Reflection Sunday 15th December 2024

  Sunday School No. 167

My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Prakash Joshi, Chapter 12, titled "Up the Hill," the protagonist, Cinnamon, faces a journey of personal growth, self-realization, and overcoming obstacles. The chapter likely touches on themes of resilience, identity, and the complexities of relationships.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does the hill represent in Cinnamon's journey? How does this metaphor connect to the struggles Cinnamon faces in life?

2. How do Cinnamon's thoughts and emotions evolve as they ascend the hill? What inner conflicts do they confront, and how do these mirror the challenges they encounter in the world around them?

3. In the chapter, Cinnamon seems to encounter both physical and emotional obstacles. How do these challenges impact their character development?

4. What role do the relationships with other characters (family, friends, or strangers) play in this chapter? How do they influence Cinnamon’s actions and perspective?

5. The setting of the hill is crucial in this chapter. How does the natural environment impact the mood and tone of the narrative? What significance might the hill have in the broader context of the story?

6. In what ways does Chapter 12 highlight Cinnamon's sense of self and belonging? How do they navigate the tension between their personal desires and societal expectations?

7. Do you think Cinnamon’s journey up the hill is symbolic of a larger life journey? If so, what does it teach the reader about perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity?

8.The theme of identity is central to the novel. How does this chapter contribute to Cinnamon’s understanding of their own identity and place in the world?

9. How does the writing style in this chapter enhance the emotional and thematic depth of Cinnamon’s journey? What literary techniques does the author use to convey these deeper meanings?

10. Reflecting on this chapter, what message do you think the author is trying to convey about personal growth, challenges, and transformation?

These questions will help you to explore the deeper layers of the text, focusing on character development, symbolism, and thematic exploration within the context of Cinnamon's journey.

 The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben, Chapter 5, "Pig Smarts," explores the intelligence, emotional depth, and social behaviors of pigs. The chapter invites readers to reconsider common perceptions of animals and their mental and emotional capabilities.

Reflection questions:

1. How does Wohlleben challenge the common stereotype of pigs as unintelligent animals in this chapter? What specific examples from the chapter illustrate their intelligence?

2. What role does the environment play in shaping the behavior and cognition of pigs? How does Wohlleben emphasize the importance of their natural instincts and social structures?

3. What emotions and relationships do pigs display that surprised or intrigued you? How does this deepen our understanding of animals' inner lives?

4. In what ways do pigs demonstrate problem-solving abilities and social cooperation? How does this reflect broader themes of animal intelligence in the book?

5. Wohlleben often contrasts human and animal behaviors. How does his portrayal of pigs challenge human-centered ideas about intelligence and emotional complexity?

6. Do you think pigs’ intelligence and social behaviors make them more relatable to humans? How does the chapter shape your perspective on the ethics of how animals are treated?

7. What does Wohlleben suggest about the emotional connections pigs have with each other? How does this contribute to our understanding of animal emotions?

8. In what ways do pigs’ social behaviors, such as their care for each other, mirror human relationships? How does this comparison enhance the theme of empathy in the book?

9. Wohlleben discusses the ways pigs communicate. How do these forms of communication reflect the complexity of their inner life and social structure?

10. Reflecting on the chapter, what do you think Wohlleben wants readers to take away about the cognitive and emotional lives of animals, particularly pigs? How might this affect our treatment of them in both domestic and wild contexts?

These questions aim to deepen your understanding of animal behavior and intelligence, encouraging a reflection on the ethical implications of how we perceive and interact with animals.

Meeting summary for  (15/12/2024)

Quick recap

The team discussed over a Zoom meeting with various schools, focusing on a story about Cinnamon's journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. They also explored the behavior and social structure of wild boars, the intelligence and survival tactics of wild boars and pigs, and the importance of personal and social development in schools. The conversation ended with a call for students to pick up a skill beyond their regular curriculum for personal growth.

Next steps

• Sunbeam students to reflect on The Yes Workshop and My Good School sessions.

• Students to explore using the learning model discussed to define personal success and goals.

• Students to consider taking up a skill-based course or activity for personal growth.

• Manisha to prepare note on "joy of learning" for students to review later.

• Sunbeam School to consider implementing aspects of the YES learning model in their curriculum.

• Students to explore the My Good School YouTube channel for additional content.

• Teachers to review the Teachers Academy video on the My Good School YouTube channel.

• Sunbeam School to evaluate incorporating more vocational/skill-based options in their curriculum.

• Students to reflect on balancing academic success with life skills development.

