''Every child deserves...': NRI in Norway says India's children are losing their childhood to academic...

''Every child deserves...': NRI in Norway says India's children are losing their childhood to academic pressure

An NRI living in Norway has sparked a debate online after sharing what he believes is the biggest difference between India and Scandinavian countries. Drawing from years of living in both places, he argued that the real contrast isn't about wealth, but about the way children are raised and educated.

In a post on X, Vinod reflected on the growing pressure faced by students in India, saying, “After living in both Norway and India for many years, I realised the biggest difference between Scandinavia and India isn’t money or wealth. It’s how we treat and raise our children.”

He went on to describe the intense academic burden carried by many Indian teenagers, pointing to long school hours followed by coaching classes and private tuition.

“It genuinely hurts me to see Indian teenagers carrying a burden they never chose: school all day, coaching in the evening, tuition at night. Parents spend lakhs, schools chase rankings, coaching centres chase profits, and children quietly lose their childhood.”

It’s how we treat and raise our children. 😌 It genuinely hurts me to see Indian teenagers carrying a burden they never chose:… — Vinod (@turiyatman) July 20, 2026

Vinod contrasted this with the education system in Scandinavian countries, where he said children are encouraged to develop beyond academics.

“Children are encouraged to stay curious, think independently, and be creative. They’re taught to think not just for themselves, but for others and for society. They have more time for sports, play, and spending quality time with friends and family.”

He further argued that a child's value should not be measured solely by examination results.

“We don’t need robotic, and ‘yes, sir’ children. We need a kinder education system, because a nation is not built by good grades and burnt - out children. It is built by healthy, confident, and happy young minds.”

Calling for a change in priorities, he urged parents and society to rethink the pressure placed on children.

“Every child deserves a childhood, not a race. Give them the future they deserve.”

The post quickly drew mixed reactions online, with many users pointing to India's economic realities and large population as key reasons behind the intense focus on academic success.

One user commented, “Scarcity of Resources in Proportion to Population makes lots of difference... Maximum Indians are living with very minimal Resources & trying to come up... In your favorite countries, the BASE has been perfect since long time while in India the BASE is not even ready.”

Another user argued that financial circumstances shape educational priorities, writing, “How is it not related to wealth? Jb insaan ke pass paisa hota hai, they can think other than money but when they do not have money, their thinking starts with money. A middle/poor class family does not think of a way to be curious instead they think of ways to be rich and have enough money. India is a poor country as compared to western countries with less population, we first need to think of money and then be curious.”

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