With growing concerns over students’ addiction to online games, Pathanamthitta District Collector Prem Krishnan S has come up with an initiative to encourage children to play outdoors during their school vacations. Taking a hands-on approach, the IAS officer has invited youngsters to share pictures of their playgrounds, promising to join them in selected areas for a game.
In a social media post, Mr. Krishnan urged children to make the most of their holidays by stepping out to play instead of spending time glued to screens. “The summer heat is here, and so are the vacations. Let’s make them enjoyable. Instead of getting addicted to mobile phones and computers, let’s go out, hit fours and sixes, and take wickets. Let’s make this our new addiction,” he wrote.
His call to action resonated with many, as young players across the district began sharing photos of their playgrounds—mostly open fields and vacant lands—while inviting him to join them. Staying true to his word, Mr. Krishnan played a match with one of the groups on Thursday.
He explained that the idea was to provide an easy and engaging way to help children break free from online gaming habits. The response, he said, has been encouraging, though some parents and locals have also highlighted the lack of sufficient playgrounds in many areas. He expressed hope that this issue could be addressed with support from local authorities.
A 2017-batch IAS officer from Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Krishnan has been passionate about cricket since his student days and is now using his love for the sport to connect with children and promote outdoor play.
