By J.Hari Shankar
Prakash Vaithiyanathan, a seasoned educator with 32 years of experience in imparting the wonders of maths and science to young minds, is not just your typical teacher. He’s a master storyteller, weaving tales of curiosity and discovery into his lessons, captivating even the most restless of learners.
But beneath his passion for teaching lies a burning desire to address a darker issue: child abuse. Despite the implementation of various acts like the POCSO act, he’s deeply troubled by the fact that such atrocities still plague society. Determined to make a difference, Prakash is on a mission to empower students with awareness and courage through cartoons.
The cartoon stickers depict various symptoms a child might encounter in perilous circumstances – goosebumps, a quickened heartbeat, tightening lips, and more. These stickers are practical tools recommended to be placed inside pencil boxes, seamlessly integrating into a child’s daily routine. Their serve as constant reminders, urging children to remain vigilant and cautious in any situation.
Reflecting on his early teaching experiences, Prakash shared a poignant insight, “The troubling silence of children masked deep-seated issues. Through this silence, I uncovered the stark reality of domestic violence endured by some of my students, leaving indelible marks of trauma on their tender minds.” These stickers hope to offer tangible means of recognising when to seek assistance. At such a tender age, children may not yet grasp the concepts of good and bad touches, nor fully understand the significance of symptoms like goosebumps or a racing heart. “There are instances where children may not even notice these symptoms and instead feel numbness in their bodies. However, through consistent education and awareness, we can empower them to become more vigilant,” added Prakash.
KMC School, Tirupur, has embraced his initiative, benefiting approximately 1300 students. He’s now in talks with a school in Kelambakkam. Prakash envisions extending this program nationwide, aspiring to bring awareness to every student across the country. “I would be glad if schools in the Adyar neighbourhood also shared the message with their children. Let’s make this locality the first to create a unified effort against abuse!” he repeated.
Currently, Prakash has been teaching rural students to prepare for NEET exams. He is a resident of L.B.Road, Adyar, and can be reached at 95000 79411, [email protected].
