The Special Gateway - Kunal Rajpurohit

I have gone through many gates. It can be someone's home, the glorious forts of Rajasthan, or Haveli's entrance, but I always find that gates never speak, and that's so true. How can a non-living thing tell? They say and share feelings if they see you worth it. I got to talk with the gate but only twice in my life!

15 years ago, when I had my first day at school, My School's gate spoke to me and said, Hi! Kunal, What you are finding out is inside me. Let's see if you can crack it and find it. 

Though I find it true that time that everything is inside my school, my hope, prayers, friends, everything that goes in my mind comes again within my school, and that's very true for a child or a student who has been there for 15 years, part of an immensely great 30 years old institution. I was completing my 15 years in the school, and the school gate talked for the second time, and I was well prepared. Gate spoke, "Did you find the thing which you wanted?."

I said yes, "Yes, I found it."

Gate said, " You would find it. I knew that I was there but did you crack it?"

I said, "I find it but, What to crack?

Gate said, "Kunal! You think everything is inside me, but it's the learning which is inside me, and that's true that you have found it very right and a perfect form of education.

 I said, "I had good learning inside you. Did I crack it?

Gate said, "No, the challenge which had to be cracked is that everything is not inside me. I had learning which will help you to get further learning opportunities. There is further learning."

That's so authentic learning is not in the six-wall classroom. (Yes, we have a six-wall classroom at our school)

True that everyone considers learning within your institution, but institutions give us better learning opportunities even beyond.

So learning is always open to institutes. It is everywhere, so let's learn with passion.

Kunal Rajpurohit

The Fabindia School
Images - archives of The Fabindia School.

Humility - Nishan Karki

 

Nishan is a student at Pestalozzi Children's Village India
and a regular contributor to the Joy Of Learning Diaries. 

The Power Of Love - Shambhavi Nautiyal

Have I felt the power of love?
(Thoughts and experiences)

Feeling the power of love, love to me is loving someone without any self-seeking interest; it may be full of evergreen thrill, adoration and concern, but it can also be thinking about a friend, being reminded of a glimpse of each other laughing together or having deep conversations and having a good time.

I feel love whenever I hear of someone's trust in me and how they can rely on me after coming a long way together with them in life. I feel love whenever I practice self-love by looking out for myself, no matter what, feeling that I have matured in myself and invested that time for myself.

Love is like a journey; the deeper you go, the more immersed, wise, and experienced you become and the more content and happier you feel with life. You may die, but your love shall stay on to be. 

Follow your heart; everything will be alright and meaningful, and helpful. It may be a journey of a relationship with someone else, something that goes down the lane of life with you such that if it's gone, it feels like there is no purpose in life. Love is what drives us all. It keeps us alive, whether it be the love for a hobby, for yourself, someone else or this world.

I feel love when someone listens to me carefully, is understood, has a place in someone's life and is cared for whilst the other person looks out for and considers themselves and wants the same respect in return is what is love to me.

The true mark on human memory is when you leave any impression on someone's soul with your heartfelt actions. That's all it takes to manifest your love for anyone by doing or saying whatever comes straight from the heart, which forms the phrase, 'Follow your heart and all shall be alright', a short but meaningful and helpful one.

Just the way it is famously said that your bad times give you a reality check about your close ones only, the ones who actually love you will come forward to extend a hand of assistance. If the love in you guides you to help someone who looks at you with distaste in their bad times, they will come to help you if they are a good person. Love leads you to goodness.

Love teaches you patience, and the good you do remains good no matter how the person responds. Your karma is only yours. Even if it is not returned from the person you do good for, it does come around.

Go on and love yourself!
Shambhavi Nautiyal

Class 8D
Ahlcon Public School

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging - Shilpika Pandey

It is definitely a tiny world inside our homes, like we say, and the moment one steps out, the circumference magnifies. The realization hits us that now, we depend on our social behaviour to make the outer world OURS.

And here enter the vital aspects of social life, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, and BELONGING, that teach us 'how' to interact and align everyone from diverse backgrounds, include them in our learning journey and help them in the belongingness of the same.

We must appreciate the incredible Diversity around us that helps us grow socially into an enriched and better person that finds joy in knowing people from everywhere, absorbing their learnings, communicating, and exchanging opinions, while training to be globally concerned individuals.

When we have a group that is diverse and different, we gain a bank of multiple values, ethics, cultures, and working styles, which becomes a strength of a dependable team, leading to brilliant productivity and effectiveness!

The lesson of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging is the crucial ingredient of a Good School.

- Shilpika is a Happy Teacher at My Good School

Something that I want to change - Tenzing Dhekyong N

The photo is from the book: The Little Book of Values: Educating Children to Become Thinking,
Responsible and Caring Citizens by Julie Duckworth and Ian Gilbert

The caste system is not a big issue these days, but I would love to change the system of the higher and lower classes by educating others about beliefs and disbelief.

India is also called "the place where girls are not safe". So I want to change this thought of everyone on this. Not only me but everyone could help by being respectful towards women and giving them full fundamental rights.

