December 16, 2020.
TED NewsDesk, New Delhi: Literature plays a big role in the holistic development of children from the initial stage of learning, Sisodia said on Tuesday. Reading stories also helps children develop independent thought as well as their reading capability. Keeping this in mind, Manish Sisodia introduced an online reading platform called ‘Tadaa’.
The platform has been developed by an NGO, Katha, which works in Delhi in the area of education. Manish Sisodia was the chief guest during the virtual launch of Tadaa, where he said that reading is a very important aspect of childhood and that the habit should be formed in the initial years itself. According to Sisodia, “Stories help children develop a mindset from an early age, and enhances their reading ability. This is why we have used stories to improve the level of reading in children in Delhi’s government schools, through schemes like ‘Chunauti’, and ‘Mission Buniyaad’. The Katha Institute has contributed immensely in these efforts.”
A remarkable aspect of this platform is that it will also be available in countries other than India, that kids from all around the world will be able to access it. As per Sisodia, “With this new e-portal launch, it’s important to note that it won’t just be available in India, but will be accessible for children all over the world. With children finding themselves stuck inside the walls of their homes, it’s even more integral that they have access to fun, and meaningful stories, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.”
Sisodia also commented on the drastically changing sphere of storytelling in the era of technology, especially with children spending copious amounts of time with their parents at home, storytelling has changed a lot. He said, “It’s given an opportunity for children to engage even more with their families or find beautiful stories within their families. I know of children who’ve been hearing stories from their parents’ generation, and even stories from their grandparents’ generation. Despite the pandemic, this has been a blessing in disguise.”
This is an appreciative initiative by Katha. Through Tadaa even those children who for various reason are not exposed to literature and stories will be able to access them with much ease. Such an initiative should gain a wider audience so that more children are exposed to it and can use it.
Source: Hindustan Times