• Jugjiv/Sandeep to consider requests from other schools to conduct similar workshops.

• Students to practice critical thinking skills discussed in the sessions.

• Sunbeam School to explore ways to reduce exam pressure and encourage holistic development.

• Students to consider writing blogs/reflections on topics discussed in the sessions.

Summary

Cinnamon's Journey of Self-Discovery

Jugjiv read a blog about Cinnamon's journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. The blog discussed Cinnamon's feelings of gratitude and loss, as well as moments of pride and insecurity. The blog also highlighted the importance of having people who accept you completely, even when figuring yourself out. Sandeep then read the blog aloud, expressing similar sentiments. The group then prepared to read a new chapter in the book, which was described as very interesting.

Cinnamon's Emotional Struggle With Adoption

Cinnamon's adoptive mother is emotionally distraught about his desire to meet his birth parents. She hides her tears behind sunglasses, likely fearing that Cinnamon's love for her will fade once he connects with his birth mother. In contrast, Cinnamon's adoptive father remains calm and supportive of his decision. Meanwhile, Devendra informs Cinnamon that his birth mother wants to meet him at the eatery she runs.

Woman's Emotional Adoption Story

In the meeting, Jugjiv narrated a story about a woman who was in a relationship with a boy from a different community, and they eventually got married. They had two children and later decided to migrate to Pune for better opportunities. After four years in Pune, they had a third child, Cinnamon. Tragically, the husband died in a collision with a tempo. The woman then had to manage taking care of three children on her own, and eventually decided to give Cinnamon up for adoption, thinking she could meet him again later. However, when she went back to the adoption agency, she was told she had given away all rights to the child and should not inquire until the child turned 18. The woman and Cinnamon both became emotional during the story, with Cinnamon's birth mother breaking down in tears.

Cinnamon's Adoption and Village Life

In the meeting, Jugjiv shared the story of a hotel owner who had a son named Cinnamon. Cinnamon's mother, Aditi, had given him up for adoption, but he was later reunited with her. The story also involved Cinnamon's father, who was a popular figure in the village. The conversation ended with Cinnamon and his birth parents staying at Aditi's house for the night. The participants also discussed the location of Nandibar Town and the significance of Nandibar.

Cinnamon's Ambivalence and Future Choices

Sandeep and Jugjiv discussed the story of Cinnamon, a character who has met his birth mother after a long time. They explored Cinnamon's feelings of ambivalence and the potential choices he might face in the future. The group debated whether Cinnamon would choose to live with his birth mother or his adopted parents, considering factors such as wealth, comfort, and love. They also discussed the importance of critical thinking and the potential for Cinnamon to have the best of both worlds. The conversation ended with Sandeep sharing his thoughts on the story and its characters.

Dialects, Migration, and Animal Behavior

In the meeting, Jugjiv and Sandeep discussed various topics that emerged from a story, including inter-community marriages, simple weddings, migration from villages to towns, and how the same language can vary across different regions. Jugjiv highlighted how dialects can change every 15-20 km, and how phrases like "a few minutes felt like eternity" could be used as essay prompts. Sandeep then read a passage about the intelligence of domestic pigs descended from wild boars. He explained how researchers tracked wild boars using transmitters to study their behavior and home ranges, drawing parallels with tracking migratory birds. The discussion covered new vocabulary like "repertoire," "sounders," and "transmitters" in the context of animal behavior studies.

Wild Boar Behavior and Social Structure

Sandeep discussed the behavior and social structure of wild boars, highlighting their territorial marking, family dynamics, and social interactions. He noted that wild boars have a strong sense of family and can recognize their children after observing them for a long time. He also mentioned that wild boars are highly social and enjoy mutual grooming and living closely together. Sandeep further explained that wild boars adapt their sleeping quarters according to the weather and time of the year, and they prefer to use a designated toilet area separate from their sleeping hollow. He also touched upon the differences between wild and domestic pigs, noting that domestic pigs are often separated from their parents and raised in groups of their own age, which can lead to conflicts.

Wild Boars' Intelligence and Hunting

Sandeep discusses the intelligence and survival tactics of wild boars and pigs. He explains how German hunters have to use moonlight and bait to hunt wild boars at night due to their evasive behavior. Despite hunting pressure, wild boar populations continue to thrive by outsmarting hunters. Sandeep also shares an anecdote about a mother pig teaching her 160 piglets to build nests, highlighting their intelligence which is often underestimated when calling someone a "pig" as an insult.

