Students Reflections - Sunbeam School Lahartara

Writing reflectively entails evaluating an experience critically, stating how it affected you, and outlining your plans for applying the newfound understanding. Writing something down typically encourages people to think through an experience, so it can aid in more profound reflection. In this lovely reflection piece, Sunbeam School Lahartara students discuss the lessons they learned from Sunday School.

Sunbeam Lahartara 15092024 by Manisha Khanna

Guru - Shubhangi Kashyap

 GURU

The beacons of light illuminate our path. Guru Purnima offers us a chance to express our gratitude and reflect on the significant impact our Guru's guidance has had on our lives. 

A guru is more than just a teacher; they are a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom. They expand our horizons, shape our thoughts, and encourage us to chase our dreams. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, enriching our lives in profound ways.

As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us take a moment to appreciate their dedication and commitment. Let us also renew our commitment to applying the knowledge they’ve imparted to us and continue our journey of learning and growth.

Shubhangi Kashyap

Sunbeam Lahartara

My Good School - Pragyan Prashast

My experience at My Good School was wonderful this Sunday. In our session, we had the opportunity to read and discuss two stories.

Kabir and Guru Nanak

The first story we read was about Kabir and Guru Nanak, written by Sanvi Rai. The story provided us with insightful lessons and a deeper understanding of their teachings and journey.

The Brahmin's Spell

The second story was "The Brahmin's Spell." Through this story, I learnt several new and interesting words. Here are some of the words I came across:

• Confederates
• Identical
• Dwelling
• Marvellous
• Peerless
• Ignorant 
• Asseveration

Pragyan Prashast

Sunbeam School, Lahartara 

Gautam Buddha’s Journey - Aradhy Mohan Jalan

Gautama Buddha's journey from prince to spiritual teacher is a profound tale of enlightenment and compassion. Born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE in Lumbini (present-day Nepal), he was destined for greatness. Despite his privileged upbringing, Siddhartha became aware of human suffering and sought a path to alleviate it.

At the age of 29, he renounced his royal comforts, leaving behind his palace and family, including his wife and newborn son. He embarked on a quest for truth, guided by a deep inner calling to understand the nature of existence, suffering, and the way to liberation.

For six years, Siddhartha wandered through forests and engaged in rigorous ascetic practices with various teachers. Despite his severe discipline, he did not find the answers he sought. Realizing the futility of extreme austerity, he decided to meditate under a bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.

On the full moon night of Vesakha, at the age of 35, Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Sitting in deep meditation, he achieved profound insights into the nature of suffering (dukkha), its causes (craving and ignorance), and the path to its cessation (the Eightfold Path). Thus, he became the Buddha, the "Awakened One."

For the next 45 years, Buddha travelled across northern India, teaching the Dharma (the path to liberation) to all who would listen—kings, nobles, merchants, and the marginalized. He founded the Sangha, a community of monks and nuns who dedicated themselves to the practice and dissemination of his teachings.

Buddha's teachings emphasized the Four Noble Truths—suffering exists, suffering arises from attachment to desires, suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases, and the Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering.

Gautama Buddha's journey from prince to enlightened teacher continues to inspire millions worldwide, transcending time and culture with its message of compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace.

Aradhya Mohan Jalan 

Sunbeam School, Lahartara 

Heaven - Shambhavi Nautiyal

What does "Heaven" mean to me!

Place regarded in various religions as the abode of God (or the gods) and the angels, and of the good after death, often traditionally depicted as being above the sky.

I feel that being able to create and live freely is a piece of heaven on earth. If the gods reside in our heads in the form of good and pious thoughts, then, it would first be heaven in our heads and then outside of it. Being able to lead a life of balance and peace, sing loudly in the car, eat my favourite treats, learn new things, and accept my life all mean heaven to me. 

They are my energy givers and I designate them as my ‘heavenliness’ by enforcing gratitude. Romanticising every bit of my life and thinking that I am the main character as well as the people in my life, means heaven to me. My life means heaven to me. Being in my own company and being able to navigate life myself, means heaven to me. The helpers are the angels and my karma is my god.