The Power Of Love - Anvesha Rana

                           

 Earlier I was a mysterious soul,

Inside me, I had a deep hole. 

Which neither time nor work could reap, 

All I needed was a retreat. 

The vacancy grew larger, 

The loneliness grew bigger, 

But I still lurked in the corner, 

Still searching for something warmer. 

But then I saw a beautiful white dove, 

Which perched up my tree, 

Once it went, it came later affectionately, 

And became a family guarantee!  

I realized my family, 

My mother, father and sister, 

I saw them care, caress, fluster and support, 

All in the name of love. 

I understood my friends, 

Calling me to make amends, 

Or to catch up with the latest trends, 

All in the name of love. 

Then I discovered my passion, 

Which taught me dedication

And devotion and compassion, 

All in the name of love. 

I learnt a lot from them, 

But I also learnt a lot from myself, 

Which made me learn one more thing

And that is Self-Love. 

Thank you for 

making me realize, 

making me believe 

And making me feel 

The Power Of Love. 

Anvesha Rana, 

Grade 10-B, 

Gyanshree School

Merry Christmas 🎄!! - Oshi Singh

 Weihnachten

Merry Christmas ⛄🎄!!

Wir alle lieben Weihnachten!

In Deutschland wird der Weihnachtstag 25, Familien lesen Weihnachtsgeschichten und singen Weihnachtslieder zu Weihnachten. Sie sitzen zusammen und essen traditionelles Essen. Die Deutschen haben zu Weihnachten einen Countdown-Kalender "Adventskalender".

Vier Wochen vor Weihnachten wird jeden Sonntag eine Kerze angezündet. Die kleinen Kinder freuen sich über ihre Geschenke. Ein weiterer wichtiger Tag vor Weihnachten ist der Nikolaustag am 6. Dezember. St. Nikolaus ist bekannt als der Geschenkebringer für Kinder. Am Vorabend des Nikolaustages stellen die Kinder ihre Schuhe vor die Tür, die er mit Süßigkeiten und Schokolade füllt.

An Weihnachten wird traditionell gerne Kartoffelsalat mit Würstchen gegessen. Bei den Süßigkeiten sind Lebkuchen und Spekulatius bei allen am beliebtesten. Sie sind bereits ab September auf den Weihnachtsmärkten und in den Bäckereien erhältlich. Ich finde Weihnachten seid sehr lieb. Jedes Jahr fahre ich mit meiner Familie in den Winterurlaub. Wir alle lieben Weihnachten für die Feiertage, Weihnachtsbaum, Geschenke und Süßigkeiten!

Was machst du an weihnachten?

What do you do at Christmas?

Oshi Singh

VIII D

Gyanshree School 

Merry Christmas! - Rishona Chopra

Merry Christmas !! I know most of us don't believe in the stories of Santa Claus, but sometimes it's good to play along with it and enjoy the festival!    

A small act of giving could mean everything to a person. Giving not only makes the other person happy but also makes us happy. As said,' make others happy, and you will be satisfied in the same way give and give, and you will feel better. When we give, we shouldn't expect the same from a person. We should give from our hearts.

At Christmas, we receive gifts but have we ever thought that instead of receiving, we should give more and buy things, not for us but others in need. If we can afford it, buying stuff for us when we need them makes sense. There is a tremendous difference between want and need. When we want something, we don't really need them; when we need them, we want to use them properly. So on Christmas, we should give and not take, and we should give it in such a way that we do not mind if the other offers a return gift. So today, On Christmas, let us pass, share and give selflessly!!

Christmas reminds us of beautiful angels with wings and a divine wand in their hands. Wings symbolize the angelic and light stage of the mind, which is experienced through purity and soul-consciousness, and the sacred rod is a symbol of positive blessings we receive from God and then share with each soul in the world!

Christmas is not only about giving but also about love and care. Time and commitment. Let's spend some time with our loved ones on this beautiful festival of joy. If you can see the love between plants and animals, then why do only we humans fall into the trap and ego and anger?

Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. -The Bible

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Cloud Formations - Rishona Chopra

The beautiful clouds hover over the sky, 
Some hide behind like they were shy!
Cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and nimbus clouds,
There are cirrostratus, cirrocumulus, altostratus,
Altocumulus, stratocumulus, nimbostratus, 

And cumulonimbus clouds.
Some are dark, high and loud!
Others are light and pretty.
Some make the shape of a cute kitty.
Those beautiful clouds I look at,
Few are flat, few are fat!
A miracle in the sky,
They shine proudly, meeting me in the eye!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Life like tangled hair! - Rishona Chopra

When you have tangled hair, you know it but don't want to comb and untangle them, do you? They just keep increasing, and you have to separate them very soon, but this time, it pains quite a lot and becomes pretty tricky for you. It is something similar to our life too.  

There are so often problems in our life we don't want to solve, we feel they are too small to care about, but if we neglect those issues and don't even try to solve them, which could be done in a jiffy, we just don't care about it thinking that it is not worth our attention as it is a small matter.

