Episode 16 – "Gyan Bohit: Boat of Wisdom" from the Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels series:
"Inner Awakening Through the Wisdom of the Guru"
This episode explores the metaphor of the Gyan Bohit—a wisdom boat that carries seekers across the ocean of illusion and ignorance toward truth, understanding, and liberation. The boat represents Guru Nanak's teachings, which guide individuals through the storms of life with clarity, courage, and compassion.
In Episode 16, Gyan Bohit: Boat of Wisdom, Guru Nanak's journey is shown as a physical exploration and a deep spiritual voyage. He meets people caught in rituals and superficial religious practices, and through dialogue and song, he gently steers them toward inner reflection and truth. The Gyan Bohit (wisdom boat) symbolises his teachings as a vessel to cross the worldly ocean (bhavsagar), freeing individuals from ignorance and leading them to a deeper purpose. The episode emphasises introspection, ethical living, and the transformative power of wisdom.
Reflection Questions:
What does the 'Boat of Wisdom' symbolise in your own life? What helps guide you through difficult times?
How do Guru Nanak's teachings encourage us to question blind rituals and seek truth through self-awareness?
Can you think of a moment when knowledge or insight helped you overcome a personal struggle?
Why is wisdom considered more potent than mere information or tradition in life?
How can we become 'boats of wisdom' for others around us—family, friends, or community?
Summary of Today's Session:
Amardeep led the session, focusing on Episode 16 of the 45-episode documentary series on Guru Nanak's travels. The key highlights included:
The teachings of Guru Nanak emphasiserespect for nature and understanding the symbolic meanings of natural elements (like rivers, trees, and mountains).
A strong message on the importance of inner purification and genuine spirituality over mere external rituals.
Coverage of Guru Nanak's journey from Bharuch, where he engaged in meaningful dialogues with saints and visited spiritually significant sites, promoting interfaith understanding and universal values.
The session encouraged reflection on spirituality, simplicity, and reverence for all forms of life—core themes in Guru Nanak's philosophy.
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
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
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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:
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?
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?
How does the chapter change your view of animals?
Did any story or example in the chapter surprise you? Why?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone selflessly?
How did it make you feel, and why is kindness important?
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
📖 Readings from "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" & "The Inner Life of Animals"
🎙️ Special guests Umesh Vyas, Ajay Singh, & Chetan Khosla shared valuable insights!
📚 Emphasized reading, storytelling, & learning communities
📢 Updates on the My Good School Retreat & weekly newsletter
📖 Book Readings & Discussions
📚 "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"
🔹 Continued Chapter 2 – Carl & young Schascha’s heart-warming interaction
🔹 Carl's unique way of naming customers after literary characters
🐾 "The Inner Life of Animals"
🔹 Fascinating insights on altruism in animals – even bacteria & vampire bats!
🔹 Debate: Are animals truly selfless or just evolutionarily wired? 🔹Themes of altruism, free will, and books shaping lives
🎙️ Guest Speaker Insights
🧮 Umesh Vyas - Revolutionizing Math Education
🔹 Introduced VIPS methods: Visualization, Investigation, Play and Storytelling.
🔹 Emphasized storytelling, play, and discovery to make math engaging
🔹 Open to collaboration for innovative math learning approaches
📚 Ajay Singh - Importance of Reading Habits
🔹 Advocated for teachers as readers to inspire students
🔹 Started a teacher reading club with plans for expansion
🔹 Appreciated the learning atmosphere of Sunday School
🧘 Chetan Khosla - Altruism & Selflessness
🔹 Shared insights from the Advaita tradition on true selflessness
🔹 Believes selfishness vs. unselfishness stems from a false identity
🔹 Found vampire bats' altruism fascinating!
🔹 Encouraged storytelling as a leadership skill & more sharing opportunities
🏫 My Good School Updates
🌳 Upcoming retreat at Arthur Foot Academy (April 11-14)
📩 Growing readership of the Good Schools of India newsletter
🎥 YouTube channel expanding storytelling & reflections
✅ Next Steps
📅 Prepare for the April Retreat – excitement builds!
