Reflection : Something I Wanna Change - Richen Khando

I want to change my habit of being angry; I have a very short temper, and that is what I want to change. Many people tell me that I get fit very fast, which makes my friends sad, and I do too. So, I try to be calm by listening to music or taking a long breath (3 times), which is how I try to keep my temper cool.

Reflection on what makes you feel who you are - Shristi Khulal

Even though I am not exceptionally talented, the support, love, help and care I receive daily from people around me makes me feel who I am. 

The knowledge, education, encouragement and motivation I get from those who help me endlessly in my life are my parents, teachers, friends and Pestalozzi; all have helped me become a better person. 

The challenges and even problems that came into my life made me stronger and braver. 

Thus, these are the things that make me who I am.

What Makes Us Who We Are - Tenzin Nyesel

Photo courtesy Cheme Dolma Palden
https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-pestalozzi-children-village-society

The first people that came to mind after hearing about that topic are my parents, who have done so much for me. The way I'm able to live, read and write is all because of my parents who've invited me into this world and have done so much hard work for me to live a good life.

Then my second thought was my teachers who've taught me not only studies but also good manners and habits.

The last thought was that my friends have always supported me and always been there for me at whatever stage.

These all are people in my life who've made me who I am right now, for which I'm very thankful and grateful.

Tenzin Nyesel
Pestalozzi Childrens Village, India

Striving So Hard - Reveda Bhatt

Okay, hold up for a moment, sitting and typing as I do here. Now, ask yourself - “Why do I strive so hard?”

It’s like the human mind constantly strives for something or the other. We set a bull’s eye to aim at, but once we reach there, it’s the end of one manly desire but the start of another; we may call it the endless cycle of desire. 

Some strive too hard to earn “enough” money, but once they earn it, it never seems enough. As we keep on progressing, so make our desires progress. Some work hard round the clock to gain respect, that too by their power, but bet you knew that even the greatest people around the world have some people who praise them continuously upfront but stab them behind their backs!

So, my friends, why? Why do we strive to prove ourselves in front of such toxic people?

The moments that pass are precious, and, to be honest, when I am here, I just do what I wish - study only when I want, and write only when I feel like there’s a need to. You know, living in the moment. Well, that’s damn true because otherwise, the world is superficial, and the people are superficial, but the least I can do is make sure I am true to myself! 

This is because if everyone, as a matter of fact, everything in this world loses its originality, we’ll all be fake, and that’s a nightmare.

Okay, I agree, it went way off-so. Coming back, just take a deep breath and search for your originality before it’s too late and it’s dumped under your foolish pile of personalities. 

A chameleon is made to change colours, not humans! Just move along your way truly and see what the future holds.

Reveda Bhatt

Grade 9

The Aryan School

I had a fight with my friend - Our Reflections

Reflecting on our reading of Swami and Friends by RK Narayan, chapter In Father's Presence. - Pestalozzi Children's Village, India

"I once had a fight with my friend. All we did was pull each other's hair and end up hurting ourselves." Kanika Dogra 

Tenzin Lhadon

Tenzin Yangzom

"Quarrelling with my friend about small things." Tenzin Paldon

Anchal Kumari

Prerna Thakur

The History Of A Spider- Rishona Chopra

Rishona Chopra

Grade VI

Gyanshree School

A Day In My Life - Reveda Bhatt

24th September this year was exciting.

So, it was Saturday, and my colleague, Kunal (with whom I had been talking for about one year), was in Dehradun (where I live) on his School trip. We had been discussing meeting at the NATIONAL OFFICE*, at The English Book Depot, for days.

We fixed the date to meet as 25th. Talking about something on the 24th, we changed our plan to meet that day as they were here in a group! I requested my Mom to drop me off there.

When I reached with my Mom, they all hadn’t arrived, so we went to the back side of the book-shop and into Sir’s office, spoke to him and just a while later, the whole group arrived. After meeting them, my Mom left.

Seeing them all the first time, I hadn’t spoken to any one of them except Kunal. But, that day, meeting them, we all had fun.

Sir bought us coffee and then went somewhere. Later, to discuss work, we both sat at a table nearby.
Soon, it was time for them to leave. We clicked a photograph to keep as a memoir and drove away.

Learning from each other and experiencing new things under such a group with such influential people is what keeps me going on this path of my life that I have chosen! 

Reveda Bhatt
The Aryan School, Dehradun

*The name might sound dramatic, but it is so called because that place is the root which keeps us all connected on a platform even though we, THE STUDENTS OF MY GOOD SCHOOL, are scattered all across India.

The bond of friendship - Rishona Chopra

Friendship is perhaps the strongest bond between people. It includes the fun of fights, trust, and lots of mischievousness and standing up for each other. 
 
Friends are something you never know about,
They are like your sibling, no doubt.
Rajam and Mani and their mischiefs,
But they ain't no thief.
They are friends who stay in sorrow,
But make you feel scared for tomorrow.
You might hate them once or twice,
They'll make you kill mice!
Yes, they will support you in nothing,
But they will prepare you for everything!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Autobiography of a ghost - Rishona Chopra

Hey there! No, don't run away. I ain't gonna hurt you.

