red, and even the simplest rhyme can open a world of knowledge. For example, the popular “Wah Wah Tamatar” rhyme can be more than just a catchy tune; it becomes a gateway to exploring size (big and small), power dynamics (strong and weak), and even imaginative scenarios (the tale of an ant and an elephant).
This approach aims to foster not only cognitive development but also physical growth. By encouraging children to mimic the actions of the Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), we help them develop both gross and fine motor skills. Yes, adults may see these movements as ‘dance,’ but they are much more—they are a means to stimulate physical and mental development.
We understand that such methods might seem eccentric to adults, but for the children, they are a source of joy and learning. It’s not about a rhyme; it’s about integrating every word and action into the child’s overall growth. These activities are designed to create a well-rounded, stress-free environment that promotes development without the rigidity of a formal syllabus.
In a broader context, the Anganwadi centres and the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” initiative—an extension of the erstwhile ICDS—are community-driven programs that play a pivotal role in shaping the future of children. With updated infrastructure and a more expansive curriculum under the guidelines of NEP 2020, we are focusing not just on nutritional needs (Poshan) but also on educational development (Padhai). Our primary goal remains to prepare children for school, ensuring that they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
We invite the public to trust and support the Anganwadi workers, who are dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child. Rather than being discouraged by criticism, we ask for your understanding and participation in making this program even more successful. Together, we can lay a strong foundation for our children’s future, helping them grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
Author Arifa ( Supervisor Mission poshan). She can be contacted at arifatausif@gmail.com
