Blank Pages, Big Message: Rohini Nilekani launches ‘The Playbook of Play’ at Makkala Hubba in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: In an era where childhood is increasingly defined by rigorous schedules and glowing screens, philanthropist and author Rohini Nilekani offered a powerful provocation to parents on Saturday. Amidst the joyful cacophony of the Makkala Hubba children's festival at Freedom Park, Nilekani launched her latest book, 'The Playbook of Play'.

The book, however, comes with a twist: it consists almost entirely of blank pages.

Launched under the aegis of ‘Bachpan Manao’ a national mission focused on the importance of the early years, the book serves as a metaphorical permission slip for caregivers. During the launch Nilekani emphasised that the most critical development in a child’s life happens not through instruction, but through "free, unstructured play."

"We have put our children into so many little boxes where they cannot find themselves anymore," Nilekani said, addressing a crowd of parents and educators. "Play doesn’t need a manual. These blank pages are a reminder to let children explore and enjoy childhood their own way."

The event highlighted a growing concern among urban parents: the "fear of falling behind." Where parents noted the mounting pressure to enroll children in endless extracurriculars. In response, Nilekani cited neuroscience, noting that nearly 80% of brain development occurs before age eight, primarily fuelled by the neuronal connections made during self-directed discovery.

"Don't sacrifice the childhood of the present for the anxieties of the future," Nilekani urged. She described the book as a tool to "free parents from the tyranny of the screen" and allow children to reclaim their natural instincts for curiosity and empathy.