You ran away; that's the problem with these foolish humans. I just want to be friends with them. How come they don't understand that? 

I might be transparent, but I am gorgeous and have a heart of gold. Not to boast, but I am adorable. If only you waited and listened to me. You don't know how sad it is to be a ghost, no one wants to talk to me, and all are afraid. I feel so alone. My only friend is a book. Her name is "How a ghost became my friend". She is my only friend and my only family. I genuinely wish I had a human friend. There are advantages of being a ghost too. You can run super fast and never feel hungry, which is a good thing because I don't want to be hungry. People say I hide under their bed, but trust me, I just stay in your room so that you become my friend.

By any chance, would you like to be my friend?   

Ghost

I am unique - Rishona Chopra

Before you read, this is not written by me, but by a girl (unknown) who wants to tell me about her life.

Dear Diary,

Yes. Today was tough, not the best, I was made fun of at school, but I got all A's on my English Test, so that's a good thing. I got the highest score in SSC but not a total score; I got two questions wrong. I don't know why but usually, the things that troubled me to seem to stay in my head and affect me a lot. I might be short; I don't know why. I like to cuddle with my mother, I don't know why. I want to spend my time with books, I don't know why. I am different, but I am unique. What matters is that my heart is beautiful. If I study too much,  people call me a nerd. If I don't, they call me a fool. I can never stand up to one's expectations, but I can always stand up to my dreams and expectations. I am not perfect. I am satisfied with who I am.

You might be thinking, why am I talking about such sentimental things, but these thoughts perhaps refresh your mind. Maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but I am just sharing some of myself with you. Yes, you find it useless now. You may shut the book and keep it aside.

It's easy to say all these words, but these simple words have a deeper and more difficult meaning to them. They don't always make you happy. We all feel the urge to stand up to our teachers, parents and friends' expectations but are we living our life for them? If someone calls me nerdy, will I stop studying and enjoying my life? Of course, I feel like changing to become friends with them but why when I am unhappy?

I just don't know how to express this happiness of mine. Happiness? How on Earth can I be happy? Well, I am so glad because I am different. I am unique just the way I am!

We all seek answers to these questions we can never know about, like" Why am I different? Why has God made me like this?" All this is just fate, and fate is always good. Being a little alone is always good because it helps you know more about yourself. No matter if anyone is there for you, you are always there for yourself. Ask yourself a few questions about yourself:
What is your favourite hobby?
Where do you love to spend your time?
Who is your best friend?
Who does you like spending time with?
If you took time to think about these questions, perhaps you don't know a part of yourself. We spend so much time thinking about others that we forget that there is much more to explore in ourselves. There is a part of us we don't know; how many of us know our ambition in life? Yes, maybe a doctor, an author, or even a good human, but can you answer this in a second? You don't have to be a narcissist but perhaps a bit more self-confident about yourself.
The best time you can ever spend with someone is with yourself. This made me feel better... Good Night! (somebody)

Monday Morning - Rishona Chopra

Monday morning is truly a tiring day and very boring too. Yes, after the relaxing break of Saturday and Sunday, getting back to the busy schedule is very tough unless you see the good things that will happen. Like on Monday, we have art, two English periods and sports. That thought makes me want to go to school on Monday. Monday is the best day to work on your thought process, as Monday is just the way you see it!

You can see Monday as a tiring and lifeless day and a fun and exciting day! Today, in the Art Of Focus, we read about positive thinking, so can we all be positive and make Monday fun and colourful? 

Monday, perhaps very boring,
It can also be adoring,
Like they say, glass is half empty or half full,
All you need is a positive pull!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Swami and Friends: The Value of Friendship - Oshi Singh

You often hear people saying school life is the best. Wonder why people say that? Well, maybe because we spend the most fun and memorable moments of our lives in school with our friends. Gradually, we stop thinking about catching up with our old friends when we grow older. We keep making new friends and forgetting about the old ones.

Friends have one of the biggest influences in our lives. Having a good and faithful friend is the most valuable treasure one can have. Next week we will be reading a fascinating book by RK Narayan, "Swami And Friends". The story takes place during British rule in the year 1930. The story is about a group of friends living in Malgudi and their friendship. The story's young protagonist Swami and his friends teach us many valuable lessons about life, like celebrating & accepting our differences, the innocence of youth, and the importance of friendship in one's life.

I'm looking forward to reading RK Narayan's first and one of the most famous books.

Written by Oshi Singh

Gyanshree School, Noida

Swami and Friends by RK Narayan - Rishona Chopra

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami was an Indian writer known for his work set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was a leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao.

From 21/08/22, we will be reading Swami and Friends by RK. Narayan every Sunday at 11 am.  

Swami and Friends is the first of a series of novels written by R. K. Narayan, an English language novelist from India. The first book Narayan wrote is set in British India in a fictional town called Malgudi. 

I have read "Malgudi Days" and am so excited to read Swami and his friends. Swami is a curious and mischievous boy, but his stories are worth reading and hilarious. It tells about this unique bond of friendship through which we are all united.