Like the situation with tangled hair, we neglect the small tangle, which soon creates a bigger problem that is difficult to solve. Minor problems prepare us for significant issues in life. If we can't solve the small ones, how on Earth could we solve the big ones?

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Something You Want To Change In Yourself and How? - Pestalozzi India

Many people have been continuously advising me to change my behaviour as I might lose all my friends and people around me because of my behaviour. I am also an ill-tempered person and dismissive of their suggestions. I make false promises and divulge without thinking how they might feel later who trusted me so much. I dither whenever I have to make any difficult choice, maybe because of my anxiety and lack of confidence. I should speak up for myself and build self-confidence. I will be a trustworthy person. Even Pestalozzi has given us many opportunities by organising workshops to be self-possessed to improve our public speaking skills and body language among many people. 

Jeni Sherpa

There are many personality traits that I want to change that are not good for me. The first thing I want to change is my temperament; I am short-tempered, get angry about minor things, and start fighting with the person who made me angry. I should change this habit and try to ignore those little things. The next thing I wanna change in me is that I am lazy. The things I plan every time I don't do due to my laziness. I should habitually become more punctual with the timelines and stop procrastinating. Another thing is that I am shy and nervous in front of people whom I don't know, and I overthink. I should interact more with other people and be more confident about myself. 

Shristi Khulal

Reading - a skill that needs rebirth! - Shilpika Pandey

Those who read, read fluently, write well, and speak well!

Reading is one of the best activities to keep your mind focused, enhance your vocabulary, improve pronunciation and inculcate the habit of making reading an essential part of one's regimen.

Reading is a catalyst for an intellectual, thinking mind that sharpens analyzing and brainstorming skills. An old-school activity that is irreplaceable and much needed for our students to keep them away from the hovering world of social media and make them add to their wisdom, knowledge and a composed lifestyle.

When an individual picks up a book to read, he or she unfolds a lesson to remember and change the mindset, thus changing life for the better. Reading helps build conversations, and meaningful conversations take place. So keep reading!

Shilpika Pandey

My Good School

हमारी हरी घास की छप्पर वाली झोपड़ी और बौना पहाड़ की यात्रा। - Hindi Podcast

Listen to one of our best podcasts for 2022 #JoyOfLearning

हमारी हरी घास की छप्पर वाली झोपड़ी और बौना पहाड़ की यात्रा।

Vani: "ॐ नमः शिवाय गुरुवे सच्चिदानन्द मुर्तये निस्प्रपञ्चाय शान्ताय निरालम्बया तेजसे"।

अर्थ - गुरु सभी का आत्म है, सत्य, ज्ञान और आनंद का अवतार है। जो संसार से परे, शान्त, स्वतंत्र और दीप्तिमान हैं, उन्हें नमस्कार है।

Yashraj : माय गुड स्कूल में एक साल वास्तव में तेजी से बीत गया है जो हमारे हिंदी सत्र का भी अंत करता है। इस सत्र का हिस्सा बनकर हमें बहुत खुशी हुई, इसलिए मैं यशराज।

Vani: और मैं वाणी ।

Yashraj:  हिंदी के सत्रों की यात्रा के बारे में इस पॉडकास्ट की मेजबानी करने के लिए यहां हैं। लेकिन, क्या आपको नहीं लगता कि इस पॉडकास्ट को और अधिक रोचक बनाने के लिए हमें अपने कुछ और जॉली इंटर्न की आवश्यकता होगी?

Vani: सच में, इसलिए मैं अपने दोस्तों और इंटर्न- रिशोना, शांभवी, आरफा,और संदीप सर को आमंत्रित करती हूं।

Yashraj: रिशोना, शांभवी और आरफा, कृपया हमारे साथ हिंदी सत्र के अपने विचार और अनुभव साझा करें।

Rishona: हां, मैं इस बात से पूरी तरह सहमत हूं कि हमारी हरी घास की छप्पर वाली झोपड़ी और बौना पहाड़ की यात्रा वास्तव में कुछ और थी! तोत्तो-चान और स्वामी से अंग्रेजी सत्र में, मैंने बहुत कुछ सीखा है, मुझे लगता है कि बोलू, स्वामी और तोत्तो-चान सबसे अच्छे दोस्त हैं। यह इत्तेफाक ही है कि हम तीनों दोस्तों की कहानियां पढ़ते हैं। जैसा कि हम अध्याय या बल्कि रोमांच से गुजरे तो यह बहुत ताज़ा महसूस हुआ।

Shambhavi: इस सत्र में हरी घास की चप्पल वाली झोपड़ी और बौना पहाड़ जैसी अदभुत किताब पढ़ना, असल में एक बहुत नए अनुभव के जैसा था जिसने हमे एक नया नज़रिया दीया। इस किताब ने हमें एक और बहुत ही अच्छे दोस्तों के समाहार से परिचित करवाया।