Shambhavi Nautiyal

Ahlcon Public School

Kabir and Guru Nanak - Sanvi Rai

Kabir and Guru Nanak, two great spiritual leaders and poets, have left behind a legacy of profound wisdom and teachings. 

One of Kabir's dohas that is close to my heart is-

 "ज्ञानी सों जानै जो अपनी ही बुद्धि। 

पारस परस समुंद में हो गहरी फूल छाई॥", 

which translates to "The wise one is one who knows his own mind; just like a flower that shines deep in the water of the ocean." 

From the teachings of Guru Nanak, a verse that resonates with me is- 

 

"ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿਜਾਤਿ ",

which means "The Guru's Bani (teachings) transcends all social and cultural boundaries." These dohas are not only close to my heart but also reflect timeless wisdom and insights that are relevant to all aspects of life.

Sanvi Rai 

Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur 

Righteousness - Sanvi Rai

Righteousness, in its deepest meaning, refers to a moral and ethical principle where an individual or entity acts in accordance with what is morally right and just. It involves upholding virtues such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and adherence to principles of justice and equity.

This concept often extends beyond mere legal compliance to encompass a sense of moral duty and responsibility towards others. Righteousness is rooted in a commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity or temptation, and seeking justice and goodness for oneself and others.

"Righteousness in a deep sense refers to a strong moral or ethical quality that influences one's actions, decisions, and relationships with others. It involves a profound commitment to justice, honesty, integrity, and fairness, often rooted in personal values and beliefs."

Sanvi Rai

Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur

My Guide Inside - Arfa Khan

MGI Reflection at My Good School 

What I took away from this session-

My Guide Inside is like a little voice, an inner wisdom that tells us what is good and wrong and how we feel. It is always in us; we must calm our brains and thoughts to know precisely what we want.

We don’t have to feel guilty for having a comfortable life—we should be happy to have the opportunity to help others with that! I felt the same guilt for quite a while. I thought that there were so many people dying and starving, and I was not able to help. 

Many people want to be like us, but we don’t reflect on it. But now I realise that maybe I will not be able to help everyone, and that’s okay because I can start from my community; that counts as help, too!

Our inner sunshine still exists, even if we have a terrible thought. Just because the sun has been covered by clouds doesn’t mean it has disappeared! The clouds will eventually leave, and it will be all sunny again. If we have a terrible thought, we should label it as just a thought and not pay heed to it. We are in control of our thoughts, and we can redirect them when we want.

Arfa Khan

Ahlcon Public School

My Guide Inside (MGI) Author Note:
MGI Online is for Indian school classrooms. MGI has 3 levels for: young kids, kids, and teens. Story-based MGI focuses on 3 Principles, Language Development, and 21 Century Competencies. MGI includes Hindi vocabulary and is ideal for Life Skills courses.
See: myguideinside.com

My Good School Calendar - July 2024

My Good School on Sundays - 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
The Teacher's Academy on Saturdays - 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.
Good Schools Alliance Monthly Meeting on fourth Saturday - 27 July 2024

2 JULY

Article - How to Conduct Staff Meetings

- Good Schools India Journal www.GSI.IN

7 JULY

• My Guide Inside Book Reading with Christa Campsall

• Meet & Greet with Sunil Malhotra

- Google Meet at My Good School

14 JULY

• Screening of Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels Episode 7, with Amardeep Singh

- Google Meet at My Good School

• JOL Diaries Newsletter

- Website www.JoyOfLearningDiaries.com

15 JULY

Podcast 3 Girls 1 Mic Episode - 14

- Good Schools India Journal www.GSI.IN

27 JULY

Podcast with Amardeep Singh Where Passion Meets Education

- Good Schools India Journal www.GSI.IN

We are glad to inform our community about our upcoming events in July. Author of YOGAi Sunil Malhotra, Author/Educator of My Guide Inside Christa Campsall, and founder of The Lost Heritage Amardeep Singh will join us in this power-packed month! The esteemed guests will read and share their experiences as passionate educators. We encourage you to join our Sunday School for rich and fruitful interactions. Remember to attend the monthly meetings.