📖 Next Sunday School: Guru Nanak Stories
🤝 Explore collaboration with Umesh Vyas for math education
📝 Encourage reflections from participants for publication
🌟 My Good School – Where Learning is Fun & Meaningful! 🌟 💡📚🎉
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
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.
You'll only read poems about love and despair,
hurt and care,
failure and success,
All the opposites.
But you'll rarely ever hear about poems about what you have,
What you can do and all the things that aren't bad.
Sure, this world is a dark and lonely place,
But not if you find your little space.
Bombs and wars, fighting and chores.
It'll be wrong of me to say,
It'll all be okay.
Because perhaps it wont,
But we've put our hopes in things that would never happen for far too long.
Perhaps it's time for us to see,
Count our blessings and find the glee.
There must be something in our life, that perhaps we can find,
Something that makes one smile despite the tough times.
There are too many pessimistic things you can burden your mind with,
But only one you can free the mind with.
And that's to think of the things you have, the things you did and the things you will.
It's often just a fear,
Because we just want to find a place in the world,
And don't want hate coming through words,
Time passes by like the waves on a shore,
Leaving an impression on the sand, but not for too long.
We wish to be loved and cared,
Not shattered and scared
Forgetting that our hearts only open when you learn to give the love you seek.
To some, it feels meek,
But it is what it is,
Because that's when you learn to truly live.
Perhaps we fetch this love too far and wide,
We have it here in our heart all this time,
So lets not let hurt get the better of us,
And lets not let the loneliness ruin us,
Because to give is to take,
And to love others isn't futile and fake.
Bookshops are a small heaven of stories, poems, and the world's finest literature. Comfy sofas and the fragrance of a new shipment of books fill the air. With the pages turned yellow and the covers fading away, a bookshop is a timeless tale. Going to a bookshop, finding that one book that resonates with you among thousands on the shelf, and the joy of getting those small free bookmarks that come with the book of your choice—it's an experience that is now being forgotten. But now that treasure is fading away.
Bookshops don't seem crowded anymore—after all, Amazon exists. But online shopping will never, in a million years, replace what bookshops mean to me. Bookshops aren't just a business; they hold depth; they are spaces for people to discover their passions for reading and their intimate connection with books. I have often seen people going to bookshops, finding a book and then searching for the same book online to see if they can get it cheaper. For a mere price decrease of a few rupees, people would rather get books online than buy from a bookshop.
These books are treasures. People would rather watch TV shows and movies on those very books, but movies would never capture the beauty of words, the way the author twists the story, the way the story unfolds, and the intimate moments. A film can't capture it all.
No matter how "childish" the stories may seem, each book holds something for us. As we grow older, we forget what we were once taught in school and at home: "Be patient." "Think before you speak." These values are what we forget as time goes by, and sometimes, all we need are short stories for children that hold a moral in each.
These very bookshops carry books and stories of each genre, with something for everyone. They hold treasures worth more than anything else because these books may not be as expensive as gold or as vital as water, but they hold something far more valuable: knowledge. Even fictional stories, mysteries, and fairytales can be helpful; we just have to look closer to find them.
Of course, reading doesn't resonate with everyone. You can't force anyone into it; it unfolds itself. So, to the readers out there, let's keep this magic alive because it's something special, and we can't lose it.
In Chapter 2 of The Door-To-Door Bookstore, Carl is sceptical 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.
Reflection Questions-
1. How might Carl's and Schascha's perspectives on life influence their future actions in the story?
- Carl and Schascha have different outlooks on life. How do these differences shape their journey as the story progresses?
2. How does Schascha's attitude differ from Carl's?
- Reflect on Schascha's optimism and excitement. How does she see the bookstore's role differently from Carl?
3. What role do you think books play in Carl's life?
- Carl seems disconnected from the bookstore. What do books mean to him, and why might he distribute them?
4. What do you think Carl learns from Schascha's perspective on books and life, and how might that impact his view of the world?
Schascha is full of energy and belief in the bookstore. How can a positive attitude like hers influence how we see challenges in life?
Can you think of a situation where staying positive helped you overcome something difficult? How did it make a difference?
In chapter 20 of The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben, "Shame and Regret," the author delves into animals' emotional experiences, exploring how they might experience feelings of shame and regret. Wohlleben draws on scientific studies and observations to suggest that animals, much like humans, can feel embarrassed when they fail to meet certain expectations or make mistakes. This chapter challenges the common belief that animals only act based on instincts, showing that they can have complex emotions, too.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you believe animals can feel shame or regret? Why or why not?
- Think about your own experiences with emotions like shame or regret. Do you think animals could similarly experience these feelings?
2. How does the idea that animals can feel emotions like shame challenge your previous understanding of animals?
- Have you ever considered that animals might experience emotions beyond basic instincts? How does this chapter change your view?
3. Why is it important to recognise that animals might experience emotions like shame and regret?
- How could understanding animals' emotions change the way we treat them or view their behaviour?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt regret or shame and how it affected you?
- Reflecting on your own experiences, how do these emotions influence your actions or decisions? Can you imagine animals having similar emotional experiences?
Key Takeaways:
Book Discussion: We discussed The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, focusing on the protagonist, Carl, and his passion for books and unique way of viewing the world. We explored themes of loneliness, routine, and meaning and discussed how literary references are woven into the narrative, mainly through Karl's interactions with 9-year-old Schascha.
Reading vs. Watching TV: We highlighted the cognitive benefits of reading over watching TV. Reading encourages imagination, enhances attention span, and fosters critical thinking. In contrast, TV viewing often leads to multitasking and shorter attention spans.
Animal Emotions and Cognition: We examined research that shows animals, including mice, pigs, and dogs, display complex emotions like empathy, fairness, and even regret. This challenges traditional assumptions about animal cognition and emotions. Mirror neurons in animals allow them to "feel" others' feelings, and early exposure to empathy strengthens these neural pathways.
Fairness and Regret in Animals: Experiments revealed that dogs, ravens, and rats show a strong sense of fairness, while rats exhibit regret-like behaviours when making poor choices. These findings challenge previous views on animal emotions and cognition.
Next Week's Session: Lina Ashar will host her second YES Workshop on education for the future. Please check out the video recording of her last session on February 23rd, 2025: https://youtu.be/RsKdSpxSCek?si=Z0bTE5TrJnIci7eZ.
Reading Progress: Jugjiv Sir will complete the current book chapter by next week.
Upcoming Retreat: We will read My Good School Where Passion Meets Education at the forthcoming Retreat and gift all participants one copy of the My Good School Record book.
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
We discussed the progress of the My Good School Retreat and the excitement among students, with Rajinder Pal Devgan noting the positive impact of recent visits to the Arthur Foot Academy. Jugjiv Singh introduced the book Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, highlighting its themes of personal connections and the significance of book recommendations. The group explored naming in animals, noting that some animals, like ravens and pigs, recognise and respond to personal names. They also discussed the emotional lives of animals, particularly grief in red deer, and the importance of community and personal connections in learning and teaching. Updates on various educational initiatives were shared, including poetry, music, and art sessions.
About the Book- The Door-to-Door Bookstore
Everyone has a book meant just for them...
Carl, 72, may get old, but he still feels young. Every night, he walks around delivering books to his regular customers, always picking the right book for each one based on what they love.
One evening, a curious and lively nine-year-old named Schascha shows up. She insists on tagging along with Carl and even tries to teach him a few things about books.
When Carl's job at the bookstore is at risk, will he and the girl, with her yellow raincoat, be able to save his job and bring back the joy of reading to their little town?
The Door-to-Door Bookstore is a heartwarming story about the importance of friendship, the magic of books, and how reading can bring people together.
Reading the chapter "A Man for all Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.
In this chapter, Carl, the protagonist, meets a man who embodies what many consider "success"—a wealthy, influential figure who seems to have everything. However, as the protagonist interacts with this man, he realises that despite outward success, he may be missing key elements of personal fulfillment, happiness, and genuine relationships. This causes the protagonist to reflect on his life and what true success means.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the main lesson or message of this chapter?
Think about what the author is trying to teach or show through the events in this chapter.
2. What does the chapter say about the difference between wealth and happiness?
Reflect on what the book says about how money and success don't always bring happiness.
3. What emotions or ideas does this chapter make you think about?
Think about how the chapter makes you feel and what ideas or questions it raises.
4. How can we apply this chapter's lessons to our lives?
Think about how you can use the ideas from the chapter to be happier or more successful in your own way.
Reading the book The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Chapter What's in a Name?
"A name is much more than a label; it's a way of saying something is important."
1. How do you think names shape our understanding of the world around us?
2. Can you recall a time when a name changed the way you felt about something or someone?
3. In what ways do you think animals perceive their names, if at all?
4. Why might it be significant to recognise the importance of naming in the context of nature and animals?
Chapter "Grief" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Theme: The emotional depth and grieving processes of animals.
1. How does the concept of grief in animals challenge our traditional understanding of their emotions?
2. Why do you think it's important to recognise and validate the grief of animals, and how might this change how we treat them?
3. In what ways does understanding animal grief deepen our empathy toward animals and our connection with nature?
Program Updates:
Thursday Sessions at 5:30 PM will include poetry and music for teachers, interns, fellows, and future educators, helping them explore creative ways to teach and engage students.
Friday Sessions at 5:30 PM, a blend of reading and art, provides a creative and interactive experience.
Good Schools of India: Our weekly newsletter has gained much more attention, with over 600 reads in recent weeks. It's great to see more people staying updated and engaged!
YouTube Channel: We've launched a YouTube channel (@mygoodschool) where you can access recorded sessions from the program. This allows easier access to our content for anyone who missed a session or would like to revisit a topic.
We're thrilled to announce new developments at the Arthur Foot Academy (AFA):
Community Learning Centre is actively seeking volunteers who can share their skills or teach subjects of interest. Whether it's math, art, or any other subject, we welcome those with knowledge to join us in making this initiative a success!
Collaboration with Experts: We collaborate with experts like Ms. Brinda Ghosh, Ms. Nonie Bagga, and Ms. Meenakshi Uberai to provide various learning experiences and ensure everyone involved has access to high-quality educational content.
We look forward to all the exciting developments in the program and invite you to get involved!
The Doon School Old Boys' Society is a member of the Good Schools Alliance.
Photo courtesy: Instagram handle @thedsobs
5 March 2025 The DSOBS delegation visited Arthur Foot Academy (AFA) to understand its educational endeavors and extend a hand to support the Good School Alliance (GSA) work as part of the Dosco Impact initiative.
An Aristocracy Of Service
The motto of the Doon School Old Boys' Society (DSOBS) is An Aristocracy of Service, borrowed from Arthur Foot's statement at the formal opening of the school on 27 October 1935: "Truly, we mean that the boys should leave the Doon School as members of an aristocracy, but it must be an aristocracy of service inspired by the ideals of unselfishness, not one of privilege, wealth or position.
In honour of Arthur Edward Foot's ideals, a dedicated Old Boys of The Doon School led by Asad Khan joined forces to create a lasting legacy for their first Headmaster, the Arthur Foot Academy. The academy is committed to providing a well-rounded education to the children of Bandarjhud, a small village near Dehradun.
As a member of the Good Schools Alliance, the academy is committed to nurturing each student's personal and social growth, focusing on service, skill, sport, and study. The school's mission is to prepare students to face the world confidently. #JoyOfLearning.
