When Ananya’s parents secured her admission into one of the “top-ranked” schools in the city, they were thrilled. The school boasted high board exam results, strict discipline, and a structured curriculum—a sure recipe for success, or so they thought.
At first, everything seemed perfect. The school had impressive infrastructure, experienced teachers, and a reputation for producing high scorers. But soon, cracks began to appear.
The Pressure Cooker
Ananya, once a curious and cheerful 8-year-old, began to change. She no longer asked questions about the stars or the stories she read. Instead, her days were filled with memorizing definitions, completing worksheets, and preparing for endless tests.
Every subject was taught with one goal—scoring high on exams. Even during parent-teacher meetings, the focus was not on whether Ananya understood a concept but on how to improve her marks. Creativity, exploration, and enjoyment had no place in her learning.
The Breaking Point
One evening, Ananya sat at the dining table, staring blankly at her books. Her father asked, “What’s wrong?” She hesitated, then whispered, “I hate school.”
Her parents were shocked. Wasn’t this supposed to be the best school? When they probed further, Ananya broke down. “It’s always about marks, marks, marks! If I ask a different question, the teacher says we don’t have time for that. I don’t even know why I am learning all this.”
That night, her father made a decision. Education was not just about grades—it was about understanding, curiosity, and confidence. He started looking for a school that nurtured learning, not just test scores.
A New Beginning
After weeks of research, they found a school that focused on concept-based learning, creativity, and student engagement. The transition wasn’t easy, but Ananya found joy in learning again. She asked questions, explored projects, and even started enjoying math, which she once feared.
Her grades? They followed naturally. Without the pressure of rote learning, she understood subjects better—and performed better.
The Lesson for Every Parent
Ananya’s story is not unique. Many schools today emphasize marks over mastery, pressure over passion, compliance over curiosity. But as parents, the real question we must ask is:
💡 Would you rather have a child who excels at exams but loses the love of learning? Or one who enjoys learning and excels naturally?
Because true education isn’t about what’s written on a report card—it’s about what stays in the mind and heart for life.
“Names have been changed to protect the individual’s identity. In reality, Ananya is now a leading scientist at a reputed PSU.”