Memphis Tigers - Akshar Bhasin

Cover photo: Akshar Bhasin with the Memphis Tiger

It's wonderous, really, how quickly a moment captured and stored away in a phone, when seen years later, can induce a rather long yet delightful walk down memory lane. One can think of memories like a spider web basking in the sparkling droplets of early morning monsoon dew. If he chooses, he can take a stroll down a string of the web, passing through those little dew drops of memories, but even when he reaches the end of that string, there is yet another one that commences. So on and so forth, memories connect and merge into each other, combining to create the 'past' of each individual. But, eventually and inevitably, as those dew drops are bound to vanish when when the sun comes up, we, too, forget these moments as time moves on.

But, today, as fate wills it (in my case a wonderful educator and friend did too), I shall reach into the unfathomably vast web of memory, and choose to stroll through one of those strings of web. Now, as I fade away from the present, moments and images flood into the screen of the mind and a movie begins to play.

The year is 2016 and I'm residing in the U.S.A, in the state of Tennessee. To be more precise, I was living in the University of Memphis campus area. I'm enjoying life though. Teachers see me as a 9 year old incorrigible Indian headache, but, frankly, I'm not aware about the strenuous concepts of societal expectations or self image or what-do-people-think-of-me. Or maybe I was but I was but just didn't care.

I was too annoying to be befriended by anyone at school, but I really never felt lonely. The company of books doesn't really ever let one feel alone. And gratefully, I had the Benjamin L. Hooks Memphis central library to refill my shelf with 25 different books each week. I could honestly go on about that piece of paradise for hours on the end but, I suppose that string of web is for another day.

- Akshar Bhasin is a student at Jodhamal Public School, he loves to read and this is his reflection for The Great Dreams from Jataka Tales.

Reflections for the week - Sunday 11th August 2024

The conversation revolved around the interpretation of dreams, the consequences of unjust leadership, and the importance of addressing environmental issues and teen mental health. 

Speakers shared their insights on the meaning of various animals in dreams, the moral decay and lack of unity in society, and the impact of social media on teenagers. They emphasized the need for just and capable leadership, individual and collective responsibility, and building connections and support systems to manage stress and promote mental well-being.

Please feel free to share thoughts on any subject that came to your mind in the Sunday School session or at any other point of time. It may be something that is bothering you or it may be something you have read about or done some research on or something that fascinates you.

• What lessons can we take away from the story from Jataka Tales (The Great Dreams) today? 
• What do our dreams signify?
• Which part of the night do we dream in?
• What signs of Climate Change do I see around me?
• Who has responsibility for controlling Climate Change?
• What can I do to control Climate Change?
• Is morality on the decline today?
• How to deal with school stress?
• How to deal with stress that comes from social media?
• Is it easy to talk to adults? How to talk to adults?
• Zai Whitaker, who was she, share her work, life and books.
• Dr Salim Al i- The Birdman of India

 Send your reflections to Manisha Ma’am at MK@LearningForward.org.in

For support and joining the Blogging Team, send your request to LF@EBD.IN, kindlyn share your preferred email ID, School and Class.

Welcome to #SGEF2024

Rarely do we have the opportunity to experience the #JoyOfLearning firsthand. SGEF serves as our special gathering place, and I have attended every Annual SGEF since 2016. We are excited to connect with #HappyTeachers in Jaipur.

This year’s conference theme is “Competencies Beyond Content: Aligning Today’s Curriculum with Tomorrow’s Unknown.” As we navigate a world where traditional education methods are increasingly becoming irrelevant, it is critical to rethink how we prepare students for future challenges that are only beginning to take shape.

Influential studies, like the recent Harvard Business Publishing Education analysis, underscore the urgency of evolving educational practices. The jobs of the future, influenced by rapid advancements in AI and technology, are unpredictable. This reality demands that we shift our focus from traditional content to fostering a broad set of competencies.

Prioritising competencies involves a proactive approach to curriculum reform, aiming to equip students with a diverse skill set by completing their K-12 education. We are discussing the potential of integrating essential practical skills, such as digital literacy and environmental stewardship, alongside indispensable soft skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving.

This conference invites education stakeholders—school leaders, policymakers, teachers, students, and pedagogies—to engage in a critical dialogue about these transformative approaches. Together, we will explore innovative educational strategies that prioritise competencies over content, ensuring our students are not only ready for the jobs of tomorrow but also equipped to solve the problems of the future. Join us in shaping an educational paradigm that prepares our students to navigate and succeed in the unknown landscape of tomorrow’s careers.