Lessons of Heart and Humanity - Sunbeam School Ballia

Reflection on Today's Session at My Good School

Today's session of My Good School was truly enlightening and left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. We were privileged to have Mrs Brinda Ghosh, ma’am, share with us the poignant tales from The Inner Life of Animals, illuminating the often-overlooked struggles animals face as they grow old. Her narrative not only sensitised us to their pain but also kindled within us a deeper sense of empathy and compassion.

The subsequent Hindi story, “मिस बैब्कॉक की बड़ी उँगली,” masterfully narrated by Mrs Manisha ma’am, wove a captivating tapestry of emotions that kept us enthralled throughout. Its profound meaning continues to linger within us — a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

Furthermore, Manisha ma’am’s inspiring tale of the deaf nurse imparted a moral that truly touched our hearts: “Don’t let your comfort hurt others.” This poignant reminder of our responsibility toward others will stay with us for a long time.

Today’s session, filled with stories, emotions, and values, was a masterclass in empathy, understanding, and kindness towards all beings.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sandeep Dutt sir and Jugjiv sir for crafting this extraordinary platform where we can learn, grow, and reflect in an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity. As we move forward, let us strive to embody these lessons — cultivating empathy, compassion, and kindness that radiate outward to touch the lives of everyone around us.

Thank you.

Iqra Meraj – IX F

Reflection on Today's Session at My Good School

Today’s session was truly inspiring and full of meaningful learning experiences. We were honoured to have Mrs Brinda Ghosh, ma’am, with us, who narrated stories from the book “The Inner Life of Animals.” Through them, we learned that animals, just like humans, face challenges as they grow old — for example, horses find it hard to stand, and some animals even suffer from diseases like dementia. The story encouraged us to imagine life beyond our world and think creatively.

We also had an engaging Hindi story, “मिस बैब्कॉक की बड़ी उँगली,” beautifully narrated by Mrs Manisha ma’am. It carried deep meaning and kept us attentive throughout. Later, she also shared another inspiring story about a deaf nurse, teaching us a powerful moral:

“Don’t let your comfort hurt others.”

Another heartwarming part of the session was when my friends and I shared our reflections on the GSA retreat held in Varanasi.

Overall, today’s session was a blend of stories, emotions, and values — reminding us of empathy, understanding, and kindness toward both humans and animals. I am truly grateful to Sandeep Dutt, sir, and Jugjiv, sir, for providing us with such a wonderful platform to learn, grow, and reflect.

Ifra Wahid – Sunbeam Ballia

My Reflection

Good morning and Jai Hind!

Today’s class was very interesting and full of learning. First, Manisha Khanna, ma’am, began by asking us some MCQ questions, which made the class lively and fun. Everyone was excited to answer and see who got them right. After that, ma’am told us a beautiful story with a meaningful message that made us think deeply and enjoy learning.

Then, Brinda Ghosh, ma’am, joined our class and continued with the story “The Inner Life of Animals.” She explained how animals also have feelings, emotions, and thoughts just like humans. It was amazing to learn how animals can love, care, and even feel sad. I really liked how both ma’ams made the lesson interesting and easy to understand.

Today I learned many new things and felt happy to be part of such an engaging class.

Thank you!

Soumya Verma – Class 5C

Reflection on Today’s Session

Good morning and Jai Hind!

In my first session with Manisha ma’am, we read a story from Ruskin Bond’s Chapter 3. She began by asking questions related to our classmates and teachers, which made the class interactive. As she read the story, she also explained the meanings of difficult words, which helped us learn new vocabulary.

The second session was held with Brinda ma’am, who read from “The Inner Life of Animals.” During this session, I learned many new English words and fascinating facts about animals.

Thank you to everyone for the session!

Arnav Kumar Singh – Class 5C

Today's Reflection

The session began with Manisha ma’am asking us thoughtful questions to test our values and morals. Her questions made us reflect deeply on how we think and act.

Later, ma’am narrated a heart-touching story about a deaf nurse — how she communicated with her patients and cared for them with pure kindness. The story was truly inspiring and filled our hearts with admiration.

It left us with a powerful moral:

“Don’t let your comfort hurt others.”

In the second session, Brinda ma’am narrated a story from the book “The Inner Life of Animals.” The author beautifully personified the actions of aged animals, showing how their emotions and behaviours mirror those of humans.

Savita Singh – Class 9D

My Reflection

I attended a session conducted by Manisha ma’am under the Good School Alliance, and it was a truly engaging and meaningful experience. The session began with a fun quiz called “Naughty or Nice,” where we were given different situations and had to choose whether we would act kindly, wrongly, or not care at all. It made us think deeply about our actions and choices in everyday life.

After that, Manisha ma’am narrated a beautiful story by Ruskin Bond about a retired nurse who took care of three children in a small cottage. The story was touching and showed the values of love, care, and kindness, which she explained wonderfully. I actively participated in the quiz, answered the first and second questions correctly, and received appreciation from ma’am.

Overall, the session was inspiring, interactive, and full of valuable lessons that encouraged us to be more thoughtful and compassionate.

Ishika – Class 9A

My Reflection on Today's Session

In today’s session, we had Manisha ma’am, who began by asking us about the values we should have. Then she narrated a story of a “Deaf Nurse,” teaching us about how she communicated with her patients and treated them with care.

After Manisha ma’am’s class, we had Brinda ma’am, who continued with “The Inner Life of Animals.” She asked questions in between and explained difficult words, which helped me focus more.

The session was truly knowledgeable and eye-opening.

Thank you! ✨

Janhvi Singh – Class 5C

My Reflection on Today's Good School Session

Today’s session was full of learning and inspiration. Manisha ma’am started the class with interesting questions that made everyone think. Then she shared a meaningful story that taught us about good values and kindness. The story had a beautiful message that helped us understand how important it is to help others and stay positive.

After that, Brinda ma’am continued the session with “The Inner Life of Animals.” She explained how animals also have feelings, emotions, and care for each other just like humans do.

I really enjoyed both the stories and learned that compassion and understanding make us better human beings.

Thank you!

Talat Bano – Class 5C 

My Reflection

🌸 Today’s session was one of the most inspiring classes I’ve attended. Manisha ma’am began with a short talk about values and then told us the beautiful story “The Deaf Nurse.” I loved how it showed that true communication isn’t only through words but through kindness, actions, and care. It made me realise that even small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life.

After that, Brinda ma’am continued with the story “The Inner Life of Animals.” I was amazed to learn that animals have their own world of emotions and thoughts. It felt heartwarming to understand how deeply they can love and feel.

By the end of the session, I felt thoughtful and happy. The class was not just about learning stories — it was about learning life lessons that will always stay with me.

Thank you! 🌟

Aadhya – Class 5B

My Reflection on Today’s Good School Session

Today’s session was full of learning and inspiration. Manisha ma’am started the class with some interesting questions that made everyone think deeply. Then she shared a meaningful story that taught us about good values and kindness. The story had a beautiful message that helped us understand how important it is to help others and stay positive.

After that, Brinda ma’am continued the session with “The Inner Life of Animals.” She explained how animals also have feelings, emotions, and care for each other just like humans do.

I really enjoyed both the stories and learned that compassion and understanding make us better human beings.

Thank you!!
— Arohi Jaiswal, Class 5B

Design by Sunbeam School

The Inner Life of Animals - Manjula Sagar

The Inner Life of Animals

By Peter Wohlleben

इस कहानी में लेखक तितलियों और पतंगों (moths) का उदाहरण देते हैं। तितलियाँ अपने रंग-बिरंगे पंखों और डिज़ाइनों से शिकारी पक्षियों को डराती हैं—जैसे मोर तितली के पंखों पर बड़ी आँखों जैसे निशान होते हैं, जो दुश्मनों को भ्रमित करते हैं। वहीं, पतंगें अपने भूरे और धूसर रंगों से पेड़ों की छाल में छिप जाती हैं ताकि दिन में उन्हें कोई देख न सके, क्योंकि वे तब सुस्त होती हैं और आसानी से शिकार बन सकती हैं। अगर किसी पतंगे का रंग पेड़ की छाल से मेल नहीं खाता, तो पक्षी उसे तुरंत पहचानकर खा सकते हैं।

इन उदाहरणों से लेखक दिखाते हैं कि प्रकृति दिखने में भले ही शांत और सुंदर लगे, लेकिन जानवरों के लिए यह निरंतर सतर्कता और जीवित रहने की चुनौती से भरी हुई है।

जानवर अपने मृत्यु के समय को पहले से महसूस कर लेते हैं और बहुत शांत ढंग से उसका सामना करते हैं। वे अपनी पुरानी बकरियों का उदाहरण देते हैं, खासकर एक का नाम श्वैनली (Schwänli) था, जो मरने से कुछ समय पहले झुंड से अलग हो गई थी। उसने डर या पीड़ा के बिना, सामान्य नींद की मुद्रा में आराम से लेटकर शांति से प्राण त्याग दिए, जिसे डिमेंशिया हो गया था। वह रास्ता भटक गई थी और बाद में उसके बेटे की कोशिशों से जंगल में एक धारा के पास शांति से लेटी हुई मिली। जंगली जानवरों में ऐसे मामलों को देखना मुश्किल होता है, क्योंकि मानसिक रूप से कमजोर जानवर शिकारीयों का आसान शिकार बन जाते हैं। यहाँ तक कि शिकारी जानवर भी जब बूढ़े या कमजोर हो जाते हैं, तो अक्सर भूख से मर जाते हैं।

इन अनुभवों के माध्यम से पता चलता हैं कि जानवर भी जीवन के अंत तक गरिमा और सहनशीलता के साथ बुढ़ापे और मृत्यु का सामना करते हैं। जानवर भी इंसानों की तरह उम्र बढ़ने के प्रभावों — शारीरिक कमजोरी, व्यवहारिक परिवर्तन और मानसिक गिरावट — से गुजरते हैं, और वे भी जीवन के पूरे चक्र का अनुभव करते हैं।

लेखक पीटर वोहलेबेन बताते हैं कि बुढ़ापा घोड़ों को किस तरह प्रभावित करता है, खासकर उनकी नींद और सुरक्षा को लेकर। वे समझाते हैं कि घोड़े भी इंसानों की तरह गहरी नींद लेते समय सपने देखते हैं — उस समय उनके पैर या होंठ हिलते हैं, जैसे वे सपने में दौड़ रहे हों या खा रहे हों। लेकिन गहरी नींद के लिए उन्हें ज़मीन पर लेटना पड़ता है, और वहीं सबसे बड़ा खतरा होता है।

इस उदाहरण से लेखक दिखाते हैं कि बूढ़े जानवर भी अपनी सुरक्षा के लिए आराम और विश्राम का त्याग कर देते हैं, और यह उनकी जीवित रहने की प्रवृत्ति का हिस्सा है।

अंत में लेखक यह सोचते हैं कि क्या जानवर अपनी मृत्यु के निकट आने का एहसास कर पाते हैं। जैसे कुछ मनुष्य अपनी मृत्यु का पूर्वाभास कर लेते हैं, वैसे ही कुछ जानवर भी अंत को शांत मन से स्वीकार कर लेते हैं। लेखक के अनुसार, जानवर केवल बुढ़ापे से नहीं गुजरते, बल्कि उन्हें जीवन और मृत्यु के प्राकृतिक चक्र की भी एक मूक समझ होती है।

इस कहानी के माध्यम से हम ये समझते हैं कि जानवरों में भी भावनात्मक गहराई, समझ और समुदाय की भावना होती है। वे न केवल अपने जीवन को, बल्कि मृत्यु को भी बुद्धिमत्ता और गरिमा के साथ स्वीकार करते हैं।

— Manjula Sagar

Sunbeam Gramin School

सम्मान और संवेदना: जीवन का मूल मूल्य - सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

हमें किसी को भी अपने मतलब के लिए परेशान नहीं करना चाहिए, ऐसा करना गलत है और इससे बचना चाहिए । दूसरों के साथ सम्मान और करुणा से पेश आना चाहिए, भले ही वे हमारी बात न समझे या अलग राय रखते हो। दूसरों के प्रति सम्मान: हर इंसान को सम्मान देना हमारा कर्तव्य है दूसरों की भावनाओं को ठेस पहुंचाने या उन्हें परेशान करने से उनके साथ हमारे रिश्ते खराब होते हैं। नकारात्मकता से बचे :किसी को अपने स्वार्थ के लिए इस्तेमाल करना या परेशान करना नकारात्मकता फैलाता है। इससे बचना चाहिए।

नाम- सीमा कक्षा - 8

हमें अपने मतलब के लिए दूसरों को परेशान नहीं करना चाहिए का मतलब है कि हमें अपने फायदे के लिए दूसरों को तकलीफ या कष्ट नहीं देना चाहिए इसका अर्थ है कि हमें दूसरों की भावनाओं और जरूर का सम्मान करना चाहिए और दूसरों के साथ वैसा व्यवहार नहीं करना चाहिए जैसे जैसा हम खुद के लिए नहीं चाहते हैं जैसे उस बच्चे को जो घर के बाहर कर दिया गया था उसे ठंड लग सकती थी या कोई जानवर उठा कर ले जा सकता था या किडनैप भी हो सकता था तो हमें यह समझना चाहिए कि हम अपने फायदे के लिए किसी के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें जिससे कि किसी को कष्ट हो। हमें दूसरों के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार करना चाहिए जो हम स्वयं अपने साथ दूसरों से अपेक्षा करते हैं। नैतिक सिद्धांत है जो सहानुभूति और दूसरों के प्रति सम्मान पर जोर देता है किसी के साथ ऐसा व्यवहार ना करें जिससे उसे दुख या परेशानी हो। कभी-कभी हम छोटी समस्या का समाधान करने के लिए बड़े से बड़ा कदम उठा लेते हैं जो कि गलत है जिसमें केवल हमारा ही फायदा होता है लेकिन दूसरों का नुकसान होता है। इसलिए कुछ भी करने से पहले सोच समझ कर कोई कदम उठाए ताकि किसी को हमारी वजह से दुख न पहुंचे।

नाम - आदित्य मौर्य

कक्षा- 8

Oneness at My Good School

Dear Members, Teachers and Students 

Good Schools Alliance
The Learning Langar*

Today, is Guru Nanak’s Birthday, and we are inspired by his teachings, which form a core tenement of our work and philosophy. We cultivate a vibrant community of readers, igniting the thrill of discovery and a love for learning #JoyOfGiving

GSA is an epitome for Oneness, “The essence of being unified—a sense of oneness and harmony. It reflects the beauty of each individual’s unique identity while also embracing the common bonds that connect us all. Unity of thought, feeling, and belief fosters understanding and compassion, creating a strong sense of closeness and affinity, where union nurtures kindness and support.” 

All young people and every individual with passion and purpose should have opportunities to earn places in their field of interest, not through unearned handouts, but by making genuine contributions #JoyOfLearning

*Langar is offered in a Sikh temple, embodying equality, service, and community, providing free nourishment and a sense of belonging. Similarly, we nurture the joy of learning. We are committed to delivering high-quality education and resources that empower both students and educators. Discover a world of learning opportunities with Good Schools Alliance #HappyTeachers

A day to cherish every individual, and build on our core philosophy.

Warm regards
Sandeep Dutt

Reflection: Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025

As we depart for our homes, the wall stands alone, waiting for our next visit!

The Good School Retreat 2025 was truly one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of my school life. Held at Sunbeam Suncity, Varanasi, and hosted by Sunbeam Gramin School, the retreat brought together students from different schools under the Good School Alliance — all with one goal: to learn, share, and grow together.

Our journey began on 26th October, when we boarded the train to Varanasi with excitement bubbling inside us. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at Sunbeam Suncity. The first day began with flag bearers’ practice, followed by ice-breaking games that instantly helped us bond with students from other schools.

The next day, we had our opening ceremony, where we got the opportunity to meet inspiring personalities like Mr Sandeep Dutt, author of My Good School, Mr Jugjiv Sir, Headmaster of the Good School Alliance, Nilashi Ma’am, and many others. The morning started with yoga, after which we went for our service project visits. Our group went to Banaras Beads, India’s largest exporter and single-unit bead-making factory, while other groups visited Kiran Village, where we saw how specially-abled children are empowered through education and skills. Both visits were eye-opening experiences that taught us about hard work, empathy, and real-life learning. Later that evening, we had tea and snacks, a reading session by Jugjiv Sir from the book My Good School, followed by an interactive Joy of Learning activity by Nilashi Ma’am.

On Day 3, the day began with an energetic Zumba session, which filled everyone with positive vibes. Then came the Inme Activities led by the Inme team, where we played games that taught us teamwork, communication, and leadership in the most fun and creative ways. That evening, we were treated to a special Baati Chokha dinner, which was absolutely delicious! The day ended beautifully with another Joy of Learning session by Nilashi Ma’am, where we reflected and interacted even more deeply.

Day 4 was my personal favourite! We went on a Varanasi Darshan, visiting the archaeological site of the Buddha Temple, the monument of Rani Lakshmi Bai, and Assi Ghat, where we saw the real home of Tulsidas Ji. Learning about the ancient monasteries and their preservation was fascinating — it felt like stepping into history itself. Later that evening, we had our Talent Show, where our school performed a poetry piece and a rap. Everyone loved our performance, and the appreciation we received made us feel so proud! We also got to see other amazing performances — from dance and singing to flute playing — each one filled with pure talent and joy.

Finally, on Day 5 (30th October), we visited Sunbeam Gramin School, where we attended the morning assembly and participated in the YES Workshop. Throughout the retreat, we had been working on our flip charts, a 25-page reflection journal highlighting what we learned from the four S’s — Study, Skill, Sports, and Service. In the workshop, we presented our learnings and shared how these values are implemented in our school. It was a truly meaningful way to end the retreat.

As we departed for Ballia, I carried with me not just memories but life lessons — about joyful learning, teamwork, service, and friendship. The retreat wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience that helped me grow as a student and as a person. 🌟

Janvi Singh
Sunbeam School Ballia

The Line of Life — From A to C - Manisha Khanna

What do you see???   number 13, alphabet M, symbol of McDonald's in reverse, alphabet W, and a few assumptions. Right!

 Now, what do you see? 

A — B — C.

It looks simple, doesn’t it?

When we look at B standing alone, we make assumptions.

It looks uncertain, directionless, incomplete.

But the moment we place A before it and C after it, everything changes.

Suddenly, B has meaning — it becomes a journey, not a mistake.

This is the story of adolescence.

At A, life begins simple — a straight line full of purpose, innocence, and clarity.
Then comes B, the bend — that confusing space where identity blurs.
Adolescents stand here, between childhood and adulthood, searching for who they are and where they belong.

In this search, they turn to the easiest mirror they can find — the mirror of society, peers, and screens. Every like, every follow, every comment becomes a reflection of worth. But it’s a fragile mirror, one that cracks under the weight of comparison.

They see the success, not the struggle. They see the filtered faces, not the unseen effort. They see the highlight reels, not the rewrites.

What was once a journey of self-discovery has become a quest for approval.

The mind starts to equate validation with value. Shortcuts replace effort. When the likes don’t come, anger rises. When popularity doesn’t follow, burnout begins. The mind grows restless, the body disengaged, and the spirit unsure.

The B stage is filled with doubt, anxiety, and exhaustion — a bend that feels like a breakdown.
But B was never meant to stand alone.

When adolescents reconnect with their A — their roots, their values — and discover their C — their purpose, their potential — something shifts. The confusion softens. The curve straightens. They begin to see that the bend was not a detour, but a design — a necessary part of growth.

The truth is, the line was never broken — only bent. The self was never lost — only searching.

And the journey back to self begins the moment the adolescent pauses the scroll, silences the noise, and listens inward.

Because real identity doesn’t live in pixels. It lives with purpose.

So the question is:
Are we helping our adolescents move from B to C?
Or are we keeping them trapped in the endless scroll of confusion?

Please send your responses to mk@learningforward.org.in. We look forward to receiving your thoughtful insights.

Manisha Khanna

Roots, Circuits, and Stories: Lessons on Growth, Connection, and Being Human - Sunbeam Varuna

1. Lessons of The Hidden Life of Trees:

Trees are interconnected through fungal networks, showing us the importance of building strong relationships and community. Trees adapt to harsh weather conditions, pests, and diseases, teaching us to be resilient in the face of challenges. They bend and flex in strong winds, demonstrating the value of being flexible and adaptable.

Trees grow slowly and steadily over time, showing us the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving our goals. They provide shade, shelter, food, and oxygen for countless creatures, teaching us the value of selflessness and giving to others.

Trees go through cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth, reminding us to accept and embrace change and impermanence.

Trees have been on our planet for millions of years, holding ancient wisdom and knowledge that can teach us about the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and respecting the natural world.

Trees live in harmony with their environment, showing us the importance of living in balance with nature and respecting the interconnectedness of all living things.

These lessons from The Hidden Life of Trees can inspire us to live more mindful, compassionate, and sustainable lives.

2. A fascinating topic! AI vs AI

It refers to the competition, collaboration, or comparison between different artificial intelligence systems. This can happen in various domains, such as:

AI-powered agents are competing against each other in games like chess, Go, or video games. Different AI algorithms or models are competing to achieve better performance, accuracy, or efficiency.

AI has introduced chatbots or language models engaging in conversations, debating, or generating text. It controls robots competing in tasks like navigation, manipulation, or human-robot interaction.

The AI vs AI paradigm leads to improved performance through competition. These systems can push each other to improve.

Collaboration between AI systems can lead to new ideas, approaches, or solutions. Testing AI systems against each other can help identify vulnerabilities and improve overall robustness.

AI vs AI also raises concerns about: AI systems may perpetuate or amplify existing biases when competing or collaborating. Unintended consequences or loss of control may arise when AI systems interact or compete. Questions about accountability, transparency, and human oversight become increasingly important.

The AI vs AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with potential applications in fields like:

Education — adaptive learning systems, Healthcare — diagnosis, treatment, or patient care, Cybersecurity — threat detection, response, or mitigation.

Thus, as AI continues to advance, the AI vs AI dynamic will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

3. Lessons by Cinnamon

The book My Name is Cinnamon teaches us many lessons that can pour a drastic change in our life...

Cinnamon teaches the importance of spreading warmth and kindness, just like its aroma fills the air. As a spice, Cinnamon has been traded and traveled extensively, teaching us to be resilient and adaptable in the face of change.

Cinnamon's unique flavor and aroma remind us to celebrate our individuality and stay true to ourselves.

Cinnamon provides comfort and solace, teaching us to be present and supportive for others in times of need. The warmth and coziness associated with Cinnamon encourage us to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Cinnamon's soothing properties remind us to prioritize self-care and nourishment for our minds, bodies, and spirits.

Cinnamon's rich history and cultural significance inspire us to explore and discover new things about ourselves and the world. The bold and warm flavor of Cinnamon emboldens us to take risks, build confidence, and pursue our passions. Cinnamon's role in bringing people together through food and tradition teaches us the value of building strong connections and community.

It's just a reminder to live a life filled with warmth, kindness, resilience, and authenticity.

4. Cinnamon Speaks

Hello friends,

My name is Cinnamon. Do you know I sound like...

C - Compassionate:

You spread warmth and kindness wherever you go.

I - Inspiring:

Your unique flavour and spirit inspire others to be their best selves.

N - Nurturing:

You provide comfort and solace to those around you, just like the soothing properties of cinnamon.

N - Nimble:

You're adaptable and resilient, navigating life's challenges with ease and grace.

A - Authentic:

You stay true to yourself, embracing your individuality and celebrating your unique strengths.

M - Mindful:

You cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, finding joy in everyday moments.

M - Meaningful:

You add depth and purpose to the lives of those around you, making a positive impact in your community.

O - Optimistic:

You radiate warmth and positivity, illuminating the path for others and inspiring hope and confidence.

N - Nourishing:

You prioritise self-care and nourishment, taking care of your mind, body, and spirit.

This is the creative interpretation of the name, Cinnamon!

23/02/2025

1. Why does the book focus so much on the role of community and different communities in India?

My Name is Cinnamon emphasises the role of community and different communities in India because it uses the protagonist's experiences navigating various social groups within Indian society to explore themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance, particularly for adopted children, highlighting how different communities can impact one's life and sense of self within a complex social landscape.

Key points about the book's focus on community:

Social dynamics:

The story delves into the nuances of class, caste, and regional differences within India, showing how these factors can influence Cinnamon's interactions and experiences.

Family and kinship:

The concept of family extends beyond the immediate nuclear unit, with the extended family and community playing a significant role in Cinnamon's life.

Adoption narrative:

As an adopted child, Cinnamon's search for belonging is deeply tied to his understanding of his biological family and the community he is adopted into.

School environment:

The school setting provides a microcosm of Indian society, showcasing the dynamics between different social groups and how Cinnamon navigates them.

2. How did you come up with the name "Cinnamon" for the main character?

The name "Cinnamon" evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of sweetness. It's a unique and memorable name that suggests a character who is:

Warm and nurturing, with a caring personality.

Comforting and soothing, with a calming presence.

Sweet and gentle, with a kind heart.

In a story, Cinnamon could be a character who brings people together, provides solace in times of need, and adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to those around her.

3. When do you think is the best time to tell an adopted child about their adoption?

The ideal time to tell an adopted child about their adoption varies depending on the child's age, maturity, and individual development. Here are some general guidelines:

Start sharing simple, age-appropriate information about their adoption story, using positive and reassuring language.

Gradually provide more details about their adoption, encouraging questions and open discussions.

Engage in more in-depth discussions about their adoption, exploring emotions, and addressing potential concerns.

When discussing adoption with a child, consider the following:

• Be honest, open, and positive.

• Use simple, clear language.

• Validate their feelings and emotions.

• Be prepared for ongoing conversations.

• Respect their boundaries and pace.

It's necessary to remember — every child is unique, and the right time to discuss adoption will depend on their individual needs and developmental stage.

4. How should an adopted child react if they are being bullied at school?

Bullying is a sensitive and serious issue that must be stopped at its initial step. Everyone's respect must be followed and cared for well. When an adopted child goes through bullying at school, he has no way to go ahead but to tolerate and suffer.

He takes a few deep breaths and tries not to react impulsively. He tries to find a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counsellor, or parent, and report the bullying.

If someone is bullying, he must share emotions and concerns with a trusted adult or friend. He should write downhis  thoughts and feelings to process and release emotions. He must try to celebrate individual strengths, talents, and accomplishments. He should surround himself with positive, supportive friends and family.

If bullying is related to adoption, talk to a trusted adult about how to address these specific comments or behaviours. He must share positive aspects of his adoption story with friends and family to promote understanding and pride.

Stop...

Bullying is not okay.

No one deserves to be bullied, and it's not the child's fault.

Adoption is a positive experience.

Adoption is a loving and selfless act that provides a child with a forever family.

5. What strategies can aspiring writers implement to balance quality and quantity in their writing process?

The general strategies for balancing quality and quantity in writing... very first we will talk about quality-oriented steps to be taken...

Set clear goals and deadlines:

Establish specific, achievable objectives for each writing session.

Develop a writing routine:

Create a consistent schedule to ensure dedicated time for writing.

Outline and plan:

Organise ideas, structure, and plot before starting to write.

Revise and edit:

Allocate time for reviewing, revising, and editing to refine your work.

Seek feedback:

Share your work with others to receive constructive feedback and improve.

Now we have to discuss quantity-focused steps to be followed:

Write regularly:

Commit to a regular writing schedule, even if it's just 10–15 minutes a day.

Use writing prompts:

Utilise prompts or exercises to generate new ideas and stay motivated.

Set word count targets:

Challenge yourself to write a certain number of words within a set timeframe.

Practice freewriting:

Write freely without stopping or worrying about grammar, spelling, or perfection.

Experiment with different formats:

Try writing in different styles, such as poetry, short stories, or journalism.

By implementing these strategies, aspiring writers can set a balance between quality and quantity, leading to improved productivity, creativity, and overall writing success.

Sunbeam Varuna

Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025 - Opening Ceremony and Highlights

 

My Good School Retreat 2025 opened today at Sunbeam Gramin School, Varanasi, in the presence of distinguished members of the Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, the Good Schools Alliance, and other esteemed guests. With 117 students and mentors from 16 outstation and core Sunbeam branches, the grand opening set the tone for four inspiring days of learning, reflection, and collaboration — where students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds come together to learn, share, and grow through experiential and value-driven education.

Anchored gracefully by Sunbeam Gramin School students, the day witnessed soulful chanting, music, dance, and dialogue — beautifully capturing the spirit of education beyond classrooms, one that nurtures empathy, equality, and real-world understanding.

The GSA Retreat 2025 an enriching confluence of learning, leadership, and culture! 🌟 Over five remarkable days, participants explored new ideas, engaged in reflective workshops, and experienced the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi. From teamwork to self-discovery, every moment inspired growth, connection, and purpose — truly embodying the spirit of the Good Schools Alliance. 💫

Inspiring Minds Through Reading and Expression - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today, in the Good School Alliance session, I attended a very interesting and meaningful class conducted by Jugjiv Sir. In the class, Sir read a wonderful story and asked about our experience and thoughts on today's class. Another important thing we learned was the correct use of punctuation marks and how to spell words and sentences correctly. He also explained about public speaking and speaking with confidence. Overall, the class was very educational and enjoyable. I learned many new things about speaking, reading, and writing. I feel that these lessons will help me become a better communicator and a more confident speaker in the future.

Riddhi Gupta

My Reflection on Today's Session

Today's session was inspiring and enjoyable. It helped me to understand the importance of regular reading and how it improves our creativity and thinking. I liked how the speaker encouraged us to explore new books and share our ideas with others. It was a really meaningful session for me.

Aadhya Gupta, Class 5B

In today's Good School Session, firstly, Jugjiv Sir read an amazing story. We learned how to pronounce some difficult words. He also explained about public speaking and speaking with confidence. Overall, this session was really awesome and helpful for speaking, reading, and writing.

Arohi Jaiswal, Class 5B

Reflection on Today's Session 

In today's session, we had a very great personality, Mr Jugjiv Sir. He read a story, “The Door-to-Door Bookstore.” Sir also explained the story and asked us questions. Sir taught us the meaning of hard words, and I was focusing on each word. Really, Sir explained the story very nicely. After Jugjiv Sir's class, we automatically moved to Brinda Ma’am’s class. She read the story “The Inner Life of Animals” and also explained the meanings of difficult words and how to pronounce them. At the end, I would like to say that the session was really informative.

Thank you.

Janhvi Singh, Class 5C

Today's Morning Session

Today's morning session started with Jugjiv Sir. He read a story called “The Door-to-Door Bookstore.” It was such an amazing story, and he also told us some interesting and knowledgeable new things. This session was really awesome. 

In the second session, we had a great personality, Ms Brinda Ghosh Ma’am, with us. She also read a story named “The Inner Life of Animals,” in which she read the chapter “Hello Sandman.” It was an amazing story. Then she also told us new things that we did not even know.

This session was also really nice. Both sessions were really wonderful. 

Talat Bano, Class 5C

My Reflection on Today's Session

In today's session, we had a very great personality, Mr Jugjiv Sir.

He read a story, “The Door-to-Door Bookstore.” Sir also explained the story and asked us questions. Sir taught us the meaning of hard words, and I was focusing on each word. Really, Sir explained the story very nicely. After Jugjiv Sir's class, we automatically moved to Brinda Ma’am’s class. She read the story “The Inner Life of Animals” and also explained the meanings of difficult words and how to pronounce them. At the end, I would like to say that the session was really informative.

Thank you.

Janhvi Singh, Class 5C

Reflection Speech

Today's session was truly inspiring and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impact on my perspective. I'd like to express my gratitude to Jugjiv Sir for his engaging presentation.

The story he shared was captivating, and the way he articulated difficult words helped me improve my pronunciation. The session on public speaking and confidence was particularly insightful, emphasising the importance of effective communication.

What resonated with me most was the encouragement to explore new books and share ideas with others. This session was a valuable reminder of the power of reading in enhancing our creativity, thinking, and communication skills.

Overall, it was an enriching experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I look forward to applying these valuable lessons in my daily life.

Iqra Meraj, Class IX-F

A Day of Literary and Intellectual Growth

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for today's profoundly educational and enjoyable Good School Alliance session. The seamless combination of literary exposure and practical communication advice made this a truly memorable day of learning.

The first segment, led by Jugjiv Sir, was characterised by warmth and clarity. The reading of “The Door-to-Door Bookstore” beautifully highlighted themes of community, friendship, and the personal connections we form with literature. Sir’s subsequent lesson on correct punctuation and clear articulation was incredibly useful, as it directly addressed crucial elements of effective writing and speaking. His emphasis on developing public speaking confidence gave me actionable steps toward becoming a better orator.

The second session, featuring the insightful Ms Brinda Ghosh, shifted our focus to the natural world. Her reading from the chapter “Hello Sandman” in “The Inner Life of Animals” was fascinating. It opened my eyes to the depth of emotional and intellectual life in animals, introducing new concepts that sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more about environmental studies and biology.

Both presenters delivered their content with infectious enthusiasm. I left the session feeling motivated to not only read more widely but also to practice the communication techniques I acquired. These lessons are highly valuable and will undoubtedly contribute to my growth both academically and personally.

Ashish Verma, Class 12 PCB

Beyond Books: The Essence of True Learning - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

My Good School Reflections - 26th October

True learning goes far beyond the boundaries of books and classrooms. It begins when we start observing the world around us with curiosity, exploring new ideas with an open mind, and connecting different concepts to make sense of our experiences. Books provide knowledge, but understanding comes from reflection, experimentation, and engagement with real-life situations. When we learn to question, explore, and relate what we study to the world we live in, education transforms from mere information into wisdom that shapes who we are and how we think.

Lotus Petal Foundation

GSA Calendar November 2025

 My Good School

2nd November 2025
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

9^th November 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

16^th November 2025

We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations while embracing their goals. The YES workshop on Communication with Kartik Bajoria
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals

23^rd November 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

30th November 2025
Amardeep Singh Screening of Episode 23
गुरु चेला (मुर्शद और अभिलाषी):Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels 
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore

The Teachers Academy

Brewing Knowledge 
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal
What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning

Saturday Masterclass 
Meeting at 5:30 PM: The Courage to Be Disliked: The life-changing global bestseller recommended by Steven Bartlett on 'Diary of a CEO’, co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt

Learning Forward Saturday
Early Childhood Development training sessions for teachers at 2:00 PM every Saturday - Hosted by Ms Neelashi Mangal

GSA Meetings and Events 

GSA Squad

We review programs and plan for the coming week.

At 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

AFA Weekly Review

Zoom Meeting for Arthur Foot Academy: 4th Friday of Every Month at 4:00 PM in association with Asteya Services

Good Schools of India

Are you signed up for the Good Schools of India Weekly yet? Don't miss out on valuable insights—published every Monday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning 
Subscribe at: www.GSI.in

Meet and Greet with Dr Manu Kapur

Friday 28th November 5:30 

Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing

MANU KAPUR developed the theory of Productive Failure and applies it in classrooms and workplaces around the world to transform learning and growth. He is a Professor of Learning Sciences and Higher Education at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and has spent the past two decades understanding the science of how people learn.

Open to All

Follow the Brewing Knowledge WhatsApp Group for further details

Annual Day and AGA at the Arthur Foot Academy 14th of November 2025

By invitation only, please contact Kunal Rajpurohit at KR@LearningForward.org.in

Learning Through Communication and Conscious Listening - Sunbeam School Ballia

In today's session, we had the great personality Mr. Kartik Sir. He told us about the types of communication and gave us more knowledge about communication. He also guided us on how we can communicate with different types of living beings on Earth, like animals, humans, etc.

He also played a song which was about emotions.

He told us about the benefits of conscious listening.

I am really happy to get this beautiful ❤️ opportunity to join this webinar, understand new things, and improve my vocabulary.

In the second session, there was a ma’am, Mrs Manisha Khanna. She read a story called "Taiyar Ho Jao". It was a very interesting story related to scouts — an amazing session indeed.

Both sessions were really awesome, and we learned many new things.

I really thank Sandeep Dutt Sir and Jugjiv Sir for encouraging us to come and enjoy this platform. 🌸

Thank you,

Talat Bano, 5C

Through this session on Communication Skills and Conscious Listening,

I understood that communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening with full attention and awareness. I learned about different types of communication—verbal, non-verbal, visual, and written—and how each plays a unique role in expressing ideas and emotions.

The session also highlighted the importance of being a conscious listener, which means understanding before responding and being aware of what the other person truly wants to convey.

Developing conscious listening skills helps in avoiding small misunderstandings that can turn into big mistakes later. I realised that when we listen carefully, we can interpret messages better, form relevant opinions, and respond thoughtfully.

This class taught me that effective communication is a fundamental skill that empowers us in personal, academic, and professional life. Overall, it made me more aware of the value of mindful communication and how it can positively impact our interactions with others.

Arushi Srivastava, IX A

Today’s Good School Alliance session was really insightful. Mr Kartik talked about speaking skills and helped us understand that everyone thinks differently, which affects how we communicate. His tips on coping with the fear of public speaking—like focusing on the message rather than worrying about judgment—felt practical and easy to try.

After that, Ms Manisha shared a story titled "अब तैयार हो जाओ". Her storytelling was lively; it highlighted the importance of being ready and taking action.

Overall, the session prompted me to reflect on how I approach communication and fear, and I feel motivated to speak more confidently while being aware of different perspectives.

Janvi Singh, IX F

Communication is More Than Words

Communication is more than words — it’s understanding, observing, and connecting. This was the spark that Kartik Sir ignited in our communication session. What struck me the most was the power of being a good listener. Listening actively, noticing subtle details, and valuing every perspective are the foundations of meaningful communication, and Kartik Sir made this idea come alive with real-life examples.

I sincerely appreciate the example explanation of my question by Sandeep Sir, showing how our Good School Alliance itself is an example of how one can build a career in social media on the platform of mass communication.

Astha Mishra, IX D

In today's class, we had the great personality Mr. Kartik Sir. He informed us about the various types of communication and provided us with additional knowledge on how to communicate effectively with animals, humans, and others. He also played songs that were about emotions and explained the benefits of conscious listening.

I am really grateful to have this opportunity to join this great webinar, as I got to learn new things and improve my vocabulary.

The second session was by Mrs Manisha Khanna. Ma’am, read the story "Taiyar Ho Jao", an interesting story related to scouts.

I really thank Sandeep Sir and Jugjiv Sir for creating such an interactive platform.

Thank you,

Riffat Bano, 6D

Jai Hind!

Dear readers, I am Aayush Kumar Singh of Class X-A, and this is my reflection.

The session began with a short conversation between me and Manisha Ma’am about Diwali and the excitement of buying things for the festival. We talked about how everyone gets busy preparing for the celebration and how the festival brings a happy spirit everywhere.

After that, Kartik Sir showed us two versions of the same video, each with different background music. It was surprising to see how just changing the music could completely change the feeling and message of the video. Through this, we understood that communication is not only through words, but also through emotions, tone, and expression.

Sir then explained how humans and animals communicate in their own ways — humans through language, and animals through gestures and sounds. This helped me realise that real communication comes from understanding feelings, not just speaking.

Overall, the session taught me about empathy, connection, and meaningful communication — lessons that help us express ourselves better in every form of life.

Aayush Kumar Singh, Class X-A

In today’s session, we had the privilege of learning from the inspiring personality, Mr Kartik Sir, who taught us about various methods of communication and their objectives. He also explained the importance of conscious listening and how we can become better listeners.

One of the most interesting parts of the class was when he showed us a video that demonstrated how changing the background music can completely alter the interpretation of a scene.

After Kartik Sir’s class, we had Manisha Ma’am’s session, where we read the story ‘तैयार हो जाओ’. I really enjoyed this class and found it both engaging and meaningful.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Sandeep Dutt Sir and Jugjiv Sir for giving me this wonderful opportunity to learn and explore new ideas on this platform.

Thank you,

Adrika Sahu, Class 8 A

Fun, Learning, and Growing with My Good School

Reflections 19th Oct.docx by Manisha Khanna

The Lotus Petal Foundation is delighted to share reflections on the insightful session conducted by Mr Kartik Bajoria on Communication Skills this past Sunday.

The session was an engaging and enriching experience for our students and team members alike. Mr Bajoria’s dynamic approach and practical examples helped participants understand the essence of effective communication — not just as a tool for expression, but as a bridge for connection and confidence.

Through interactive discussions, relatable anecdotes, and hands-on exercises, participants explored how tone, body language, and clarity play vital roles in everyday interactions. The session encouraged everyone to reflect on their own communication styles and discover ways to express themselves with greater authenticity and impact.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Bajoria for his time, expertise, and passion in empowering young minds. The learnings from this session will surely inspire our students to communicate with purpose, empathy, and self-assurance.

Thoughts Left Unheard: Life in Nazi Germany - Rishona Chopra

I thought we were born to be good, to be kind, to be loving, to care for anyone who needed it.  Isn't that what they told us when we were young? To always help, to never judge, to never discriminate, to imbibe the values of peace and harmony. I grew up believing that these values would be all anyone needs for life, grew up never knowing that things would be far from perfect. I wonder why they taught us lies, lies that a world is kind and caring. Lies that beneath everyone, is a good soul. Lies that happy endings exist. Because they never will and they never did. The world runs on hate not love, on greed not compassion, on violence not peace. That’s the way it was and the way it will be and it’s this truth that hurts more than ever because now I know that all the things I ever believed, were nothing but forgotten dreams.

When did it all end? When did smiles turn into cries, when did the sounds of laughter turn into painful sobs? Now, as I walk by the streets, I see the blameful glares, how people shift away,     how no one wants to talk to me anymore, as if I’m just a stranger. I’m not as furious as I am hurt. Hurt that all it took was a man named Hitler to change years of friendship into nothing at all. All this because of a three letter word - Jew. I never thought a small word could make such a big difference in my life. I’m no longer good old Hannah, I’m a Jew. Labelled not by who I am, and what I do, but by the fact that I’m a Jew. And now it’s like a leash that binds me from being who I truly am. People don’t see me for me, but the only thing they ever see is that I’m a jew.

And now, there’s nowhere left to go. Nowhere left to run. Nowhere to hide. Because they’re everywhere. Like vultures they’ll find you and they won’t rest till every last piece of you is gone. And as everyone I’ve ever known slowly disappears with the wind, I’m left wondering if kindness was ever real, if love was ever true or if it were just another story.  - Just another ordinary young girl Thoughts voiced by Rishona Chopra, Grade IX, Gyanshree School

गुरु नानक देव जी के जीवन का संदेश – Lalita Pal

एपिसोड २२ ने मेरे मन को गहराई से छू लिया। हर दृश्य ऐसा प्रतीत हुआ जैसे गुरु नानक देव जी स्वयं हमारे सामने खड़े होकर सच्चाई, प्रेम और समानता का संदेश दे रहे हों। उनके शब्दों में सादगी और शक्ति का अद्भुत समन्वय था, जिसने मेरे हृदय में श्रद्धा की भावना जागृत की।

इस एपिसोड में सबसे अधिक प्रभावशाली बात गुरु नानक जी का धैर्य, विनम्रता और ईश्वर पर अटूट विश्वास था। जब लोग उनके विचारों को नहीं समझ पाते या विरोध करते, तब भी उनका मन शांत रहता और चेहरे पर हमेशा मुस्कान रहती। यह दर्शाता है कि सच्चाई की राह पर चलने वाला व्यक्ति कभी अकेला नहीं होता, उसके साथ स्वयं ईश्वर होते हैं।

गुरु नानक जी का संदेश "सब मनुष्य एक ही ईश्वर की संतान हैं" मेरे दिल को गहराई से छू गया। उन्होंने धर्म, जाति और ऊँच-नीच के भेदभाव को मिटाने की शिक्षा दी। आज जब समाज में लोग छोटी-छोटी बातों में भेदभाव कर लेते हैं, तब उनका यह संदेश और भी प्रासंगिक हो जाता है।

उनकी शिक्षा यह सिखाती है कि सच्ची पूजा मंदिरों या मस्जिदों में नहीं, बल्कि हमारे कर्मों और प्रेम में छिपी है। सेवा, सिमरन और संत जीवन का वास्तविक मार्ग हैं। मानवता का सही अर्थ तब है जब हम सभी एक-दूसरे से प्रेम करें।

गुरु नानक देव जी ने सिखाया कि प्रेम और सच्चाई की आवाज़ को ऊँचा बोलने की आवश्यकता नहीं होती; यह खुद ही सबके दिलों तक पहुँच जाती है। अगर हम उनके बताए मार्ग पर चलें, किसी की मदद करें, सच्चाई बोले और भेदभाव न करें, तो हमारा जीवन सुन्दर और अर्थपूर्ण बन जाएगा।

— ललिता पाल, आर्थर फुट अकादमी

गुरु नानक देव जी: सत्य, समानता और करुणा की गाथा — Simran Kaur

गुरु नानक देव जी का जीवन सत्य, समानता और करुणा की अमर गाथा है। उन्होंने हमें सिखाया कि सच्चा धर्म इंसानियत में है—जब हम दूसरों की सेवा करते हैं, सभी के साथ प्रेम और आदर का व्यवहार करते हैं, तभी हम ईश्वर के निकट पहुँचते हैं। उनका संदेश केवल धार्मिक नहीं, बल्कि मानव जीवन का आदर्श मार्ग है।

उन्होंने कहा—

"ना कोई हिन्दू, ना मुसलमान—सब मनुष्य एक ही प्रभु की संतान हैं।"

यह विचार हमें याद दिलाता है कि हर व्यक्ति में वही ज्योति है जो ईश्वर में है। जब हम किसी के प्रति भेदभाव करते हैं, तो हम उस दिव्यता को ठुकराते हैं। आज के युग में, जब समाज में विभाजन, ईर्ष्या और प्रतिस्पर्धा बढ़ रही है, गुरु नानक देव जी का यह संदेश पहले से कहीं अधिक प्रासंगिक है।

अगर हम उनके बताए मार्ग पर चलें—सच बोले, मेहनत करें, और ईमानदारी से बाँटकर खाएं (कीरत करो, नाम जपो, वंड छको), तो निश्चित ही जीवन में शांति, संतोष और सुख की प्राप्ति होती है। उनकी शिक्षाएँ हमें यह सिखाती हैं कि शिक्षा केवल ज्ञान प्राप्त करने का माध्यम नहीं, बल्कि अच्छे इंसान बनने का साधन है।

गुरु नानक देव जी का प्रकाश हम सबके हृदय में उजाला फैलाए, और हमें प्रेरित करे कि हम अपने जीवन से दूसरों के जीवन में भी उजाला बाँटें।

"जहाँ करुणा है, वहीं ईश्वर है।

जहाँ प्रेम है, सच्ची उपासना है।"

— Simran Kaur, Arthur Foot Academy

लिहाज-ए-इंसानियत: दूसरों के साथ सम्मान और प्यार — Reena Devi

इंसानियत का मतलब है दूसरों के साथ अच्छा व्यवहार करना, उनके दुःख और सुख को समझना और मदद का हाथ बढ़ाना। वहीं "लिहाज-ए-इंसानियत" मिलता है। इसका अर्थ है हर इंसान के साथ इज्जत और प्यार के साथ पेश आना।

आज की दुनिया में लोग अपने स्वार्थ और लालच में इतने व्यस्त हो गए हैं कि वे दूसरों की भावनाओं का ख्याल नहीं रखते। लेकिन अगर हम अपनी जिंदगी में इंसानियत और लिहाज को अपनाएँ, तो समाज में प्यार और सहयोग बढ़ता है। उदाहरण के लिए, अगर कोई गरीब या परेशान व्यक्ति हमारे पास मदद के लिए आता है और हम मदद करते हैं, तो यही हमारी इंसानियत और लिहाज दिखाता है।

लिहाज-ए-इंसानियत केवल दूसरों की मदद करना नहीं है, बल्कि उनकी गरिमा बनाए रखना भी है। हमें किसी की जाति, धर्म, रंग या स्थिति देखकर उसे कम नहीं समझना चाहिए। हर इंसान के साथ समान व्यवहार करना, उसके साथ धैर्य और समझदारी रखना—यही सबसे बड़ी इंसानियत है।

अगर हम समाज में यह भावना फैलाएँ कि हर व्यक्ति की इज्जत महत्वपूर्ण है और हर किसी के प्रति सहानुभूति रखनी चाहिए, तब न केवल समाज बेहतर बनता है, बल्कि हमारी आत्मा भी शांति और संतोष महसूस करती है। लिहाज-ए-इंसानियत न केवल शब्द है, बल्कि यह हमें जीने का तरीका भी समझाता है। यह हमें दूसरों के साथ प्यार, सम्मान और समझदारी से पेश आने का मार्ग भी सिखाता है।

— Reena Devi, Arthur Foot Academy

गुरु नानक देव जी: समाज सुधारक और आध्यात्मिक मार्गदर्शक — Sunil Kumar

गुरु नानक देव जी केवल एक धर्म के संस्थापक नहीं थे; वे एक ऐसे युग के महान सामाजिक सुधारक और आध्यात्मिक क्रांतिकारी थे, जिनकी शिक्षाएँ आज भी हमें जीवन जीने का सही मार्ग दिखाती हैं।

जिस संसार में आज भी धर्म और पहचान के नाम पर हिंसा और विभाजन है, वहाँ ‘इक ओंकार’ हमें यह याद दिलाता है कि हमारे बीच की सभी बाहरी भ्रम हैं। यदि ईश्वर एक है, तो मानवता भी एक है। यह हमें सिखाता है कि आध्यात्मिकता का सार बाह्य कर्मकांडों में नहीं, बल्कि सत्य (सतनाम) में निहित है, जैसा कि उन्होंने मूल मंत्र में बताया है।

गुरु नानक देव जी ने समाज को सुधारने के लिए केवल उपदेश नहीं दिए; उन्होंने सामुदायिक संस्थाओं की नींव रखी, जो उनकी शिक्षाओं को मूर्त रूप देती हैं। जैसे लंगर में सभी बिना किसी भेदभाव के एक साथ भोजन करते हैं। यह मेरे लिए समानता का सबसे शक्तिशाली और व्यावहारिक प्रतीक है, और संगत में यहाँ सभी लोग आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान और भजन-कीर्तन के लिए एक साथ बैठते हैं।

यह हमें सिखाता है कि धर्म को जीवन से अलग नहीं किया जा सकता। सच्चा धर्म लोगों के बीच विभाजन पैदा करने के बजाय साझा करने, सेवा करने और एकजुट होने का आह्वान करता है। आज के उपभोक्तावादी और व्यक्तिवादी समाज में, ‘वंड छकना’ (साझा करना) का सिद्धांत हमें अपने भौतिक और भावनात्मक संसाधनों को जरूरतमंदों के साथ बाँटने की याद दिलाता है।

यह शिक्षा मुझे अत्यंत व्यावहारिक लगती है। उन्होंने कर्म को आध्यात्मिक जीवन से जोड़ा—यह संदेश दिया कि आप संसार को त्यागकर नहीं, बल्कि ईमानदारी और नैतिकता के साथ अपना कर्तव्य निभाते हुए मोक्ष प्राप्त कर सकते हैं। यह सिद्ध करता है कि जीवन का मैदान ही हमारी सबसे बड़ी साधना स्थली है।

— Sunil Kumar, Arthur Foot Academy