Don’t rob children of their childhood, says the Nobel winner Venkat Ramakrishnan

Vadodara-origin Nobel laureate Venkat Ramakrishnan, while speaking at a school function in the city on Tuesday, said that children should not be mentally burdened to become highly educated and good citizens.  

"Indian parents, today, expect their children to excel in studies and also become good citizens while they are too young. This is uncalled for. Let children enjoy their age. Let us not rob them of their childhood," said Ramakrishna, the winner of the 2009 Nobel prize for Chemistry.

The Cambridge biologist is on his first visit to Vadodara, where he lived and studied till graduation. Ramakrishnan, now a British citizen, was speaking at a felicitation ceremony held by the Convent of Jesus and Mary (CJM), his alma mater, in the city.

Making a strong pitch for full freedom to children, Venky, as he is popularly called, said, "Due to high expectations of parents, children come under mental pressure which smothers their creativity.

Rather than putting kids under pressure, let them bloom on their own. Allow them to choose a field of their choice. "

Citing his own example, the 58-year-old recipient of the Padma Vibhushan said, "Being a scientist, I wanted my son to receive a high education just like me. But he expressed his wish to take to music. I was stunned but I approved of his choice."