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ShareMumbai: An institute established by 'Vishwa Kalyan Sanstha' claims to give couples a 'super child' by birth on the basis of ancient Indian wisdom and modern science. DNA asks if it is possible to determine the intellectual abilities of a child before birth.
We should avoid being obsessed with having the 'perfect child'
My reaction is that an institute like this sounds very innovative and unique. But I'm unsure about its practical functioning. However, I guess that we are surely emphasising a lot on the 'super kid' aspect.It is well known that a child in the womb of mother is receptive to stimuli from outer world and starts learning things from that stage itself. Let's not be obsessed with having a 'perfect child', this implies that we are harbouring expectation from the one that has not even come into the world. I agree that the ambience as well as the eating habits of the mother, has a bearing on the child, but this is going a little too far.
--Umesh Patil
New generation wants quick-fix solutions, hence easy prey
I fail to understand how young couples are lured by anything these days. People want to have an easy way out and hence believe that a child with extraordinary qualities can be conceived by practicing a certain routine. I'm not saying this institute complete hogwash. The founder seems learned and must be having scientific and logical reasons. The new generation is pleased with quick-fix solutions. However, since it has been newly inaugurated, people may test the waters and get enrolled. People today are obsessed with the 'super kid' notion and many will try to see what this institute has to offer.
--Manisha Mehta
Results will depend on genuine efforts put in by parents
I think it's possible to determine the intellectual abilities of children through science. Results will depend on the genuine efforts put in. I don't think people will merely cash in under the guise of Indian wisdom and modern science. In the Mahabharata, we know Abhimanyu mastered the art of entering the chakravyuha, while he was in his mother's womb, so maybe it's based on ancient research from those days. But we are definitely over emphasising on the notion of a 'super kid or a 'perfect child', as it's a competitive world.
--Siddhartha Khiraiya
No guarantee that institute will churn out talented children
The 'Super Child University' is certainly worth a try. We should give it a try rather than just dismissing it outright because it is a new concept. At the same time, I think that we are putting additional pressure on parents to produce a 'super kid'. What is the guarantee that this institute will churn out talented children and achievers? It will be like spoon feeding parents and telling them precisely what to eat and what to do. I know about yoga and wellness centres to help parents gain
better health before conception.
--Meghna Shah
Expert view
Will create undue pressure on couples
C orporate culture is preying even on babies, using an emotional appeal, to generate profits. The institution is claiming to give newly married couples a super child after some training. But the question is what is defined as a 'super child'? All over the world, families have a different image of a 'super child'. Such institutions will put unnecessary pressure on couples.
--B Manjula, chairperson, Centre for Media and Cultural Studies, TISS
It must be proven scientifically
If one reads ancient literature, one can find instances of couples using ancient wisdom to conceive a child with super abilities. But I have never heard of a term 'super child', in the recent times. Today science has moved beyond myths and is based on purely scientific ground. There is very little proof that a super child can be created. One can manipulate with genes and create a child artificially through procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The Vishwa Kalyan Sanstha's claims might be true to some extent. Because I'm sure they might have experimented in the past and the results may have been positive. If not, then I'm sure it's nothing but a money making scheme and they are playing with people's emotions. We just have to wait and see if the claims will work or not. In small cities many people may flock to such institutes, but in a city like Mumbai it won't have many takers.
Unfortunately there are many myths surrounding conception. People still believe that if a child is given coconut water then it will become fair.
This is because every parent wants his or her child to be a super achiever and excel in sports, studies and extracurricular activities. I will advice parents to go for the conventional route - eat healthy, think positive and opt for normal deliveries - to have a healthy child. Intelligence and ability will come with time.
--Anita Soni, gynaecologist, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital
Claim needs to be backed by evidence
It is true that if you pay more attention to the dietary habits of women during pregnancy, it has a positive bearing on the health and growth of the foetus. There has been extensive research done on the nourishment and care of developing foetuses. If you give a positive ambienceand good food it will help the development of a child. But the claim that all couples who go to the Super Child University and follow their methodology will get a 'super child', does not hold water. Their claim has been tested. If the institution can prove with scientific data, then it will be a dream come true for every parent.
--Kersi Chavda, psychologist
