Exploring India Through Curiosity and Practice - Ranjan Kanwar

In this chapter, I learned about a girl named Bharvi, who was quiet and curious about the history of India. She went on many educational tours organised by her school, where she learned about India’s history through the stories and experiences shared by different people. She also learned about the cultures and religions of different communities.

I found it interesting how Bharvi explored new places and monuments with curiosity and enthusiasm. Her experiences made me realise how much we can learn by exploring and observing the world around us.

I also learned that when we face a problem while trying to do something, we should not give up. If we practise regularly and keep trying, we can improve and eventually become good at that particular skill. Practice helps us overcome difficulties and become better at what we do.

Ranjan Kanwar

A Mosaic of Ideas: Reading, Reflection and Responsibility - Lotus Petal Foundation

Sunday School reading is more than just reading a book—it is an opportunity to explore, imagine, share, and learn together. Each session brings new stories, interesting ideas, meaningful discussions, and joyful moments.

As students read together, they discover new words, express their thoughts, listen to different perspectives, and build the confidence to speak and share. The fun of reading, combined with the warmth of learning together, makes every Sunday session special.

Sunday School is where reading becomes an enjoyable journey of learning, friendship, imagination, and growth.

Reflection by Manisha Khanna

Reading, Reflection and Our Responsibility Towards the Nation - Deenshah Najam

The reading session was engaging and allowed me to learn from the reflections written by different students. Hearing their thoughts helped me see the topic from different perspectives and improved my vocabulary.

The discussion about India’s diversity, democracy, and the idea of India being a “mosaic” rather than a “melting pot” was very interesting. I also liked the idea that nation-building cannot be outsourced, as it reminded me that every citizen has a role in making the country better.

Overall, the session was informative and enjoyable. It helped me learn new words, understand different ideas, and think more deeply about my responsibility towards my country.

Deenshah Najam
Class X
Sunbeam Ballia 

Highway to Swades - Akanksha Rai

By attending the reading sessions today, I really enjoyed the way a new reader, Himanshu Sir, explained the chapter so enthusiastically, bringing out the beautiful meaning of each sentence written by the author. His explanation of Kashmir, along with his personal stories about how people of different religions celebrate their festivals together, made me think deeply and reflect on the diversity that our country is blessed with.

Highway to Swades is a book that I received after attending the recent My Good School Retreat. I guess the purpose of gifting this book was to encourage students like us to read and reflect. Whenever I open this book, it reminds me of the wonderful friendships I made with the different people I met there.

Today, I also attended Neenu Ma’am’s reading session on Tata Stories for the first time, and it was truly amazing to learn about the great work done by the company for its employees by providing facilities such as gyms, schools, and other amenities. It shows how much the company cares about its workers.

Akanksha Rai

Class X

Sunbeam School Ballia

We Read, Learn and Grow Together - PYDS Learning Academy

Sunday School is more than just a reading session; it is a joyful space where students look forward to coming, exploring new stories, sharing ideas and discovering the joy of learning together.

Through reading, children develop imagination, improve their vocabulary, strengthen their communication skills and learn to look at the world from different perspectives. Every story opens a new window of thoughts, values and experiences.

What makes Sunday School special is the opportunity to learn together. Children listen, reflect, express their opinions, ask questions and connect the stories to their own lives. Each reading session becomes an experience of curiosity, confidence, friendship and meaningful learning.

Our aim is to create a space where children do not come because they have to read, but because they love to read, share and grow. 

When children read together, they learn together, inspire one another and grow together!

 

My Good School_ reflection by Manisha Khanna

Discovering India's Strength Through Diversity and Unity - Gaurav

Today, I completed reading pages 1 to 30 of Highway to Swades: Rediscovering India’s Superpowers by Bhairavi Jani. The book takes readers on a journey across India and explores the qualities and values that connect people despite their differences. The author draws upon her extensive travels across India and the experiences she has gained from different communities.

One of the most meaningful lessons I learnt from these pages is that diversity can become a strength when people respect one another and work towards a common goal. The example of people from different religions working together, respecting each other’s traditions and helping one another, showed me that our differences do not have to divide us.

I also understood the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, inclusion and shared values. A successful community or organisation is not built solely on individual talent; it grows when people cooperate and appreciate one another’s contributions.

The reading also made me think differently about India. Our country has many languages, cultures, traditions, and ways of life, but we also share values that unite us. I learnt that we should look beyond our differences and recognise the strengths we share.

My Key Learnings

• Diversity can be a source of strength.
• Teamwork becomes stronger with mutual respect.
• Different cultures and beliefs can coexist peacefully.
• Every community has something valuable to contribute.
• We can achieve bigger goals when we work together instead of focusing only on our differences.
• Understanding India requires learning from the experiences of people from different regions and backgrounds.

Final Thought: “The pages I read taught me that our differences make India diverse, but our shared values and willingness to work together make us strong.”

Gaurav, Class IX

Sunbeam School Mau 

The Art of Reading, Reflection and Experiential Learning- Ravi Thakur

 My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

As an English teacher, this story taught me that good writing creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Gerald Durrell does not merely narrate events; he makes us experience the entire scene. The soft mud beneath the feet, the snake moving through the water, and the detailed description of the stranger's face make the scene come alive. I also learned that a story becomes interesting when it defies expectations. Instead of scolding the boy, the stranger calmly offers him grapes and later turns out to be a prisoner on a weekend break. This taught me that creating realistic and natural characters makes a story much more engaging than simply presenting a moral lesson.

As a teacher, I must remember the following points while narrating stories to students:

1. Voice modulation and expressions: I should not read a story in a monotonous voice. Instead, I should use appropriate voice modulation and expressions to help children visualise the scenes. During exciting moments, such as catching the snake or meeting the stranger, varying the pitch and pace of my voice is very important.

2. Teaching new vocabulary: New words should not be taught through boring lectures. Their meanings should be explained naturally through the context of the story.

3. Building curiosity: I should create suspense by pausing before important moments and encouraging students to predict what might happen next.

4. Encouraging active participation: Rather than keeping students as silent listeners, I should ask them how they would feel if they were standing in the muddy water or talking to the stranger.

These strategies can make storytelling more engaging, interactive and meaningful for students.

Mr. Ravi Thakur

TGT English

Growing Together Through Reflection and Relationships- Rekha Sharma

Reading Reflection and Relationship Building: The Key Mantras for Sunday School

Reading reflection and relationship building are the key mantras for a successful Sunday School. Reading reflections encourage teachers to think deeply, gain new perspectives and improve their teaching practices, while strong relationships foster trust, collaboration and a positive learning environment. Sharing experiences and learning together help teachers grow as a community. Together, these practices create a culture of continuous learning, mutual respect and meaningful connections.

Lessons from Gandhi Ji’s Visit to Jamshedpur- Sunbeam Gramin school

1925 में महात्मा गांधी जी का जमशेदपुर आगमन केवल एक ऐतिहासिक घटना नहीं, बल्कि समाज और देश को नई दिशा देने वाला प्रेरणादायक अवसर था। गांधी जी का मानना था कि देश की प्रगति केवल बड़े उद्योगों से नहीं, बल्कि श्रमिकों, आम लोगों और समाज के हर वर्ग के सम्मान और सहयोग से होती है।

जमशेदपुर जैसे औद्योगिक शहर में उनका आना हमें यह सीख देता है कि विकास के साथ-साथ मानवता, समानता और श्रम का सम्मान भी आवश्यक है। गांधी जी के विचारों से यह समझ आती है कि एक सच्चा परिवर्तन तभी संभव है, जब हम अपने अधिकारों के साथ अपने कर्तव्यों को भी समझें।

आज के समय में भी उनका यह संदेश प्रासंगिक लगता है कि समाज को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए केवल सुविधाएँ नहीं, बल्कि संवेदनशीलता, अनुशासन, ईमानदारी और आपसी सम्मान की आवश्यकता है। उनके जमशेदपुर आगमन की घटना हमें इतिहास जानने के साथ-साथ अपने वर्तमान को बेहतर बनाने की प्रेरणा भी देती है।
सुनीता त्रिपाठी

आज हमने GSA क्लास में सीखा कि “जमशेदपुर में गांधी जी” और “हमारे समय का टाइटन” की कहानियाँ हमें मेहनत, सच्चाई, सेवा और समाज के प्रति जिम्मेदारी का संदेश देती हैं।

जमशेदपुर में महात्मा गांधी जी सादगी, सत्य और अहिंसा के पुजारी थे। एक बार वे जमशेदपुर गए। वहाँ उन्होंने मजदूरों और लोगों से मुलाकात की। गांधी जी ने लोगों को ईमानदारी, एकता और मेहनत का महत्व समझाया। उन्होंने कहा कि किसी भी समाज और देश की प्रगति में मजदूरों और मेहनतकश लोगों का बहुत बड़ा योगदान होता है।

गांधी जी का जीवन हमें सिखाता है कि हमें अपने काम को ईमानदारी से करना चाहिए और सभी लोगों का सम्मान करना चाहिए। उन्होंने हमेशा गरीबों और जरूरतमंदों की सहायता करने पर जोर दिया।

“हमारे समय का टाइटन” हमें ऐसे महान व्यक्ति के बारे में बताता है, जिसने अपनी मेहनत, लगन और दूरदर्शिता से समाज और देश के विकास में योगदान दिया। उन्होंने कठिन परिस्थितियों का सामना करते हुए अपने लक्ष्य को प्राप्त किया। उनका जीवन हमें सिखाता है कि सफलता पाने के लिए मेहनत, धैर्य और दृढ़ संकल्प बहुत जरूरी हैं।

इन दोनों कहानियों से हमें यह सीख मिलती है कि हमें ईमानदार, मेहनती और जिम्मेदार नागरिक बनना चाहिए। हमें अपने देश और समाज की भलाई के लिए हमेशा अच्छा काम करने का प्रयास करना चाहिए।

शिवांगी सिंह, 7

आज के GSA क्लास में हमें एक कहानी सुनाई गई, जिसका नाम “जमशेदपुर में गांधी जी” था। इस कहानी से हमें मुख्य सीख मिलती है कि जमशेदपुर में राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी की यात्राओं से श्रम का सम्मान, शांतिपूर्वक संवाद और समरसता की गहरी सीख मिलती है।

गांधी जी ने 1925, 1934 और 1940 में जमशेदपुर का दौरा किया था। गांधी जी ने आर. डी. टाटा और उनके साथियों के साथ बैठक की और मजदूरों की समस्याओं का सम्मानजनक समाधान करवाते हुए प्रबंधन और यूनियन के बीच एक ऐतिहासिक समझौता कराया।

इस कहानी से हमें मुख्य सीख मिलती है कि कोई भी काम छोटा या बड़ा नहीं होता। समाज के विकास में श्रमिकों और उनके पसीने का योगदान उतना ही महत्वपूर्ण है, जितना कि किसी उद्योगपति का होता है।

स्वाति सिंह, 8

आज की GSA क्लास में हमें एक कहानी सुनाई गई, जिसका नाम “जमशेदपुर में गांधी जी” था। इस कहानी से सीख मिलती है कि महात्मा गांधी सादगी, सत्य और अहिंसा के पुजारी थे। गांधी जी ने 1940 में जमशेदपुर का दौरा किया, जहाँ उन्होंने मजदूरों और अन्य लोगों से मुलाकात की।

गांधी जी के जीवन से हमें सीखने को मिलता है कि हमें सत्य, ईमानदारी और पूरी लगन से काम करना चाहिए। हमें सभी लोगों का सम्मान करना चाहिए, चाहे वह अमीर हो या गरीब, चाहे वह ऊँची जाति का हो या नीची जाति का। हमें सभी की मदद करनी चाहिए।

यह कहानी हमें मेहनत, सच्चाई, सेवा और समाज के प्रति जिम्मेदारी का संदेश देती है। महात्मा गांधी जी ने कहा था कि देश और समाज को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए सिर्फ सरकार का ही नहीं, बल्कि एक मजदूर का भी हाथ होता है। देश को आगे बढ़ाने में आम मजदूरों का भी बहुत बड़ा योगदान है।

अंशिका वर्मा, 8

आज की GSA क्लास में हमें एक कहानी दिखाई गई, जिसका नाम “जमशेदपुर में गांधी जी” है। जब गांधी जी 1925 में जमशेदपुर में टाटा स्टील प्लांट देखने आए थे, तो जमशेदजी टाटा और उनके लोगों ने उनके बहुत बड़े तरीके से स्वागत करने की तैयारी की थी। पर गांधी जी तीसरे दर्जे के डिब्बे में साधारण धोती में आए। उन्होंने कहा, “मैं यहाँ मालिकों से नहीं, मजदूरों से मिलने आया हूँ।”

कहानी का सबसे बड़ा संदेश है कि कंपनी मशीनों से नहीं, मजदूरों के पसीने से चलती है। इसलिए टाटा ने मजदूरों के लिए 8 घंटे काम, स्कूल और अस्पताल जैसी सुविधाएँ सबसे पहले शुरू कीं।

बड़े लोग दिखावे से नहीं बनते। टाटा जैसा इतना बड़ा साम्राज्य होने के बाद भी उन्होंने गांधी जी की सादगी का सम्मान किया। जमशेदजी टाटा जी ने कहा, “जो समुदाय से कमाते हो, उसका कई गुना समुदाय को लौटाओ।” गांधी जी के स्वदेशी विचार और टाटा के इस विचार का मेल ही जमशेदपुर है।

गांधी जी ने वहाँ मजदूरों के साथ बैठकर चरखा चलाया और कहा, “अपने हाथ के काम पर गर्व करो।”

शिवानी यादव,  7

आज की कक्षा में हमें एक कहानी सुनाई गई, जिसका नाम था “जमशेदपुर में गांधी जी”। टाटा स्टील के मजदूरों और प्रबंधन के बीच चल रहे विवाद और हड़ताल को सुलझाने के लिए दीनबंधु सी. एफ. एंड्रयूज (तत्कालीन लेबर लीडर) के आमंत्रण पर गांधी जी यहाँ आए थे।

उन्होंने बिष्टुपुर स्थित यूनाइटेड क्लब (तत्कालीन टिस्को इंस्टीट्यूट) में 20 हजार से अधिक मजदूरों की एक विशाल जनसभा को संबोधित किया। उन्होंने मजदूरों और प्रबंधन (आर. डी. टाटा) के बीच ऐतिहासिक समझौता कराया, जिससे देश के कॉरपोरेट जगत में पहली बार औद्योगिक शांति और सामंजस्य का एक आदर्श स्थापित हुआ।

इस यात्रा के दौरान बापू ने गर्व से कहा था, “मुझे मजदूर होने पर गर्व है” और टाटा के प्रयासों की सराहना करते हुए कहा था कि “टाटा साहस की भावना का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है।”

श्रुति पटेल, 8

 

Highway to Swades: Learning the Values of Unity and Responsibility - Ms. Rekha Sharma

As a teacher, I found this reading deeply meaningful because it reminded me that education is not only about completing a syllabus but also about helping students understand life, society, and their responsibilities towards others. The comparison of the Ganga with India's civilisation and the raft with the Republic of India made me reflect on how people from different languages, religions, cultures, and backgrounds can still move forward together when they build trust, empathy, and a shared sense of responsibility. I particularly connected with the idea that everyone on the raft has a role in keeping it afloat. In my classroom too, I see my students as individuals with different abilities, experiences, and ways of thinking, and I feel that my role is to bring them together rather than make them feel different from one another.

This passage also made me realise that unity does not mean that everyone has to be the same; rather, it means respecting our differences while working towards a common purpose. As a teacher, I would use such stories and real-life experiences to encourage my students to listen to one another, appreciate diversity, help those who are struggling, and understand that a society's progress depends on collective effort.

Overall, the reading has made me reflect on my responsibility as a teacher to develop not only knowledgeable students but also compassionate, responsible, and cooperative human beings.

Ms. Rekha Sharma

Sunbeam School Mau

 

Every Child Has a Spark - Sunbeam School Ballia

 Every child brings something unique to the classroom—a question, an idea, a talent, a different way of looking at the world. Sunday School is a place where that spark is recognised, encouraged, and given the space to grow.

Learning here goes beyond lessons and activities. Children are encouraged to express themselves, listen to others, make choices, work together, and discover their own strengths. A simple story can inspire a thought, an activity can reveal a talent, and a conversation can open a new way of understanding.

The joy of Sunday School lies in creating an environment where children feel comfortable being curious, making mistakes, trying again, and celebrating their progress.

Because education is not only about filling young minds with knowledge—it is about helping every child discover what they can think, create, contribute, and become.

At Sunday School, every child has a spark. Our role is to help it shine.

Learning Is Fun at Sunday School - PYDS Learning Academy

Sunday School is more than a place where children learn new things. It is a space where they discover, question, experience, and understand—while enjoying the process of learning.

Through stories, activities, discussions, games, creativity, and meaningful conversations, children are encouraged to look beyond the textbook and connect learning with everyday life. Each session becomes an opportunity to develop curiosity, confidence, kindness, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

We Learn — when we explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover something new.

We Understand — when learning moves beyond knowing facts and helps us make sense of life, relationships, values, and the world we live in.

We Grow — when our experiences shape our thoughts, strengthen our confidence, and help us become more responsible and compassionate individuals.

At Sunday School, learning is not about simply remembering—it is about experiencing, reflecting, and growing. Every Sunday brings a new opportunity to learn with joy, learn from one another, and carry something meaningful back into our lives.

We learn. We understand . We grow. And in the process, we discover the joy of learning.

My Good School - Sunday 20th September 2026

 Exploring Corfu, Civilisational Identity, and Industrial Vision: Sunday Reading Session Recap

Our latest My Good School Sunday Reading Session was a vibrant celebration of literature, history, and cultural reflection. Bringing together diverse narratives—from the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to deep-rooted reflections on Indian heritage—the gathering showcased our students’ keen analytical skills and love for reading.

Here are the key highlights and discussions from the session.

1. Adventures on Corfu: Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals

Brinda opened the session with a delightful journey through Gerald Durrell’s classic work. Focusing on the family’s expedition to Corfu, she brought to life anecdotes about their famous boats, the Bottlebum Trinket and the Sea Cow. The reading captured the island’s lush natural beauty and offered a lighthearted exploration of human and animal nature.

2. India as a Civilisation vs. a Nation: Bharavi Jani’s Insights - Highway to Swades

Jugjiv transitioned the reading to Bharavi Jani’s impactful work, prompting an engaging discussion of India’s core identity.

Key themes included:

• The Symbolic Significance of the Ganga: The group reflected on how the river shapes both geography and spirit.

• Democracy vs. Republic: The group examined the conceptual distinctions between political structures and legal foundations.

• Living Unity in Diversity: Grounded in travel experiences spanning Nagaland to Karnataka, this session illustrated how distinct regional cultures weave into a single national tapestry.

Multilingual Student Reflections

Our students enriched the discussion with reflections across multiple languages, including Hindi and Assamese:

• Salah highlighted why India’s identity extends far beyond its status as a political entity.

• Rishika shared an evocative comparison between the energetic, youthful flow of the Ganga in Rishikesh and its solemn, spiritual rhythm in Varanasi.

• Shivangi summarised the text’s broader impact on how we understand our national heritage today.

3. Historical Insights: The Gandhi-Tata Connection - Reading Tata Stories

Neenu presented a thoroughly researched historical account detailing the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and the Tata Group:

• Early Support (1909–1912): The session highlighted Sir Ratan Tata’s crucial financial backing during Gandhi’s early struggles against apartheid in South Africa.

• The Jamshedpur Visit (August 1925): Details were shared about Gandhi’s historic visit to Jamshedpur, where he publicly commended Jamsetji Tata’s vision for industrial and social development.

• Modern Leadership: A profile of Xerxes Desai illustrated his visionary leadership at Titan Company, which revolutionised the Indian watch market starting in 1987.

4. Interactive Learning & Vocabulary

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A addressing vocabulary and language nuances from the readings. Key words discussed included:

• Acquaintance: A person one knows slightly, rather than a close friend.

• Faithful: Firm and unwavering in loyalty, allegiance, or duty.

Thank you to all the readers, presenters, and participants who made this Sunday reading session enlightening! Join us next Sunday as we continue our journey through great books and ideas.

Learning, Leadership and Community - Sunbeam School Ballia

The Good School Alliance has helped me understand that a good school is not only a place where students learn from books, but also a place where they develop confidence, responsibility, kindness, and respect for others.

Being part of a school community encourages students to work together, share ideas, support one another, and take responsibility for making their surroundings better. The Good School Alliance also highlights the importance of creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and has opportunities to grow.

Taha

I’m Riddhi Sharma, a student of Class 5 C, and I am here to share my reflection on the Good School Alliance. It was a real pleasure for me. As a pet lover, I really enjoyed the session with Brinda Ghosh Ma’am.

It was about Dodo. He was a bit silly, and the book we were reading was My Family and Other Animals. I really loved this book.

Riddhi Sharma,5C

Reading the biography of Jamsetji Tata in today’s reading class by the Good School Alliance not only improved my reading skills but also taught me the values of leadership and vision through the life of a great personality.

I felt deeply inspired after reading Jamsetji Tata’s story in today’s reading class. Understanding the meanings of difficult words and reading them in their correct context during the class really helped me grasp the story in depth. He taught us how, with the right mindset and vision, one can contribute to the development of society and the country. Practising reading while understanding the meanings in this way has strengthened my vocabulary, comprehension, and command of the language.

Dhairya Agrawal, 5A

Reading: A Habit That Enriches Every Life - Sunbeam School Suncity

Reading is much more than a way of gaining information. It is a habit that opens our minds, strengthens our imagination and helps us understand the world and ourselves better. A good book can introduce us to new ideas, different cultures, inspiring people and experiences that we may never encounter in our own lives. Reading plays an important role in the development of children as well as adults. For students, regular reading improves vocabulary, language skills, comprehension, concentration and creativity. It also develops the ability to think critically, ask questions and express ideas with confidence. Reading beyond textbooks encourages children to explore, imagine and learn independently.

For adults, reading provides an opportunity to continue learning throughout life. It helps us stay curious, reflect on different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of people and the world around us. In a fast-changing world, the habit of reading enables us to keep learning and growing.

At My Good School, we believe that reading should not be restricted to the classroom or examination preparation. It should become a joyful and lifelong habit. With this belief, My Good School conducts reading sessions every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for both students and adults.

These sessions provide a welcoming space where participants can read, listen, reflect and share their thoughts. Students get an opportunity to discover the joy of books, while adults can reconnect with the pleasure of reading and learning. The sessions also encourage meaningful conversations and help build a community of readers.

A reading habit does not develop overnight. It grows when we give ourselves regular time, choose books that interest us and allow reading to become a part of our lives. When children see adults reading, discussing books and enjoying stories, they also begin to understand that reading is not merely a school activity—it is a way of life.

At My Good School, our Sunday reading sessions are therefore not just about completing books. They are about building curious minds, thoughtful individuals and a lifelong community of learners.

Because every book we read adds a new thought, every story expands our imagination, and every reading experience helps us grow.

 

Highway to Swades – अध्याय 1: हमारे भारत पर विद्यार्थियों की चिंतनात्मक प्रतिक्रियाएँ - सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

आज की कक्षा में बताया गया कि सन् 2002 में Yi का क्या उद्देश्य था। Yi की शुरुआत के बाद इस बात पर चर्चा और विचार-विमर्श किया गया कि देश के युवा भारतीय क्या भूमिका निभा सकते हैं और Yi किस प्रकार कार्य कर सकती है। आज का विषय था कि अपने देश को किस प्रकार आगे बढ़ाया जाए।

Yi के गठन से हमारे देश के युवाओं को काफी लाभ मिला। हमारे देश के व्यापारी एवं बड़े-बड़े बिजनेसमैन नेटवर्किंग के माध्यम से एक शहर से दूसरे शहर से जुड़े। इससे समाज को भी लाभ मिला। बाढ़ और कोरोना जैसी आपदाओं के समय समाज की काफी मदद की गई। स्कूलों में बच्चों के लिए तरह-तरह के कार्यक्रम भी आयोजित किए गए।

आज की कहानी में यह दिखाया गया कि किस प्रकार हमारे देश के प्रधानमंत्री देश के विकास के लिए तत्पर रहते हैं। साथ ही, गंगा के घाटों के विकास के बारे में भी चर्चा की गई।
धन्यवाद।
अशोक कुमार मौर्य

आज की कक्षा में बताया गया कि Highway to Swades पुस्तक के पहले अध्याय में हमारे भारत के बारे में बताया गया है। यह लेख सन् 2004 का है, जब देश में बड़ी राजनीतिक उथल-पुथल थी। भाजपा की सरकार के बाद कांग्रेस के नेतृत्व में नई सरकार बनी, जिसमें कई अलग-अलग विचारधाराओं वाले दल शामिल थे। लेखिका स्वयं 25 वर्ष की युवा महिला थीं और इस विरोधाभास को देखकर हैरान थीं।

वह हरिद्वार और ऋषिकेश की यात्रा पर हैं। वहाँ वह गंगा के दो रूपों को देखती हैं—

1. वाराणसी की गंगा – शांत, मोक्ष देने वाली और भारत की पुरानी सभ्यता जैसी।

2. ऋषिकेश की गंगा – तेज, ऊर्जा से भरी और भारत के युवा भविष्य जैसी।

ट्रेन में एक यात्री उनसे पूछता है—“भारत के विचार को पुनर्जीवित करने से क्या मतलब है? क्या वह मर गया है?”

यही इस लेख का सबसे बड़ा सवाल है। लेखिका कहना चाहती हैं कि भारत का विचार केवल राजनीति या व्यापार तक सीमित नहीं है। यह एक सभ्यता और संस्कृति है, जो हमेशा बदलती रहती है, लेकिन कभी समाप्त नहीं होती।

इसी विचार को जीवित रखने के लिए वह ‘Young Indians’ जैसे युवा संगठन की आवश्यकता महसूस करती हैं, ताकि हर क्षेत्र के युवा देश के बारे में सोचें और उसके विकास में योगदान दें।
धन्यवाद।
साक्षी पटेल. कक्षा 8

आज की GSA कक्षा में Highway to Swades पुस्तक के पहले पाठ ‘हमारे भारत’ के बारे में बताया गया। इस पाठ का मुख्य उद्देश्य यह समझाना है कि हमें अपने देश से केवल भावनात्मक रूप से ही नहीं जुड़ना चाहिए, बल्कि देश की एकता, संस्कृति और विकास के लिए निरंतर प्रयास भी करना चाहिए।

यह पाठ हमें विदेशी वस्तुओं पर निर्भरता छोड़कर अपने देश में बनी वस्तुओं अर्थात् स्वदेशी वस्तुओं को अपनाने की प्रेरणा देता है, जिससे देश के विकास में योगदान दिया जा सके।

जीवन क्षणभंगुर है और एक न एक दिन इसका अंत होना ही है। इसलिए अपने कर्तव्यों को निभाते हुए देश के काम आना ही जीवन को सार्थक बनाता है। कविता का मुख्य उद्देश्य यह बताना है कि जिस मनुष्य के हृदय में अपने देश के प्रति प्रेम नहीं है, उसका हृदय हृदय नहीं, बल्कि पत्थर के समान है।
धन्यवाद।
स्वाति सिंह, कक्षा 8

आज हमें Highway to Swades नामक पुस्तक के पाठ 1 में ‘हमारे भारत’ के बारे में बताया गया। इसे सुनकर मुझे अपने प्यारे भारत के बारे में और अधिक सीखने का अवसर मिला।

मुझे माँ गंगा नदी का उल्लेख बहुत अच्छा लगा। ऋषिकेश में गंगा की तेज और ऊर्जावान धारा से हमें यह सीखने का अवसर मिलता है कि हमें भी चुनौतियों के बावजूद कभी डरना नहीं चाहिए और उनका डटकर सामना करना चाहिए।

भारत को और भी आगे बढ़ाने के लिए हमें केवल सरकार पर निर्भर नहीं रहना चाहिए। यदि हर व्यक्ति सच्चा और ईमानदार हो जाए तथा अपने कर्तव्यों का पालन करे, तो यह भी देश को आगे बढ़ाने में एक बड़ा योगदान होगा।
धन्यवाद!
प्रिया पाल,कक्षा 8

आज हमें Highway to Swades पुस्तक के पहले अध्याय के बारे में बताया गया। इस अध्याय में हमारे भारत की सामाजिक, राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और सांस्कृतिक परिस्थितियों पर प्रकाश डाला गया है।

उस समय भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस (INC) के नेतृत्व में संयुक्त प्रगतिशील गठबंधन (UPA) की सरकार बन चुकी थी। अलग-अलग विचारधाराओं वाली कई पार्टियाँ एक साथ आकर इस सरकार का गठन कर चुकी थीं। लेखिका यह समझने की कोशिश कर रही थीं कि मार्क्सवादी वामपंथ की विचारधारा उस सरकार का हिस्सा कैसे थी, जिसका नेतृत्व भारत के प्रमुख बाजार समर्थक सुधारक और प्रधानमंत्री एवं अर्थशास्त्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह कर रहे थे।

अपने देश से गहरा प्रेम करने वाली एक युवा महिला के रूप में, लेखिका उस समय अपने देश में अनेक सामाजिक, राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और सांस्कृतिक विसंगतियों को देख रही थीं।

हरिद्वार से हमें लेकर चली बस अब ऋषिकेश के लक्ष्मण झूला पुल के पास से गुजर रही थी। लेखिका ने इससे पहले गंगा को केवल वाराणसी में देखा था। वहाँ गंगा शांत गति से बहती है और मुक्ति का द्वार प्रतीत होती है। लेकिन ऋषिकेश में, हिमालय में अपने उद्गम के अधिक निकट, वह ऊर्जा के एक प्रवाह की तरह बहती है और अपने संपर्क में आने वाली हर चीज़ को बदल देती है। मानसून के अंतिम दिनों में उसकी अलौकिक सुंदरता उसके प्रचंड वेग से मेल खाती है। उसका जल उमड़ता हुआ बह रहा था।
धन्यवाद।
अंशिका वर्मा, कक्षा 8

आज की कक्षा में Highway to Swades पुस्तक के पहले अध्याय ‘हमारे भारत’ के बारे में बताया गया। इस अध्याय के माध्यम से भारत की सामाजिक, राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और सांस्कृतिक परिस्थितियों को समझने का अवसर मिला। गंगा के विभिन्न रूपों का वर्णन बहुत सुंदर और प्रेरणादायक लगा। वाराणसी में गंगा शांत और मोक्षदायिनी दिखाई देती है, जबकि ऋषिकेश में वह तेज, ऊर्जावान और परिवर्तनकारी रूप में दिखाई देती है।

ऋषिकेश में गंगा की तेज धारा हमें यह संदेश देती है कि हमें भी जीवन में आने वाली चुनौतियों का सामना करते हुए निरंतर आगे बढ़ते रहना चाहिए।
धन्यवाद।
शिवांगी सिंह, कक्षा 7

The Courage to Be Ordinary — What I Learned

The most powerful lesson from The Courage to Be Ordinary is that we do not need to be extraordinary to be worthy.

• Stop proving. Start living.
• Stop comparing. Start becoming.
• Stop seeking approval. Start trusting yourself.
• Stop chasing perfection. Start embracing progress.

Being ordinary is not weakness; it is freedom from the pressure to be special. Growth should come from curiosity, not comparison. Your worth is not measured by applause, achievements, or recognition. A meaningful life is not necessarily a remarkable life in the eyes of others. True courage is having the confidence to be yourself without needing to outshine anyone. Peace begins when the race to prove your worth ends.

The deepest lesson:

You don’t have to stand above everyone to live a life that matters. Sometimes, the greatest strength is simply being comfortable in your own place, growing at your own pace, and finding meaning in an ordinary life.

Varsha Banerjee

Sunbeam School Lahartara

GSA Internships and Fellowships

Internships and Fellowships play a vital role in experiential learning and professional development. The initiatives outlined by the Good Schools Alliance show how real-life, hands-on experiences help individuals build the confidence, capabilities, and life skills needed to succeed beyond the classroom.

Comparative Chart: Internships vs. Fellowships

Feature	Internships	Fellowships
Primary Target Audience	Students and young learners (e.g., teaching, counselling, marketing).	Educators, teachers, or advanced practitioners.
Primary Goal	Skill acquisition, career exploration, and operational exposure.	Leadership development, deep thematic focus, and community impact.
Structure & Duration	Short-to-medium term; practical, hands-on execution.	Often cohort-based, reflective retreats, or extended commitments.
Core Outcome	Direct work experience, tactical skills, and workplace readiness.	Strategic leadership, reflective practices, and domain mastery.

Key Similarities

Despite differences in target audience and depth, internships and fellowships share fundamental educational principles:

1. Experiential Learning (“Learning by Doing “): Both go beyond theoretical textbooks to immerse participants in real-world scenarios.
2. Mentorship & Collaborative Spaces: Both foster environments where participants discuss, share reflections, and learn alongside peers and leaders.
3. Focus on Holistic Growth: Neither limits itself to simple task execution; both focus on building character, confidence, and critical thinking.
4. Community Engagement: Both contribute directly to community initiatives, school ecosystem development, and special projects.

Engaging Individuals with Real-Life Experience & Essential Skills

Based on frameworks promoted on SchoolEducation.com (such as the 3R, 4S, and 6C learning models), engaging individuals to empower them for work and life involves several strategies:

1. Implement the Core Learning Frameworks

• The 3Rs (Reading, Reflection, Relationship): Hold regular reflection sessions. Reflection transforms everyday activities into meaningful learning opportunities.
• The 4Ss (Service, Skill, Sport, Study): Maintain a balanced focus across practical work skills, physical well-being, continuous learning, and community service.
• The 6Cs (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Character, Curiosity): Design tasks that require individuals to work in teams, solve open-ended problems, and clearly articulate their ideas.

2. Assign Ownership and Real Responsibilities

Provide real-life responsibilities rather than administrative tasks. Let young people manage project portals, participate in counselling or teaching initiatives, or facilitate group discussions to build agency and leadership early on.

3. Establish Structured Reflection Spaces

Set up regular reflection forums (such as retreat-style discussions or group debriefs) where participants unpack what worked, what failed, and how they can adapt. Experiencing manageable challenges and reflecting on outcomes builds long-term resilience and emotional maturity.