Reflections, Self-Discovery, and Learning Models

The meeting revolved around the reflections and experiences shared by the participants. Sandeep and Jugjiv discussed the reflections from the previous session, with Sandeep reading out a reflection from Simrit Kaur. They also discussed the concept of self-discovery and personal growth, with Sandeep emphasizing the importance of introspection, exploration, and mindfulness. The meeting also touched upon the idea of identity and how it is shaped by experiences and relationships. Sandeep introduced the concept of "The Teachers Academy" and the "YES workshop" and how they can be incorporated into the learning model. The conversation ended with a discussion on the potential benefits of the Yes workshop for other students.

Personal and Social Development in Schools

Sandeep led a discussion on the importance of personal and social development in schools, emphasizing the need for students to engage with society beyond academic success. He highlighted the significance of skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity, and how these can contribute to a student's identity and future success. Sandeep also discussed the importance of vocational development, internships, and fellowship programs to enhance employability skills. The conversation ended with a call for students to pick up a skill beyond their regular curriculum for personal growth.

AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy. 

These are some suggestions you can choose from. I'm looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! 

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

Little Arfa at The Railway Museum

Throughout my childhood, my parents used to take me to different exquisite places every Sunday. I have visited several museums in my life, but the most memorable one was The Railway Museum. I remember going to the railway museum twice or thrice in my life. It was that time before puberty when the world seemed bright and merry.

My first memory was riding the Jolly train with my parents, wearing my favorite pink sunglasses while enjoying a Lottie choco pie. I was obsessed with Lottie choco pie then, and it was a great coincidence that we both came into being in 2010. After the ride, we went to see the control station of a train. I was fascinated by the amount of levers and buttons there. 

Being a train driver must have been so cool! Then, we went to see the exhibits that were inside. On the way there, we came across a snake charmer with his dancing cobra. When the charmer played his pungi the snake slithered out of its jute bag and began dancing in a back-and-forth motion like it would attack us at any moment. I was so scared that we quickly moved on, so we couldn’t witness the whole performance. When we reached the exhibits, I saw all the parts of the trains and the different types of trains that ran in India. There were so many that I could easily say there were over a hundred. There were also miniature models of some trains. I looked at those tiny dummy trains wondering what the miniature people must be thinking seeing a giant with big, curious eyes spectating them in awe. 

Finally, it was time to leave. I remember that while leaving, I bought a big Shaka lakaboom-boom pencil which, I think, has a special place. It resides in every Indian’s heart

and has been a part of many people’s childhood.

Arfa Khan
Grade 9
Ahlcon Public School

Retirement- The Last Phase of a Life

    Retirement- The Last Phase of a life

In this phase of life of retirement, we are not set to just enjoy our own selfishness by playing golf, partying, or travelling. Do these things, but remember that god has sent you into this beautiful world, in the most intelligent form of living, to do something for society as well. Do something for humanity and show empathy to the people who need it. 

Help someone who is struggling with some kind of addiction; you can help some kids who are not able to afford education; you can teach them; you can just go to an old age home and talk to the people there.

It's up to you to decide what mark you want to leave on this world in your last phase of life.

At last, I would like to mention a very beautiful quote by Oprah Winfrey: "Use me, God! Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself. "

Shaurya Chaturvedi
VIII-B
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Life is a splendid torch not a brief candle - Tenzin Jambey

Image courtesy Shmooz AI

Life is lovely and enjoyable; now it's in our hands whether we want to make it even more peaceful or let life burden us. It doesn't matter whether you are poor or rich; life will look perfectly fine if you are grateful for whatever you have. 

Our life is like an impressive torch that can bring light to the lives of others. We can shine brightly and chase the shadows away. We get to live our life for once, but let not our one life affect our beautiful journey. Let's not be sad thinking that we will die soon; everyone has to leave this world behind and die and become part of the soil of the earth beneath.

We know life is short; in today's world, half our age passes through pursuing education and skills, but we forget to liberate ourselves. Schooling teaches us the way to answer others and the way to work under someone and in this process, a child is never able to discover his own literature and interests. 

We come under pressure to think about our future, our career, family and so on. The term life is very wide and we can achieve what our hearts really desire except attraction and greed. 

That's so obvious that school studies will hunt you down and occupy your whole body if you don't connect your subject with your daily routine and your interests. When your subject is connected with your interest then every second of your life becomes memorable. 

It's in our hands whether you want to make your life like a dying candle or like a bright light that shines and radiates peace. 

