ABU DHABI: If adults remain childlike, rather than childish, the world will be more peaceful and beautiful, according to Vani Tripathi Tikoo, an Indian author who presented her debut children’s book at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).
“We as adults have too many filters. We have filters of ego, jealousy and conflict, and our own selfish way of looking at life,” she told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an interview.
The author of “Why Elephants Can’t Be Red,” explained that there is a significant difference between being childish and being childlike. Childish behaviour involves tantrums and immature actions, while childlike qualities involve preserving one’s sense of inquiry, innocence, and honesty, she noted.
‘Children have no artificial clashes of the mind. There is no conflict in their world. I mean their disagreements do not lead to killing each other,’ said Tikoo who is also an actor and former politician.
After a disagreement with a friend, children forget it and continue play togethe
r, she pointed out.
By maintaining these childlike traits, the author suggested, adults could reduce conflicts and create a more harmonious world.
Otherwise, she asserted, it will be better if we leave the running of the world to children who will definitely make it more peaceful.
In the interview, Tikoo emphasised the importance of local knowledge in children’s education and storytelling. She believes stories from one’s own culture and family should be prioritised, as local stories are now globally relevant in today’s interconnected world.
‘Today, local is global, and that is the new normal.’
She also discussed the unequal relationship between adults and children, saying that adults often talk down to, silence, or order children around.
She suggested that adults should treat children more equally, listen to their perspectives, and engage with them on their level.
‘If you actually come to the level of a child that will make you more humane and more equal.’
Tikoo believes that a child’s sense of observ
ation is sharper than an adult’s, as children view the world without the filters that adults possess.
Her debut children’s book, “Why Elephants Can’t Be Red,” was published last year.
The book features her young daughter Akshara as the protagonist. The book consists of 12 stories that provide a 2.5-year-old’s perspective on the adult world during the pandemic.
Tikoo spoke about her work at the ADIBF and signed the books for her readers.
Source: Emirates News Agency