Arfa: हमारी हरी घास की छप्पर वाली झोपड़ी और बौना पहाढ़ को पड़ने में अलग ही मज़ा था।कल्पना की इस बनावट में एक ताज़गी और नयापन है।उपन्यास में बच्चों के सपनों की दुनिया जैसी खूबसूरत चीजें हैं। भाषा की चमक के साथ-साथ भाषा का संगीत भी कहानी को आकर्षक बनाता है। भाषा की आन्तरिक रचना आख्यान के साथ-साथ वर्तमान के बोध को सजीव करती है।

Vani: धन्यवाद रिशोना, शांभवी और आरफा ,आपसे यह सुनकर बहुत अच्छा लगा। अब में हमारे गुरूजी संदीप सर को दो शब्द कहने के लिए आमंत्रित करना चाहूंगा। Yashraj: हमेशा हमारे प्रेरणा स्त्रोत बनने के लिए और हमारा मनोबल ऊँचा  रखने के लिए धन्यवाद सर ! अब, हमारे लिए कुछ शब्द कहने के लिए जुगजीव सर को आमंत्रित करते हैं। वह एक अंग्रेजी शिक्षक हैं जिन्होंने उत्साहपूर्वक हिंदी सत्रों में भाग लिया है। मैं महोदय से अनुरोध करूंगा कि आप जिन कुछ यादगार हिंदी सत्रों में शामिल हुए हैं, उनके अपने अनुभव कृपया साझा करें।

Vani: आपकी ये बातें निश्चय ही सत्य हैं। तुम्हारे बारे में क्या, यशराज? एक सक्रिय हिंदी JOL इंटर्न होने के नाते और हर सत्र में भाग लेने का आपका सफर कैसा रहा?

Yashraj: मैंने अंग्रेजी की तो बहुत सी किताबें बचपन से पढ़ी हैं, लेकिन हिंदी की किताबों श को बहुत ज्यादा नहीं पढ़ा था। परंतु पिछले 1 साल में माय गुड स्कूल के माध्यम से मैंने हिंदी की कहानियां भी पढ़नी शुरू की, जिससे मेरी रुचि हिंदी की किताबों में भी बढ़ गई है। और साथ ही साथ मेरी हिंदी शब्दावली में भी सुधार हुआ है। अब मुझे हिंदी भी रोचक लगने लगी है।हमने जो यह उपन्यास हरे घास की छप्पर वाली झोपड़ी और बोना पहाड़ पढ़ा है,उससे मुझे बहुत से लोक भाषा के शब्दों का भी ज्ञान हुआ है। साथ ही साथ हमने समय-समय पर उपन्यास पर आधारित प्रश्नावली आयोजित की जिससे हमारा हिंदी पठन और रोचक और ज्ञानवर्धक हुआ।आपका क्या कहना है वाणी?

Vani: हिंदी सत्रों का हिस्सा बनना मेरे लिए हमेशा बहुत खुशी की बात रही है। और इस अद्भुत किताब को पढ़ना - हरे गैस की छप्पर वाली झोपड़ी और बोना पहाड़, निश्चित रूप से मुझे अपने बचपन में वापस ले जाता है और मेरी प्यारी यादों से जुड़ता है। जब मैं किताब के पन्ने पढ़ती थी तो अपने आप एक किरदार में बदल जाती था। मेरी पसंदीदा कूना थी- एक प्यारी लेकिन मजबूत छोटी लड़की।हिंदी सत्र ने अन्यथा मेरे हिंदी पढ़ने के कौशल और हिंदी में मेरी रुचि में भी सुधार किया है। Yashraj: इसके साथ ही हम अपने पॉडकास्ट के अंत में आ गए हैं। नीचे कमेंट करें और हमें बताएं कि क्या आपको हमारा पॉडकास्ट पसंद आया। आज हमारे तरफ से बस इतना ही। ट्यूनिंग के लिए धन्यवाद।

Enjoy our shows on www.DilJeeto.com.

Thank you, Anvesha Rana and students, from Gyanshree and Ahlcon Public Schools.

Please find out more about My Good School at www.MyGoodSchool.in.

Thank you to the author of the book Ashok K Shukla and his publisher Rajkamal Prakashan. Above all, we are grateful to Ms Chandra Prabha from Gyanshree School for recommending the book.

Something I want to change in myself and how ? - Pestalozzi World

My first thought was to change something physical – and magically drop some extra weight I had gained. But honestly, I think even more than that, I would like to become more organised. And if I could change that, I could finally start to exercise and lose weight, too! ☺️ - Januka Basnet

I would like to change my behaviour because I sometimes behave rudely to others when I get angry. If I change this habit, I will be more friendly with others rather than fighting with them over small things. It can only be done by keeping myself calm and ignoring the actions that make me angry.  - Manisha Rana

I always want to change my every bad into good, including my habits, goals, situation etc. I want to be more friendly with others and never misunderstand others. I want to be happier by searching for happiness in every moment, and also I want to live a simple and confidential life. I will do these things by cooperating with every worst situation and overcoming any obstacle that I face in my life.  - Nishan Karki

