Growing up in an Indian family often means academics take center stage—period. The idea that extra-curricular activities are a waste of time isn’t just a passing thought in many Indian homes—it’s practically gospel.
Is it rooted in concern, culture, or just outdated thinking? Let’s dig in.
The Cultural Obsession with Academics
India’s educational system is a rat race. From the moment a child starts school, there’s a laser-sharp focus on grades, ranks, and board exams. Why?
- Job security mindset: For generations, academic success was seen as the safest ticket to a good job and a better life.
- Scarcity mentality: With limited seats in top universities and fierce competition, parents believe every hour spent not studying is a missed opportunity.
- Social status: In many Indian families, a child’s academic performance is a reflection of parental success.
“Why paint when you can practice math?” – every Indian uncle ever.
What Are Extra-Curricular Activities, Really?
Let’s break it down. Extra-curricular activities include:
- Sports
- Music and dance
- Theater
- Art and painting
- Debate clubs
- Community service
- Coding clubs, robotics, etc.
These activities nurture skills like creativity, teamwork, time management, confidence, and leadership. Ironically, they’re the soft skills employers are looking for today.
Common Misconceptions Indian Parents Have
- “You can’t build a career out of these activities.”
- Reality: Countless people have built full-fledged careers in music, sports, design, and content creation.
- “They’re just a hobby—not a priority.”
- Reality: Hobbies often become stress-busters, improve mental health, and even enhance academic perforM
The Pressure of the “Secure Career Path”
Doctor. Engineer. CA. IAS Officer.
The holy grail of Indian success stories. Any deviation from these paths is often seen as “risky” or “unrealistic.”
Parents who struggled financially or socially want their kids to “settle down” securely.
But here’s the twist: times have changed, and the job market has too. Creativity, emotional intelligence, and innovation are the future currencies of success.
What Science and Research Say
Studies show that students who engage in extra-curricular activities are:
- More likely to succeed academically
- Better at managing stress
- More confident and socially skilled
- More likely to get into top colleges abroad
Even Ivy League applications require strong extra-curricular involvement Yeah, it might actually be your golden ticket.
Changing Mindsets – One Parent at a Time
Some urban Indian parents are beginning to understand this shift. They’re encouraging their kids to explore dance, coding clubs, and even YouTube channels.
Here’s what can help:
What Parents Can Do Differently:
- Attend school events: See what your child is passionate about.
- Balance, not ban: Encourage 80% academics, 20% passion projects.
- Talk to professionals: Career counselors can help explain modern opportunities.
- Celebrate all kinds of success, not just academic achievements.
Real Stories: When Parents Changed Their Minds
- Ananya, 15: Wanted to pursue classical dance. Her parents were against it—until she performed at a national competition and brought home a trophy. Today, she runs a popular dance page on Instagram and scores over 90% in school.
- Raj, 17: Passionate about robotics. His parents wanted him to “focus on JEE.” After joining a coding club, he built a prototype drone and got a scholarship to a tech fest in the US. Now, his parents proudly share his work on WhatsApp.
- FOR MORE BLOGS – beyondthepunchlines.com
Author: Team BTP
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