Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an
online session hosted by My Good School, and it turned out to be such an
enriching experience. The session focused on understanding Ikigai —
the beautiful Japanese concept of finding one’s true purpose in life. Although
I joined a little late because I was caught up with some household chores, the
moment Shahar Ma’am messaged us, I rushed to log in without a second thought.
I’m so grateful I did!
The host introduced a unique method of finding
our Ikigai by drawing a tree and analyzing our strengths,
opportunities, and ways to contribute to society. It really made me reflect
deeply. We also learned about Emotional Quotient (EQ) and how it is different
from Intelligence Quotient (IQ). I even got a chance to answer a question about
EQ, which made me feel really connected and engaged.
What truly inspired me the most was Mr. Sandeep Dutt
Sir’s personality — his passion, wisdom, and simplicity left a lasting
impression on me. It wasn’t just a session; it felt like a journey into
self-discovery. I came out of it feeling motivated, thoughtful, and genuinely
excited to explore my own Ikigai.
Shaurya Pandey
Sunbeam School
Ballia
It was a fabulous experience—one of the best sessions
I’ve ever attended. It wasn’t just a session, but an impactful imprint on me.
The valuable insights, skills, and knowledge shared truly enhanced our
understanding and opened new avenues for personal development.
Today, I found a new best friend—Ikigai. It
brings together our interests, skills, strengths, and joy. It also helped me
gain clarity about my values, and better understand both intrinsic and
extrinsic motivation. The best part was planting our very own Ikigai tree,
which will guide us in building confidence in our interests, skills, and
overall growth.
We explored what we love, what we are good at, what
the world needs, and what we can be paid for. It was such a meaningful
and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious session—something that
doesn’t just belong in books, but in our lives.
The session, led by Ms. Komal Khetal, focused on the concept of Ikigai—a Japanese philosophy that helps individuals find purpose and meaning in life. She explained how aligning our daily choices and chores with our core values can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. By identifying our Ikigai, we can make better decisions, stay grounded, and approach challenges with clarity. Ms. Khetal emphasised that when we face difficulties, acting in line with our values allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
๐ Finding Your Ikigai: A Journey to Purpose & Joy!
We had a fantastic session led by Komal Khetal from Dreamtime Learning School, where we dove deep into the beautiful Japanese concept of Ikigai—your reason for jumping out of bed in the morning!
๐ Big Ideas That Stuck With Us
Ikigai is about blending what you love, what you're great at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for
Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) plays a bigger role in success than IQ ever could
Doing things because you enjoy them (intrinsic Motivation) beats doing them just for rewards or praise
Self-reflection is the first step to building a life and career that truly fits you
๐ก What We Explored
✨ Welcome to Ikigai
Ikigai = "reason for being"
It's about waking up excited and motivated
Passion + Skill + Purpose + Livelihood = Ikigai!
๐ง The Power of EQ
90% of success? Yup, that's EQ talking!
Understand yourself + connect with others = win-win
Empathy, resilience, and adaptability are key in the real world
๐ฏ What Drives You?
Intrinsic Motivation = Doing it because you love it
Extrinsic Motivation = Doing it for the reward
The first one lasts longer and feels way better!
๐ณ The Ikigai Tree Activity
You all created your personal Ikigai trees! ๐ฑ
Roots = What you love
Trunk = What you're good at
Branches = What the world needs
Fruits = What you can be paid for
⚖️ Passion vs. Practicality
We talked about turning dreams into real-life plans
Tips on having open conversations with parents about careers
You can follow your passion and be practical—yes, both!
๐ Be Future-Ready
AI is changing the world—so how do we stay relevant?
Build skills AI can't copy: creativity, empathy, and curiosity
Stay flexible and open to new paths!
๐ What's Next?
Complete your Ikigai trees ๐️
Reflect on your passions, values, and strengths.
Join us for more My Good School sessions like MAP (Music, Art & Poetry) ๐จ๐ถ
Keep exploring who you are and what lights you up
๐ฌ Ready to reflect? Reflection means taking a pause to look inward, thinking about what you felt, learned, and how it connects to your own journey. It's a powerful way to grow and discover more about yourself ๐ฑ
We'd love to hear what sparked your curiosity in this session! Share your thoughts, insights, or even your Ikigai tree with Manisha via email- mk@learningforward.org.in. Your story might just inspire someone else too ๐✨
The Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andrรฉs came up with the idea for World Book Day to honour the famous author Miguel de Cervantes (known for Don Quixote), whose birthday is April 23.