When I think about things I want to change about myself, I first think of my behaviour towards other people. I have asked my friends to describe me so that if there is something which needs to be changed, I can change it. So what they have said is that I make other people do my work, which I often do when I don't feel like doing it. I request the other person to do that work for me. And always asking others to do you isn't nice when you actually think about it, so I am trying to change it and be more independent. Though I am still determining how much time it would take me to completely change.  - Sonam Lhamo

I have many things I want to change in myself, like my habits and my behaviour. Sometimes when I am angry, I become very rude to people. I don't feel like talking to anyone, and when they try to talk to me, I speak anything without even thinking. I just can't control my anger and want to change that behaviour. I am trying to change it by thinking before I speak, and I will try to control my anger. One more thing I want to change in myself is to improve my studies. I will give more time to my studies. - Anchal Mehra

The Diary Of A Paper - Rishona Chopra

Dear Diary,  

I hope you have a day full of colours and joy because I do not have one! I was being made in the factory just yesterday, enjoying my life and relaxing until they put me in the suffocating packing of plastic. Goodness, it is so difficult to breathe; I think I might die!! I can't wait for someone to buy and get me out of the suffocating packing. Oh, there goes a customer! Yes, you please do pick me up!! And yes, that little girl achieved quite a difficult task, didn't she? 

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Dear Diary,

I am out of that plastic packaging, finally!! It's a day to celebrate and enjoy. That young girl is so lovely. She even threw that plastic packaging in the dustbin! I bet she understood my pain and threw him as punishment. I can't wait to draw and paint with those bright colours. 

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Dear Diary,

It's been two days, and the girl hasn't put a single stroke of colour on me. She just comes to look at me, draws a little and goes away. At least, she should place me in front of a mirror so I can see what she is making on me. I learned a few things about her - She has a family, one sister and two brothers. The girl's name is Lily, and her brothers' names are John and Alvin, just like Alvin and the chipmunks! The brothers are naughty but cute. Her sister's name is Sara, and she is truly a sweetheart! Seeing her just makes my day. I hope Lily is creating a masterpiece for me; I am missing the beauty of those colours!

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Dear Diary,

It's been about 6 days, and she has finally put a little colour on me. Her painting should be good after all that waiting I did. I pray every day that she puts me in front of a mirror. I really want to see myself!

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Dear Diary,

Sorry, I haven't written to you in a while; I have been swamped. Turns out, the girl did make a masterpiece. I am in the museum of arts, and several people look at me and embrace my beauty. I am famous now! This was quite a journey from plain paper to a masterpiece. One thing I learnt on the trip was that patience is always beneficial. Life is a journey. Every day has a different beat to it. Life unfolds itself. It's a journey we can't force.

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Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Something I wanna change in myself and how? - Tenzin Nyingsel

I've always wanted to be confident that I can always stand out for myself without hesitation.

Anxiety has always been the worst problem that could ever happen to me, and the time that happens, overthinking starts, my hands start shaking, and the words from my mouth become quiet.

To overcome those situations, many workshops have been done in our Village provided by Pestalozzi so that we could work on our public speaking skills, which is very important for us both in present and future. So I'm looking forward to improving that thing in myself so that I won't hesitate next time whenever I'm speaking or communicating with anyone.

There are many things I want to change in myself, like improving my speaking skills and the body language I use. Will try improving them by pushing them again and again. I have many other habits like I support the people I am close to, but sometimes when I require them to help me, they just show their back. To improve this habit, I think I shouldn't support anyone without knowing the case properly so that I don't have to regret my mistakes.

Tenzin Nyingsel

Courtesy: Shelja Thakur

Email: alumnicoordinator@pestalozziworld.in

Coffee With The Coach : Our Culture - Anvesha Rana

Today We Talk About Our Culture

People are only mean when threatened, which is what our culture does. That's what our economy does. Even people with jobs in our economy are threatened because they worry about losing them. And when you get threatened, you start looking out only for yourself. You start making money as a god. It is all part of this culture. 

We should build our own culture. It doesn't mean disregarding every rule of the community, but while obeying the little things, we create our own choices for the big things - how we think, what we value - those you must choose for yourself. You can't let anyone- or any society - determine those for you. 

Our culture conditions people. It's the same for women not being beautiful enough or men not being rich enough. It's just what our culture would have you believe, but don't believe it. Every society has problems, and the way to do them is not to run away. You have to work at creating your own culture. 

No matter where you live, the most significant defect we human beings have is our shortsightedness. We are still determining what we could be. We should look at our potential, stretching ourselves into everything we can become. But if you're surrounded by people who say, 'I want mine now,' you end up with a few people with everything and a military to keep the poor from rising up and stealing it. 

The problem is that we don't believe we are as much alike as we are. Men and women, whites and blacks, young and old. If we saw each other as more alike, we might be eager to join one big human family in this world and to care about that family the way we care about our own. 

We all have the same beginning - birth, and we all have the same end - death. So how different can we be? Invest in the human family. Invest in people. Build a little community of those you love and who love you. At the start of life, when we are infants, we need others to survive, and at the end of life, we again need others to survive, but the truth is that in between, we need others as well. 

