“Renowned Sitarist’s Urgent Warning: Never Push Your Child! Join the #ChoosePlayEveryday Movement Now” International Day of Play, Childhood Wonder, EkStep movement

“Renowned Sitarist’s Urgent Message: Let Kids Be Kids! Join #ChoosePlayEveryday Movement Now”

International Day of Play celebration, Childhood wonder movement, Freedom and creativity campaign

On June 11, 2025, Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram shared a valuable reminder on Twitter: “Never pressure your child into doing anything.” This message is especially relevant as we celebrate the International Day of Play, a day dedicated to honoring freedom, creativity, and the wonder of childhood.

The tweet encourages parents to support their children’s natural inclinations and interests, rather than imposing their own expectations. By allowing kids the space to explore and play freely, they can develop important skills, foster creativity, and cultivate a sense of independence.

EkStep and NDTV are spearheading the movement to #ChoosePlayEveryday, emphasizing the importance of play in a child’s development. Play is not just a way to pass the time; it is a crucial aspect of learning and growth. Through play, children can enhance their cognitive abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to prioritize play in children’s lives. By creating opportunities for unstructured play, we can empower kids to discover their passions, build resilience, and form meaningful connections with others.

So, let’s make a commitment to #ChoosePlayEveryday and unlock the endless possibilities that play offers. Let’s embrace the spirit of playfulness, curiosity, and joy, and let our children thrive in a world where they are free to be themselves.

Never pressure your child into doing anything. – Rishab Rikhiram, Sitarist
This reminder comes just in time for the #InternationalDayOfPlay — a day to celebrate freedom, creativity, and childhood wonder.

Join EkStep and NDTV in the movement to #ChoosePlayEveryday and unlock the…

— Balram Sharma (@Brsharma_In) June 11, 2025

The Importance of Allowing Children to Play Freely

As parents, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, trying to juggle work, household responsibilities, and our children’s activities. In the midst of all this chaos, it’s easy to inadvertently put pressure on our children to excel in various areas of their lives. However, it’s crucial to remember the wise words of sitarist Rishab Rikhiram: “Never pressure your child into doing anything.”

#InternationalDayOfPlay – Celebrating Freedom and Creativity

Rikhiram’s reminder couldn’t have come at a better time, as we celebrate the International Day of Play. This special day is all about honoring freedom, creativity, and the wonder of childhood. It serves as a reminder to parents and caregivers everywhere to allow children the space and time they need to simply play and explore the world around them.

Joining the #ChoosePlayEveryday Movement

In line with the spirit of the International Day of Play, organizations like EkStep and NDTV have spearheaded the #ChoosePlayEveryday movement. This movement aims to emphasize the importance of play in a child’s development and encourage parents to prioritize playtime in their children’s daily routines.

Why Play Is Essential for Child Development

Play is not just a frivolous activity; it is a critical component of a child’s healthy development. When children engage in play, they are not only having fun, but they are also learning valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Play helps children develop their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical abilities in ways that structured activities simply cannot.

Encouraging Self-Expression and Creativity

One of the most significant benefits of play is that it allows children to express themselves freely and creatively. Whether they are building elaborate structures with blocks, creating imaginative worlds with dolls and action figures, or painting colorful masterpieces, play gives children the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild. By engaging in unstructured play, children can tap into their creativity and develop their problem-solving skills in a fun and natural way.

Promoting Social Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Play also plays a crucial role in helping children develop essential social skills and emotional intelligence. When children engage in cooperative play with their peers, they learn how to take turns, share, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts peacefully. These social interactions are invaluable in helping children build strong relationships, develop empathy, and navigate the complexities of human emotions.

Fostering Physical Health and Well-Being

In today’s digital age, where screens and sedentary activities dominate much of children’s leisure time, play is more important than ever in promoting physical health and well-being. Whether it’s running around in the backyard, riding bikes with friends, or playing sports, physical play helps children stay active, build strength and coordination, and develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Creating a Playful Environment at Home

As parents, it’s essential to create a playful environment at home that encourages and supports your child’s playtime. Set aside dedicated spaces for play, such as a playroom or a corner of the living room filled with toys, games, and art supplies. Limit screen time and provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor play, imaginative play, and open-ended activities that allow your child’s creativity to flourish.

In conclusion, on this International Day of Play, let’s all commit to prioritizing play in our children’s lives. Let’s remember to never pressure our children into anything and instead, give them the freedom to play, explore, and discover the world around them. By choosing play every day, we can help our children thrive, grow, and develop into well-rounded individuals.