Monday, 18 August 2025

My Good School: A Journey of Lifelong Learning - Sunbeam School, Ballia

My favourite story in the session was The Door-to-Door Bookstore, which beautifully showed how small details make a story feel alive and meaningful. I especially appreciated it when Pramod Sir spoke about the better side of Afghanistan, as it offered me a fresh perspective beyond common assumptions. The discussion on hard work versus skill was also very valuable for me; I realised that in our country, hard work plays a greater role until we reach a certain stage of development, after which skills become equally important. Overall, the session was engaging, eye-opening, and truly inspiring.

Arpita Yadav
Class IX-F

Today’s My Good School session was truly inspiring.
The Meet and Greet with Pramod Sharma Sir allowed us to learn from a veteran educationist who has dedicated 50+ years to shaping education. His presence was a reminder of the value of lifelong learning and the powerful impact a single teacher can create.

The first book reading from The Door-to-Door Bookstore (Chapter 5: Words with Jugjiv Singh) highlighted the importance of words, stories, and conversations in bringing people closer. It reminded me that books are not just meant for reading—they open doors to meaningful connections and thoughtful discussions.

Pranjal Rai
Class IX-D

In today’s session, meeting Mr. Pramod Sharma was truly inspiring. His unwavering determination and clarity of purpose showed us what true passion looks like. As I asked him questions, I realised how deeply committed he is to education and personal growth. His explanation of gratitude reminded us to cherish every moment. One quote I now believe in is: “Purpose fuels passion, and passion shapes legacy.” This session wasn’t just informative—it was a powerful reminder to lead with intention and heart.

Today’s first book reading from The Door-to-Door Bookstore (Chapter 5) made me realise how powerful words and stories can be in connecting people. It showed me that books aren’t just meant to be read—they spark meaningful conversations and help build genuine bonds between individuals.

Janvi Singh
IX-F

Saturday, 16 August 2025

Goodbye, Registered Post - Manisha Khanna

Once upon a time, on every street corner of India, stood a bright red hero. He wasn’t tall and muscular. He didn’t have shiny armour. But oh boy—he had a big tummy.

Why? Because children, uncles, aunts, and even the courts kept sending him letters every single day!
“Chomp, chomp,” the Red Post Box would say.
“Secret letter? Yum! Court summons? Burp! Birthday card? Delicious!”

For over 50 years, this red friend worked tirelessly. Rain tried to wash him away, the hot sun roasted him, and the wind made him shiver— But he never gave up. He carried every letter with pride.

He even had a VIP badge: Registered Post—safe, trusted, and even respected in court.
(Yes, even judges said, “If Red Post Box delivered it, we believe it!”)

But now… something is changing.
People have become addicted to speed—
“Zoom! WhatsApp in 2 seconds!”
“Zap! Email instantly!”
“Boom! Speed Post, faster than Red could run!”

So from 1st September 2025, India Post has decided:
Registered Post won’t exist as a separate service anymore—it will join hands with its speedy cousin, Speed Post.

๐Ÿš€ The good news?
Letters will still be safe, trusted, and now much faster, with better tracking.
No more waiting, no more guessing.

๐Ÿ˜Š And the better news?
 The badge has changed—from “Registered” to “Speedy & Strong.”

Still… the Red Box feels a little nostalgic.
“Ah,” he sighs, “I’ll miss the old days when ‘Registered Post’ was my crown.
But change is part of life, and I’m still here to carry your words forward.”

So kids, here’s the Red Box’s last lesson:
Change will come, names will shift, services will grow faster. But never stop writing. Because words—whether dropped in my tummy or typed on a screen—always find their way to hearts.”

Now tell me honestly—
When was the last time you wrote a real letter with your own hands?
Not a WhatsApp “Hiiiii ๐Ÿ‘‹” or a copy-paste birthday wish—
But a real, ink-on-paper, cramp-in-your-fingers letter?

And if the Red Box could tell a story about you, what would it be?
“Ah, yes, this kid once stuffed me with a letter smelling of bubblegum perfume!” 
or
“This fellow posted his exam application at the last second—I almost fainted from the rush!” 

So maybe, just maybe, you’d like to write one more reflection— a little thank-you to the Red Box, who still waits patiently, ready to carry your words into the world. 

Manisha Khanna

The Gala Time Paradox: Fun Now, Panic Later - Manisha Khanna

Coach or Control? The Classroom Tug of War

It’s 2025, and students have unlocked a superpower: selective hearing.

  • Homework? “Oh… that was just a suggestion, right?”

  • Deadlines? “But sir/ma’am… time is a social construct.”

  • Writing assignments? “Pens are so last century, can’t we just send emojis?”

Meanwhile, Netflix, gaming, memes, and reels enjoy full attendance and 100% completion rates.

Motivation—the old fairy godmother of education—seems to have retired. “Follow your passion” has been upgraded to “Follow whatever is fun right now.” Result? Balance and time management are missing in action, probably lying somewhere between a half-finished essay and a three-hour YouTube binge on “10 ways cats secretly rule the world.”

Why do students hate writing anyway?

  • “My hand hurts!” – after writing exactly three lines.

  • “Why write when AI/Google can?”

  • “The page looks so scary… all that white space judging me.”

  • “Typing is faster, duh.”

  • “Do I really need to write an essay when I can just make a reel about it?”

Writing, for many, feels like running a marathon… barefoot… uphill… in the snow.

Control or Coach?

  • Control Approach: Strict rules, constant monitoring, and punishments given out like free Wi-Fi passwords. Effective for a bit—until students start treating you like the router itself: only noticed when you block their connection.

  • Coach Approach: Gentle nudges, guiding questions, and life lessons. Teaching that freedom without responsibility is like a pizza without cheese—fun for one bite, but regret forever. Coaching is slower, but it builds habits, self-awareness, and the ability to manage life (and deadlines) without panic attacks.

The Secret Recipe ๐Ÿฒ

In today’s world, pure control sparks rebellion, while pure coaching can feel too “chill.” The magic is in mixing the two—a coach with a pinch of control. Like adding just enough salt to pasta: too much ruins it, too little makes it bland.

Because while gala time is great, learning to balance fun with goals isn’t just a school requirement—it’s a life superpower. And that, dear students, is as non-negotiable as exam dates.

A Question Back to You ✍️

If writing feels like a burden, why did every great thinker, leader, and creator—from poets to inventors—still turn to pen and paper to capture their thoughts?
Maybe writing isn’t about the homework at all—it’s about discovering your own mind on paper.

Now it’s your turn: What do you think writing gives us that no screen or shortcut can? 

Write back—because your thoughts matter.

Manisha Khanna


Reflections Since 2021