Anvesha Rana 

Grade 10-B 

Gyanshree School

Reflection : Something I Wanna Change - Richen Khando

I want to change my habit of being angry; I have a very short temper, and that is what I want to change. Many people tell me that I get fit very fast, which makes my friends sad, and I do too. So, I try to be calm by listening to music or taking a long breath (3 times), which is how I try to keep my temper cool.

Pain Is Compulsory But Suffering Is An Option - Rishona Chopra

Pain is compulsory, it is a part of life and can't be changed, but do we let that pain affect our mind and turn it into suffering? Pain is the truth of life. It is something we can't change. There is a term that is used in Buddhism that is - 

Dukkha: Life is painful and causes suffering. Many people might say that Buddhism is pessimistic or negative.

The challenge is dealing with the pain. We let the pain get to our minds and convert into suffering. Suppose a person regularly has negative life experiences from a series of body illnesses. In that case, that means she has negative energy inside her due to some adverse action of her immediate or far-off past. This negative energy is at the present moment coming back to her in the form of negative scenes in her life. 

                             "We are healed of suffering only by experiencing it fully."

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Unforgettable Journey 🚙 - Oshi Singh

Image courtesy https://blog.klm.com/, used by Oshi Singh for representation only. 

This poem is an inspiration from the poem, ' When I Set Out For Lyonnesse' by Thomas Hardy. There are two interpretations of his poem.

First, he was out to a new land for his work, and over there, he met a girl and fell in love. Later they got married, and then he wrote this poem as he believed his marriage changed him for the better. Although the second interpretation is that when he went to the new land, which he refers to as Lyonnesse, he went through a drastic spiritual change, and after he came back, everyone could see he returned a better man. So his poem was about his journey from ignorance to enlightenment. 

This poem that I have written captures the emotions felt by Thomas Hardy throughout his journey to the far-off land of Lyonesse. It captures how he was unsure before setting out on his journey and how he changed for the better. 

When I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

I had doubt in my mind,

But I knew it was high time. 

So I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

Little did I know, 

The miracle of life would drive me away. 

When I came back from Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

I had magic in my eyes, a glow on my face, 

Which, unlike time, shall never fade away. 

When I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

Little did I know, 

The miracle of life would drive me away. 

Now I return a better man, 

And no one shall take it away from me. 

When I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

Oshi Singh
 VIII D
Gyanshree School 

Reference: https://blog.klm.com/klm-podcast-the-journey/ 

Reflection on what makes you feel who you are - Shristi Khulal

Even though I am not exceptionally talented, the support, love, help and care I receive daily from people around me makes me feel who I am. 

The knowledge, education, encouragement and motivation I get from those who help me endlessly in my life are my parents, teachers, friends and Pestalozzi; all have helped me become a better person. 

The challenges and even problems that came into my life made me stronger and braver. 

Thus, these are the things that make me who I am.

Internship Program - Shilpika Pandey

It is spellbinding to see that Internship is no longer limited to working professionals; at My Good School, the Internship Program facilitates the schools with an exclusive internship opportunity for children. It’s a niche creative learning and growing environment comprising Values and virtues as an integral part.

The Program is one of a kind ever in the education sector. It is an excellent opportunity for children to acquire soft skills and visualise themselves as future editors, writers, authors, podcasters, bloggers, and other creative individuals by having hands-on experience while working on projects and networking extensively with professionals beyond the schools.

This is a wishful ladder of opportunities where each child picks up skills and values step-by-step and comes out with a confident, abled, skilled and complete personality.

#InternsMatter

"Future belongs to the young. We must not only trust them with responsibility but must thrust it upon them whilst they are still young and full of energy, zest, hope and even illusions". JRD Tata

Joy of learning - Shilpika Pandey

The Joy of learning is an atmosphere. 

Learning becomes easy and a pleasure to pursue when the atmosphere is brimming with Joy! 

A student and an educator grow together in this journey of joyful learning. 

We are happy we have been given a chance to contribute our bit to this incredible journey called the Joy of learning!

Shilpika Pandey

mgs@ebd.in

What makes us who we are - Nishan Karki

It us a common perception that our thoughts, behaviour and nature make us who we are.

If we behave correctly to other people showing them respect, they will assume that we have good manners and behaviour. Maintaining a good personality is beneficial and important in life.

- Nishan Karki

--

Shelja Thakur

Pestalozzi World Local Alumni Coordinator and Senior Student Liaison Officer

https://pestalozziworld.com/about/where-we-work/indian-village/

What makes us who we are - Monika Singh Pundir

The person I am today is because of my parent's hard work. If I didn't have parents like them to give birth to me, l would never be able to stand in this world.  

Not only my parents but there are also many people behind me in this position right now, like my teachers, who were always there to help me with my problems and teach me the right things to do. I am very grateful to them for whatever they have done for me. 

I am most grateful to Pestalozzi Children's Village Society, who provided us best to the best facilities in the field of education and wants us to have a brighter future. Finally, there are my friends who always supported me and trusted me. 

 

Monika Singh Pundir

What Makes Us Who We Are - Tenzin Nyesel

Photo courtesy Cheme Dolma Palden
https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-pestalozzi-children-village-society

The first people that came to mind after hearing about that topic are my parents, who have done so much for me. The way I'm able to live, read and write is all because of my parents who've invited me into this world and have done so much hard work for me to live a good life.

Then my second thought was my teachers who've taught me not only studies but also good manners and habits.

The last thought was that my friends have always supported me and always been there for me at whatever stage.

These all are people in my life who've made me who I am right now, for which I'm very thankful and grateful.

Tenzin Nyesel
Pestalozzi Childrens Village, India

Kurseong: The land of white orchid - Rishona Chopra

Helen Lepcha belonged to the indigenous Lepcha community, an ethnic group scattered across Sikkim, the Darjeeling Hills, the southwestern parts of Bhutan and the Ilam District of Nepal. Born on 14 January 1902, in Sangmu Village (South Sikkim) to Mr and Mrs Achung Lepcha, Helen was the third of seven children. 

Her family moved to Kurseong shortly after she was born. Surrounded by lush green tea estates with well-pruned bushes, the towns of Kurseong and Darjeeling started witnessing the arrival of education and infrastructural development in the early 19th century. This created ample job opportunities compared to the then princely state of Sikkim, leading Helen's father to move to Kurseong.

Kurseong is a beautiful town known as The Land Of White Orchids. It was initially called "Karsan Rup", which means The Land Of White Orchids. Even Mark Twain spent some time here. However, Kurseong is most popularly associated with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who was imprisoned in a bungalow here by the British.

Helen Lipcha, also known as Savitri Devi, helped Netaji Boe escape and supported Mahatma Gandhi in the Non-Cooperation movement.

I have learnt and heard of many fighters and towns but never of Kurseong. I never even knew there was a girl named Helen Lepcha who played such an essential role in history. I genuinely salute these unsung heroes who were brave enough to risk their lives yet not be famous.

The one question I would like to ask the author is - Does the story of Helen Lipcha inspire you or relate to your life in any way?

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Great Tribal Warriors of Bharat - Anvesha Rana

The meticulous lines drawn out from the intricately woven Indian history narrate a tale of valour and patriotism, chivalrous and courageous fighters astounded the invaders with defiance for crumbling in pain their fragile and ancient machinery might lay down on the battlefield. Still, the spirit of freedom ignited further after losing. Indians unified is a resilient symbol of Pure Indian Strength; our most significant asset lies in our people.  A girl of mere 14 years of age being a mentor to Kasturba Gandhi, or a British official holding a man defeated, in his highest esteem. It is not the power but the personality of Indians that is embedded, leaving indelible impressions on people. Helen Lepcha, a lady of substance from the Lepcha community, helped Netaji Bose escape and was a chief member of the Non-Cooperation movement. Our impregnable freedom is a culmination of the endeavours of numerous freedom fighters; the depths of oppression create such heights of character. Our Independence was not a birthright. It was fought for with life and death by these tribal communities. Anvesha Rana Grade 10-B Gyanshree School

Player Of Games - Gaurangi Rastogi

There is a question for all teenagers here, including myself. "Do you feel that being a teenager is too good to be true?" 

My answer would be yes, as I  have been facing a lot these days, like Peer pressure, jealousy, experimenting with new genres of books, and trying to get my act together to make a comeback to this world of writing blogs and writing a book called "now let me tell you. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I am giving a short intro. So, a teenage girl called Amanda was working as an intern at a graphic design company. She was satisfied with her job. One day, while she was walking back home, she was abducted by some men. The rest will be told in the book. These days, I am studying a lot and the Holiday Homework is just so much. Seeing this problem in managing everything in my life is a challenge I am trying to solve now. This would answer my question to people who question my capabilities, but I will give them intense competition in life. 

I end my writing with the note, 'Just Do it, Girl!' 

Gaurangi Rastogi 

VII 

The Doon Girls' School 

Self-realization - Rishona Chopra

Do you know yourself?
When we are asked about our weaknesses and strengths, don't we take quite a long time to understand ourselves? We try so hard to understand others but do we honestly appreciate ourselves? 
The human brain is full of complexities and thoughts that we, too, fail to understand. We need to understand our passion, our capability and to what extent can we reach.

I was asked who I was,
And there was a pause,
A long stretch of silence,
I was thinking as if it was science.
I realised I fail to understand who I am,
Did I have the ability to pass a challenging exam?
I needed to understand by ability,
Years pass by,
I still don't appreciate my being.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Happiness From Within - Rishona Chopra

Happiness is one of the most critical and defining qualities of life. Everyone wants to be very happy all the time, and no one wants to lose their happiness at any moment. There is nothing more important than being happy in human life. 

It's the top priority of all humans. But at the same time, everyone feels that happiness is not permanent and comes and goes away very quickly. 

This is because the source of happiness for most people today is external and external sources in our present lives keep changing and going through ups and downs. Some people in the world also feel that this is how happiness has been eternal - unstable and temporary in nature, and there has never been any time in the world when happiness was permanent. All of us want happiness in our lives, but so many bad things are happening in the world; how can we be happy on earth? Here's the answer, we don't get happiness from things and situations. Even the worst thing in the world can have a positive side!! So if we look at each case positively, we can easily be happy. We do not get happiness from the environment but from within.

According to the world happiness index, the World Happiness Report is an indicator of global happiness. The rankings are based on reports of respondents' assessments of their own lives, and articles on national happiness are included. The report also compares other elements that influence (quality of) life. The rankings of national happiness are based on a Cantril ladder survey. Nationally representative samples of respondents are asked to think of a ladder, with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst possible life being a 0. They are then asked to rate their current lives on a 0 to 10 scale. There is a tale about Birbal in a similar context. Once a man came up to Birbal and said that his home did not have space, so Birbal advised him to bring goats to his house and take them out after a day. When the goats were there, the house was so whole and small, but when they went out, it felt so much bigger! So happiness is just a perspective of looking at things!

There is this quote by Lewis B. Smedes - To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. This means that when we have a conflict with someone, they are also bound by negative feelings, and so are we. We both are sad and want to solve the fight, but our ego does not allow us to do that. So if we once set the prisoner as the person who we fought with, not only will he be free from the negative feelings, but so will we.

I feel happy today,
An aim to smile every day.
It's a unique ray of hope,
That gives me a new scope.
To do something good,
I misunderstood,
The word happiness.
I thought there was a reason for this smile.
But all this while.
I was wrong to think,
That happiness could shrink.
It was something even more unique,
That came from within and was sentimental.
I couldn't possibly want something more,
 But to be happier than before.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

What makes me think who I am - Tenzing Dhekyong N

I belong to Pestalozzi, which makes me feel proud; whenever I go to school, the teachers treat me as a special one because Pestalozzian children do excel in their academics and as well as in the field of sports. I am very grateful to be a Pestalozzian because Pestalozzi has taught me to be independent and mature enough to judge right or wrong and the innovative ideas that make me feel who I am. Expressing my gratitude towards someone makes me think about who I actually am. 

Tenzing Dhekyong N
https://pestalozziworld.com/about/where-we-work/indian-village/

When I Die - Reveda Bhatt

So, God gave me a new life to live, but, you know, let’s face it, I am not immortal, so I have to die one day. I know I’ll be walking toward the cliff one day and disappearing into the grieving, shallow darkness.

To those who think -Thinking about death is depressing, or maybe I am depressed. Ahh, that’s a straight-away no because thinking about what’s going to come one day is absolutely normal, be it a new start to life or a jump to death. In fact, thinking about it gives me a unique perspective on how to look at life - it’s just the beginning of the end. That may sound weird, but personally, it inspires me not to hold on to a moment looking for the lost one but to move on to see what the next brings. Plus, it’s all about perspective -if we hold on to one side, we might miss out on the fun on the other.

Plus, one thing I read recently- “Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break.” So, you see, this end called death exists because if it didn’t, either way, nobody wants to leave, keeping aside the matter of suic*de because something in them forces them to end this suffering once and for all, maybe because they never saw the brighter side of things. Don’t take any of it personally, please.

Now, about me - I want to serve humanity for a good reason, a good cause. And believe me when I say
that, “It will never change!”

Not going for materialistic things in excess. I want to give them away to the needy. In fact, a part of what we earn, we should give away because nothing is ours. Once we leave, it’ll just be the things belonging here-they don’t go with us.

I am sure, doing all that, after a moment, I’ll find myself walking toward the cliff I know has an end - Free falling.

“That’s why when I die, I want people to remember me for life I lived, not for the money I made.”

Then, vision widening lights off!

Reveda Bhatt
Grade 9
The Aryan School

Could Have Been - Reveda Bhatt

“Sometimes, the one who loves you is the one who hurts you the most.” - It Ends With Us.

Found this quote accurate in and out, and, you know, it’s one of the bitter truths of life, but you just have to accept it that way. Although, in a way, it’s a bitter-sweet truth because once you realise that, you won’t care much about the fact that someday, sometime, someone will, and that would be it - you’ll go back to the ones you had to pretend to forget for the one whom you loved just so that he or she didn’t get offended and lose themselves - but; hey, maturity is where you realise how to control your emotions, how to prevent yourself from losing them - and if he or she does, what you need to do is place aside your feelings and just keep one thing in your vision - you!

Even if leaving hurts, just know they didn’t deserve you because you are better.

Me: Thinking…
Intense thinking…
Processing…

“I’d like to take the last of my words back because it’s easy to say that the wound will heal when you forget all about it, but, in reality, only the person going through it knows what it feels like. Nobody, literally, nobody in this world does.”

People say, “It’s easy”, and say, “Maybe you just don’t want to let go.”

Well, don’t you think they would have already tried that!?

Either way, maybe they just don’t want to forget that and change because what if the fault wasn’t in them?

Look, in our lives, people come, people go, but we need to ensure that they don’t take away with them a bit of our soul that once shone in the bright light and made us stronger.

It could have been better like that.

Reveda Bhatt

Grade 9

The Aryan School