PVLF 2025

Interview with Sumita Bose Author of “Growing Up Gracefully..”

Explore an insightful interview with Sumita Bose, author of 'Growing Up Gracefully..' on Frontlist. Uncover the journey of grace, wisdom, and life lessons.
on Jan 13, 2024

Sumita Bose is a versatile writer. She has authored several popular mathematics books, the first autism book as per Indian socio cultural set up, mystery puzzle books and contributed significantly to science content for educational portals.

Apart from her mathematics education from Delhi University, India she has also done a ‘Child Psychology’ and ‘Understanding Adolescents’ course from University of Central Florida, USA.
She is an educator with 25 years of teaching experience. She has won several awards for her contribution to education. Her autism book has been placed in India book of records, 2016.

Frontlist: Could you share the inspiration behind writing "Growing Up Gracefully" and the motivation to address the challenges around sex education?

Sumita: According to the 2022 annual report of National Crime Record Bureau, 31982 rape cases were registered across the country. This number keeps increasing every year. Ever since I read this news, I was deeply disturbed and kept thinking what could I do to reduce the number. Then Mr. Sahil Gupta of V & S Publishers came up with the proposal of a sex education book for girls, and “Growing up Gracefully” was written.

Frontlist: In what ways does your book, "Growing Up Gracefully," specifically encourage positive communication and dialogue on subjects like periods, body image, and relationships for girls, and how does this contribute to the overall development of adolescent girls?

Sumita: Generally, teens and tweens are not encouraged by the societal framework to ask questions about inherent biological changes to their parents, grandparents, or teachers. The social stigma and taboo attached to it create an air of unwanted happenings. This book initiates self-awareness in an empathic and practical manner. By citing practical examples that can be identified with parent/children psyche, positive dialogue creation will become easier. This will alleviate anxiety and tensions in the adolescent mind, paving the way to more creative functionality, which is essential in healthy growth.
Frontlist: Do you believe that addressing topics such as sexual preference and gender identity, as mentioned in your book, can raise awareness and contribute to a better understanding of oneself, ultimately reducing the chances of bullying among children and adolescents?

Sumita: The presentation in the book attempts to identify and try to dispel the insecurity and nervousness surrounding both the parent and children on these topics. Finding proper answers to the “taboo” topics will encourage healthy mental practices and self-defense strategies to eliminate vulnerabilities that would otherwise arise due to the social stigma.

Frontlist: How does the taboo on discussing sex and a lack of open communication impact adolescents seeking information from unreliable sources, potentially affecting their self-development and increasing the risk of engaging in risky behavior due to inaccurate information?

Sumita: The number of unintended teen pregnancies is a grave issue threatening the morality of the current social structure. The information revolution (through the internet) inundates present adolescents with different types of information but no credible authority exists to verify their correctness. So, the growing and inquisitive mind is led astray by negative ideas and thoughts. According to psychology what you read you think and what you think, consequently you will inculcate in your actions. Ignorance may lead to misconceptions and misconceptions however small may lead to a dreadful situation.

Frontlist: In addressing the issue of sexual exploitation, how does "Growing Up Gracefully" approach this sensitive topic, and could you elaborate on the strategies the book offers to empower adolescents to resist and protect themselves?

Sumita: Sexual and personality myths do surround the modern young generation. Providing pointers to practical solutions (dos and don'ts of various situations) and dispelling false notions the book will facilitate strong self-awareness and self-defense in overall desirable growth. The answers to common questions arising in the minds of the adolescents on various puberty-related topics helps clearing the mind of toxic thoughts and paves the way for healthy relationships.

Frontlist: Do you believe that adolescents who have accurate information about sex and their bodies are more likely to develop a positive body image and higher confidence levels, and how might an open and informed discussion about sex positively influence body positivity among adolescents?

Sumita: Yes certainly. In the absence of accurate information, the peer influence is a strong force in the current society. Most of the times that can also create a negative developmental attitude and generate fear and low self-esteem. Psychology says that clear thinking is stimulated by factual reading which increases healthy inclusiveness, raises self-confidence, and develops a positive body image.

Frontlist: How do you perceive the ongoing discussion about the importance of proper sex education in schools? Do you believe it's crucial, and are there any plans to extend the reach of "Growing Up Gracefully" to schools to contribute to comprehensive sex education?

Sumita: Though sex education is referred to as a social taboo, this book is not a discussion on getting involved in intimate relations. Here the focus is on clearing up confusions that engulf the mind of the adolescent girls. It will empower them with an accurate knowledge base aiding in increased safety, prevention from sexual abuse, development of maturity, and improvement of self-esteem.

I feel that awareness should start at the grassroots level. Simple concepts like good touch/bad touch should be introduced in the primary schools.