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Life - An Unexpected Journey! - Saikiran Sahu

                               

The journey of life doesn’t go as how one thinks

It goes what it's destined for

But what is it destined for?

Fame?

Money?

Or Power?

It is what fate really holds for you,

And your fate is to steer it in the direction you want it to go in

Travels just like a wave

Sometimes still as a statue and sometimes

as ferocious as a lion!

It is not what you think that’s coming in future 

But what you were least expecting to see

Let me clear it out to you

There isn't any fixed path or a map that tells you 

where to go or how to go

It is upon you,

It is you who grabs opportunities passing by and you who 

losses it because you didn't pay attention  

Nevertheless, in this unexpected journey 

there are always ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys

But we need to remember 

 with every dusk there is a dawn ready to rise again! 

-Saikiran Sahu, IX

Gyanshree School

Illustrated by istock

The author of my story; the master of my fate - Rishona Chopra

I have always believed that we are the author of our tale. We are the ones that create our story and decide how it shall conclude. The pen is in our hands and it is our wish to decide how things shall go. 

We are the master of our fate and we can decide which path we choose and go on. Yes, there will be numerous challenges on our way. Yes, there shall be a few earthquakes and floods and things that bring us down. But, its the way one soars after being pulled down each time that matters. 

There are lot of people or rather characters that influence our story. They may influence our decisions or bring about a plot twist or setback in our story but again the pen is in our hands. We are the captain. The final decision is in our hands.  We have the power to control our thought. We have the power to control our attitude.

A thought that comes to my mind is that what about instances when something bad happens? Lets say one gets fired from their job. That may not be one's destiny. This is just another flood in our life; something influencing our story. Some people may go down and drown with the flood and some may swim through it an survive. It's all about the attitude and thought in life. Someone may come across a serious injury and accept it and happily pass away to heaven abode; nothing bad in it at all, they wrote their ending and it was what they wanted,that was one's happy ending. Some may try and try to survive this earthquake and yet fail but I'd say that's not failure; giving up because you think its too tough is failure because nothing is impossible. 

Another thing is death. People don't want to die but eventually they have to. Its just the way it works. You may live as long as 400 years but it has to end. One day it has to. That is the all eternal end but fate here is how you live your live. The future of all the small events in our life. 

There are a few lines from a song I would quote:

"He said,One day, you'll leave this world behind
So live a life you will remember"

What matters is how we live our lives. With happiness and glory or sadness and misery.

We all can surely make our fate better. Better and happier. We have the power to do that. 

Rishona Chopra
Grade VII
Gyanshree School

Forgiveness - Tenzin Jambey

In the journey of our lives, we come across many situations that result in the destruction of our peace of mind. Sometimes, we mistakenly hurt someone. It really feels bad when others don't accept your apology and when you are not forgiven for the mistake you made.

We humans are not perfect; we make mistakes as we take every step in our lives. Sometimes, our actions hurt the sentiments of others, which results in the birth of hate in others for us. When we ask for forgiveness from others, some accept it, but some people don't forgive the mistakes made by children. A few days ago, my football went on the roof of the neighbour's house. I went to get it and called out the uncle. He came outside, and I quickly greeted him and said sorry in a polite manner. Still, I ended up getting terribly scolded by him. If I look from one side, what he did was right, as I should have cared for him while playing, as it could have broken the things in his house, but if I were in his place, I would have given the child advice rather than scolding him. When we get scolding from others, it makes us feel a bit restricted, and from now on, we feel a bit scared and down to do things again, like playing. If we don't forgive the mistakes of the younger ones, they will never be able to enjoy their childhood, and they will feel that they have made the biggest mistake, which will affect their minds.

 

Forgiveness is essential, especially when it comes to children. Through this reflection, we are smart enough to know when to forgive and when not. Forgiveness depends on the situation and dimensions. We know which things should be ignored and which are to be punished. Even though forgiveness stands higher than punishment, humans still follow this practice as we don't have any options, and there are no such questions for forgiveness for the people who willingly indulge in activities like crimes, murders, and rape. Therefore, forgiveness is essential, depending on the situation and people's actions. We should know when and where to forgive and when not.

 

In the case of children, we must forgive as they will make thousands of mistakes, and they will not do what is right and wrong. They like a mountain lake that is pure and calm, but sometimes, they take the form of hurricanes and irritate others a lot. But this act of theirs makes us feel happy and reminds us of our old days in the future. Someday, forgiveness binds us together. Suppose the neighbour's uncle forgives the kid who broke his window twice or three times and still possesses a sense of forgiveness. In that case, it makes the uncle a hero in the eyes of the kid, and who knows, in the future, the kid will become a famous person and come to visit you with gifts and old-time memories.

