Literature and meaningful lessons - Sunbeam School Lahartara

Sunbeam School Lahartara

“My Good School session with Brinda Ghosh on My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell was a rich and engaging example of how literature can bring together humour, observation, and meaningful life lessons. The episode of Larry inviting guests without planning highlights a familiar and relatable family conflict: his carefree, impractical attitude contrasts sharply with Mother’s sense of responsibility and concern. This dynamic not only adds humour to the narrative but also reflects how different personalities coexist and adapt within a family.” Samriddhi Banerjee

Read the wonderful reflections from Sunbeam School, Lahartara, where the students share their joy of reading the book My Family and Other Animals with Brinda Ghosh. Literature can bring together humour and lead us with meaningful lessons. 

My Good School 19th April 2026

PLEASE NOTE, FROM NEXT WEEK WE WILL HOST MY GOOD SCHOOL IN WEBINAR MODE AND THE RECORDING WILL BE SHARED ON YOUTUBE AS ALWAYS.

Sunday School for Reading and Reflection

To read and discuss two books, “My Family and Other Animals” and “Time Stops At Shamli (Hindi).”

Key Takeaways

• “My Family and Other Animals” Reading: The Durrell family moved to the “Daffodil Yellow Villa” to accommodate unexpected guests. Gerald’s observations of swallows and an oil beetle (Melloproscarabeus) highlight the book’s core theme of nature discovery.

• “Antim Sanskar” Reading: A boy processes his father’s death, feeling isolated from the adults. His unique coping mechanism—imagining becoming a flower to help new life grow—was praised for its maturity.

• My Good School Retreat: A recap of the Jaipur retreat showcased its focus on reflection and community building. All future My Good School sessions will be held in webinar mode to increase capacity and improve YouTube recording quality.

Topics

My Good School Retreat Recap

• Manisha Khanna shared photos and a video of the recent Jaipur retreat, which hosted 11 schools.

• Key Activities:

  • An art exhibit where participants turned line drawings into full artworks.

  • “Discovery of India” session based on a book about travelling across the country.

  • Talent night for student performances.

• Reflection Method: Participants used flip charts (“joy of learning diaries”) to document their experiences, prioritising human intelligence over electronic media.

• Resources: All retreat photos and flip charts will be posted on schooleducation.com.

Program Updates

• Webinar Mode: All future My Good School sessions will use webinar mode.

  • Rationale: To increase capacity, reduce interference, and improve recording quality for the My Good School YouTube channel.

• Program Overview: Sandeep Dutt reviewed the My Good School ecosystem.

  • Sunday: My Good School sessions.

  • Saturday: Teachers Academy & Youth Engaging Society (YES) master classes.

  • Retreats: Held twice annually (April & October).

  • Membership: Open to schools and individuals (via a small donation).

Book Reading: “My Family and Other Animals”

• Brinda read from Gerald Durrell’s memoir, set on Corfu Island, Greece.

• Plot Summary:

  • Larry’s unexpected invitation of 7–8 guests forced the family to move from the “Strawberry Pink Villa” to the larger “Daffodil Yellow Villa.”

  • The new villa was a decaying Venetian mansion with an overgrown garden.

  • The new maid, Lugresia, was a hypochondriac who constantly detailed her ailments, causing the family to avoid her.

  • The family was swept into a festival for Saint Spiridion, the island’s patron saint.

    • Ritual: Kissing the mummified saint’s feet.

    • Outcome: Margot kissed the feet and contracted influenza, while Gerald feigned it.

  • Gerald observed swallows nesting under the eaves, noting the distinct personalities of the male birds.

  • He found a flightless oil beetle (Melloproscarabeus) with shrunken wing cases.

    • Life Cycle: Its larvae prey on a specific bee species.

    • Significance: This discovery was identified by Gerald’s biologist mentor, Theodore, who visits weekly to help with specimens.

Book Reading: “Antim Sanskar” (The Last Rites)

• Manisha Khanna read a Hindi story by Ruskin Bond about a boy at his father’s funeral.

• Plot Summary:

  • The boy felt isolated from the adults, who were focused on their own grief and social etiquette.

  • He reflected on his father’s lessons about nature during their walks.

  • Coping Mechanism: He imagined that after death, he would become a flower, and a bird would carry his seeds to help new life grow.

  • Final Thought: He recalled his father’s words, “The strongest person is the one who stands alone,” as he walked home through the fog, feeling alone but determined.

Next Steps

• Manisha Khanna: Post Jaipur retreat photos and flip charts to schooleducation.com.

• My Good School Team: Transition all future sessions to webinar mode, starting next Sunday.

• Participants:

  • Use a notebook to record new vocabulary and concepts from the readings.

  • Join the next session in webinar mode.

The Power Of Reading

My Good School

To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of nature, friendship, and history.

Key Takeaways

• “My Family and Other Animals” (Gerald Durrell): Gerald’s plan to get food from shepherd Yanni during siesta backfires. Yanni, a deep sleeper, only wakes after Roger the dog’s barking accidentally sends a cat fleeing up a grapevine, making the trellis shake.

• “The Whistling School Boy” (Ruskin Bond): The story details Bond’s friendship with Umar at Bishop Cotton School, formed over shared experiences and a secret, satirical manuscript. Their Bond is tested by the 1947 Partition, which forces Umar to leave for Pakistan.

• Reading as Reflection: The session opened with a discussion on reading’s power to cultivate patience and reflection, citing Manisha’s blog on libraries and Brinda’s reference to Barbara Kingsolver on how reading shapes temperament.

• Next Week’s Special Session: Kartik Bajoria will lead a session on writing effective book reviews to help students share their reading and encourage others to read.

Topics

The Power of Reading

• The session began with a reading of Manisha’s blog post, “Championing Readers,” which reflected on students talking in the library rather than reading.

• The post questioned if reading has become a “leisure activity” and argued it requires patience, attention, and imagination.

• Brinda connected this to Barbara Kingsolver’s view that reading changes temperament and is a source of hope for humanity.

• Jugjiv Singh added that reading cultivates self-reflection, citing the example of Eichmann’s unthinking obedience during the Holocaust.

“My Family and Other Animals” (Gerald Durrell)

• Context: Brinda introduced the book about naturalist Gerald Durrell’s childhood on Corfu Island, Greece, providing background on his family and passion for animals.

• Plot: Gerald and his dog, Roger, are hungry after a swim. Gerald avoids Leonora’s house to escape her daughter’s health updates and Taki the fisherman’s siesta.

• The Plan: Gerald decides to visit the shepherd Yanni, a light sleeper who rests under a grapevine trellis. He instructs Roger to bark loudly to wake Yanni.

• The Outcome: The barking fails to wake Yanni. However, it startles a cat, which flees up the trellis, causing it to shake violently and finally waking the shepherd.

• Hospitality & Lore: Yanni offers Gerald food and wine. He then shares a local remedy: a scorpion steeped in olive oil to cure stings, and a cautionary tale about a shepherd who died from a scorpion bite in his ear.

“The Whistling School Boy” (Ruskin Bond)

• Context: Manisha Khanna read the story in Hindi, noting that it is autobiographical and provides a historical lens on the 1947 Partition.

• Friendship & Shared Experiences: Bond, a quiet boy, befriends Umar, another quiet student. Their Bond strengthens as they play hockey together (Bond as goalkeeper, Umar as fullback) and share a secret manuscript.

• The Manuscript: Bond writes a satirical manuscript about school life and teachers, with Umar as his first reader. It includes a poem mocking Mr Oliver.

• Discovery & Discipline: Housemaster Mr Fischer finds the manuscript under Bond’s mattress. Bond receives six cane strokes but becomes a temporary “hero” among his peers.

• The Partition’s Impact: Lord Mountbatten’s visit to Bishop Cotton School, where Bond’s father was an alumnus, is followed by the devastating 1947 Partition.

• Separation: The school announces that Muslim students must vacate the hostel and be escorted to the new border. Bond and Umar meet one last time in a tunnel, discussing their uncertain future before Umar leaves for Pakistan.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Submit reflections (write-ups, drawings, role-plays) on today’s stories for publication on the “Joy of Learning Diaries” website.

  • Prepare for next week’s session with Kartik Bajoria on writing book reviews.

• Students:

  • Keep notes on characters and vocabulary from “My Family and Other Animals” to aid recall.

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My Good School Sunday the 8th of Feb 2026

Jai Hind

I am really grateful for the opportunity to attend this session. It was not just a learning session but an experience that made me think deeply. The story discussed during the session was beautifully explained, and every part of it was simply connected to real life. The way the story moved from nature to human emotions made it very interesting and meaningful for me.

One part that I especially liked was how the speaker explained things using examples like jalapeños and grapes. Though they look similar, they are very different, and this comparison helped me understand how appearances can be misleading. This idea was closely connected to the story, in which observation, understanding, and the proper use of words play essential roles. It helped me realise how important it is to look beyond the surface.

All the essential words from the story were clearly discussed, which helped me understand their meanings in context rather than just memorising them. The story also taught me to be more sensitive towards nature, people and situations. It showed how small details can carry deep meaning and how learning can happen through curiosity and observation.

Overall, this session was very enriching and enjoyable. It helped me understand the story better and taught me life lessons in a gentle, practical way. I truly appreciated the effort put into making learning so interactive and thoughtful, and I would love to attend more such sessions in the future.

Aarinee Tripathi, Sunbeam School Mau

“Thank you for this feedback, Aarinee!”, Brinda Ghosh, coach and mentor at My Good School.

“It was quite refreshing being present at My Good School session this Sunday morning. Both the chapters from “My Family and Other Animals” & “What You’re Looking for in the Library” intrigued the listeners, and there were some fascinating responses from the audience. It was good to see both their excitement and the ability to reciprocate. More such Sundays awaited." Harshita Dalawat, host at My Good School.

Learning Empathy Through Animal Communication and Literature - Akanksha Rai

Today's session was meaningful and thought-provoking. The first part helped us understand how animals communicate through signs, body language, and expressions, allowing us to sense their feelings and emotions. We also learned that animals understand human behaviour and have souls like us, which taught us empathy and kindness towards them.

The second part included a Hindi reading from Ruskin Bond’s The Whistling Schoolboy. The opening lines showed how even our shadows share our sadness, making the story emotional and relatable. Overall, the session helped us become more sensitive, observant, and compassionate.

Akanksha Rai, 9C, Sunbeam School Ballia

Voices Beyond Words: Understanding Souls, Emotions, and Bonds Between Humans and Animals - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

I think communicating with animals depends on how long you have spent time with them. As animals don't know our language and we don't know their language, they still do some particular actions to tell us about a particular thing. We understand each other's emotions and what we are trying to say.

An animal's soul is not different from our soul. Their souls don't allow them to speak like us, but they feel the same, even though they have more powerful senses. Every living being has feelings on Earth. Animals are one of the important parts of the ecosystem. We all live together with almost the same feelings and emotions, and live just like a society.

Khyati Madeshia, 9th E

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Everything in the world that is natural has its own way to express emotions and feelings. Humans express through words and actions, and so do animals. They produce some sound or radiate some energy to another, or they perform certain acts to other mates. Personally, I've never had a good experience with animals, but I've heard my mother talk about them. When she was a kid, her grandmother used to have a cow and it had a baby calf. My mother, along with her siblings and cousins, used to play with the calf, and it also enjoyed as much as my mother did.

Deepanshi Maurya, 9th F

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Souls are those feelings and energy existing in a living body which urge it to be free from the chakra of life. Souls may have different characters but have the same aims. Animals are one of us, created by God, but were not provided speech, which made a big difference between us humans and animals. These animals are innocent and want human support despite harassment and cruelty. Animals also have sympathy and empathy just as humans, but a lot of humans use them as a key to money. Some make them pets, and some pathetically enjoy harassing them. We humans are special; we should help them instead of using them.

Rishima Rastogi, 9th J

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Everyone has a soul. Animals, birds, and human beings have feelings and emotions. People say a soul never dies; it only changes from one body to different living beings.

Animals have feelings and emotions. When we have a pet, it sometimes becomes attached to us. They start feeling safe and comfortable with us.

Amie SriRam, 9th B

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Today's session was led by Manisha Mam, who told us about "The Whistling Schoolboy" by Rustin Bond.

How do animals communicate with humans?

Animals and humans connect or communicate with each other through bonds, for example: when we are coming from the office to home or from school, the dog starts jumping or running towards us because of a relationship built over one year.

The story of The Whistling Schoolboy was mysterious and suspenseful, and people think about who that boy was who was whistling and why.

Ezra Minsen Matthew, 7 G

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Today's session with Manisha Mam was a blend of fun and learning. We read a story, The Inner Life of Animals, which changed my whole thinking about the soul. Everybody possesses a soul and feelings—humans, animals, and birds. Souls change from one body to another. Animals also have feelings; we should make them friends and make them our pets, care for them instead of embarrassing them.

Darshi Baranwal, 9 G

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Today's session was special. It made me realise that everyone might have different perceptions of viewing the world, but after all, we are living beings who breathe the same air and share the Earth, and ironically, we will all meet the same end called death. Today, I got to know that the soul may not be defined, and interestingly, its perception may vary from one person to another, but the common ideology we share is that the soul is the very essence of life. It is not static and keeps moving from one body to another, whether a human being or any living entity, connecting the universe and rejuvenating the cycle of life.

To conclude, I argue that we should treat everyone with all the kindness we have because we never know how it will come back to us in some form and will make our and others' day happy too. Hence, humans and animals sustain life, and that is why we have an existing idea called the ecosystem.

Snigdha Singh, 9 H

Sunday Reading Session and YES Workshop - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Today, we learnt about the foundations of effective communication in the YES workshop by Kartik Sir. I learnt about the importance of maintaining humility and sensitivity to become a better speaker. Other than this, being alert to factors like positive body language, eye contact, and smiling makes us connect better with our audience.

Then, in the chapter Artificial Environment, we learnt how urban spaces can actually contribute to preserving animals, especially the endangered ones. I learnt about agrarian deserts, which changed my idea about deserts being arid regions and lacking trees.

Shristi Prasad

VII

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

In today's YES workshop by Karthik Sir, we got to learn about the importance of maintaining communication skills. We also learnt about the various essentials of communication, like sensitivity, humility, and sounding compelling enough to ensure effective, positive communication. If one maintains eye contact, body language, appropriate hand gestures, and a smile on one’s face, along with being aware of the content one is speaking, one will engage the crowd better. To become a better public speaker, besides understanding one’s crowd or audience, one needs to develop these qualities in oneself.

In the chapter Artificial Environment, Brinda Ma’am read out the disadvantages and advantages of artificial environments that affect animals. Besides talking about pet houses, cages, and zoos, we also learnt about deserts like agrarian deserts that have thousands of plants and house several animals, making us call them animal farms.

We also learnt about the role of animals in human activities like farms for grazing and logging. Sometimes animals are not happy because no one asks them whether they wish to work or not, so we as humans should not lose our humanity while forcing animals to work for us.

Gauri Agrawal

VIII

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

In a world where AI is taking the lead in guiding the generation on how to present themselves suitably—be it an office presentation, a simple debate, or a speech delivery at the morning assembly—genuine human communication is suffering a setback. Humans are failing to communicate their emotions to each other through words. Wasn't verbal communication a primitive method among humans? So why are we failing today?

We had Kartik Sir in the Sunday YES session with us to tell the generation the basic pointers for effective communication—things like sensitivity, humility, being astute, sounding compelling enough, and such that one remembers our words and understands us.

Today's generation is indeed very sensitive. So, to convey our thoughts without hurting anyone's emotions is a big deal. Social media is a boon and a bane that way. Chatbots are there to emotionally sustain us as well as destroy us. Therefore, it is indeed very important to ensure that we are becoming better at communicating so that we have less dependency on AI for communication.

Lavanya Jaiswal

VIII F
Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

An Enriching Session on Unity and Learning - Sunbeam School, Ballia

Today’s session was truly inspiring and informative. In the first session with Amardeep Sir, we learned about the teachings of Guru Nanak and gained insight into his travels across various regions, including Makkah, Madina, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tibet, and India, as he explored the true meaning of life and religion.

The second session was a fascinating discussion with Brinda Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir, where we read excerpts from The Inner Life of Animals. We delved into the world of animals, exploring their desires and emotions towards humans. The session was both encouraging and thought-provoking, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A heartfelt thank you to the organisers for an engaging and enriching experience.

– Ifra Wahid, IX F

In today’s session, we had the great personality, Mr. Amardeep Singh Sir with us. His best quality is that he does not believe in any kind of discrimination in religion. He told us about the Islamic religion and the story of Mecca and Madina. Then, he showed us a video about all religions in India. He also shared an important moral – the compassion of a mosque. Sir very patiently answered the questions of the students.

After some time, one more teacher, Mrs. Brinda Ghosh Ma’am, entered the class. She read a story titled The Inner Life of Animals and later asked us questions related to the story.

This session was truly one of the best sessions!

– Talat Bano
Class V C

Lessons from Animals and Life - Sunbeam Suncity School

Sunday School by My Good School turned out to be an enlightening session. Today, we explored the inner life of animals, realising that just like humans, animals too need care and compassion to survive. They are not naturally harmful; rather, it is often our mistreatment that makes them appear dangerous. We also learned about the behavioural patterns of animals and how these connect with human behaviour in many ways.

—Atharv Singh Chauhan

Animals, like wild boars crossing rivers to escape hunters, show how fear can drive intelligent behaviour for survival. Similarly, in human life, fear can act as both a warning signal and a motivator to adapt wisely to challenges.

—Yuvraj Singh

Today's discussion on goals, skills, passion, discipline, and perseverance highlights that success is never accidental—it is the result of clear direction, consistent effort, and the right mindset. Just like animals rely on instinct and practice, humans thrive when preparation meets persistence.

—Rishi Agrawal

Today, we learnt about the importance of addressing individuals correctly, along with the evolving nature of titles, reminding us that respect and acknowledgement shape relationships. Just as behaviour defines animals and humans alike, our words and manners define how we are perceived in society.

—Rishabh Singh

Animals often mirror their surroundings—gentle when nurtured, hostile when threatened. Humans, too, react to their environment; a supportive setting brings out positivity, while a toxic one can create negativity. This highlights the deep link between behaviour and environment.

—Shishir Verma

Storytelling that Brings Nature Alive - Sunbeam School Ballia

In the first part of the session, we read a story about the inner life of animals. The story was truly confronting—the life of animals, how they feel, what problems they face. This story also tells you about a place where animals stay freely without any danger. And in the second part, Manisha ma'am read the story of Lakshya and also told us about what things are required in the path of your success. The story tells about why there is a need for ambition.

And my favourite part was the question-and-answer session where Jugjiv sir answered all questions in a very understandable way. At the beginning, I also got a suggestion for making my reading better.

SAVITA SINGH

IX- D

Today’s My Good School session left me with many thoughts to carry forward. The first book, Inner Life of Animals, read with Ms. Brinda Ghosh, opened my eyes to the depth of emotions animals experience. It was touching to realise that they too have feelings and connections, reminding me that empathy must extend beyond just people—it should include every living being.

The second book, क्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है, shared by Ms. Manisha Khanna, made me reflect on how we prepare children for life. It was a gentle reminder that education is not only about marks or subjects but also about giving children the strength and courage to face real-world challenges with confidence.

Both readings beautifully connected—the first teaching us compassion, the second resilience. Together, they showed that true learning is about shaping both the heart and the mind. Each Sunday at My Good School feels like a step toward becoming better versions of ourselves.

By Pranjal Rai
IX- D

Today’s session was truly eye-opening and deeply enriching. We began by exploring Peter Wohlleben’s The Inner Life of Animals, where scientific facts unfolded like gentle forest fables. His storytelling revealed the emotions and hidden struggles of creatures like squirrels, ravens, and horses—transforming them from mere animals into beings with inner lives that deserve empathy and respect. It made me more aware of the challenges animals face and the importance of creating safe spaces where they can live peacefully alongside us.

Adding to this, Manisha Ma’am shared the inspiring story of Lakshya, centred on ambition and determination. It beautifully highlighted how clarity of goals and a strong mindset can shape success. This narrative not only encouraged me to reflect on my own ambitions but also reminded me of the value of perseverance in everyday life.

What truly elevated the session was the engaging way our mentor connected these stories with larger life lessons. The discussions showed me how storytelling has the power to reshape our perspectives—whether about the natural world or about personal growth.

Overall, the session left me inspired, motivated for self-reflection, and equipped with practical ideas to grow both as a learner and as a person.

Aayush Kumar Singh
X-A

Today’s session was truly eye-opening. In the first part, we explored a story about animals that revealed their hidden struggles and emotions. It made me more aware of the challenges they face and the importance of creating safe spaces where they can live peacefully.

Manisha Ma’am then shared the story of Lakshya, which focused on ambition and determination. It taught me that having clear goals and the right mindset is essential for success, and it made me reflect on how I can apply these lessons in my own life.

Overall, the session inspired me, encouraged self-reflection, and gave me practical ideas to grow both as a learner and as a person.

Astha Mishra
IX-D

At today’s Good School Alliance Reading Session, I attended the discussion on The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben. I really liked how the storytelling made scientific facts feel like little stories, almost like fables of the forest. Animals were shown not just as creatures but as beings with emotions—squirrels, ravens, and even horses felt alive in a new way through his words.

Our mentor’s responses during the session made the discussion even more engaging and helped me realise how storytelling can completely change the way we look at the natural world.

Janvi Singh
IX-F

Today, I learned that achieving success requires a clear aim, skill development, and hard work. Breaking down goals into smaller parts helps maintain momentum, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial. By staying focused and committed, I can make steady progress towards my objectives. This reflection reminds me to work diligently and maintain a growth mindset to achieve my goals. 

Ifra Wahid 
IX F

Lessons of Compassion and Purpose - Neha Srivastava

As part of the regular Sunday Reading Session, I had the privilege of listening to two inspiring readings—The Inner Life of Animals and Lakshya—presented by Ms Brinda Ghosh and Ms. Manisha Khanna, with enriching insights shared by Mr. Jugjiv Singh. The first reading beautifully highlighted the emotions and silent language of animals, reminding us to extend compassion not only to human beings but to every living creature. The second, Lakshya, emphasised the importance of motivation and the significance of setting clear goals in life. Mr. Singh’s reflections added depth to the discussion, making it even more relatable and impactful.

As a teacher, I found the session especially meaningful. It reminded me of my responsibility to instil empathy, kindness, and purpose in my students. Such sessions not only touch the heart but also shape the mind, leaving behind lessons that inspire us to live with greater sensitivity and determination.

Ms. Neha Srivastava

Educator

Sunbeam School Ballia

Meet and Greet with Kartik Bajoria

https://www.youtube.com/KartikBajoria

Play on YouTube

My Good School, 16th June 2025

Karthik's Passion and Mental Wellness

The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about last week's activities. Karthik, a guest speaker, was introduced and shared his background, including his work in advertising, film, and television, as well as his transition to teaching and his mental wellness initiative, Driveway Devi. The group watched a TED Talk by Karthik from 2016, which discussed finding one's passion and following it. The session concluded with plans to engage in a Q&A session after the talk.

Embracing Uniqueness and True Passions

Kartik shared three pivotal moments in his life where he learned to embrace his uniqueness and passions. At boarding school, he initially felt out of place but found his true self through music, winning a competition and gaining the acceptance of his peers. He later realised his mismatch with a business-focused college course and switched to English honours, finding fulfilment in writing. Despite a successful career in media, he ultimately discovered his true calling in teaching and writing, moving back to Jaipur to pursue these passions.

Embracing Passions and Unique Paths

Jugjiv discussed the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and passions to lead a fulfilling life, urging others to acknowledge and take pride in their natural leanings. Kartik shared insights on pursuing passions despite parental concerns, highlighting the changing landscape of careers and the role of technology in democratising talent exposure. He advised seeking unbiased feedback and maintaining realistic expectations about one's goals. Rishona asked questions about the perception of stress among younger generations and how to cope with the fear of change, to which Kartik responded, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and resilience.

Developing Resilience and Discernment

Kartik discussed the importance of developing a thick skin. He shared personal experiences of being judged for his music choices, emphasising the need to be aware of one's tendency to be overbearing when offering support to someone experiencing mental health challenges. He advised tailoring the approach based on the individual's personality. Kartik also explained the difference between judgment and opinion, and highlighted the importance of discerning between normal sadness and depression by considering factors such as duration and intensity of symptoms.

Balancing Work and Smart Work

Kartik discussed the importance of combining hard work and smart thinking in today's world, using examples from his teaching experience. He explained how he initially encouraged students to use the internet for research but later banned devices due to the over-reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, which he felt was not promoting genuine intellectual effort. Kartik emphasised the need for students to use technology wisely, combining it with their own critical thinking and personal insights. The session concluded with Kartik sharing tips on overcoming stage fright, such as knowing one's material well and taking a moment to centre oneself before speaking.

Animal Learning and Behaviour Insights

Brinda led a reading session on animal upbringing, sharing insights from "The Inner Life of Animals" about how animals, like humans, learn and adapt to their environments. She discussed her experience with a small herd of goats, highlighting how their behaviour improved after they had kids and learned from their mothers. Brinda also explained how insects, mice, and larger mammals, such as wolves and deer, learn survival skills from their elders, challenging the notion that animal behaviour is purely instinctive.

Animal Education vs Human Schooling

The discussion focused on comparing animal education and human schooling, with Brinda explaining that while animals don't attend formal schools, they are trained by their parents through natural instincts and discipline. The class discussed how animals, particularly mammals and birds, prepare their young for independence, with Brinda sharing personal experiences about goat rearing and how mothers gradually wean their offspring. The conversation concluded with Brinda suggesting that the class read Gerald Durrell's books for further insights into animal behaviour, particularly regarding how animals handle the transition of young ones leaving their parents.

Bees and Fawn Life Stories

Brinda discussed the life cycle of bees, focusing on the role of drones and the process of removing them from the hive as winter approaches. She also shared a story about a fawn that was mistakenly taken in by humans, highlighting the different ways mother love can be expressed among mammals and the potential dangers faced by fawns in modern times.

European Wildcat Conservation Discussion

Brinda discussed the European wildcat, highlighting its conservation success and distinguishing features, noting that positive identification requires genetic testing. She explained that while wildcats and domestic cats can interbreed, wildcats are generally more aggressive and unsuitable for domestication, leading to a discussion about the challenges of keeping wild animals as pets. The session concluded with Manisha requesting participants to share reflections about their pets and maintain respect for speakers in future sessions.

Next steps

• Students: Practice staying muted during online sessions and raising hands before speaking
• Students: Share pictures and stories about their pets and observations of pet behaviour before the next Sunday session
• Manisha: Publish shared pet pictures and stories from students
• Students: Submit reflections on the session through writing, doodling, or other creative ways
• Brinda: Prepare Gerald Durrell's "My Family and Other Animals" for future reading sessions

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