Children's Corner
Welcome, young friends and parents! Here you'll meet the brave reformers who shaped our world, in stories made just for children, plus a reading shelf with some of our favourite books on the Buddha and Babasaheb's teachings.
Did you know?The Buddha was a real prince named Siddhartha who lived about 2,500 years ago in northern India.
Meet the heroes
Tap any card to read their story, learn a fun fact, and find a kind activity to try at home.
Lived a very, very long time ago — 2,300 years!
Ashoka was once a fierce emperor who won many battles. But after one big war he saw how much sadness it caused, and his heart changed forever. He learned about the Buddha's gentle teachings and chose kindness. He built hospitals (even for animals!), planted trees along roads, and sent teachers all over Asia to share peace.
Lived around 400 years ago
Shivaji was a brave king who built strong forts on hilltops and protected the common people. He believed every person, rich or poor, of any religion, deserves to live with dignity. He treated soldiers and farmers with respect and showed that a true leader serves their people.
Lived 175 years ago
Long ago in India, girls were not allowed to go to school. Mahatma Phule and his amazing wife Savitribai said: that's not fair! Together they opened the very first school for girls in 1848. Some people threw stones at Savitribai for teaching, but she carried two saris and changed when she got to school. They never gave up.
Lived around 100 years ago
Periyar believed nobody should be treated as 'less than' anyone else. He kept asking, why? why? why?, about old rules that hurt people. He worked hard so girls and boys, and people of every group, would be treated with the same respect. Asking questions is how the world gets better!
Born on 14 April 1891
When Babasaheb was a little boy, he was made to sit on the floor at school because of his caste. But he loved learning so much that he travelled all the way to America and London to study! He became the very first person to write India's Constitution, the rulebook that says EVERY child is equal. Later he showed millions of people the path of the Buddha.
Born on 1 August 1920
Anna Bhau wrote songs and stories about the brave farmers, workers and ordinary people of his village. He went to school for only a year and a half, yet he wrote 35 whole books! He proved that a beautiful story can come from anyone, anywhere, if they have something true to say.
The reading shelf
Just like a UK school library, we've sorted books by age. Borrow these from your local library (most are available at Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and London public libraries), or order online.We are not affiliated with any publisher, these are simply our community recommendations.
by Jon J. Muth
A gentle Buddhist parable retold for young children, when is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?
Why we love itIntroduces three big Dhamma ideas through a beautiful animal story.
by Jon J. Muth
Stillwater the panda tells three short Zen stories to three children, each one teaches a different way to be brave and kind.
Why we love itCaldecott Honor book that introduces mindfulness in a playful way.
by Kerry Lee MacLean
Friendly piggies show children how to take a quiet moment, breathe and feel calm again, perfect for big feelings.
Why we love itTeaches simple meditation children can actually try.
by Various Indian publishers
The childhood story of young Babasaheb, what happened when he wasn't allowed to drink water at school, and how he turned hurt into hope.
Why we love itSimple, dignified introduction to Babasaheb's early life.
Family activities
Draw your own peace wheel with 24 spokes. What does each spoke stand for in your family?
Write a short letter to a grandparent, teacher or neighbour. Babasaheb said gratitude is a form of strength.
Read a story together every evening, Buddha tales, Jataka tales, or any reformer's biography.
Sit quietly for 1 minute before dinner. Notice your breath. That's how the Buddha taught children to begin meditation.
Like Periyar, pick something at school or in your community that doesn't seem fair, and ask why.
Help a younger sibling, set the table, or share a snack. Small acts of kindness build a kinder world.
A note for parents
The reformers we honour at ABGN-UK lived through hardships we hope our children never face. When discussing topics like caste, courage and equality, use age-appropriate language and invite questions. The goal isn't to impress facts onto our children, it's to build an inner sense of dignity, kindness and curiosity that they will carry for life.
"A great man is the servant of society."— Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
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