 

The art of forgiveness works differently for different ages of people. The easiest, simplest, and most effective one is forgiving children. I still remember the uncle who returned my football whenever it went into his house. He never got angry, and he did forgive me when I broke his house's window. He used to give me advice, "Child, this is the right time to enjoy and create trouble for others, as in the future you will never get to experience it." His words really reflected upon me. As I take each step daily, I am expected to do well and make the fewest mistakes.

Tenzin Jambey

Pestallozi Children's Village Society

Image Courtesy- Dreamstime

Looking for happiness - Rishona Chopra

Happiness. 

It is something we all try to look for in everything. Everything temporary. We look for happiness in a cup of ice cream, but when that ice cream finishes, so does our happiness. Why isn't our happiness long-lasting and in our control? If we look for happiness in a pen, once the pen is broken, our happiness will be broken, too. We are the authors of our books. We are the hand that controls the pen. But in this case, isn't the pen controlling the hand? Aren't our feelings going in control of someone else?

When someone does something not to our satisfaction, we lose our happiness. In that way, can't that external person take control of when we are happy and when we are sad?

Another instance is when we see one of our family members or friends sad, we often tell them, "If you are sad, I will also be sad," but that is not the way. Again, someone else is controlling our feelings. Why not cheer them up instead?

The journey of looking for happiness is quite an interesting one. At every moment, we realise that we are giving control to someone else or something else. Even though I always hear this, I have not fully found happiness in myself. I have not found happiness being alone with nothing, but we all learn at every step of life, and so am I. 

There are a few lines I remember from a book I read, they were:
"Never search for your happiness in others; it will make you feel alone. Search it yourself, and you will feel happy even if you are left alone."

Rishona Chopra
Grade VII
Gyanshree School

Appreciation - Tenzin Jambey

Monsoon, the season of rain, brings heavy rainfall in some parts of India, which is very much beneficial for groundwater recharging but, on the other hand, it has caused a lot of trouble in the northeastern part of India, Delhi and also in many states of our country, due to which many people are suffering with various issues and to overcome these situations is not that easy.

My eyes opened as my alarm rang at 3:00 am, I went to the washroom to get fresh l, and I looked at myself in the mirror and said, "Yes, my vacations are over". I didn't even realise how many holidays ended. That day I had to cover a distance of 386 km from my hometown Tawang ( Arunachal) till
Guwahati (Assam), that journey is always the most tiring as it takes almost half a day because of the curvy roads of the mountain. The weather was quite oppressive that morning, and it was drizzling. I prayed to God that "Please don't let any problem arise during my journey", as it was rainy season and the landslide, mudslides and rocks falling from the hilltop were very often during this season. 

My prayer to god didn't reach that day. As the road got blocked at the place where the road blockage always occurs, there was a massive landslide, and the rocks were rolling down, and the more the workers tried to clean it, the more the mud was sliding down. That scene of more than a hundred cars waiting at the hilltop and the GREF workers and other labourers working under hefty rainfall by putting their lives in danger was terrifying. We all were in a vulnerable condition as it was rainy like someone was pouring a bucket of water upon us. I was feeling scared, and I prayed that hope rock wouldn't fall upon us over there. We were all fatigued after waiting for so long, and finally, after three hours of waiting, the rain stopped, and the road clearance was also thankfully done. After every car darted from that point, I felt relief, and I was sure that everyone there was feeling relief. That was a nightmare being stuck at the hill stop where there wasn't any mobile signal, neither any hostel nor any shop and that too in heavy rainfall.

As this month is the month of appreciation, I want to thank the workers who did an excellent job by risking their lives to make our journey successful till our destiny. I know that my appreciation and heartful thanks would not reach them, but still, I appreciate them for what they did, and I hope they will all live a happy, healthy and long life.

Tenzin Jambey
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Reflection of the movie "SWADESH".

From: TENZIN JAMBEY <tenzinjambey782@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 at 21:24
Subject: Good evening, Ma'am. Reflection of the movie "SWADESH".
Courtesy: <alumnicoordinator@pestalozziworld.in>

1: "Exploitation".
Even today, many farmers, labourers and workers are exploited by landlords and contractors.

2: "Difficulties faced by village people".
About 60% of India comprises villages that are the grassroots of our country, meaning that "ordinary people reside in villages ". As I was also born and raised in a village, I agree that there are many problems which village people face, like water supply, electricity, poor health and education facilities and unemployment.

