The Value of Peace - Oshi Singh

 Piece Or Peace?

This September, we celebrated Peace

Mental Peace Or Mental War? 
Ultimately, Peace is the final aim of war, isn't it? 

Both these 5 letter words have the same pronunciation but different meanings. Some of you would correct me and tell me they're called homophones, and you are totally right. While one could be a piece of cake, the other could be self-discovery. They are like Night – Day, Arrive – Leave, Junior – Senior, Better – Worse, Right – Left, Rich – Poor. But now that we are talking about Peace which is the month's value let's discuss it a little further. According to Wikipedia, the definition of Peace is: 

Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony without hostility and violence. In a social sense, Peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups. 

Do you really think this is what Peace means to you?

Close your eyes, and imagine these five beautiful letters. The first thing that comes to your mind is what it is for YOU, unless you are thinking about a piece of cake. Peace can be anything in the world with approximately 7 billion people; there are billions of other definitions for Peace. It could be harmony with loved ones only, it could be harmony with everyone, it could be harmony with the surroundings, or it could be self-development. It could be anything if you just remember to be yourself. 

Before ending, I would like to share my views about Peace: 

Peace for me lies in nature. It seems so dark and mysterious, yet I find it so bright and blissful. It makes me realise the true meaning of Peace. It constantly reminds me to switch the lights on in the darkest times of my life. 

Oshi Singh 
VIII D
Gyanshree School 

The Joy of Appreciation - Aashay Nimish Gaitonde

It always feels great to be appreciated. It is a beautiful feeling when people around you encourage you for the different things you do in life, both big and small. Appreciation motivates you to try harder in whatever you do and be a better version of yourself.

I would like to share a couple of incidents recently that I remember when I was received praise and appreciation.

Winning an inter-school roller-skating race

I once participated in an inter-school roller skating event where I came second in the Finals. I won a trophy & my parents were elated. I have been skating since I was six years old, so it was a wonderful moment. They hugged me and rewarded me by taking me to a “Marvel Studio” to visit my favourite comic superheroes and their film set. Here are some of the pictures taken -

Even today, my mom & dad always take time out to drop me at skating class every day & this motivates me to keep practising and being a better skater day by day! 

Securing the First rank in the NELTAS examination

The second incident was when I came first across all schools in India & UAE in a competitive exam for English language (NELTAS). I have been giving this exam for four years & this was the first time I ranked first in the Grand Finale.

I was thrilled when the results came out but was happier when everyone in my family & my teachers appreciated me. They have supported me through thick & thin; hence their applause was all the more special for me.

There are many such times when I have been complimented & supported by my family and friends, even when I have failed. It’s only when you receive such tremendous support that you feel that you can excel in anything you put your mind to!

Aashay Nimish Gaitonde

Grade : 5 Division: A Billabong High International School, Thane