Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Rohini Nilekani Advocates for Children's Play Freedom
Rohini Nilekani, a writer and philanthropist, recently released a book called 'The Playbook of Play'.
In this book, she talks about how important play is for children.
She says that play is not just a fun activity but a fundamental right and a biological necessity.
It helps children develop their brains, especially since over 85% of brain development happens by the age of 6.
Rohini Nilekani explains that play doesn't need expensive toys but requires time, space, and permission from parents.
She also emphasizes that children should have the freedom to play without too much direction from adults.
This means they should be free to make mistakes, use their imagination, and not feel pressured to perform.
She believes that when children are curious, they learn valuable tools for lifelong learning that money can't buy.
The book is a message to parents, educators, and policymakers to create environments where children can play and develop important skills like curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional abilities.
Rohini Nilekani released 'The Playbook of Play' in Bengaluru, emphasizing the importance of play in early childhood.
She argues that play is a fundamental right and biological necessity, not a luxury, requiring time, space, and parental permission.
Over 85% of brain development occurs by age 6, highlighting the need for policies that protect playtime and measure holistic development.
Nilekani advocates for children's freedom to play without adult direction, encouraging imagination and reducing performance pressure.
The book aims to influence parents, educators, and policymakers to prioritize curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional skills in early childhood education.
- Who
- Rohini Nilekani, a writer and philanthropist
- What
- Released a book titled 'The Playbook of Play' advocating for children's freedom to play
- When
- The book was released on Saturday
- Where
- The book was released in Bengaluru
- Why
- To emphasize the importance of play in early childhood development and to encourage policies that protect playtime
- Author
- Rohini Nilekani
- Book Title
- The Playbook of Play
- Release Location
- Bengaluru
- Key Message
- Play is a fundamental right and biological necessity for children
- Brain Development
- Over 85% occurs by age 6
- Essential Elements for Play
- Time, space, and permission from parents
- Important Skills for Children
- Curiosity, creativity, social-emotional skills, and holistic development