Sohan Lal, a 70-year-old from Shimla district (Himachal Pradesh), spends most of his time with his two grandchildren, Mrigasya and Avni (both in Grade 2). He takes them to school, spends some time there watching them learn, then takes them back and tells them stories at home.

Sohan Lal used to work in a Pathology Lab in Shimla until 2016, when he started experiencing issues with his eyesight due to cataracts. Today, he has immersed his life in his grandchildren's learning journey. In March 2022, he noticed Pratham’s learning activities in school while he was watching Mrigasya and Avni participate in different activities. He found those activities interesting and useful and started learning them.

With Pratham’s guidance, Sohan Lal discovered a newfound joy in learning through play activities with his grandchildren. Activities with puzzle cards, flash cards, and bundles and sticks help build problem-solving and critical thinking skills and lead to cognitive development in children. These activities not only helped his grandchildren’s learning experience but also transported him back to his own childhood.

Pratham’s impact didn’t end there. Unfamiliar with modern technology, Sohan Lal embarked on a journey of digital literacy with the support of the Pratham team. Learning something as basic as how to operate a smartphone opened a gateway to a wealth of educational resources for him and his grandchildren. Now proficient in accessing digital content, Sohan Lal eagerly participates in activities sent via links, enhancing the learning environment in his household.

The transformation in Sohan Lal’s life is palpable. The joy he finds in sharing stories and activities with Mrigasya and Avani reflects a deeper bond forged through learning and exploration. While he acknowledges that such comprehensive developmental activities were not known during his childhood, he takes immense pleasure in performing these activities now.

“I have witnessed my grandchildren's confidence flourish through the enjoyable game activities organised by Pratham. I aim to sustain this progress for as long as I live,” he says.