In June, we invited ex-IAS officer Dr Sanjeev Chopra. He touched on life, culture, success, passion, and more. We invite esteemed and inspiring personalities to My Good School. I hope you join us in experiencing the joy of learning. 

Please visit our website www.schooleducation.com 

Email us at nk@learningforward.org.in. 

YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@MyGoodSchool 

Neetu Koranga

Manager 

Learning Forward India Foundation

When You Set Your Mind To Something - Reveda Bhatt

“Have you ever wondered why couldn’t you complete that work even when you tried hard?

That’s because maybe you didn’t try hard enough.”

When you ‘truly’ set your mind to something, have you ever noticed how the entire universe works accordingly and how it seems like everything around is favourable to you? The universe, it is a ball of energies, various blessings, vibes etc. 

Every emotion, every mood- it is an energy you send out into the universe. But, internally, when you set your mind to something and work towards achieving it, the universe sends in energies for you to either take in or deflect. 

In that moment, the decision is up to you for the key is in your hand. Analysing, if this is how the universe works, for each person, accordingly, is it that we directly connect to it? Or is it something else in us that does? 

Something like your mind, my mind. Yes! When you set your goal, all the paths towards it unlock for you to move forward. Only if you try hard. Only if you don’t give up. Only if you stay true. Only if you keep moving forward. Our mind has that power, it is something that you control, something that works accordingly for you. Obstacles you’ll face, sure-it’s life that makes you tougher. It’s your mind that makes you stronger. Long way ahead- Keep going. The universe is with you if you do it right.

Reveda Bhatt 

Beaver Dams - Arfa Khan

Illustration- Arfa Khan 

Beavers have incisors as strong and sharp as a chisel. They gnaw the bark of a tree (most of it) while the wind helps in taking down the rest. They use the bark and stones as the base of the dam and then pile up mud and sticks to finish it off. These dams play a vital role in cooling the forest down.

Arfa Khan

Grade 9

Ahlcon Public School

Thinking hastily and thinking wisely - Nishan Karki

It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.

― Anatole France

There is a big difference between thinking hastily and thinking wisely. Everyone in the world has a different way of thinking. Thinking depends upon experience, state of mind, situation, education, etc.

Firstly, let's talk about thinking hastily. Thinking hastily means thinking in a hurry without being very careful. Hasty thinking is not prevalent in our daily lives. We do not tend to think in a hurry while doing our daily work. We take time to think and make desirable decisions. Hasty thinking may ruin our decisions which will hamper our daily work and routine.

However, if we are stuck in a situation where we have to make split-second decisions, hasty thinking helps a lot.

Secondly, talking about thinking wisely. Thinking wisely means taking time to think carefully and make desirable decisions. Thinking wisely is prevalent in our daily lives, business environment, family, career, etc. This type of thinking helps us a lot throughout our lives to make sound decisions, tackle challenges and head to success. It is a very essential and necessary part of our lives. 

We have to think wisely to choose our career, future and family member's welfare. Entrepreneurs also have to think wisely and make sound decisions relating to their work and business. Wise thinking also helps them to compete with other businessmen.

On comparing these two, we come to the conclusion that thinking wisely is more important than thinking hastily. Thinking wisely is prevalent in our lives but thinking hastily occurs just at some point in our lives. Thinking wisely gives us a proper result or outcome. Thinking hastily leads to unsound decisions, errors and unintended consequences.

Nishan Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

What really matters? - Rishona Chopra

“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.”

- Seneca 

Life is a precious thing. Perhaps, one of the most precious things on Earth. But what really matters in this life? Does it matter how long we live, or how we live? It's the tough question of Quantity or Quality. What matters more? But, what is the point of a long life if that life lacks quality? Lacks happiness, peace and content? If life has quality, then no matter how short, it does leave an impression and a good one. What's the point of a long life if it's full of sorrow? 

Life is like a book. Just like in a book, its quality matters. Its humour, mystery and uniqueness matter more than how big it is. It doesn't matter if a story is long, but if it has that quality, we turn back to read it again and again. 

