Many adults among us were children who couldn’t wait to grow up, only to realise later that something precious was left behind along the way. That realisation often came with a question – if the early years really mattered so much, why were we in such a hurry to control them? Science shows that 85 per cent of brain development happens in this period,” says Nilekani. “The book is not a guidebook in the conventional sense. “Adults often seek a mastery manual to ease their worries and anxiety,” she explains, adding, “But the moment you open it, you realise the surprise – play doesn’t need a book.”

Source: Indian Express January 28, 2026 00:34 UTC