This video features a conversation about fostering a love for reading, hosted at Gyan Anant Vidyalaya. Dutt emphasises that the best way to get children involved in reading is for teachers to be seen reading themselves. Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is a Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance.
Sunday morning with Karkit Bajoria
To learn proposal writing and discuss book reading with Kartik Bajoria and Jugjiv Singh.
Frame requests as opportunities: Present your need as a valuable opportunity for the recipient, not a subservient request.
Use a 5-part structure: A proposal should include Context, Proposition, Recipient Advantages, Preemptive Solutions, and a “Big Idea” conclusion.
Predict and solve problems upfront: Address potential recipient concerns directly in the proposal to demonstrate foresight and save time.
Adopt a “parallel career” mindset: Turn negative self-talk (“I can’t”) into a concrete goal (“I will”) to overcome inertia and pursue dreams.
Core Principle: Convert requests into opportunities for the recipient.
Key Elements:
Context: Provide relevant background to justify the request.
Proposition: State the request clearly and concisely.
Recipient Advantages: Detail 2–3 unique benefits for the recipient.
Preemptive Solutions: Address potential problems before they are raised.
Big Idea: Frame the proposal as part of a larger, meaningful movement.
Practical Tips:
Tone: Communicate on equal terms; avoid subservient language.
Language: Use cautious phrasing (“great likelihood”) instead of promises, as emails are legal documents.
Format: Use simple salutations (“Dear Sir/Ma’am”) and sign-offs (“Regards”).
Scenario: Propose a 10-day coaching camp to the Mahesh Bhupati Tennis Academy.
Brainstormed Ideas:
Context: New school courts, rising student interest, and local players succeeding on the international stage.
Recipient Advantages: Access new markets (e.g., smaller towns) and recruit future talent.
Preemptive Solutions:
Concern: Low student turnout → Solution: Invite other local schools.
Concern: Poor infrastructure → Solution: Highlight recently built, world-class courts.
Concern: High resource investment → Solution: Offer school faculty to assist coaches.
Plot: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but lacks the courage.
Key Learnings from Yasuhara (bookshop owner):
Parallel Careers: A second job provides mental fulfilment, making the primary job less burdensome.
Courage of Conviction: Act on your beliefs, even when difficult.
“Turn the Don’t into a Goal”: Reframe negative self-talk into a concrete objective.
Start Now: Don’t wait for the “right time”; connections and opportunities arise from action.
All Participants:
Write a reflection on the session’s takeaways.
Send reflections to Manisha Khanna for publication on the website.
Research: How much of a plant’s mass is in its roots?
Manisha Khanna:
Publish submitted reflections on the website.
Kartik:
Lead an in-person session at the April 10-14 My Good School Retreat.