Ultimately, we need to ensure that we live our lives to the fullest. This world is full of risks. Our life can take unexpected turns so we must live every moment. We struggle to live with content and happiness but a simple way is to look at all the good things in life. Let's count our blessings instead of focusing on the little wrong things. 

A moment without happiness is a moment wasted. And with a precious thing as life, we really can't afford to waste any. 

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VIII 
Gyanshree School

Leader - Arfa Khan

The leader should be chosen by their intellect, not by their looks- The partridge was the smallest in size yet it was chosen as the leader.

Self-realization and Respect- The animals realized that considering themselves superior is not going to work out and decided that there should be an authoritarian figure whom they will be willing to respect. 

Mutual agreement is necessary- The animals made a collective decision to choose the leader based on who the oldest was. Mutual agreement promotes harmony, fairness, and cooperation in various aspects of life.

Importance of leadership- Leadership provides guidance, vision, and direction to individuals and maintains order. Without it, there is a possibility of mishap. A true leader will work with the people to inspire and motivate them to achieve their full potential.

Arfa Khan

Grade 9

Ahlcon Public School

Cosmic Fireworks: The Fascinating World of Solar Flares - Yashraj Sharma

 

What are Solar Storms?

Solar storms occur when the Sun emits enormous bursts of energy through solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). These phenomena send a stream of electrical charges and magnetic fields toward the Earth at about 3 million miles per hour!

• What are solar flares and CMEs?

A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation caused by the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. It is one of the most significant explosive events in our solar system. Flares are seen as bright areas on the Sun and can last minutes to hours.

Coronal Mass Ejections are large plasma and magnetic field expulsions from the Sun's corona (outermost layer).

Effects of the Solar Storm on Earth

1. Public and amateur radio (used by citizens) is frequently disrupted. Communications, navigation, and even land surveying via land, water, and air use global positioning systems (GPS) to determine routes and locations based on satellite radio waves. These waves are disrupted and/or interrupted by the geomagnetic waves from the Sun.

2. Blackouts and power outages 

If a significant solar storm were to hit the Earth, the worst-case scenario would be the damaged power grids, resulting in blackouts. The geomagnetic currents induced by a solar storm can overload power grids and potentially cause transformers to fail, leading to widespread power outages. 

           One example of such a black is the Canadian blackout of 1989. 

This geomagnetic storm occurred on March 13, 1989. It caused a nine-hour outage of Hydro-Québec's (largest power utility in Canada and a significant player in the global hydropower industry) electricity transmission system.

The ever-so-mesmerizing ‘Northern Lights’

Earth’s magnetic field shields our planet against solar flares and CMEs. 

When a solar flare reaches Earth, as it is about to collide, it meets with the magnetic field and spirals around it. It then goes down into the poles of the Earth. This area is known as the 'Aurora Oval.' When these flares collide with the atmosphere's particles, they excite and cause them to rush. This excitement causes the particles to light up!

Hence, giving us wavy patterns and 'curtains' of light, these are commonly known as ‘Auroras’

Yashraj Sharma

Gyanshree School

X-D
Compiled from reading and sourced from references on Google Search.

Refelctions & Questions - The Doon Girls School

Jataka Tales & The Hidden Life of Trees

How can trees create their own microclimate?

The author explains that trees create leafy humus that can store moisture, and their branches can slow winds and create calmer air within the forest. Over time, these conditions reduce evaporation and create moist soil with better water storage, allowing more trees to thrive.

 by (Sanskriti- VI)

In "The Peacock Wings," what I gather is that our life choices should prioritize goodness, embracing both the flaws and beauty of others.

by (Aadya- VI)

Woody Climate Control

When the annual leaffall of beech trees occurs, it creates an alkaline humus that has the capacity to store a significant amount of water.

by (Ibadat-VI)

Spirituality- Prapti Rai

Spirituality, to me, embodies the exploration of the deeper dimensions of existence beyond the confines of the physical world. It's about seeking a connection with something greater than ourselves, whether it's through religious practices, meditation, nature, or acts of compassion and kindness.

Modern spirituality centres on the "deepest values and meanings by which people live".It often embraces the idea of an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality. It envisions an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his or her being.

Not all modern notions of spirituality embrace transcendental ideas. Secular spirituality emphasizes humanistic ideas on moral character- qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, responsibility, harmony, and concern for others.

These aspects of life and human experience go beyond a purely materialist view of the world without necessarily accepting belief in a supernatural reality or any divine being. However, Guru Nanak's documentaries likely portray spirituality as a universal quest for meaning and transcendence, showcasing diverse perspectives and practices from around the globe.

Through storytelling and insights from various cultures and traditions, these documentaries likely illuminate the common threads that unite us in our search for purpose and understanding in the vast tapestry of existence.

Prapti Rai

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Importance of Indian Mythology - Tejas Kumar

Indian mythology holds immense significance not only within the cultural and religious structure of India but also globally, due to its rich varieties of stories, symbols, and archetypes. These myths, often soaked in symbolism and metaphor, serve as a fund of wisdom, offering deep insights into the human condition and the mysteries of existence. 

From the epic narratives of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to the countless tales of gods, goddesses, and demons found in the Puranas, Indian mythology reflects the complex interaction between divinity and humanity, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.

Moreover, these myths not only entertain but also educate, transmitting moral values, principles, and philosophical concepts through fascinating storytelling. They provide a cultural identity to millions and encourage a sense of belonging and continuity across generations. 

Furthermore, Indian mythology continues to inspire art, literature, and popular culture, serving as an endless source of creativity and innovation. In essence, the importance of Indian mythology lies in its timeless relevance, offering deep insights into the human experience and serving as an endless source of inspiration, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Tejas Kumar 
Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Guru Nanak - Tejash

First Udasi (1499-1506)

Regions covered by the guru were Northern India and Tibet and Some of the stops he took in his journey were Haridwar, Varanasi, and Mecca. The message conveyed by him to the people was challenging ritualistic practices, emphasizing God's widespread.

Second Udasi (1506-1513)

From 1506 to 1513 he covered the whole of South India and Sri Lanka. Engaged with various religious leaders and the message given by him there advocated a balanced life of worldly engagement and spiritual devotion.

Third Udasi (1514-1518)

After that, he went to Western India, Arabia, and Persia from 1514 to 1518. He also went to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Baghdad and his message outlined Stressed inner devotion over external rituals.

Fourth Udasi (1519-1521)

He also went to North India, Tibet, Himalayan regions and engaged with local spiritual leaders. And also gave a message to promote unity and devotion to one God.

Fifth Udasi (1523-1524)

His fifth udasi was from 1523 to 1524 in  Punjab and surrounding areas. Emphasizing social equality, honest living, and daily devotion to God were his teachings there.

Establishment of Kartarpur and Final Years

At last, he settled in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan). The Community life Regular hymns (kirtan), community meals (langar), and collective worship.

Legacy

Died on September 22, 1539. Teachings enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, promote equality, service, and devotion. Guru Nanak's journeys, known as Udasis, were instrumental in spreading his message of love, equality, and devotion, laying the foundation of Sikhism.

Tejash 

Sunbeam School

Citizenship - Samriddhi Banerjee

About Citizenship 

Every person who was at the commencement of the Constitution (26 January 1950) domiciled in the territory of India, and (a) who was born in India, or (b) either of whose parents were born in India, or (c) who has been ordinarily resident in India for not less than five years, became a citizen of INDIA.

What do we mean by Citizenship? 

Citizenship is gained by meeting the legal requirements of a national, state, or local government. A nation grants certain rights and privileges to its citizens. In return, citizens are expected to obey their country's laws and defend it against its enemies. The value of citizenship varies from nation to nation.

Why is Citizenship important? 

Being a recognised citizen of a country has many legal benefits, which may include – depending on the country – the rights to vote, to hold public office, to social security, to health services, to public education, to permanent residency, to own land, or to engage in employment, amongst others.

What is Citizenship and its types?

Modern citizenship can be divided into two main categories: birthright (or jus soli) citizenship and acquired (or naturalized) citizenship. Citizenship at birth is automatically granted to those born within a particular country's border. 

Samriddhi Banerjee
Grade V
Sunbeam School, Lahartara