The period from birth to age six is very crucial for a child’s growth. What happens in these years at home, at the creche, in the community, determines the trajectory of a child’s entire life. This is when early childhood development takes center stage.

The Indian Express in association with Mobile Creches brings to you a five part series, where we are going to have insightful conversations with experts of the field and discuss what it actually takes to accelerate early childhood development.

Today, 11th of June is celebrated as the International Day of Play, so on this occasion, we discuss how through play, children learn problem-solving, creativity, communication, and teamwork skills in a natural and enjoyable way.

In this episode, we will be joined by Rani Rampal, former captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team and recipient of India's three highest sporting honours — the Khel Ratna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Arjuna Award and Sumitra Mishra, Chief Executive Officer at Mobile Creches.

Hosted and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar