Showing posts with label cinnamon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cinnamon. Show all posts

Friday 13 September 2024

Krishna and Karna - Doon Girls’ School

The chapter reveals the contrast between Krishna’s divine wisdom and Karna’s complex, often misunderstood nature. Krishna, who symbolizes righteousness and strategic insight, offers guidance and philosophical reflections. Karna, on the other hand, embodies the tragic hero with a deep sense of honor and loyalty but is entangled in personal and moral dilemmas.

Through their interaction, the chapter explores themes of fate, destiny, and the nature of true justice. It highlights how Krishna’s teachings challenge Karna’s choices, shedding light on the deeper moral questions faced by both characters. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in the story, providing insight into the characters’ inner conflicts and advancing the philosophical undertones of the book.
                                                                                                                                                    Aadya
Grade 9th

In the chapter ‘Krishna and Karna,’ Kiran Desai delves deeply into issues like identity, fate, and the consequences of moral decisions in her book My Name is Cinnamon. The chapter explains how the mythological tales of Krishna and Karna from the Mahabharata still have an impact on people’s lives today by intricately weaving them into the contemporary setting of the book. The two main characters in the book are the tragic hero Karna and the divine advisor Krishna. 

The Historical and mythological figures provide insights into the struggles and dilemmas that individuals face on a personal level. The purpose of this analysis of such personalities is only to show how Traditional knowledge can help us better comprehend modern human experience, especially when it comes to personal experience. The chapter elucidates how the mythological stories of Krishna and Karna from the Mahabharata still have an impact on people’s lives today by intricately weaving them into the contemporary setting of the book.

The two main characters in the book are the tragic hero Karna and the divine advisor Krishna. 
The Historical and mythological figures provide insights into the struggles and dilemmas that individuals face on a personal level. The purpose of this analysis of such personalities is only to show how Traditional knowledge can help us better comprehend modern human experience, especially when it comes to personal knowledge.
                                                                                                                                            Tamreen
Grade 9th

In most ancient texts and tales, Krishna and Karna have major roles with complicated associations with one another and with moral dilemmas. Herein is a quick rundown of their roles:

Krishna was the most important character in the Mahabharata. Being a god, Krishna was an adviser. He was very wise and an astute strategist. He helped the Pandavas, especially Arjuna, during the Kurukshetra War. His teachings, especially in the Bhagavad Gita, are very fascinating philosophically.

Karna: In the major characters of the Mahabharata, Karna is famous for his loyalty, generosity, and sad fate. Though he is one of the most powerful warriors of the Kauravas and a very close friend of Duryodhana, throughout his life, he is beset with personal and moral problems, including confusion over who he is and where his allegiance is supposed to lie.

While Chapter 3 Cinnamon deals with Krishna and Karna, some topics that could be covered are duty, righteousness, or personal conflict. It might explain how Krishna’s wisdom works in contrast to Karna’s challenges or how differing paths and choices between them illustrate larger moral or philosophical points
                                                                                                                          Sanskriti Mehrotra
                                                                                                                          Grade 6th

A character study in chapter three of "Krishna and Karna" has gone ahead to evoke curiosity and empathy. It is assumed that emotional confrontations in this chapter will strike a chord in readers' hearts, reflecting various friendship bonds, struggles, and understanding in general. Krishna's character is wrought with complexities, inner fights, and determination. Karna in the novel conveys his personality and struggles. Specific themes that might be insinuated in the chapter include friendship, conflict, and personal growth. The theme, drawn from the interaction between Krishna and Karna, contributes to broader themes of human contact, resilience, and personal growth. This personal level of connection in the chapter promotes better understanding and offers broader lessons that one can learn from one's journey.
                                                                                                                                                   Saumya Jha
Grade 8th

Sunday 1 September 2024

Reflections - Sunday School 1st September 2024

- From My Guide Inside

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. What were the words discussed today and how do they reverberate with you? 

3. I used to believe, that I am. 

4. I used to believe… But, now I understand…


Note: MGI Online is a school well-being curriculum which aligns with, the work we do at My Good School and helps us focus on Life-skills.


-From My Name Is Cinnamon-     

1. Don't you think math was invented to torture us?

2. What are UAO (Unattractive Academic Objects) according to you?

3. What are nicknames you use for someone and why?

4. Did you read any detective novels or know some famous detectives?  

5. Solve the following problem,' said Kadubole. 'Shashat has Rs 400. He spends 3/4 on sardines and 1/4 on prawns. 1 kg of prawns cost Rs 150 and 1 kg of sardines cost Rs 50. How many kgs of prawns and sardines does he buy? 

6. Does Cinnamon's life anecdotes resonate with you and how?


These are some suggestions you can choose from. We are looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!     

     

You can email your reflections to  mk@learningforward.org.in


We will read Chapter 28 - Burnout, from The Hidden Life Of Trees, next week.

Sunday 25 August 2024

My Good School on Sunday 25th Aug 2025 - AI Generated Notes


 AI Generated Summary, read with caution and E.&.O.E.


Jugjiv and Sandeep introduced a new book, "My Name is Cinnamon," by Vikas Prakash Joshi. The book tells the story of a young boy's quest to find his biological parents. Jugjiv shared the author's background, highlighting his successful writing career and numerous awards.


Discussing 'The Word From the Author' by Vikas Joshi

Jugjiv led a discussion about the book "The Word from the Author" by Vikas Joshi, with Manisha reading the "Word from the Author" section. The group also included RP Sir, the chairman of Learning Forward India, Sandeep, the founder, and Manisha, the Principal. Jugjiv structured the discussion to alternate between reading the book, asking questions, and reading again. Vikas shared his writing journey, stating that writing was part of his identity, not a compulsion or ambition. The group also learned about Vikas's challenges in publishing his book.


Book Reading and Character Introduction

Jugjiv introduced the book's theme, emphasising the author's intent to reflect the reader's experience and offer a glimpse into other worlds. Vikas Prakash then began reading from the book, starting with the introduction and continuing into chapter one. The reading focused on the main character, Cinnamon, and his experiences as a goalkeeper in a school football championship. The narrative was filled with details that evoked a sense of excitement and tension, culminating in Cinnamon's crucial penalty kick.


Cinnamon's Story: Adopted Child's Achievements and Dreams

Vikas Prakash narrated a story about Cinnamon, an adopted child who loved sports and cinema. Cinnamon's parents, Ma and Baba, were proud of their son's achievements, and they celebrated his success as if he were their biological child. The story also touched on Cinnamon's dream of becoming an Indian football player and winning the World Cup. The chapter ended with Cinnamon receiving a giant fruit instead of a chocolate bar to reward his performance.


Vikas Prakash's Book Reading and Writing Inspiration

Vikas Prakash read the first chapter of his book, "Cinnamon," in front of an audience that included students and teachers. Rajinder, a schoolteacher, praised Vikas' writing and encouraged students to start writing at a young age, citing famous writers who began writing in school. Vikas explained that "Cinnamon" was inspired by his childhood love for reading and his teacher's insistence on correct pronunciation. He also shared that his own life experiences heavily influenced the plot of his book and that the advice of a more experienced writer led him to write about his unique experiences in his first book. Yashraj and Jugjiv listened to his story and reflected on their own experiences, and Vikas emphasised that his book fills a gap in the market for children's books in India.


The Boy Who Grew Up" Book Discussion

Vikas Prakash introduced his new children's book, "The Boy Who Grew Up", which explores themes of adoption, identity, and self-discovery through a humorous and engaging story. He intended to impart positive values to children while tackling serious topics. When asked about the key messages he wanted children to take away from the book, Vikas emphasised the importance of not making assumptions based on initial behaviour and not limiting oneself based on past experiences or mindsets. He also revealed his writing approach, which involves starting with a general idea and allowing the story to unfold as he writes, discovering new elements.


Creating Characters and Overcoming Rejection

Vikas Prakash discussed the process of creating characters for his book, emphasising the importance of making them realistic and relatable. He also shared his experience of rejection from publishers, which he described as a standard and expected part of the writing process. Shubhangi asked about the title of his book, which was initially rejected by publishers but is now being translated into six languages. Manisha asked about the most challenging chapters to write, and Vikas identified two chapters at the end of the book as particularly difficult.


Vikas Prakash's Child Adoption Journey and Writing Process Vikas Prakash shared the emotional challenges he faced while writing about a child's adoption journey, highlighting the complex relationships involved. He revealed that his motivation for writing the book was a childhood dream and a desire to share the story inside him despite the pandemic's challenges. The initial draft took a few months, but reworking and making changes based on publisher feedback took around 6-9 months, totalling 1-1.5 years. The team expressed their gratitude towards Vikas Prakash for his time and insights, and RP emphasised the importance of broadening one's perspective through travel and meeting people from different backgrounds.



Reading the Chapter Street Kids

Challenges in Urban Tree Growth and Care

The discussion centred around the challenges trees face, particularly those planted in urban environments. The speaker highlighted how trees in parks, often not native to the area, struggle to grow in urbanisation's harsh conditions, including compacted soil, lack of open space, and constant human interference. The speaker also noted how the mechanical process of planting and maintaining trees, such as pruning roots, can negatively impact their growth and health. The discussion underscored the need for a more nurturing and supportive approach to tree care and maintenance.


Urban Tree Growth and Maintenance

The speaker discussed the growth and maintenance of trees, using redwoods as an example. They highlighted the contrast between the natural development of old-growth forests and the managed growth of urban trees. The speaker noted that urban trees often suffer from over-pruning, leading to fungal infections and stunted growth. They also pointed out that the compacted soil and restricted growth on the roadside make it challenging for urban trees to thrive. The speaker emphasised the need for a more natural approach to tree care to allow them to grow and develop properly.


Urban Trees and the Challenges They Face

Learning discussed the plight of trees in urban areas, highlighting the challenges they face due to limited space and human interference. The discussion focused on how trees' roots often grow into underground pipes, causing blockages and damage and how this can lead to trees being cut down due to their intrusion. Learning also shared an extensive study by Rohr University that found trees were attracted to loose soil, not extra nutrients, which often led to them growing into pipes. Jugjiv confirmed that he had seen trees growing into concrete in his multi-story condo, and Manisha was asked to reflect on why trees fall. Learning encouraged the team to share pictures and stories of trees affected by urbanisation to raise awareness of this issue.


Urban Trees and Their Stressors

Learning discussed the harsh conditions urban trees face, including the urban microlight climate, heat from asphalt and concrete, and pollution from exhaust fumes and salt. These factors cause stress to the trees, leading to premature death. The oak processionary, a rare species, has become a pest due to the attractive conditions of urban environments. However, trees of the same species planted in rows can communicate and support each other, offering a small consolation. Learning emphasised the need for reflection on the life of a tree in the city and the challenges it faces.


Book Reflections and Group Communication

The group discussed various topics, including a reflection on the book The Hidden Life of Trees and its similarities with Cinnamon. They also discussed the process of writing reflections and how to submit them. Manisha, the facilitator, encouraged everyone to share their takeaways from the book and to write their reflections, which would then be published on the blog. The group also discussed the use of a shared whiteboard for brainstorming and the importance of communication within the group.


AI-generated content.

Please excuse our addressing all participants by first names. This is not intentional, and AI is not good at showing respect and emotions yet. You may discover inadvertent errors. Please do excuse us.

Thursday 22 August 2024

My Name Is Cinnamon - Vikas Prakash Joshi


Meet the author on Sunday the 25th of August 2024

Both a captivating chronicle and an endeavour of remarkable depth and ambition, My Name Is Cinnamon provides a richly textured narrative of a boy trying to find his roots and place in the world. On each part of his journey, he encounters new people, new cuisines, and new adventures as he learns a lot about himself and the world around him.

While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in ­children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love.

With his perceptive observations, vivid descriptions, and an authentic voice, the author, Vikas Prakash Joshi, weaves an immersive plot with fully realised environments and characters that are sure to stay with you for a long time. Above all, My Name Is Cinnamon is about finding your own people and accepting who you are.

‘In 
My Name Is Cinnamon, Vikas Joshi brings to life the lively tale of Cinnamon, a young boy living with his adoptive parents, who sets out to meet his birth parents in an impoverished tribal area. This emotionally sensitive topic is explored with felicity and humour, reminding us of the immense joys and painful travails of childhood. It’s a moving and uplifting book, and I wish Vikas Prakash Joshi all the best for his future writing success.’
―Dr Shashi Tharoor, Politician, writer, and former international diplomat

Kindle and Paperback editions available.

Vikas Prakash Joshi is an-award winning writer, editor, translator, podcaster, public speaker, novelist, amateur cook and occasional journalist in Pune, India. His first book for children, My Name Is Cinnamon (Hay House India), was published in November 2022 , and it has been lauded all over the world, in over 30+ countries, endorsed by many top Indian writers, and received 7 publishing offers. Story Ink, a Mumbai-based production company, has also acquired the book for screen adaptation. It was illustrated by the well known and award winning illustrator for children's books Niloufer Wadia. It has received 5 recognitions already: A3F Literary Award for Fiction 2023, Asian Literary Society Award for Best Debut Fiction,Asian Literary Society Certificate of Excellence in Fiction, Skipping Stones Magazine Honour List for International Books 2023, Longlisted and Shortlisted for Valley of Words Awards for Young Adult Fiction 2023. It was also chosen among 60 selected books by Indian authors for kids and YA by Hyderabad-based Beyond the Box organization, an organisation working in the field of literature.

We will read aloud from next week; please get your copy and join us at My Good School.