Students from Dehradun Hills Academy recently embarked on an exciting adventure at The English Book Depot! They had the incredible opportunity to host a podcast with the captivating Sandeep Dutt. During this engaging discussion, they delved into the world of books, exploring the joys of reading, the thrill of learning, and the fascinating history of this 100-plus-year-old bookstore. Don't miss out on Part 1 of this enthralling podcast, now live on their YouTube Channel in celebration of World Book Day!
Please view the presentation, read the posts by the students, appreciate their creativity, and share your comments below.
๐ธ Reflect to Grow! ๐ธ
At Good Schools Alliance, reflection boosts both critical and creative thinking. After our recent Sunday session, students of Lotus Petal Foundation engaged in reflective writing—a powerful way to process learning, explore ideas, and grow.
What makes it even better? Collaboration! Reading and responding to each other's reflections deepens understanding and sparks new perspectives.
Lotus Petal Foundation has over 11 years of grassroots-level expertise in handling challenges faced by underprivileged children and transforming their lives through education, nutrition, skill development, and & livelihood support. The Foundation focuses on the holistic development of children, thus preparing them to integrate into mainstream society and leave a long-lasting impact on the lives of students and their families.
It’s always uplifting to hear words of appreciation.
Thank you, Sunbeam Suncity, for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Your encouragement strengthens our resolve to keep creating meaningful learning experiences. We’re grateful for your support and excited to keep growing together.
"Reflect. Reconnect. Rise Higher – Be a Part of the Next My Good School Retreat!"
Want to know more about our upcoming retreat? Reach out to us at mk@learningforward.org.in – we’d love to hear from you!
๐ Session Summary: Learning Through Mistakes – A Bilingual Reading & Reflection Session
๐️ Sunday School: To explore the value of learning from mistakes through a bilingual (English/Hindi) book reading and reflective discussion for students and teachers.
✨ Key Takeaways:
Mistakes are stepping stones to growth and success.
Reflection turns experience into meaningful learning.
Students and teachers benefit from writing personal reflections.
The My Good School initiative promotes inclusive, reflective learning.
๐ Topics Covered:
๐น English Book Reading:
The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn
Followed Karl Kohlhoff, a book deliverer who names customers after literary characters.
Discussed themes of human connection, love for books, and quiet transformation.
๐น Hindi Chapter Reading:
"Galti Karna, Kamiyon Ko Sudharna"
Focused on accepting mistakes as a vital part of learning.
Included inspiring stories of Gandhi and Edison.
Explored how parents and teachers can nurture a growth mindset in children.
๐ Reflection Writing:
Clarified the difference between reflections and comments.
Shared real teacher reflections with drawings and emotions.
Students were encouraged to write about personal experiences linked to the themes.
๐ My Good School Initiative Highlights:
Promotes an inclusive environment with weekly Sunday sessions.
Brings together 50–100 participants via Zoom for interactive learning, and many more from larger rooms that screencast our sessions at school.
Focuses on personal growth and lifelong learning through books and reflection.
๐ง๐ซ Teachers' reflections for the Sunday School will also be posted on the Joy of Learning Blog
๐ Join us next Sunday for a special session with guest Lina Ashar
๐ Organisers to explore ways to grow while staying connected and reflective
✨ Reflection Questions from Chapter 3 "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" by Carsten Henn
๐ Chapter 3 Summary
In the first half of Chapter 3, we see the bond between Carl, the elderly bookseller, and Schascha, the curious young girl, begin to grow subtly. While Carl is set in his routines and hesitant about change, Schascha brings a fresh, unpredictable energy into his quiet world. Their interactions are filled with gentle tension and curiosity, hinting at a transformation waiting to unfold in Carl's life. The chapter reflects on loneliness, unexpected companionship, and how books can quietly bring people together.
1️⃣ Carl prefers a structured and quiet daily routine. However, Schascha's presence begins to disrupt this rhythm. This moment represents how meeting new people can feel uncomfortable, but also necessary for growth.
Question: Have you ever met someone who changed the way you think or feel, even if they were very different from you at first? What did that experience teach you?
2️⃣ Carl initially seems annoyed or confused by Schascha's questions and energy, but he doesn't push her away. Sometimes, the people we least expect bring the most significant changes to our lives.
Question: Why do you think Carl lets Schascha walk with him, even though he says little? What does that say about his character or his loneliness?
3️⃣ Books play an essential role in Carl's life—they are more than just stories to him. Books can serve as bridges between people, especially those who struggle to connect otherwise.
Question: How do books help Carl communicate, even if he struggles with spoken words? Have you ever used a book to connect with someone else?
4️⃣ Carl and Schascha are from very different generations, yet there's a subtle bond forming. This connection suggests that friendship and understanding can grow beyond age or background.
Question: What do you think Carl might learn from Schascha, and what might she learn from him? Why is intergenerational friendship valuable?
5️⃣ As Carl continues his deliveries with Schascha nearby, his silent acceptance of her presence becomes meaningful. Sometimes, just allowing someone to "be there" is the first step toward trust and healing.
Question: What does Carl's quiet behaviour tell us about how people can show kindness without words? Can silence be a form of connection?
๐ "Grow through what you go through – every thought, every reflection matters."
The YES Way through the lens of the students at the Sunbeam Lahartara School. How do we follow the My Good School Philosophy of Service, Skill, Sport and Study at our school?
Peer Learning in Action: Reflections from the My Good School Retreat 2025
We all learn best through shared experiences—with peers who walk alongside us and mentors who guide us thoughtfully. From April 11 to 14, 2025, students from various schools gathered for the My Good School Retreat at the serene and lush Khan Farm, located near Rajaji National Park in Haridwar.
Set against the backdrop of nature, this Retreat was a celebration of fun, friendship, learning, and a lifetime of memories. Over four days, students engaged in enriching conversations, collaborative tasks, reflective journaling, and soulful moments that nurtured not just their intellect but also their hearts.
More than just an event, the Retreat was a journey of self-discovery, shared values, and meaningful connection. With this experience, learning flowed freely, not through textbooks, but through dialogue, activities, and quiet moments under the open sky.
Let us now hear directly from those who experienced it—the students themselves. Their journal entries, carefully penned and compiled into a digital folder, offer a glimpse into their minds and hearts. Through their reflections, we see the impact of learning beyond the classroom, shaped by empathy, understanding, and inspiration.
Step into their stories and experience the magic of the My Good School Retreat 2025—through the voices that matter most.
Students united in nature, discovering joy, learning, and lifelong bonds at the My Good School Retreat. Visit www.inyouth.in for more details. Keep following us for Reading, Reflection, and building Relationships.
"As mentors, we don't just teach—we listen, guide, and grow alongside our students."
The YES Way (TYW) - Service, Skill, Sport and Study - our log books for the My Good School Retreat.
The students and teachers from the participating schools formed teams to cherish the #JoyOfLearning at the Retreat. The groups shared their journey of learning in four presentations, the first, The Fastest Cheetah, is followed by three more in the following posts:
What can a man do for passion?
What can a man do with the fire that drives him?
He can do wonders.
There’s nothing a passionate man wouldn’t do.
Passion—for love, for what you love, for that little flame in your heart.
But what if someone extinguishes that fire?
Passion is what drives us.
Yet, when a man loses the very thing he’s alive for, he might continue living, but something inside him dies.
He may die at a certain age, but in truth, he died the moment he did something he didn’t have any passion for.
Without passion, life becomes a hollow routine.
You exist, but you don’t truly live.
Passion is what gives us purpose, what makes us reach for something more than mere survival.
Without it, we are but shadows of who we were meant to be.
Oshi Singh
Grade XI
Gyanshree School
A Heartwarming Glimpse into Our Sunday Session at Sunbeam School
Reflections Sunday School # 183
Episode 16 – "Gyan Bohit: Boat of Wisdom" from the Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels series:
We are delighted to share a wonderful summary of this Sunday’s session, beautifully presented by the students of Sunbeam School. Their creativity, depth of thought, and enthusiastic participation reflect the joy and genuine love they have for our Sunday School experience.
It’s truly inspiring to witness how these young minds express themselves so freely, embracing every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow. Their reflections speak volumes about the impact of a nurturing and engaging environment—one where curiosity is encouraged, and learning is filled with meaning and purpose.
We warmly invite you to join us and experience firsthand the reason behind the students’ affection for our Sunday sessions. Discover how a thoughtful blend of creativity, values, and interactive learning makes each Sunday truly special.
Session Summary: “My Good School” with Shikha Agnihotri, Founder of Right Side Story
The session featured a powerful conversation with Shikha Agnihotri, founder of Right Side Story, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing child safety and student well-being across India. With over 13 years of experience, Shikha shared her mission to bridge the gap between policy and on-ground impact, especially in light of a reported 500% rise in child crimes over the past decade despite the presence of 10,000 NGOs working in the field.
Key Discussion Points
1. Introduction and Vision
Shikha expressed her deep passion for child safety and the urgent need for empathy-driven communication. She emphasized addressing sensitive issues such as bullying, mental health, substance abuse, and sex education through customized programs for schools.
2. Unique Approach of Right Side Story
Right Side Story stands out by offering realistic, communication-based solutions. Unlike many organizations, it targets underserved middle-class communities and focuses on systemic change. Their work aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), National Curriculum Framework (NCF), and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
3. Creating Systemic Change in Schools
Shikha highlighted three critical pillars of school transformation:
Establishing systems and policies (e.g., student-led anti-bullying committees)
Taking complaints seriously
Fostering a culture of empathy
Workshops are held for students, teachers, and parents, enabling each stakeholder to contribute to a safer environment.
4. Addressing Students' Fear of Speaking Up
Recognizing students' reluctance to share openly, Shikha underlined the importance of safe spaces and anonymous communication channels. Right Side Story sessions are tailored to ensure psychological safety and openness.
5. Engaging Parents and Educators
Workshops are also conducted for parents and educators, with a focus on psychological first aid and effective communication. Shikha emphasized that holistic safety requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.
6. Origin and Philosophy of Right Side Story
The organization’s name signifies choosing the "right" side in conversations around child abuse and wellbeing. The red dot in the logo symbolizes a stand against child abuse. Personal stories, including tragic cases of abuse, inspired Shikha’s commitment to advocacy and prevention.
Interactive Q&A Highlights
Bullying Motivation:
Bullying often stems from jealousy, insecurity, or fear, and Shikha explained the roles of bully, victim, and bystander in such dynamics.
Cyberbullying:
For issues like fake Instagram accounts, Shikha advised reporting the incident, involving a trusted adult, and understanding age-appropriate platform usage.
Mental Bullying:
She clarified that ignoring bullying isn't always the solution. A confident and mature response can be more empowering.
Recommended Action Items
✅ Create safe, anonymous platforms for students to express concerns
✅ Establish anti-bullying policies and student-led committees
✅ Foster empathy across school communities
✅ Provide psychological first aid training for educators
✅ Conduct parent engagement workshops
Conclusion:
Shikha Agnihotri’s session served as a compelling call to action for schools to prioritize emotional safety alongside academic excellence. By equipping students, educators, and parents with the right tools and mindset, Right Side Story is paving the way for a more empathetic and secure learning environment for children in India.
Reflective questions for Chapter 2, titled “Strangers”, from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
๐ Chapter 2 Summary: “Strangers”
In this chapter, Carl, a 72-year-old "book walker," continues his nightly rounds delivering books to his loyal customers. His routine is disrupted when he encounters Schascha, a lively and inquisitive nine-year-old girl, who insists on accompanying him. Despite Carl's initial reluctance, Schascha's enthusiasm and curiosity begin to break down his solitary existence. Their interactions lead to unexpected moments of connection and mutual learning, highlighting the transformative power of companionship and shared experiences.
๐ค Reflective Questions:
Why do you think Carl was initially reluctant to allow Schascha to accompany him on his rounds? What does this hesitation reveal about his character and past experiences?
How does Schascha's presence challenge Carl's routine and worldview? In what ways does she serve as a catalyst for change in his lie?
Reflect on a time when an unexpected friendship or encounter led to personal growth or a shift in perspective for you? How did this experience compare to Carl's evolving relationship with Schascha?
Discuss how Carl and Schascha's differing ages influence their interactions and understanding of the word. What can we learn from bridging generational gaps in relationships?
Carl delivers books to his customers, yet it's his connection with Schascha that begins to transform him? What does this suggest about the role of human connection versus material possessions in fostering fulfillment?
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
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.