Culture of trust and learning
Exciting news! Learning Forward India Foundation has teamed up with the Arthur Foot Academy, backed by the incredible duo Asad Khan and Feroza Khan of the AFZAL KHAN FOUNDATION! Together, we are on a mission to equip the village's children to thrive in the world.
We are excited to announce our transformation of the Library into a vibrant Community Learning Centre equipped with WiFi and digital learning devices. This Centre is vital to the world. Each week, teachers, students, and local community members will gather for engaging Zoom sessions, discovering the joy of learning together.
We encourage you to join us in supporting the Arthur Foot Academy and helping create meaningful change. Your contribution goes beyond a donation; it is crucial in advancing our initiative. Together, we can positively impact the world. Your support is essential to our mission!
Summary of Episode 15: Suddh Uddesham from Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels:
In this episode, Guru Nanak emphasizes the importance of purity in intention and action. Suddh Uddesham (pure intention) refers to acting with a heart and mind free from selfish motives, aligning oneself with a higher spiritual purpose. Guru Nanak teaches that actions performed with pure intentions can lead to spiritual enlightenment and a deeper connection with the divine. This episode reflects Guru Nanak's teachings on how true purity is not just about external rituals but is rooted in the inner state of one's mind and heart.
Guru Nanak's travels in this episode highlight how pursuing a higher truth requires shedding personal desires and ego. It is not enough to follow external practices or customs; one must cultivate sincerity and a clear, unselfish purpose in all actions. The story encourages individuals to examine their intentions, emphasizing that purity in one's heart can lead to true spiritual fulfillment.
Guru Nanak's message of oneness and interconnectedness was key in integrating diverse saints' teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib. Amardeep explained that Guru Nanak traveled across the Indian subcontinent and engaged in dialogues with spiritualists from different traditions. He emphasized the concept of Ek Niranjan, the belief that the creator and creation are one, transcending religious boundaries. This philosophy allowed Guru Nanak to recognize the common threads in the teachings of saints like Bhagat Namdev, Bhagat Trilochan, and others and incorporate their verses into the Sikh scripture. The Guru Granth Sahib became a unifying text that celebrated the diversity of spiritual thought while highlighting the underlying unity.
In summary, Suddh Uddesham is about transforming one's internal state to reflect divine qualities through genuine, selfless action.
Reflection Question - Reflect on when aligning your actions with a deeper purpose brought clarity or transformation to your path.
Chapter 1: A Man for all seasons from The Door to Door Bookstore:
1. The Power of Books
Question: What does the character's fascination with books tell us about the importance of reading in their life?
2. Personal Connections
Question: How do the interactions between the main character and the people they meet in the bookstore reveal the significance of human connections?
Question: In this Chapter, what changes or discoveries does the protagonist experience, and how might these shape the story's progression?
4. Finding Purpose
Question: How does the main character seem to be searching for something more in life, and how might the bookstore be a part of that journey?
5. Mystery and Curiosity
Question: What elements of mystery or curiosity are introduced in the first chapter, and how do they make you want to keep reading?
Reflection questions based on Chapter 1: "A Man for All Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
First Impressions: What do you learn about Carl from the first chapter? What kind of person does he seem to be?
Carl's Routine: Carl has a routine for delivering books. Why do you think routines are important in life? Do you have any daily habits or routines?
Bookstore & Books: The bookstore is important to Carl's life. What is your favorite place to find or read books? Why do you like it?
Character's Mood: Carl seems content but also a little lonely. Have you ever felt lonely even when doing something you love? What helped you feel better?
Curiosity & Change: The chapter hints at changes in Carl's life. How do you feel when something unexpected happens? Do you like surprises, or do you prefer to plan everything?
Reflection questions based on the chapter "Just for Fun" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:
Playful Animals: The chapter talks about animals playing just for fun. Have you ever seen an animal playing? What was it doing?
Why Play Matters: Why do you think animals like to play? Does it help them in some way?
Your Own Fun: What do you do for fun without a goal or reason? How does it make you feel?