3: "Illiteracy of masses in the Village".
Even after setting up government schools in villages, parents don't send their children to school as the parents need to be educated. They only seek short-term benefits by sending their children to work, and that's why they don't prefer sending their children to school; they think that money is more important than education.

4: "Indian culture and tradition".
Most Indians still follow traditional practices and culture, and they preserve it. Our country is famous for traditional activities like dances, food, dress, games etc. and for culture like arts and customs followed by generation.

5: "Difference between developed and developing countries".
Our country is still developing, due to which we face many problems. Still, in developed countries, there are fewer chances of facing issues, and I think this is the reason for the settlement of Indians in foreign countries like the U.S.A and CANADA. Developed countries have better employment opportunities, low death rates, better health facilities, better education, less poverty and a happy, settled and peaceful life. 

The Conclusion of the movie
We should never forget the place from where we began our journey, as our roots alone hold us through thick and thin.

Happiness - Oshi Singh

Image courtesy https://www.pinterest.com/
used by Oshi Singh for representation only

'Be grateful for everyone you have, not everything you have.'

There's nothing more unpredictable than life itself. All situations we face in life are like dice. It's about our perspective towards it. The same applies to life too. We can spend this unreliable journey with a big smile on our faces or with a heavy heart. Many choose happiness over sadness. But you may find many who stop trying and sit back after facing an unavoidable path in life. But hey! This is a long journey. Instead of being all sad and hopeless, fasten your seatbelts to the journey of the 'unknown'. All you have to do is simply focus on the positive side of the world. A world where everything is better, and you finally get your 'happily ever afters'. You shall achieve all this just by waking up every morning and enjoying every single moment, and living it to the fullest instead of wishing for it to the fullest. 

Living in this materialistic world, many try to find happiness in worldly things like money, not realizing that it's temporary and all that will matter in the end is their happiness and whether they had a meaningful life. So find your meaning in life, find your source of happiness, and together, celebrate the value of happiness and live the rest of your lives with a big smile stuck on your faces? 

Oshi Singh
IX C 
Gyanshree School 
Reference: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/631981760203224980/

Letter from Bhairavi Jani with ❤️

Dear Leaders and Members of My Good School, 

My school’s motto was: “Youth Shall Rebuild the World.” Our entire education process and curriculum was centered around the thought that learning is a life-long activity and schools must prepare students to be life-long learners. Understandably, the teachers too would teach with a method that nudged curiosity in us and inspired action. Often, the learning was done outside the classroom with well curated,long or short excursions. We had our own student parliament, elected by the students, every year. We fought elections with much fervor and the elected student government was given significant empowerment to decide on school rules, holidays, academics and student festivals and activities. 

 

When at school, India was not some distant idea for us, she was a person, fully present in our lives. We understood our relationship with our country from experiences both academic and otherwise. I think our founder’s vision was to prepare the young to act constructively for society, nation and the world, whenever and however the opportunity presented itself.

 

What I learnt at school became my talisman in life. I looked at each opportunity professionally or personally to unlearn and learn constantly. Life has now become my school. Therefore in 2014, when I decided to drive across India for 51 days with three friends, there was not much hesitation in my mind and heart. I had done this kind of learning for several years, through travel and meeting people everywhere. What I discovered in those 51 days and also from my travels for over two decades form the beating heart of my first book: “Highway to Swades – Rediscovering India’s Superpowers.”

What Highway to Swades expedition taught me was that our country is full of amazing people and their wonderful stories. Stories of love, harmony, peace, enterprise, nature, creativity, knowledge, commitment, inclusion, heritage, culture, assimilation, individualization, community, wellness, beauty, sacrifice, rituals, food and the arts. I call them India’s superpowers and the book tells stories of Indians from across the country and all walks of life who live and strive for these superpowers. 

 

What writing this book taught me was that we each have our own superpowers and we can call them to action for ourselves, our loved ones and for society at large. One of my superpowers is to listen and the other is to write and therefore I continue to engage with Indians everywhere and of all ages to understand more about who they, what they do, why they do it, what are their aspirations and dreams etc. This gives me immense hope as I think as a people we may be content but at the same time we are ambitious for our future as individuals and as a nation.

 

It is with this thought, that I want to engage with all of you, to listen more, to have meaningful dialogues and to see if individual or collective action is possible for what we care deeply about.

 

Looking forward!

 

Love,

Bhairavi

Find it all in this journey across 🇮🇳 

The River of Dreams

Power of Enterprise

Power of Nature

Power of Heritage

Power of Creativity

Power of Knowledge

Power of Food

Power of Beauty

Power of Wellness

Power of Assimilation

Power of Inclusion

Power of Individual

Power of Community

Call to Action

More when we meet Bhairavi at My Good School 

100-year-old Bookshop in Dehradun

The Drawing House now explores the rich book-reading culture in its hometown - Dehradun. And this new journey starts with 'THE ENGLISH BOOK DEPOT', a 100-year-old book shop in Dehradun, popularly known as 'BARISTA WALI BOOKSHOP'. Watch this amazing charcha about the history of his amazing bookshop.

Website: englishbookdepot.com Address: 15, Rajpur Rd, Ghanta Ghar, Chukkuwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001.

The producer of the video, Somya Mohan Sharma, decided to open this channel that can become the voice of all the industry artists and academics. With over ten years of experience working in the animation industry and in academics.

Oh teacher, I salute Thee - Tenzin Nyingsel

"Teacher, a person who awakens joy in creative expression and knowledge," said the great scientist Einstein. They might indeed scold us or punish us, but that has always been what is done well for us. Whatever the teacher has always done for me has always been perceived as a valuable learning experience and never as an arduous duty. Teachers have always been the person in my life who've guided me on the right path of my life and have always encouraged me to move forward in my life.

 At last, I want to say to teachers that whatever you've taught and have given lessons will always be walking by my side on my life path to which I salute you.

Tenzin Nyingsel
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

The Power Of Love - Shambhavi Nautiyal

Have I felt the power of love?
(Thoughts and experiences)

Feeling the power of love, love to me is loving someone without any self-seeking interest; it may be full of evergreen thrill, adoration and concern, but it can also be thinking about a friend, being reminded of a glimpse of each other laughing together or having deep conversations and having a good time.

I feel love whenever I hear of someone's trust in me and how they can rely on me after coming a long way together with them in life. I feel love whenever I practice self-love by looking out for myself, no matter what, feeling that I have matured in myself and invested that time for myself.

Love is like a journey; the deeper you go, the more immersed, wise, and experienced you become and the more content and happier you feel with life. You may die, but your love shall stay on to be. 

Follow your heart; everything will be alright and meaningful, and helpful. It may be a journey of a relationship with someone else, something that goes down the lane of life with you such that if it's gone, it feels like there is no purpose in life. Love is what drives us all. It keeps us alive, whether it be the love for a hobby, for yourself, someone else or this world.

I feel love when someone listens to me carefully, is understood, has a place in someone's life and is cared for whilst the other person looks out for and considers themselves and wants the same respect in return is what is love to me.

The true mark on human memory is when you leave any impression on someone's soul with your heartfelt actions. That's all it takes to manifest your love for anyone by doing or saying whatever comes straight from the heart, which forms the phrase, 'Follow your heart and all shall be alright', a short but meaningful and helpful one.

Just the way it is famously said that your bad times give you a reality check about your close ones only, the ones who actually love you will come forward to extend a hand of assistance. If the love in you guides you to help someone who looks at you with distaste in their bad times, they will come to help you if they are a good person. Love leads you to goodness.

Love teaches you patience, and the good you do remains good no matter how the person responds. Your karma is only yours. Even if it is not returned from the person you do good for, it does come around.

Go on and love yourself!
Shambhavi Nautiyal

Class 8D
Ahlcon Public School

The Unforgettable Journey 🚙 - Oshi Singh

Image courtesy https://blog.klm.com/, used by Oshi Singh for representation only. 

This poem is an inspiration from the poem, ' When I Set Out For Lyonnesse' by Thomas Hardy. There are two interpretations of his poem.

First, he was out to a new land for his work, and over there, he met a girl and fell in love. Later they got married, and then he wrote this poem as he believed his marriage changed him for the better. Although the second interpretation is that when he went to the new land, which he refers to as Lyonnesse, he went through a drastic spiritual change, and after he came back, everyone could see he returned a better man. So his poem was about his journey from ignorance to enlightenment. 

This poem that I have written captures the emotions felt by Thomas Hardy throughout his journey to the far-off land of Lyonesse. It captures how he was unsure before setting out on his journey and how he changed for the better. 

When I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

I had doubt in my mind,

But I knew it was high time. 

So I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

Little did I know, 

The miracle of life would drive me away. 

When I came back from Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

I had magic in my eyes, a glow on my face, 

Which, unlike time, shall never fade away. 