Let's dive into Swami's World and visit Malgudi! A story full of twists, turns, and mischief, but this adventure will surely be interesting!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/Swami-Friends-Narayan/dp/8185986002

The English Book Depot will be happy to assist you with a copy, call +91 135 2655192 or send an email to sales@ebd.in.

My library, my treasure - Yashraj Sharma

We all must have heard the old saying, “Books are our best friends”. That is true; I also have a small and compact home library. I’ve always been interested in reading since I was a child, and books have taught me many life lessons; now, I am trying to work towards making them my personality traits. Books give us food for thought, just like a true friend.

Happy reading.

Yashraj Sharma

Grade 8

Gyanshree school

My wonderful Library - Arav Agarwal

This is the food for my mind,

It teaches me to be loving and kind.

They have a lot to define,

They are anytime friends of mine.

Name: Arav Agarwal
Grade: 6A
Billabong High International School, Thane

Why Should I Go To School? - Rishona Chopra

A school is where we learn, grow, and work on ourselves. Schools are not a building but are a  building made of education and life. Schools are a place full of knowledge where students learn under the guidance of teachers. They are more than just academics. They focus on making us a good person, an actual human.

Schools are for us to grow and enhance our area of excellence. Therefore, every event in school, every day when we have fun playing games, is probably the best.

I go to school to learn and enjoy. I find so much joy.

Learning new things, I come to play near a spring.

Learning a new math trick, So it becomes easy and quick. I come to go to the lab, And make music beats by banging the slab!

I came to dance, And get another chance. I come to play, It makes me happy and gay! I come to make new friends, And borrow some pens. Going to school is so much fun, But the fun has just begun. Gyanshree: G-Glorious Y-Youthful A-Academic N-Nice S-Super H-Humble R-Respectful E-Efficient E-Eager

Rishona Chopra

Grade VI

Gyanshree School

The Butterfly - Rishona, Mahir, Kabeer, Diva and Anisha

A butterfly roaming in the flower sector,
Going flower to flower to collect some nectar.
They fly with their colourful silky wings,
They fly when the nightingale sings.

Oh! How beautiful it is when its colours shine!
And when I catch it, it will always stay mine.

When it flies around me,
It's so glorious, I see.
Oh, what a joy it is, a butterfly.
I know it will never lie.

They fly so high,
It feels like they could touch the sky.
Pretty and sweet,
Always clean and neat.

In the end, butterflies are amazing creatures,
They have so many beautiful features.

Rishona, Mahir, Kabeer, Diva and Anisha
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Railroad Station - Rishona Chopra

The best thing in children is probably their innocence and curiosity to explore. Their cute naughtiness can be annoying but is done so innocently!

In this chapter, Totto - Chan and her mother are going to a new school. Getting off the train at the Jiyugoaka Station, Totto-Chan was fascinated by the ticket collector's tickets. She wanted to be a ticket seller but at the same time a spy too!

Isn't it wonderful to see that children can be so imaginative and excited!

For me going to a new school is the worst thing! You have to make new friends, but for Totto-Chan, it is slightly different. She is a jolly person seeing the world with eyes filled with love and innocence! This chapter indirectly tells about her personality. 

How fun it would be to be a ticket seller who is really a spy?

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Real World Learning - Anvesha Rana

   

Real-World Learning and Reel World Learning are the sides of the same coin. Real Learning is necessary, but Reel Learning is what seems necessary. We cannot be aware of our education unless and until we are put in a situation to test our learning. Exams are the only way to test understanding these days, but there are numerous other ways to check our education. School Trips are an excellent way to assess students' global perspectives and core values.

Gathering in one place and deciding what to bring. The memories of dancing on the bus, eating on one plate and being friends with teachers are the recreations of my school trip. Schools trips may be educational, but they truly make learning fun!

Some trips are just unforgettable because they are lived full-heartedly with the best ones, and the best thing is that while coming back from these trips, we have an extra-large suitcase full of all the memories in our Hearts.

Anvesha Rana, 
Grade 10-B, 
Gyanshree School

The Annual Day At School - Arindita

I love every single day of my school as I always get to learn something new. But there’s one day that I call the best, the day when I enjoyed it the most.

It was 3 years ago, back when I was in 2^nd grade. It was the day of Summer Camp. I was so excited for the day that I woke up early, even before the sun rose. I had packed my bag with delicious junk snacks and a few healthy ones. My friend and I were on the same bus as we talked about the exciting trip we would have all the way to school.

Along with another section, we lined up together, and we went in a bus later, which took us to the camp destination. On our way, we got muffins and apple juices. When we arrived, the first thing we did was decide who would share the bed with whom. And, of course, I shared mine with my best friend.

Pottery was our next activity where I made a duck. We then had breakfast in the cafeteria, where I had bread and a boiled egg. After that, we did special activities like zip-lining, climbing, bungee jumping (where many of my classmates got very scared) etc. Then we had lunch and shared the snacks we had. We went on a truck ride with our tummies full, and later we danced. In the evening our parents came to pick us up.

That was the best day of school that I ever had.

Arindita 

Grade V

Gyanshree School