My Good School, Sunday the 13th April 2025

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:

📖 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.

🤔 Reflective Questions:

1.  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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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. 

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

Major set backs serve as a catalyst - Shambhavi Nautiyal

My opinion implicitly agrees with the title 'major setbacks serve as a catalyst for success'. I come across many such stories embodying the essence of the title every week, thanks to my mom, which are usually about some IAS officers from a grassroots-level background. As vexed as I have grown from reading the headlines of those stories, I set out today on a journey to finding my own inspiration in this concept. 

The first thing that comes to mind (as I can relate the most to it) is my spiritual journey and study patterns. Each day, we are growing and evolving. And learning new things, but what if all you had were hand-me-down textbooks from your elder brother or a library near your house? Then what would you do? Would you lose all hope and lie hopelessly, thinking you will take over your family's profession, or would you employ what you had best instead? People could only choose the second if they were self-motivated due to having a vision or a transitional figure who inspired them to rise above all the odds and fight for what was right. 

When two people are standing in prison, one sees the stars, and the other considers the bars. As humans, those of us who have a Sattvic nature tend to reach for the stars innately, even if maybe in the external, there seems no prospect. But even those who don't have that kind of mindset can still learn to mend their mindset. However, what happens on the inside is what manifests on the outside, which is the reason. Having a vision is so consequential. Not caring about other people's disproof or approval while trying to find our way through that one thing we want to achieve. 

That is the most brilliant thing about human dispositions. It may seem too fanciful at the start or in the middle of the journey, but we must learn how to dream. We must have faith, or we'll all just perish, and it won't mean a thing. Let the people around you head into the darkness, but you must Reach for the stars; you need to try, or else it will all be wasted.

Don't let the people around you DEFINE YOUR MINDSET; DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF.

Imagine your own success story in that place you want to be and keep striving to get there because, in the process, I know you will find your own position. Get in your high vibrational state and decide your future and your vision. The moment you do that, the universe sets the path for you. All you have to do is walk on it. Now that you have backtracked, it makes it all worth it for you to achieve. Have hope and faith that you can make a difference; you do it daily without knowing it. You are worth so much; don't let anything convince you otherwise. I love you, and if you don't, I'll be upset and won't talk to you, so better be careful. Ciao!

Shambhavi Nautiyal
Intern at My Good School