Thoughts on Independence Day - Smarika Karki

Picture Courtesy: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/847310117411723826/

Being independent is the state or quality of being free from the control, influence, support, or the like of

others. 

Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru guided India's eventual independence in 1947 by resisting non-violently to British rule. The large-scale communal violence took before and after the subcontinent partition into two separate states - India and Pakistan. India celebrated its 77th independence day on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. 

We should celebrate Independence Day every year because it glorifies the day when the Indian Independence Act came into effect. The Act established India and Pakistan as separate countries, no longer under British imperialist rule.

Smarika Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

"APPRECIATION" - Geetankshi Tamta

https://goodschoolsalliance.godaddysites.com/my-good-school

Small word, huh? Sure is, but it holds a tremendous meaning.

Appreciation- A feeling or expression of admiration or gratitude. 

Is that it? I don't think so. 

We often describe 'appreciation' as a core value. When in reality, it's a habit.

Yup! You read it right. Appreciation is not a value. It's a habit which you have to practice daily. 

Now You must be wondering why you should practice appreciation? Shouldn't it come from the heart?

Well, yes, my wonderful readers, you are right. It should come from the heart. But for that too, you must be conscious enough to realize the good things happening around you. In a world full of negativity, consciously and willingly choosing to look at the bright side of everything is what makes appreciation a habit.  

To appreciate something, you should take the time and patience to realize its value, whether it's an opportunity, a thing, or even a person. You can't appreciate a three-course meal you get each day unless you stop complaining about the taste of the food or about how much you hate potatoes. And take time to realize how blessed you are to receive that meal. You won't be able to appreciate your friend's efforts if you won't stop complaining about their bad jokes or loud laugh. Take time and appreciate them for their companionship and support. Instead of being upset with your mother for not buying you that colour box, try appreciating her for her kindness and love for you.

The world can be a whole different place if everyone starts appreciating each other for all the good things they do instead of complaining about their faults; we have to be conscious of actions to make appreciation a habit.

And as Mahatma Gandhi said- 

Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become your destiny. 

So, let's start it today. From now on, each day take a few minutes from your day to sit alone. And with a deep breath, think of all the amazing things and people you can appreciate in your life. Trust me. It will make a huge difference [in a wonderful way]. 

P.S.- It is my first-ever blog.

Written by-

Geetankshi Tamta

(Brand, PR & Marketing Agent at My Good School)

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