ECCD Publications
1 / Divya Prabandham
Divya Prabandham – Insights into Childhood from a Tamil Tradition – is a compilation of Tamil religious poetry with relevant explanations in English.
This book features select poems of the saint-poet Periazhwar, which celebrate infancy and early childhood. These verses vividly describe the various stages of a child’s development and highlight the essential inputs required at each stage for a happy and healthy childhood.
It is a valuable supplementary resource for ECCD programmes.
2 / Balar Padalgal
Balar Padalgal is a set of two Tamil poetry books written by G. Kanakam, a Tamil teacher at Vidya Mandir, Chennai, for her students. The first book is designed for children aged 6–8 years, while the second is intended for those aged 9–12 years.
The poems span a wide array of themes, including animals and birds, legends, vibrant scenes from local markets, artisans and acrobats, as well as patriotic and national songs.
Engaging and imaginative, these collections are sure to captivate young readers and make learning a delightful experience.
Available in Tamil.
3 / Thinking with the Heart
This compilation features selected articles on child development and education, drawn from the writings of Dr. S. Anandalakshmy. Covering a wide range of personal experiences and observations of children within families and schools, this book offers valuable insights into the processes of childhood learning and growth.
Available in English.
4 / Through the Lens of Culture: Centuries of Childhood and Education in India
This monograph, compiled by Dr. S. Anandalakshmy, traces the cultural grammar of infancy and early childhood through ancient Sanskrit and Tamil sources, highlighting family rites that centre the child, and contrasting these traditions with contemporary culture.
The education section opens with a mathematics lesson from Prince Siddhartha, illustrating advanced numerical skills of the time, and connects this to Avadhaanakala, a modern Indian literary performance reflecting continuity in knowledge.
Documenting 18th- and 19th-century Indian education, it describes widespread village schools and specialised Arabic and Sanskrit colleges teaching Law, Philosophy, and Medicine. The decline of indigenous education under British rule, lamented by Gandhi, is also noted.
The monograph concludes with reflections from scholars on the enduring and changing cultural themes in Indian childhood and education.
Available in English.
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