Singer and performer Babul Supriyo, who has made his mark in the Indian music industry with popular songs across Hindi and Bengali cinema, believes that children today are missing out on the simplicity and innocence that defined childhood in earlier times. On the occasion of Children’s Day, the singer opens up about how technology has changed childhood, the importance of family bonds, his cherished memories and the need for parents to handle children’s failures with love and compassion.
Talking about how childhood has changed over the years, Babul says, “I do feel children are missing out on a lot. They are missing the simplicity and innocence of a child’s mind. Earlier, children experienced emotions and understood things through real-life situations. They had to see their mother cry to understand that she was sad. Today, even cartoons show these emotions, and children learn about them through screens. Every child, whether one year old or 12, seems to be searching for a screen, be it a mobile phone, television or PlayStation. They explore their world through apps and programmes. In a way, they are losing the innocence and the beauty of ignorance. Otherwise, they are leading happy lives and never really have to experience boredom because there are so many things to keep them occupied.”
Recalling his childhood, the singer says that growing up in a joint family was one of his biggest blessings. “We had a much more beautiful childhood with grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts around us. In our times, everyone sat together for at least one meal a day. Today, in nuclear families, everyone’s schedules are different, and even family meals don’t always happen together. I grew up in a beautiful town near Kolkata, in a 400-year-old house where our Durga Puja tradition is 171 years old. We had a huge family, with countless cousins and siblings. We played hide-and-seek and even had two cricket teams playing in our courtyard.”
He also wishes today’s children could experience the joy of large family gatherings. “One thing I would really want my children to experience is those big family picnics we used to have. Children are missing out on the joy of spending an entire day with their extended family.”
Speaking about what adults can learn from children, Babul adds, “Children teach us to keep the child alive within ourselves. They remind us of the art of doing nothing, of simply lying on the sofa and letting our minds wander. They teach us to smile at small things and show excitement over little gestures. The way my daughter runs to the door and hugs me when I return home is something special. As we grow older, we sometimes become indifferent and lose that warmth. Children remind us how a small gesture can make someone feel loved and wanted. They also teach us to laugh, be carefree and enjoy the little things in life.”
The singer also believes that parents need to be mindful of the expectations they place on their children. “Today’s children go through a lot of pressure, whether it is school, tuition, music, dance, swimming or other activities. Every parent wants their child to excel, and there is nothing wrong with having expectations. However, it is important to understand how those expectations are communicated. The way parents react to a child’s failures matters as much as the way they celebrate their successes. Children need to feel secure at home and know that their parents will stand by them, irrespective of their performance. When you handle their failures with compassion and make them feel loved, they become more confident and fearless. Sometimes, a warm hug can do much more than scolding a child for not scoring an A-plus. Love, security and encouragement are what truly motivate children to do better and, more importantly, be happy.”