When I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

Little did I know, 

The miracle of life would drive me away. 

Now I return a better man, 

And no one shall take it away from me. 

When I set out to Lyonnesse, 

A hundred miles away. 

Oshi Singh
 VIII D
Gyanshree School 

Reference: https://blog.klm.com/klm-podcast-the-journey/ 

Ikigai - Rishona Chopra

I am on my journey to find my Ikigai,
While wishing I,
Could see it sooner.
But little do I know,
That my journey,
Is an army,
To find my ikigai,
And that itself is an ikigai.
All ambitions and dreams,
Half-fulfilled streams.
Never have I felt this passion.
To find my meaning for being.

We all were born to do something. But this question always encounters us - What is my reason for being? The beautiful part is that knowing this takes a long journey for most people. Some of us already know our passion - our reason for being.

It's okay if you don't. It's a journey that has to enjoy. Have you ever felt that by watching a movie related to space, you want to become an astronaut or perhaps by watching a few video games, you want to be a creator?

Many people have gone through this journey, and you know you don't really have to put in any effort. Life unfolds itself with its wonders. Let it.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Wonders Of The World - Rishona Chopra

Are you thinking I'm talking about the 7 wonders of the world? No, not that; I am talking about each of those miracles that we encounter in our lives every day. 

Do you wonder where the beliefs gathered along life's journey have come from? Whatever you believe about happiness, love, respect, anger or stress is mainly thrust on you based on your social conditioning. Have you paused to evaluate them, accept what is right and discard any limiting beliefs?

Do you wonder why you were born? Do you wonder why the world is there? Do you know why it is such that as it is? Well, to all these questions, there is only one answer - that it is a miracle to wonder about.

Talking about wonders, I thought of the word "wander". Does it relate? Can we wander in our wonder? Yes, we do; with all these thoughts in our minds and all things happening, we always try to find a logical reason, get lost in our world, and start wandering. 

But let me tell you a secret - The fact that I am alive and healthy today is simply an incredible miracle.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Celebrating the Journey - one year at My Good School

One year ago, I got a call which said an Internship was being offered by My Good School.  

I was excited and nervous, but as time passed, I settled there, or you can say I now have a family here!

In a family where everyone is a good learner, and all accept each other as they are, The best part is we all learn from each other irrespective of our age, place or class. The priority is that learning comes first. We know, excel, collaborate at every moment, and find joy at every flash.

There is no point on the geographical map where we met or collaborated. The bond, love and corporation we have are better than other "offices" (We also have an office National Office), and we collaborate there.

Learning from books is present over there, but I have learned from people you can call "learning by collaboration" I learn from every personality there Anvesha, Arav, Reveda, Rishona, Simar and many more. We also have mentors. They are not like any other one who makes the path or creates the boundaries to explore. We create the way, and we create our own exploring areas. They are just there and observe us.

I can't count when I completed one year, but the journey had to put a mark. I hope the journey continues, and I will be part.

Thanks to Mr Sandeep, Ms Rajeshree, Ms Sukpreet and the family of My Good School for always being there and making the journey remarkable.

Viva La My Good School!

Kunal Rajpurohit
The Fabindia School
Village & PO Bali
Dist Pali, Rajasthan
India

Totto-chan: The Little Girl At The Window - Rishona Chopra

Totto-chan, you're great, 

You're someone with who I can relate,

You are kind,

You help the blind.

You are sweet,

You acted like you were meat!

You have amazing skills,

You bravely climb hills.

You wanted to be a ticket seller,

But you could even be a storyteller!

You want to be a spy and a musician,

You truly have a great ambition.

You're talkative and have so much to tell,

You're a great rebel.

I wish I were a bit more like you!

And that's true!

The school you go in,

It's so great, Where can I begin?

A unique school it is,

A bright shine it has,

No rules for studying or going in the pool,

It was truly so cool!

The headmaster was a musician,

And he had great ambitions!

He wanted students to learn with passion and fun,

He let the play in the gardens and run!

I wish I too went to this school,

There truly would be no strict rules!

They let students learn at their pace,

So that they learnt with grace.

They visited a hot spring at such a young age,

It kept them so engaged.

It is such a unique place,

It was something to embrace!

It was such a wonderful journey to be with you,

At first, you were new,

And  now everybody knows about you,

I wish I could be more like you!

Your school inspired me to embrace mine,

You are truly so kind!
I feel I could read about you again and again,
It'll remind me of the days when I was ten.
I love you, my friend,
Our friendship has no end!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School