In Conversation with Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom

It is my privilege to welcome you to this enlightening session at the Author’s National Conclave, where we explore the transformative power of writing in the lives of children. Our esteemed guest today is Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom, a passionate advocate for early literacy, educator, and author whose work focuses on nurturing creativity and language development in young minds.

Promila has dedicated over a decade to researching and implementing writing-based interventions in schools across India, particularly in underserved communities. Through her pioneering workshops and workshops—such as “Write to Rise” and “Little Voices”—she has empowered thousands of children to express themselves, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills. Her beliefs stem from both rigorous academic research and heartfelt interactions with children, making her insights both authoritative and deeply human.

Today, she joins us to share her expertise and vision on why writing is more than just a skill—it’s a gateway to imagination, identity, and empowerment.

1. Why do you believe writing is such a critical skill for children’s overall development?
     [Answer:]
   Writing is one of the core of creativity or creative mind. We know that if a person has thoughts, jotting down helps. In any kind of project – planning is very important. Planning is actually writing and mapping, thus executing it further, makes the project success or therefore. Writing is slowly converting to writing in iPads and chrome devices. In Norway it is hard to find a school without devices. In India too, it has become an integral part, yet on devices they write, a bit different though – by pushing the keys. We, as parent ; has to understand that a change for good should be accepted. There are pros and cons, yet time has changed and is changing technologically. Children today are more technically sound and this is in fact good for us, as there may be job disappearing but more different jobs will appear subsequently. Therefore writing is important, may be differently now, but the thought process has to go on and kids have to develop and adapt accordingly.

2. Can you tell us about a memorable moment when you saw writing truly change a child’s self-confidence or outlook?
     [Answer:]
   That child is myself, who changed entirely when I took up pen for my thought process and the conflicts in life. Writing changed me for good. The wisdom I had or I have, which is sown as seeds in the form of poetry and columns. Writing came as «blessing in disguise» for me. Profoundly educated in computer science and business, it made me choose writing for good. Writing for the future generations, so that the upcoming generation takes my wisdom as an added advantage for their life and daily prosperity.

3. What are some practical, low-cost strategies that parents and teachers can use to encourage writing at home or in classrooms?
   The best writing practice is to jot down on paper, it is an old practice but very convenient and always available. Nevertheless, if one has iPad or computer and is more into devices, one can use that as well. The notepads, sheets and other apps are always available in almost all the devices. Writing down the thought process is a genuine gesture and practice proven from time immortal. A dissension, a difference in opinion, a conflict, a heart break, a plan for future, a future mapping, a discord, a cheerful moment, a merry happening in life, all can be scribbled down. The capture of moments are done likewise. It takes away the sigh of moment from heart and mind and thus the soul. So enjoy writing, persevere writing.

4. How does early writing practice influence a child’s ability to think critically and creatively later in life?
     [Answer:]
   Writing down the ideas, thoughts, plans, jilt, agony, gaiety, everything helps. It does help psychologically also. It has been proven. A baby who started writing can start this process. Both my daughters started writing short stories from the age of 5-6 years. And that really helps. Both my parents always used to write, and they still do, it is passed on to me. Manifestations are also done via writing, yet that’s another long discussion topic about writing. For now, I would say, take a pen and write down about anything in life. Start now and then see the change in your feelings and thought process.

5. Looking ahead, what is your vision for integrating writing into educational systems and community programs broadly?
     [Answer:]

         Seeing in schools, I presume, essay writing  

         is a very good technique for mind scrolling, 

         it can be any topic or choice of topic. There 

         can be an integrated systems where the 

         school teachers are digitally inclined 

         towards it and encourage kids to write. 

         Since we see the AI is very prominent 

         currently, so it can be AI enabled and 

         teachers can have a control over it. 

         For higher students in college or 

         Universities. There are many Universities 

         who can enable technology in the 

         education system and can have debates 

         online or summation of their thesis or work 

         digitally would make the upcoming 

         generation connected to writing yet in the 

         AI manner.

-writing is future; let that be digitally enhanced ;

-Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom