India, May 23 -- The close of the academic year often brings parent-teacher meetings, a time traditionally focused on reviewing a child's achievements. Yet, witnessing a parent's stern disapproval of her teenager's average grades recently prompted a crucial question: What truly defines how we measure our children's growth?

My mother excelled in academics and drama, finding joy in school plays and advanced studies. My passions, however, lay in writing and public speaking, which I happily pursued through debate and creative writing. My Gen Z son gravitates towards science and sports, immersing himself in Olympiads and table-tennis tournaments. While my mother and I thrived in our chosen activities within the supportive embrace of our immed...