Last week the School of my children sent out a note about a drawing competition, inviting parents to join along with children. I wasn’t particularly keen, especially since it was on a Saturday and I was looking out for a relaxed weekend after a damn hectic week. The note also had some brochure titled “No TV Day” advertising Hindustan Times. That even put me down further as I already dumped the concept as some marketing gimmick from HT. However, I was not given an option to give it a miss by my kids and I was forced to join.
The overall experience was quite contrary to what I had expected.
Firstly, the entire environment was made quite conducive for an event like this. The big auditorium of Udayachal School was packed with parents who came along with their children and they jointly painted their imaginations about “Mumbai”. The results were quite amazing. Gateway of India, Juhu Beach, Marine Drive, Bandra Worli Sea Link, and even Kala Ghoda Festival - we had everything covered. Apart from the end result, I enjoyed the whole process. Given our background, we do frequently spend time with children on Music. However, this was probably the first time we actually participated jointly with my kids for a drawing competition. It was quite enjoyable. I have almost concluded that I am not that bad in drawing as I assumed earlier 
Apart from enjoying the time that I spent there, I liked the concept itself. No TV Day. Instead of wasting time watching TV, spend time with your children by letting the creative juices flow free through drawing and painting. This time it was painting. Next time it could be Games. Could be Music. It is important to realize that the idiot box has intruded into our lives possibly much more than it ideally should. I have seen families where people do not even speak to each other for hours when Ekta’s characters are in full swing in the evening. Or children who do not eat if the Cartoon network is switched off. There is a need to seriously relook at this addiction that is catching up our society big time. This has exponentially increased over last 5 yrs with digital cable services, HD content, LED TVs and what not. Children, instead of playing in the ground, prefer to waste their times watching Shinchans of the world. The broken knees are soon getting replaced by spectacled eyes.
We followed the “No TV Day” instruction quite well that day and came out quite satisfied. Have decided to follow this as a practice. Not sure about the frequency though. But have made the beginning at least. I am forced to extend this to other devices as well that have intruded my personal life. My children are behind me to follow “No Laptop Day” and “No Office Cell phone Day”. The thought process has begun. I am willing to follow.
How about you?
