Appreciation - Nishan Karki

 "When you don't come from struggle, gaining appreciation is a difficult quality." ― Shania Twain.

Appreciation means expressing our gratitude to others or praising, admiring and complimenting others. We appreciate people by saying phrases such as You have a friendly personality, you are very respectful, etc. Appreciation is one of the great values which we possess. Appreciating others also shows our respect for them. We take and give Appreciation to many people such as our parents, teachers, elders, juniors, seniors, relatives, youngers, neighbours, etc. If we appreciate people positively, we, in return, will also get a positive response like thank you. We will get adverse reactions if we disrespect or say wrong about people. It means that Appreciation is one of our positive values.

At Pestalozzi, we all respect and appreciate every staff including Cheme Ma'am, office staff, housemothers, cooks, drivers, guards, cleaners, and our friends. We understand the work which they are doing for us. Pestalozzi provides us with every best thing possible such as education, food, clothes, entertainment, etc. Its main motive is to provide us with good education to improve our future. Pestalozzi encourages, helps and supports us to exceed our potential. It prepares us to face the world, its challenges and difficulties. Pestalozzi doing all these things for us, deserve respect and appreciation for their work.

Nishan Karki
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Appreciation - Tenzin Jambey

Image courtesy Pestalozzi World website.

Regarding appreciation, the image of people clapping for you and words like thanks and thank you come into our minds. Almost every people appreciate others by saying thanks and thank you. Some people think that only getting the word of thanks from others is an application, but I don't think about it that way.

Regarding my application work, I have done numerous good jobs. Whenever I do any good job or something, I first appreciate myself because it doesn't bring me any sadness or down feeling because of not being appreciated for my good work by someone; we should be the first to enjoy ourselves if we do any kind of work. Doing an excellent job in the presence of someone can be seen, and others might praise you for that, but being yourself without anyone's presence is a different thing; at that moment, there is no one to clap for you, and that's the moment when we should pat on our back for doing a good job. We should be good and kind to all humans, but what about plants and animals? They, too, have the right to live a long peaceful life. Humans are taking so much from nature and animals; in return, we are doing nothing helpful but destroying, killing and taking their life.

We should be kind to the plants and all the animals around us; in the hostel, I have planted varieties of flowers and plants since I am so attached to nature and the environment, and sometimes I water them in the evening. When I see that the soil level is unequal, I add soil and organic fertilizer like cow dung and decomposed vegetable peals. After returning from my vacation, I found that the plants had dried, and some had even died. I felt sad about that as I cared for them with my heart, I watered them, and the next day I saw them growing again, which thrilled me. No one appreciated me, as none saw me doing that, but when I appreciated myself, I heard the soundless appreciation of my plants and flowers. As the wind blew, they began to move, and I imagined they were dancing and singing with joy because I had watered them after so long.

We must come out of the mindset that being only kind to a human does not bring us appreciation, we must equally respect our mother earth and all the components of nature like air, water, land, soil, fire and even the dumb stones that stays in a fixed position and says nothing but we use it for many purposes.

Tenzin Jambey
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Appreciation - Aria Gupta

Appreciation is a life skill. Most people say that you should appreciate others, and that is true, but you should also appreciate yourself. If you never show gratitude for anything, you might think your life is the worst when it might be the best, which can bring a lot of pessimism and negativity to you. On the other hand, If you are grateful for everything you have, you think that you are lucky, which can bring optimism and positivity.

On my first day of school after summer vacations, my bag weighed like it was a massive boulder. Our teacher spent the class not studying but making sure that everyone's bags were light. I cannot thank her enough. It might seem small, but it made a huge impact on me, who used to struggle everyday just carrying her bag. 

I also think there is a specific group of people we need to appreciate, celebrities. They work all day, whether they are singers or actors. Most of them are also forced to eat once a day to maintain their body and make the public satisfied! On top of that, they also have to deal with rumours, dating scandals and judgments from many haters. They’ll probably say things such as ‘She’s so self-centred’ if she asks someone to stop taking photos of her. It’s like the public is in control of their lives, yet they still do their work just for us to be entertained. They definitely deserve respect for that.

Aria Gupta

Grade VI 

Gyanshree school

Human Quality: Humility - Rishona Chopra

Despite living in a world of widespread competition and arrogance, whenever you come across a humble person, have you said – "What a humble person, it was lovely meeting him." Have you experienced how even a little humility goes a long way in giving love and joy to others? Our success may not please someone, but our humility has a universal appeal. 

We all want to be humble and modest, but sometimes, ego seems to take over, and we end up feeling prideful. The simplest way to check is - When we are humble, we are in the giving mode, radiating our love and purity to others. When there is ego, we shift to the asking way where we want to love and respect. And then we start radiating rejection, anger or hurt. If we are not aware of it, there is a possibility that our ego will surface. Remain calm and stable whether you receive appreciation or criticism. Expectations, competition and comparison, will slowly finish. Every time you act with humility, your ego gets defeated.

There is always someone greater than us, someone better. Often we end up in the trap of jealousy rather than appreciating the person. Appreciation for others shows your modesty and humbleness. Instead of thinking about ourselves, we understand other person's efforts. Values like cooperation and respect come in when we have the base of humility ready.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Thank You My Gurus - Gaurangi Rastogi

This story is about my life which took me on a new path of achievement…. 

Date-1st  April 2017 

The day is crucial for me because I joined my school this year. This year was so topsy-turvy as it is difficult to settle without parents. 

Life took off like a rocket from that year. My first achievement was to win a merit position in elocutions, quizzes, and co-curricular activities. I never won a single prize at my school in my hometown. Soon after, I met some very good people in my life who gave a kickstart to a better version of myself; guess who they are? They were Sandeep Sir, Sumali Mam, and Abhikshit Sir. Let me tell you why they are my most prominent gurus who gave me a chance to know myself a little more. 

• Sandeep, Sir- He gave me the motivation to work, understand my capabilities, and gave me back my immense passion for Books which I lost for a few years because of a few people who used to tease me and made me so upset that for weeks I started questioning myself that “What is wrong if you focus only on your academics,co-curricular activities or any field?” A big shout out to Sir, saying 

         Thank You, Sir, for the opportunity to help me learn the skill of writing! 

• Sumali Ma’am- Ma’am, you always gave me opportunities to polish my skills which I  never realized. You helped me to understand the language of Shakespeare. In the competition, I didn’t win anything, but you gave me the prize I craved for the feedback on my performance. 

• Abhikshit Sir- He is the physics teacher in our class. My classmates and I were stressed about the physics exam because we didn’t understand the numerical when Sir called us during our prep and made us understand everything. He always had my back whenever I was under stress or under too much pressure. Thank you, Sir. 

These teachers were my back for all these years full of learning, friendship, trust, and integrity…

A Big Shout to all of you   

              

                           Thank You For Becoming my support system…

Gaurangi Rastogi, 

Grade 7, 

The Doon Girl’s School

Totto-chan and Us - Anvesha Rana

School, a place to learn and grow, a garden to walk and stroll and land to meet and greet. We go to School every day, but what does School mean? School comes from the Greek word skholē which means leisure. In ancient times, labour was challenging, so going to School was fun since children could simply meet their friends, ponder on diverse topics and completely unwind when from School. The School was meant to be a place for fun and learning. I go to School to learn new things and meet my friends and teachers. Going to School is fun because I get to do a lot of extra activities like sports, dance, music, theatre and art. I even learn some of my favourite subjects, like English or science. But the best part is that when I return home from School, my sister and I get to exchange all our learnings for the day. Discussing School with my parents is also something that I love. Mr.Kobayashi, the headmaster at Tomoe Gakuen had a right hand man as Mr.Maruyama. A Right-hand man is someone who supports and helps us in all our tasks. The children could often associate the smell of incense sticks with Mr Maruyama since he was the one who introduced them to the Rehei Amanoya. Similarly, a scent that I sense is of a ball of yarn. Whenever I see wool or a ball of yarn, I remember my Grandmother. She sat on her rocking chair and would continue to sew woollen sweaters for all of us. That image is still strong in my mind; whenever I recall it, it always fills me with nostalgia. Totto-Chan was called Korean by a boy Masow-Chan, but she couldn’t understand it until her mother explained this. It is true that behind every unique child is an even more radiant mother. We all love Totto-chan, but it’s only because of her mother that she is so curious yet so calm, mischievous and yet so sublime. Totto-chan’s mother has inculcated every possible value in the young girl. Be it equality, love, patience, humility, appreciation or compassion, perhaps Totto-chan has it all! We all should be a little more like her; we all should learn to master our two hawks, our two bears, our two rabbits, our stubborn donkey and the most vicious snake. Let us flow with this rivulet of love!

Anvesha Rana, Grade 10-B, Gyanshree School.

The 22 Values - Rishona Chopra

Joy Of Learning (JOL) is based on The Little Book of Values: Educating Children to Become Thinking, Responsible and Caring Citizens. Learning happens through these values.

The future of education will be built on these values alone: 

Appreciation, Caring, Cooperation, Courage, Freedom, Friendship, Happiness, Honesty, Hope, Humility, Love, Patience, Peace, Quality, Respect, Responsibility, Simplicity, Thoughtfulness, Tolerance, Trust, Understanding & Unity.

These values make up our life. We don't have to do anything significant to master these. Just opening a door for someone, bringing a smile to someone's face, making friends with someone, trusting someone, understanding someone, and other little acts can do it all.

Why don't we promise ourselves that we will try our best to inculcate these values?

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VI 
Gyanshree School

Appreciation - Rehan Raza

Praising anybody for their task can increase the confidence of the receiver. The word “Appreciation” looks smaller from the outside, but it can help achieve anything if used properly. This word is the most powerful word for motivating someone. If someone gets appreciated for a specific task, then that person always gives the best in everything.

This word is motivational, carries a vast power inside and can turn negative thoughts into positive ones. This is the magic of appreciation. Many people know how to make use of this word while others recognize its depth and meaning. If this word is used for a person, they can carry out any problematic task with low input energy. Many organizations and multinational companies are known for their culture of appreciation. This is the main reason behind the happiness of their employees. If there is a difficult task ahead and a team is unfamiliar with how to carry out that task, the team leader or manager tries to appreciate members or members for their previous task. This can increase the inner power of that member.

Appreciating someone’s efforts is not an act that makes you feel shy, but it’s an act that proves your character. This act shows that you are living down to earth. Therefore it is necessary to appreciate a person whenever possible. It is an excellent way to make things easier and simpler.

Rehan Raza 

Class XII

The Fabindia School

Appreciation - Khush Rajpurohit

How often have you stopped to smell the roses? The saying refers to living in the present and is not all about smelling the roses next to you on the table?

It is essential that we each appreciate the current moment and even list things we are thankful for. Of course, you could question why but the fact remains that most of us have this tendency to take our loved ones, including our current circumstances, for granted. The one lesson that none of us ever seem to learn until too late is that nothing is permanent in life. Our loved ones, from our parents, grandparents, teachers, and siblings, will not always be around to help us out in our time of need.

This is why it is essential to appreciate all the big and small things in our lives; after all, showing our appreciation to the ones we love only validates that emotion and should help strengthen it further. It is the little things that matter a lot, so you just need to take a moment to sit down, do some introspection, write a list of all the things you are thankful for and start showing your appreciation for the same. Moreover, appreciating the finer things in your life should serve to highlight the fact that you are indeed lucky in more ways than one. You could tell your mother how lucky you are that she is still around and tell her that you love her. That should definitely make her day. 

Appreciation is all about appreciating the people around you, and your very act of expressing affection should serve to validate your relationship and take it to a whole new level.

Doing so should start a cascading motion as you become more of an optimist. When expressing your appreciation to your loved one, keep it short and natural; all that your loved one wants to hear is what you feel deep in your heart. The value of direct appreciative action can go a long way in cementing any relationship, even one that is fraught with all the usual fights and hostilities. Just remember to keep the message direct, to the point; no one wants to hear a long-winded appreciation message so keep it short. And even get them a few things just to show your appreciation, and remember that all they want to know is what is deep inside your heart.

Khush Rajpurohit 

Class XII

The Fabindia School

Appreciation - Himanshi Rajpurohit

Appreciation means recognizing someone's good qualities. If you can acknowledge someone's good qualities, then you should appreciate them for that. Now you would think about it that appreciating anyone does not matter that much. But it's totally wrong because all those trying new things need your admiration the most. If we give value to their thoughts, then more desire will increase in their mind towards that work. For example, as I am making sketches, painting, portraits, etc. I am getting so much praise and appreciation from people, and that's why it encourages me to perform much better. I would like to share a poem composed by me to thank all those who appreciated me.

Thanks to those who hated me, 

You made me stronger.

Thanks to those who loved me,

You made me go further.

Thanks to those who stayed with me,

You showed me true friendship.

Thanks to those who encouraged me,

You made me feel like I was worth it.

Himanshi Rajpurohit

Class IX A

The Fabindia School

Illustration - The Little Book Of Values, our much-loved book.

Appreciation - Darshil Sunil More

Name - Darshil Sunil More
Billabong High International School Thane
Grade - 5 A

Appreciation - Unnatti Jamdar

When I was a small kid, I always wanted to win a race. 

My parents knew that as well, but I never received the opportunity but.

One day, I won the race, and it was a proud feeling for my teachers, me, and my parents. I will never forget the appreciation that I received.

Name - Unnatti Jamdar

Grade - 5A

Billabong High International School Thane

Appreciation - Saanvi Deshmukh

Name - Saanvi Deshmukh

Grade - 3A

Billabong High International School Thane

Appreciation - Neeil Patil

Name - Neeil Patil

Grade - 5A

Billabong High International School Thane

 

Appreciation - Anisha Gaitonde

Everyone needs a bit of appreciation at some point in time. It’s a part of being Human. Showing appreciation just takes a few words – ‘great going’, ‘good show’, ‘well done, but its value is far more than that. A small piece of appreciation motivates us to be better than we are. 

Thankfully, there have been incidents in my life (just like all of you) where I was appreciated, and it made me feel good and, more importantly, motivated me to do better next time.

My first award was a bronze medal in Sports Day function 2015 when I was in Jr. Kg. That was the first time I stood so close to our school Principal, and it was beyond my most fantastic dreams – such an honour 🤩! Even if it was a bronze medal, this small appreciation helped me develop a mindset to participate in extra-curricular activities in later years, whether SpellBee, Neltas, Logiqids or Drawing and Handwriting competitions. 

My next memorable moment came when I passed the First level of Kathak dance, which I had been practising for almost 6 months. It just underlines that nothing is impossible if you have the right motivation – our teacher used to appreciate our small efforts every week. It resulted in a collective jump in my performance.

My teachers and family have been very encouraging and supportive to me (even though sometimes there are times when too many competitions come at the same time 😢). Some of the initiatives by my school where they appreciate and celebrate small successes of students in their monthly newsletters really keep us motivated to do much more – in school and in life!

Anisha Gaitonde 
Grade: 5 Division: B
Billabong High International School, Thane

Appreciation - Varad Sadvilkar

All of us have been appreciated at some point. I can recollect being appreciated by my class teacher as the “Student of the month” for having completed all my classwork in spite of a fractured left hand.

Similarly, pre-primary graduation day, science project presentation, class paintings, annual day performances, etc. have all been appreciated. 

Participating in much loved sports such as Skating and Swimming have also been rewarding. Most of all, appreciation from my parents has always encouraged me to take up newer challenges and perform at my very best. 

Varad Sadvilkar 

Grade - 5A  

Billabong High International School Thane

Appreciation - Aaditri Bhise

Appreciation

We want to be appreciated for what we are, what we do and what we achieve.

Aaditri Bhise
Grade - 5 A

Billabong High International School Thane

The Joy of Appreciation - Aashay Nimish Gaitonde

It always feels great to be appreciated. It is a beautiful feeling when people around you encourage you for the different things you do in life, both big and small. Appreciation motivates you to try harder in whatever you do and be a better version of yourself.

I would like to share a couple of incidents recently that I remember when I was received praise and appreciation.

Winning an inter-school roller-skating race

I once participated in an inter-school roller skating event where I came second in the Finals. I won a trophy & my parents were elated. I have been skating since I was six years old, so it was a wonderful moment. They hugged me and rewarded me by taking me to a “Marvel Studio” to visit my favourite comic superheroes and their film set. Here are some of the pictures taken -

Even today, my mom & dad always take time out to drop me at skating class every day & this motivates me to keep practising and being a better skater day by day! 

Securing the First rank in the NELTAS examination

The second incident was when I came first across all schools in India & UAE in a competitive exam for English language (NELTAS). I have been giving this exam for four years & this was the first time I ranked first in the Grand Finale.

I was thrilled when the results came out but was happier when everyone in my family & my teachers appreciated me. They have supported me through thick & thin; hence their applause was all the more special for me.

There are many such times when I have been complimented & supported by my family and friends, even when I have failed. It’s only when you receive such tremendous support that you feel that you can excel in anything you put your mind to!

Aashay Nimish Gaitonde

Grade : 5 Division: A Billabong High International School, Thane

Appreciation - Asmi Patankar

 

Appreciation

I quite vividly remember the first time I needed some appreciation. Many years ago, when I was in Playgroup, I heard my teachers say that I could not scribble properly like the other children in my class. Later, when I came home, I told my father all about what I heard. He said, "Asmi, I know you tried your best. Now, please show me your drawing."

 After I showed him, he replied, "But these are beautiful! You can really improve once you are older."

And honestly, with the help of my art teachers, now I can draw much better than anyone could have expected from a girl who once could not even scribble! I am sure that this could not have happened without my father appreciating me or without the support of my art teachers.

Asmi Patankar

Grade 5

Billabong High International School, Thane

Appreciation - Luke Daniel

An appreciation from my teacher made my day!

Hello everyone! I am Luke Daniel from Grade 3C from Billabong High International School Thane. I would like to share my experience on appreciation with you all. My Hindi tuition teacher appreciated me because I got the first rank in Neltas International Exam. She was kind and said getting medals at such young age is remarkable and you should get more prizes and awards and study well.

That made my day! I felt happy, and I am thankful to my teacher for appreciating me.

Thank you,

Luke Daniel
Grade 3 C
Billabong High International School Thane