My Good School, Sunday the 4th May 2025

                                                               Sunday School # 187

Reflection questions based on Chapter 3, "The Red and the Black," from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:

1. Character Perception and Transformation

In this chapter, Carl assigns literary nicknames to his customers, such as "Mr. Darcy" and "Dr. Faustus." How do these names reflect Carl's perception of each individual, and what does this reveal about his character?

2. The Role of Books in Personal Identity

Carl believes that "books and people were made of the same substance." How does this metaphor deepen our understanding of the connection between literature and personal identity? 

3. The Impact of Routine on Life

Carl's daily routine of delivering books is disrupted by unforeseen events. Reflect on how routines shape our lives and the challenges that arise when altered.

4. The Influence of External Perspectives

Schascha's presence introduces a fresh perspective into Carl's world. How does her viewpoint challenge Carl's established ways, and what does this suggest about the value of external influences in personal growth?

5. Community and Human Connection

The chapter emphasizes the importance of human connection through shared stories. Reflect on how literature fosters a sense of community and belonging among individuals.

🌠 "सपने देखो – क्योंकि हर उड़ान एक ख्वाब से शुरू होती है"

✨ संक्षिप्त लेख (Write-up):

हर इंसान के दिल में कोई न कोई सपना होता है — कोई आसमान को छूना चाहता है, कोई ज़मीन पर बदलाव लाना चाहता है। सपने हमारी सोच को दिशा देते हैं, हमें मेहनत करने की प्रेरणा देते हैं, और हमें यह विश्वास दिलाते हैं कि हम कुछ भी कर सकते हैं।

सपने देखना सिर्फ कल्पना नहीं है, यह पहला कदम है किसी भी मंज़िल की ओर। जब हम अपने दिल से कोई सपना देखते हैं, तो पूरी कायनात उसे सच करने में लग जाती है — लेकिन उसके लिए ज़रूरी है मेहनत, धैर्य और विश्वास।

🪞 Reflective Questions (प्रतिबिंबात्मक प्रश्न):

1. आपने अभी तक कौन सा सपना देखा है जो आपको सबसे ज़्यादा प्रेरित करता है? क्यों?
   (What dream have you seen so far that inspires you the most? Why?)

2. अगर आपके पास कोई डर नहीं होता, तो आप कौन सा सपना पूरा करना चाहते?
   (If you had no fear, what dream would you chase?)

3. आपके सपनों को पूरा करने में सबसे बड़ी चुनौती क्या है? और आप उससे कैसे निपट सकते हैं?
   (What is the biggest challenge in fulfilling your dreams? How can you overcome it?)

4. क्या आपने कभी किसी और के सपने को सच करने में मदद की है? वह अनुभव कैसा था?
   (Have you ever helped someone else fulfil their dream? What was that experience like?)

5. आप अपने सपने को पूरा करने के लिए आज से क्या छोटा कदम उठा सकते हैं?
   (What small step can you take today to achieve your dream?)

"My Good School" Session: Cultivating Personal Growth through Dreams, Reflections, and Values

Key Insights:

• Inner Strength and Stability:
  Just as a tree draws strength from its roots, personal stability and resilience stem from one's purpose, passions, and self-belief. These foundational elements guide us through life's challenges.

• Dreams as Catalysts for Growth:
  Like the inspiring stories of Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., dreams, when aligned with purpose, spark meaningful change and require perseverance and dedication to make a lasting impact.

• Authentic Expression Over Judgment:
  The meeting emphasised the power of expressing one's true self despite external judgment, highlighting the importance of finding strength in one's individuality and unique talents.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Tree Metaphor: Building Personal Strength

• Jugjiv Singh used the metaphor of a fallen tree with weak roots to illustrate the importance of purpose and inner confidence in human development.

• The discussion explored how "roots"—purpose, passion, and self-confidence—are a foundation during challenging times, helping individuals remain strong despite life's "storms."

Expressing Emotions and Talents: Antra's Journey

• The group watched a video about Antra, a girl who overcame social isolation by embracing her talent for singing.

• Lessons focused on the importance of authentically expressing oneself and having supportive mentors in fostering self-confidence.

• Discussion centred on judging people by appearances versus recognising their inner strengths.

Book Discussion: "The Door-To-Door Bookstore" Continues

• The discussion of Schascha and Carl's relationship revealed how books serve as a tool for personal growth, teaching empathy and the importance of understanding others.

• Carl's advice to Schascha, that no single book pleases everyone, highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives for growth.

Dreams and Purpose: Hindi Session with Manisha

• Manisha led an insightful session on dreams and their role in defining one's purpose, inspiring students with the examples of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.

• The DREAM acronym (Dedication, Respect, Education, Attitude, and Motivation) was introduced, offering a framework for approaching dreams with purpose and intent.

• A distinction was made between intrinsic motivation (inner drive) and extrinsic motivation (external rewards).

Ikigai Reflections and Student Projects:

• Students shared their "Ikigai" trees, exploring their passions, talents, and aspirations.

• Sahiba presented her Ikigai diagram, reflecting her dream of becoming a pilot.

• The session also featured creative student projects that illustrated how they are beginning to apply the concepts of purpose and self-discovery in their lives.

Next Steps and Action Points:

• Ongoing Reflection: Students are encouraged to continue reflecting on their growth through their Joy of Learning Diaries.

• Youth Engagement: The GSA Council will lead initiatives to promote reading and peer leadership among students.

• Upcoming Book Reading: Khushi will read from My Good School at a Friday evening (5:30 PM) session.

• Dream and Ikigai Reflections: Students will create reflections and diagrams to share, with Chetan offering feedback.

• New Initiative: Sandeep announced the development of Dreamtime's My Good School, in collaboration with a partner organisation.

I'd love to hear your reflections on today's session. 🌟 Kindly take a moment to share your thoughts and insights by writing an email to mk@learningforward.org.in, or feel free to leave a comment below our post. ✍️ Your ideas and feedback are truly valuable, and I can't wait to read them! 💬😊

My Good School, Sunday the 13th April 2025

Session Summary: “My Good School” with Shikha Agnihotri, Founder of Right Side Story

The session featured a powerful conversation with Shikha Agnihotri, founder of Right Side Story, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing child safety and student well-being across India. With over 13 years of experience, Shikha shared her mission to bridge the gap between policy and on-ground impact, especially in light of a reported 500% rise in child crimes over the past decade despite the presence of 10,000 NGOs working in the field.

Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction and Vision

Shikha expressed her deep passion for child safety and the urgent need for empathy-driven communication. She emphasized addressing sensitive issues such as bullying, mental health, substance abuse, and sex education through customized programs for schools.

2. Unique Approach of Right Side Story

Right Side Story stands out by offering realistic, communication-based solutions. Unlike many organizations, it targets underserved middle-class communities and focuses on systemic change. Their work aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), National Curriculum Framework (NCF), and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

3. Creating Systemic Change in Schools

Shikha highlighted three critical pillars of school transformation:

• Establishing systems and policies (e.g., student-led anti-bullying committees)

• Taking complaints seriously

• Fostering a culture of empathy
  Workshops are held for students, teachers, and parents, enabling each stakeholder to contribute to a safer environment.

4. Addressing Students' Fear of Speaking Up

Recognizing students' reluctance to share openly, Shikha underlined the importance of safe spaces and anonymous communication channels. Right Side Story sessions are tailored to ensure psychological safety and openness.

5. Engaging Parents and Educators

Workshops are also conducted for parents and educators, with a focus on psychological first aid and effective communication. Shikha emphasized that holistic safety requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.

6. Origin and Philosophy of Right Side Story

The organization’s name signifies choosing the "right" side in conversations around child abuse and wellbeing. The red dot in the logo symbolizes a stand against child abuse. Personal stories, including tragic cases of abuse, inspired Shikha’s commitment to advocacy and prevention.

Interactive Q&A Highlights

• Bullying Motivation:
  Bullying often stems from jealousy, insecurity, or fear, and Shikha explained the roles of bully, victim, and bystander in such dynamics.

• Cyberbullying:
  For issues like fake Instagram accounts, Shikha advised reporting the incident, involving a trusted adult, and understanding age-appropriate platform usage.

• Mental Bullying:
  She clarified that ignoring bullying isn't always the solution. A confident and mature response can be more empowering.

Recommended Action Items

• ✅ Create safe, anonymous platforms for students to express concerns

• ✅ Establish anti-bullying policies and student-led committees

• ✅ Foster empathy across school communities

• ✅ Provide psychological first aid training for educators

• ✅ Conduct parent engagement workshops

Conclusion:

Shikha Agnihotri’s session served as a compelling call to action for schools to prioritize emotional safety alongside academic excellence. By equipping students, educators, and parents with the right tools and mindset, Right Side Story is paving the way for a more empathetic and secure learning environment for children in India.

Reflective questions for Chapter 2, titled “Strangers”, from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:

📖 Chapter 2 Summary: “Strangers”

In this chapter, Carl, a 72-year-old "book walker," continues his nightly rounds delivering books to his loyal customers. His routine is disrupted when he encounters Schascha, a lively and inquisitive nine-year-old girl, who insists on accompanying him. Despite Carl's initial reluctance, Schascha's enthusiasm and curiosity begin to break down his solitary existence. Their interactions lead to unexpected moments of connection and mutual learning, highlighting the transformative power of companionship and shared experiences.

🤔 Reflective Questions:

1.  Why do you think Carl was initially reluctant to allow Schascha to accompany him on his rounds? What does this hesitation reveal about his character and past experiences?

2. How does Schascha's presence challenge Carl's routine and worldview? In what ways does she serve as a catalyst for change in his lie?

3. Reflect on a time when an unexpected friendship or encounter led to personal growth or a shift in perspective for you? How did this experience compare to Carl's evolving relationship with Schascha?

4. Discuss how Carl and Schascha's differing ages influence their interactions and understanding of the word. What can we learn from bridging generational gaps in relationships?

5. Carl delivers books to his customers, yet it's his connection with Schascha that begins to transform him? What does this suggest about the role of human connection versus material possessions in fostering fulfillment?

I  am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification. 

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

We are all connected and we are one - Nishan Karki

“The most important things in life are the connections you make with others.” – Tom Ford 

All the human beings living in this world are connected to one another. Despite differences in race, religion, colour, custom and language, we are all one. We are somehow directly or indirectly connected to each other.

Connection with other people makes our life easier and happier. If we are connected to one another, it means we have someone to share our happiness and sadness and other emotions. We can help people in times of their distress and also get back help from others.

People who are lonely are lost (mentally) and do not seem very active. They do not indulge in conversation and do activities with other people. These people are not well connected to one another. 

Maybe, the lives of people who are not connected to others are not fun. But from many people's point of view, it may be fun.

Sometimes, I sing a song in my mind. Then after a few seconds, I hear another person singing the same song. This makes me wonder whether our minds are connected or not. This has happened several times.

Spirituality is spark of unique life - Tenzin Chonzom

It can mean searching for personal growth, religion, belief after death or making sense of one's inner dimensions... (Purpose in life / Holiness)

 

* How do I get a touch of spirituality..?

• Get out in nature

• Gratitude

• Serving others

• See good qualities in others..etc

What connects us at last after all the session is spirituality

Through the short videos...

About adopted child Avnish, the 9-year-old child who sealed Everest base camp and got prepared mentally and physically for the trek to change the mindset of a unique, abled child.

The lady with humble circumstances, known as Pemila Atkinson, devoted herself to serving the poor and learned how crucial volunteering is to the program. Her quote motivates me: "We should look for opportunities to make a difference in other people's lives, which makes a difference in our own because we all are connected to these lives." She didn't show any signs of slowness even in her retirement year.

From these videos, we could see their purpose in life and also their self-esteem, which is positive for our mental health and growth.

Tenzin Chonzom

Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Image: https://www.knocksense.com/indore/indores-father-son-duo-successfully-conquers-mt-everest-trek-up-till-kalapather

How to find happiness in everything I do- TENZIN JAMBEY

Many of my friends say that hard work is the key to success, but I believe that hard work without happiness, peace of mind, love, and knowledge doesn't bring you success.

 

Happiness is the state of mind when we feel relief and are free from all the worries, and at that moment we feel satisfied. Human activities are never-ending, and they have no end point. Under this human desire is something that is unlimited and endless. The more you have, the more you want. Some people don't achieve what they want. How sad it is that in this short life we won't get what we want so desperately. Life becomes a burden if we do things we don't like; therefore, it is very important to find where our heart lies. Many people on this earth want to achieve everything, but we must understand that we can never achieve everything; we can only achieve the things where our hearts lie.

We will be able to achieve only those things that have a connection with your life and that you love. Therefore, we need to find a way, a medium, a sphere, or an environment where all the activities are to your liking. We would never find happiness in all the things we do.

Just an example of myself I never loved doing math, nor did I get happiness after solving any questions. In this case, how can one find happiness in things in which he has no interest? When I took environmental studies as my subject, I loved it, and I got both happiness and interest from learning it. Now, when I connect my life with this subject, I get happiness, as my life revolves only around the things that make me feel happy, not sad.

 

As our lives are so short, we should not waste our time doing things we dislike. We should always work hard, keeping in mind that we are putting hard work into things that give us happiness and satisfaction.

TENZIN JAMBEY

Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

Image Courtesy- Canva

Making Others Happy - Arav Agarwal

Reflection on the chapter Making Others Happy from the book Is Your Child Ready To Face The World? By Dr Anupam Sibal.

Name: Arav Agarwal

Grade: 5C

Billabong High International School, Thane

Honesty - Rehan Raza

A major component for developing moral character is honesty. Honesty helps in developing good attributes like kindness, discipline, truthfulness, moral integrity and more. Lying, cheating, lack of trust, stealing, greed, and other immoral attributes have no honesty. Honest people are sincere, trustworthy and loyal, throughout their life. Honesty is valuable, and it is a habit of utmost importance. There are famous quotes, said by a great personality like “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom”. It holds good due to its ability to build, shape and motivate integral values in one's life.

First of all, honesty promotes authenticity. It reflects one’s own feelings and thoughts. Honesty certainly helps people in knowing who you really are. Hence, one must be honest in self-expression.

Honesty removes fear from the heart and makes a person courageous and confident. It certainly takes a huge amount of courage to speak the truth. Speaking truth is a sign of bravery. The one who lies is a coward. Speaking falsehood is a sign of low self-confidence.

Another notable benefit of honesty is maturity. Honesty certainly reflects the maturity of a person. An individual is probably mature if he regularly speaks the truth. Furthermore, a mature person speaks the truth in a non-hurtful way.

Honesty strengthens and improves relationships between people. It certainly helps in bringing people together. Most noteworthy, it fosters a connection between individuals.

Rehan Raza 

Class - Xll Science 

The Fabindia School