Animal Games: If you could play a game with any animal, which one would it be, and what game would you play?
Surprising Behavior: Did anything in this chapter surprise you about how animals have fun? Which part did you like the most?
The My Good School retreat is scheduled from April 11th to 14th. Art and music sessions are under consideration for the week, focusing on engaging a broader audience. Finally, plans for the Art and Music Sessions on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with Wednesday as a weekly off.
Meeting Purpose: Discussed The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben and began reading The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.
Key Takeaways: Animals experience emotions, play, and form social bonds like humans. Reading offers healing and new perspectives, sometimes in unexpected ways. Technology and individualism are reshaping human interactions and behaviors. Bookstores are evolving by diversifying products to attract customers.
Topics Covered:
Animal Emotions & Behaviors: Crows engage in playful activities like sliding down roofs. Animals form cross-species friendships, challenging instinct-based assumptions. Mating behaviors involve complex emotions and hormonal responses. Ravens form lifelong partnerships.
The Power of Reading: Books provide healing and personal insights. All types of literature contribute to reader development. Strategic book placement can encourage reluctant readers. Karl, a bookstore employee, strongly believes in books' transformative power.
Societal Changes: Shift from outdoor to indoor activities due to technology. Transition from joint to nuclear family structures. The growth of senior care homes in India is less common than in the West. Increasing individualism affects social bonds and family dynamics.
Bookstore Operations: City Gate Bookstore diversifies with CDs, stationery, and chocolate. Karl carefully wraps and delivers books to customers. Running a bookstore is challenging in the digital era due to lower demand.
Next Steps: Continue reading The Door-to-Door Bookstore in future sessions. Participants will share personal experiences of how reading has influenced them. Review upcoming My Good School events. Interested participants to register for the retreat at Arthur Foot Academy (April 11-14).
The sessions at hosted at 5:30 PM on Thursdays our universal evening #JoyOfLearning time! Ms. Brinda Ghosh curates the poetry session, in which we discuss the importance of sharing personal compositions and exploring different poetic forms.
If you wish to join us, please join the GSI Jounal Group in the GSA Whatsapp Community. For assistance, kind send a WhatsApp Message to +91 9811133900 and quote #ThoughfulThursdays
We invite all GSA members and individuals to participate in our enriching programs. Here’s our weekly calendar for online learning activities that we hope will inspire you:
- Wednesday Weekly GSI Journal: A Journey of Inspiration and Growth
- Thoughtful Thursdays with Poetry
- Fantastic Fridays with Book Reading
- Saturday Masterclass for Teachers
- Sunday My Good School for Students
We are here to support you on your learning journey!
Good Schools India (GSI) Journal is a reader-supported publication. Consider becoming a free subscriber to receive new posts and support our work. You can help empower individuals with personal and social development. You will feel a sense of deep satisfaction as you help young people prepare to face the world with #JoyOfLearning.
2nd
March 2025 Book Reading- The Door- To Door Bookstore
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
9th
March 2025 Screening of Episode 15 with Amardeep Singh Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels Sudh Uddesham Seed of Intent The magnanimity of sharing with pure intentions is illustrated by Guru Nanak in the backwaters of lush ‘Malabar’.
Book Reading- The
Door To Door Bookstore
16th
March 2025
Book Reading- The Door To Door Bookstore
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
23rd
March 2025
Book Reading- The Door- To Door Bookstore Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
30th March 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
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
Professional Learning and communicative English with Brinda Ghosh every fortnight on Saturday at 3:00pm
Digital literacy and Microsoft office Skills with Ms Meenakshi Uberai every fortnight on Saturday at 3:00pm
Please email
Manisha Khanna MK@LearningForward.Org.IN, or send her a WhatsApp message on +91 8378978971 for
details.
Masterclass
Webinars with Sandeep Dutt
Book reading: Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow
Masterclass every Saturday at 5:30 pm
We invite
you to join our Saturday Evening webinars! To secure your spot, please use
the link 🔗 to register
immediately:
