Sunday School Reflection by Manisha Khanna
Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an
online session hosted by My Good School, and it turned out to be such an
enriching experience. The session focused on understanding Ikigai —
the beautiful Japanese concept of finding one’s true purpose in life. Although
I joined a little late because I was caught up with some household chores, the
moment Shahar Ma’am messaged us, I rushed to log in without a second thought.
I’m so grateful I did!
The host introduced a unique method of finding
our Ikigai by drawing a tree and analyzing our strengths,
opportunities, and ways to contribute to society. It really made me reflect
deeply. We also learned about Emotional Quotient (EQ) and how it is different
from Intelligence Quotient (IQ). I even got a chance to answer a question about
EQ, which made me feel really connected and engaged.
What truly inspired me the most was Mr. Sandeep Dutt
Sir’s personality — his passion, wisdom, and simplicity left a lasting
impression on me. It wasn’t just a session; it felt like a journey into
self-discovery. I came out of it feeling motivated, thoughtful, and genuinely
excited to explore my own Ikigai.
It was a fabulous experience—one of the best sessions
I’ve ever attended. It wasn’t just a session, but an impactful imprint on me.
The valuable insights, skills, and knowledge shared truly enhanced our
understanding and opened new avenues for personal development.
Today, I found a new best friend—Ikigai. It
brings together our interests, skills, strengths, and joy. It also helped me
gain clarity about my values, and better understand both intrinsic and
extrinsic motivation. The best part was planting our very own Ikigai tree,
which will guide us in building confidence in our interests, skills, and
overall growth.
We explored what we love, what we are good at, what
the world needs, and what we can be paid for. It was such a meaningful
and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious session—something that
doesn’t just belong in books, but in our lives.
We all learn best through shared experiences—with peers who walk alongside us and mentors who guide us thoughtfully. From April 11 to 14, 2025, students from various schools gathered for the My Good School Retreat at the serene and lush Khan Farm, located near Rajaji National Park in Haridwar.
Set against the backdrop of nature, this Retreat was a celebration of fun, friendship, learning, and a lifetime of memories. Over four days, students engaged in enriching conversations, collaborative tasks, reflective journaling, and soulful moments that nurtured not just their intellect but also their hearts.
More than just an event, the Retreat was a journey of self-discovery, shared values, and meaningful connection. With this experience, learning flowed freely, not through textbooks, but through dialogue, activities, and quiet moments under the open sky.
Let us now hear directly from those who experienced it—the students themselves. Their journal entries, carefully penned and compiled into a digital folder, offer a glimpse into their minds and hearts. Through their reflections, we see the impact of learning beyond the classroom, shaped by empathy, understanding, and inspiration.
Step into their stories and experience the magic of the My Good School Retreat 2025—through the voices that matter most.
Students united in nature, discovering joy, learning, and lifelong bonds at the My Good School Retreat.
Visit www.inyouth.in for more details. Keep following us for Reading, Reflection, and building Relationships.
"As mentors, we don't just teach—we listen, guide, and grow alongside our students."
The students and teachers from the participating schools formed teams to cherish the #JoyOfLearning at the Retreat. The groups shared their journey of learning in four presentations, the first, The Fastest Cheetah, is followed by three more in the following posts:
Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador
A Heartwarming Glimpse into Our Sunday Session at Sunbeam School
We are delighted to share a wonderful summary of this Sunday’s session, beautifully presented by the students of Sunbeam School. Their creativity, depth of thought, and enthusiastic participation reflect the joy and genuine love they have for our Sunday School experience.
It’s truly inspiring to witness how these young minds express themselves so freely, embracing every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow. Their reflections speak volumes about the impact of a nurturing and engaging environment—one where curiosity is encouraged, and learning is filled with meaning and purpose.
We warmly invite you to join us and experience firsthand the reason behind the students’ affection for our Sunday sessions. Discover how a thoughtful blend of creativity, values, and interactive learning makes each Sunday truly special.
Sunbeam School Lahartara
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.
Establishing systems and policies (e.g., student-led anti-bullying committees)
Taking complaints seriously
✅ 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
Reflective questions for Chapter 2, titled “Strangers”, from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Reading aids learning, understanding, creating, inventing, and inspiring. The selection of books paves the way for the journey of learning. Like a loyal companion, a book serves your sad as well as happy emotions, consoles your gloom, and redirects your pessimistic ideas. They entertain with silly anecdotes from someone’s life and fancies of the authors. They are the true reflection of one’s choices, as the one who loses heart likes the autobiographies, a curious one tries to peep in the books as an explorer, and the one in search with a better understanding sits among the wisdom of great thinkers and reads different views on the same ideas. The books that mirror the efforts of one govern the achievements of someone else, whereas some books pour out the hearts of those who want others to imitate their ideas. Most importantly, the significance of books lies in the choices made by the readers. It is rightly called reflection because the book one reads reflects his thoughts. They magnify the reader’s ideologies. The rhymes of a poet or themes of any author take space in the thoughts, beliefs, and even words of the readers. Think of a polyglot who excels in languages with books or a student who studies the concepts with his teacher’s directions but expresses them with his reflections. Each edition of a book tells a story of the reader whose reflections defined it again.
WRITER VS
READERS
A character of a story remains an immersive experience for its readers. Through the insights of his life, he revives the reflections of the readers. Happiness, sorrow, excitement, or anxiety are the emotions beyond the interest of the reader. Is it what the writer wants its readers to do? Or is it a reader’s choice? Ironically, it’s something that wasn’t and, moreover, can’t be imagined. The writer who fabricates a woof without having experienced it and readers devour it without being one of them. Some of the bitter or best memories gain their vent at a moment in time where the frequency of the reader goes exactly the same as the reader.
What if the reader comes before the writer—the creator of the character? This moment opens another space for them. It’s a beginning to a new journey where the creator rejoices in the praise, appreciation, and liking his character yields, where some new characters come into existence, and where he actually meets his own creation. To a reader, the moment is a completely different place. He who has been struggling with his pain and misery, who has been so excited to find the one with the experiences and ideas akin to him, encounters a reality that’s not true. His acquaintance—the character is merely a fanciful creation. The reader who has already driven out many of his poor thoughts attains a better maturity, turning into a stronger and perfected being.
AI and teachers each play unique roles in a student's life. 🤖 AI offers instant access to information and personalized lessons 📚, available 24/7 ⏰ without tiring. It can quickly assist with homework and research 📝, providing quick answers and resources 🌐. However, it lacks the human touch 💔, and its understanding of emotional needs and personal challenges is limited. On the other hand, teachers 👩🏫 bring emotional intelligence 💖, guiding students not only in academics but also in their personal and social development 👫. They create a supportive, motivating environment 🏫, adapt to each student's learning style 🎨, and offer real-world experiences 🧠 and encouragement 🌟. While AI is an incredible tool for instant assistance, teachers nurture students' overall growth and well-being in ways AI cannot replicate. ✨
Adya Agrawal
Dear My Good School,
I wish you a very Happy Birthday. I hope you have an amazing year and the happiest of birthdays. The time spent with you is akin to discovering oneself and connecting it to one's potential. All it takes to make any of us smile is your presence. We appreciate you being here and motivating us.
On this special day, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the participation of our beloved GSA member schools. School leaders, parents, and my dear students. Last but not least our beloved Sandeep sir, for his motivation and passion towards bringing all of us together and igniting the spark of light towards a common goal #Joy of Learning.
Your presence contributed immensely to our success story, and we truly appreciate your support. We truly appreciate your thoughts and recommendations as we think about and anticipate improving our upcoming experiences.
On behalf of GSA, I would like to thank each one of you, and invite you to the GSA retreat from 13th to 16thNovember. It's going to be a memorable experience for all of us. Our vision is to create #JoyofLearning focusing on reading, reflection, and building relationships.
Once again, a very Happy Birthday. Continue to rise and shine.
Warmly
Manisha Khanna
GSA Principal
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My experience at My Good School was wonderful this Sunday. In our session, we had the opportunity to read and discuss two stories.
Kabir and Guru Nanak
The first story we read was about Kabir and Guru Nanak, written by Sanvi Rai. The story provided us with insightful lessons and a deeper understanding of their teachings and journey.
The Brahmin's Spell
The second story was "The Brahmin's Spell." Through this story, I learnt several new and interesting words. Here are some of the words I came across:
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My Golden Journey With My Good School
At first, I wasn't interested in reading. I thought that it was only a waste of time. Still, at the age of 12, my grandfather recommended a book. He said that if you like to study political science and history, you should read "Why I Assassinated Mahatma Gandhi" by "Nathuram Godse." I gave it a try, and I loved it. After that, I read more and more books, but when I joined My Good School, I felt that this was the place for me. Like we say, 'Birds with the same feather flock together'. For readers, My Good School is a paradise from my perspective. A famous quote by Fran Lebowitz that I carry in my mind is, "Think before you speak and read before you think." Every Sunday, I learn a new perspective to go with. A huge thanks to My Good School for this because the school teaches me values to live by.
Shaurya Chaturvedi VIIIB
How Learning Can Happen
Learning happens when we start
experiencing. The learning process begins when we start experiencing things in
our surroundings. Whether through reading or listening. When we read it, it is
the biggest weapon to win all the battles of life. Listening to TED talks and
podcasts increases our learning, and we learn new words.
Learning
always makes a change in oneself, so never stop reading, writing, and
listening.
"Learning is never done without mistakes and passion".
Diyanshu Agarwal IX-D
No one has achieved success in the past or present and has not done any hard work. Also, they had yet to achieve success on their first attempt. Success comes to those who find out their mistakes and improve on them. They take the time and opportunities to come; they create the opportunities and manage the time to do so. This is the best and easiest way to achieve good things in their lives.
Anmol Kashyap VIII-B
|
Shristi Khulal |
Patience is the ability or quality of a person to bear and accept the delay of things without becoming angry or upset. It is a possession that every human has and resides in. But the thing is, we have to implore and find or discover it within ourselves.
"Teacher, a person who awakens joy in creative expression and knowledge," said the great scientist Einstein. They might indeed scold us or punish us, but that has always been what is done well for us. Whatever the teacher has always done for me has always been perceived as a valuable learning experience and never as an arduous duty. Teachers have always been the person in my life who've guided me on the right path of my life and have always encouraged me to move forward in my life.
At last, I want to say to teachers that whatever you've taught and have given lessons will always be walking by my side on my life path to which I salute you.
Hey, 'how
you doin'?'. This infamous dialogue, iconic, I might add, is a signature of
Joey from the hit sitcom 'Friends'. I honestly couldn't count how many
times it had made me laugh, even when I was at my lowest.
The perfect
life of cinema where everything seems to lead to a happy ending is the perfect
run-away for me when my life seems shattered. Whenever my life seems too much to handle, I run away to my imaginary friends, with whom I can share everything.
The amazingly sarcastic Chandler, the hopeless romantic Ted dedicated to
finding 'The One', the motherly nature of Lily, the overprotective Finn, the
'drowning with creativity' Barney, the 'smart guy' Sheldon, they all are the
friends I never had. I get scolded every single day for watching television way
too much. But the truth is that I love to live another life, and coming back to
my regular boring, uninteresting life just seems hectic.
Even if they
are just a figment of someone's imagination, they bring joy to me, and I feel
happy spending my time with them. Watching television always brings me joy, and I would like to thank them through this article. I am tremendously
confused about what I want to do when I grow up. But a part of me wants
to pursue the arts – acting, singing and dancing. But um, I am a terrible
dancer, but I got a good throat, and over the years, after watching shows, I can
somehow cry on cue. So, let's focus on the first two arts that I mentioned.
Don't you
want to pursue a more professional career? Nobody asked you, Patrice! That's
precisely how contradicting the voices in my heart are. While one part of me
wants to become a professional employee with an acclaimed job like a doctor,
accountant, lawyer, or engineer, the other part wants to spread the joy I
experienced while watching my favourite tv shows and movies. So, frankly, I
want to be an actor. But I don't know if I'm down for it, especially
considering my stage fear.
When I lost
my grandfather, these TV shows and movies helped me in the magnitude of words I
cannot express. WandaVision may not be the kind of TV show that teaches you a
life lesson, but the line that stood by me was 'What is grief if not love
persevering?'. That changed my perspective, and I want this grief to stay with
me for years to come.
So many dialogues
changed my perception of life and helped me while still giving me
joy. 'The biggest mistake would be not to make that mistake because then
you'll go your whole life not knowing if something was a mistake or not.' 'It's
one thing to not want it. It's another thing to be told you can't have
it.' These are a few of the most tear-jerking lines spoken by the characters.
But the line that I relate to now is 'I realized that I'm
searching for what I really want in life. And you know what? I have absolutely
no idea what that is.' Maybe I'll study to become a
doctor or engineer in a few years. But perhaps, just possibly, I might be spreading the kind of
joy I grew up experiencing.
But I will
realize that I can't run to the past just because it seems familiar and because
I'm comfortable with it. I will never be ready to face
these obstacles, but life goes on, and you have to catch up with it one way or
the other. This stuff is more straightforward said than done. So, I am aware there will be a
day when I feel happier and satisfied. There will be a day when I'll share that
happiness with people I will love while growing up. But just not today, just
not right now…
And that is friends, how I met the world of television.
How do we find fulfilment in a world that is constantly changing?
Nibbrati Rathore, a mathematics teacher, struggled with these questions until she came across the ancient Chinese philosophy of Tao Yep Ching. In it, she found a passage comparing the goodness of water, an idea she is now applying to her everyday life. In this podcast, she shares- “Philosophy of water” and “What water would do”?
Quality is the mother of all values, and how it is the most essential of all.
Do you have a similar story?
Do share with us and let the world learn from your experience.
