Sunday, 30 March 2025

No job is menial, no work is small - Rishona Chopra

Image sourced from Google Search by Rishona

When one has to choose a career path, one would often think of the following things: "Doctor, Engineer, Astronaut, Scientist" but would never dream of saying "I want to be a plumber, an electrician, a restaurant waitress, a security guard for a local shop". Why? Because these jobs are what we think of as "menial". Ask the people around you if they would ever want to be a plumber, a house nanny, a school bus driver, etc, and the answer will be out instantly.

This whole perception of how these jobs are "inferior" is just a societal stereotype. The truth is, we NEED these people. Yes, we need doctors and scientists, but we need these workers just as much. We rely heavily on those who do these so-called "menial" jobs. We rely so much on them to fix our home wiring, solve the issue of a clogged toilet, clean our home, and cook our food. Yet, for some reason, we can't imagine being a hotel receptionist and being proud of it.

Another reason for this is the job pay that comes with it. We don't respect these workers and their worth in our lives. Hence comes the low wage. Their work requires hard work, patience, strength, and much more. It's tiring and taxing and, unfortunately, not as rewarding. And where is this constant negative energy about these "menial" jobs leading us? Unhappy workers. Workers who aren't happy in what they do and don't know their value and society are to blame for it.

Why should a factory worker be paid minimum wage while a CEO is paid millions? Those factory workers are the backbone of that place, and in the end, those workers have to bear the brunt of it all.

The problem is that we don't realise that we need them. We need all those people who we would never want to be. That's the irony of life.

Now, ignorant fellows often claim that there is possibly nothing that they can do about these matters, but there is something that we can do. We can help, respect, and care for these workers. Whatever we may be in our lives, we are still human. Let's act like it. Rishona Chopra Grade IX Gyanshree School School Captain My Good School

Reflection Sunday 30th March 2025

 
Sunday School # 182
At the Door-To-Door Bookstore, Carl is skeptical about the bookstore's ability to change lives, while  Schascha believes in the power of books to connect people. Their contrasting views create tension and an opportunity for growth.
  1. How do Carl's and Schascha's perspectives on life shape their actions in this chapter?

    • Schascha is eager to fulfill her mission, while Carl remains indifferent. How do these differences influence their journey and their handling of delivering the book?

  2. How does Schascha's determination contrast with Carl's reluctance?

    • Schascha is deeply invested in delivering the book, while Carl is uninterested. What does this say about their different attitudes toward purpose and responsibility?

  3. What do the bookstore and book delivery mean to Carl at this point?

    • Carl seems detached from the bookstore and uninterested in Schascha's task. Why do you think he continues his job despite this lack of enthusiasm?

  4. What might Carl learn from Schascha's dedication and belief in her mission?

    • Schascha is willing to go the extra mile for something she believes in. How could her attitude impact Carl's view of books, people, or even his choices?

  5. How can having a strong sense of purpose, like Schascha's, help us overcome indifference or obstacles in life?

    • Have you ever been in a situation where someone else's passion or belief changed your perspective? How did it affect you?

Reflection questions based on the chapter "Altruism" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:

  1. What is altruism, and how do animals show it?

    • Can you imagine an example from the chapter where an animal helps another without expecting anything?

  2. Why do you think animals help each other?

    • Do you believe animals have emotions like kindness and empathy, or is their behavior based on survival?

  3. How does the chapter change your view of animals?

    • Did any story or example in the chapter surprise you? Why?

  4. Can you think of a time when you helped someone selflessly?

    • How did it make you feel, and why is kindness important?

  5. What can we learn from animals about kindness and cooperation?

    • How can we apply these lessons in our daily lives?

My Good School - March 30 Summary 

A vibrant Sunday School session featuring book readings, storytelling, and thought-provoking discussions with special guests! 

Key Takeaways

๐Ÿ“– Readings from "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" & "The Inner Life of Animals" 
๐ŸŽ™️ Special guests Umesh Vyas, Ajay Singh, & Chetan Khosla shared valuable insights!
๐Ÿ“š Emphasized reading, storytelling, & learning communities 
๐Ÿ“ข Updates on the My Good School Retreat & weekly newsletter 

๐Ÿ“– Book Readings & Discussions

๐Ÿ“š "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"
๐Ÿ”น Continued Chapter 2 – Carl & young Schascha’s heart-warming interaction 
๐Ÿ”น Carl's unique way of naming customers after literary characters 

๐Ÿพ "The Inner Life of Animals"
๐Ÿ”น Fascinating insights on altruism in animals – even bacteria & vampire bats! 
๐Ÿ”น Debate: Are animals truly selfless or just evolutionarily wired? 
๐Ÿ”นThemes of altruism, free will, and books shaping lives 

๐ŸŽ™️ Guest Speaker Insights

๐Ÿงฎ Umesh Vyas - Revolutionizing Math Education
๐Ÿ”น Introduced VIPS methods: Visualization, Investigation, Play and Storytelling. 
๐Ÿ”น Emphasized storytelling, play, and discovery to make math engaging 
๐Ÿ”น Open to collaboration for innovative math learning approaches 

๐Ÿ“š Ajay Singh - Importance of Reading Habits
๐Ÿ”น Advocated for teachers as readers to inspire students 
๐Ÿ”น Started a teacher reading club with plans for expansion 
๐Ÿ”น Appreciated the learning atmosphere of Sunday School 

๐Ÿง˜ Chetan Khosla - Altruism & Selflessness
๐Ÿ”น Shared insights from the Advaita tradition on true selflessness 
๐Ÿ”น Believes selfishness vs. unselfishness stems from a false identity 
๐Ÿ”น Found vampire bats' altruism fascinating! 
๐Ÿ”น Encouraged storytelling as a leadership skill & more sharing opportunities 

๐Ÿซ My Good School Updates

๐ŸŒณ Upcoming retreat at Arthur Foot Academy (April 11-14) 
๐Ÿ“ฉ Growing readership of the Good Schools of India newsletter 
๐ŸŽฅ YouTube channel expanding storytelling & reflections 

Next Steps

๐Ÿ“… Prepare for the April Retreat – excitement builds!
๐Ÿ“– Next Sunday School: Guru Nanak Stories 
๐Ÿค Explore collaboration with Umesh Vyas for math education 
๐Ÿ“ Encourage reflections from participants for publication 

๐ŸŒŸ My Good School – Where Learning is Fun & Meaningful! ๐ŸŒŸ ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ‰

I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification. 

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

GSA Calendar April 2025

6th  April 2025

  Amardeep Singh                                       
  Screening of Episode 16
  Gyan Bohit (Boat of Wisdom)
  Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels 
  Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
My Good School Retreat 2025

11th April to 14th April at Arthur Foot Academy
We will host Brewing Knowledge Friday, Saturday Masterclass and the Sunday My Good School from the Retreat venue.
13th  April 2025
Meet and Greet with Ms Shikha Agnihotri 
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore

20th  April 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals


27th  April 2025
The YES workshop with Lina Ashar
We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate 
while embracing their dreams and aspirations.
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals 

The Teacher's Academy 
Professional Learning Program (PLP)
AFA Special Edition
Is Your Child Ready To Face The World (Hindi Session)
Exclusive event for our five DEI Member Schools 

Thoughtful Thursdays with Poetry and Music 
Every week on Thursday at 5.30 PM with  Brinda Ghosh and Jatin Soni

Brewing Knowledge Fridays with Reading and Art

Book Reading: My Good School Where Passion Meets Education
Every Friday at 5.30 PM over Zoom

Masterclass Webinar
Book reading: Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow
Masterclass every Saturday at 5.30 PM

Review Meetings:
Arthur Foot Academy Monthly Meeting
2nd April 2025 at 5.30 PM - WhatsApp Video Call.

The GSA Monthly Meeting is scheduled for last Wednesday. 

Our universal meeting hour will be Wednesday at 5:30 PM, and all meetings will be via WhatsApp Video Calls.

Reflections Since 2021