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