Educational Administration: Theory and Practice

This paper offers a descriptive and analytical study of child psychology in the short stories of Satyajit Ray, focusing specifically on Sadanander Khude Jagat and Shibu Âr Rakshaser Katha. Although Ray is widely known as a writer for children, his stories operate on dual levels: they entertain young readers on the surface while simultaneously presenting profound psychological insights for adult readers. The study examines how Ray sensitively portrays the inner worlds of children and reveals the fragile nature of the developing mind when shaped by neglect, fear, and adverse social environments. Through close textual analysis, the paper explores how Sadananda’s psychological withdrawal is caused by persistent disregard from adults, leading him to construct an imaginary world as a refuge from emotional pain. This retreat into fantasy, while initially protective, ultimately hinders his natural psychological growth and deepens his alienation from reality. Similarly, in Shibu Âr Rakshaser Katha, the study highlights how externally imposed, irrational fear gradually destabilises a child’s mental state. Shibu’s fear of his teacher, rooted in suggestion and imagination rather than reality, demonstrates how a child’s mind can be manipulated and distorted in the absence of proper guidance and reassurance. The paper also underscores Ray’s balanced recognition of both heredity and environment in shaping child psychology. More importantly, it argues that the lack of emotional support and trustworthy communication with adults plays a decisive role in pushing children towards psychological abnormality. The study ultimately stresses the responsibility of parents and guardians in ensuring healthy mental development by offering empathy, attention, and age-appropriate emotional support.