unschooling

Parents in Kolkata have spoken publicly about their decision to unschool their 12-year-old child, keeping them out of the conventional school system to avoid what they call the rat race. The feature explains their philosophy of self-directed learning and how daily life replaces structured lessons. The story adds to a growing debate in India over alternative education, academic pressure, and whether mainstream schooling prepares children for life or merely for competition.

Parents in Kolkata have kept their 12-year-old twins out of formal schooling, saying they want the children to escape the pressure of competitive academics. The family is following unschooling, a self-directed approach where children learn through their own interests rather than a set curriculum. The case has drawn attention in India as a small but growing number of families question mainstream education and its focus on exams and grades.