Two men looked out the prison bars; one saw a mud, one saw stars - Pasang Sherpa

Life is strange, and so are the humans. We have very different perspectives and ways of doing things. Some people get up and continue their journey even after knowing their chosen path is difficult. But some people seem to be hopeless. Likewise, this quote emphasises the different perspectives of two people for one thing. As it is said, "Two men looked out the prison bars: one saw mud, one saw stars". The first person who saw mud was hopeless and thought whatever he was doing was futile, while the other had an optimistic feeling that one day, like stars, he would attain glory and freedom.

Name-Pasang Sherpa

Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

Image Courtesy- Flickr

All Lives Have Equal Value -Tenzin Jambey

Inspired by reading the book at our Sunday School.

Shouldn't we treat all living beings equally? Don't you agree that animals, plants and insects deserve respect?

If you think that they should not, then tell me the reason for that. We, humans, are exploiting wildlife, hunting and poaching animals and trading their body and their body illegally for the sake of earthly things called "money". What harm have they done to us? For what reason are we hurting them? Shouldn't we care for the cow which gives us milk? Shouldn't we care and protect the forest that provides us with a source of living?

Plants, flowers, trees and grasses all have equal value in life. If we pluck or take them, they will die like us. We pluck their leaves, and they will get hurt like we get. If we love and care for them, they will grow like healthy human beings. 

We don't like plants and animals. And we feel like they shouldn't exist in this world. For example- Mosquitoes and weeds. Similarly, now place yourself in an animal or a plant like a goat and Sundari tree and ask yourself- 'Would you let a human live who is exploiting you for their means and for earning money? Ask this yourself twice, thrice and thousands of times. And you'll get the answer by yourself. Next time, before killing an insect or before harming a plant, you will think thrice.

At last, life is tough for everyone, whether rich or poor, animal or human. Sometimes we feel like becoming a bird or sometimes a butterfly. But they have their life challenges. 

If poor people think rich men live a luxurious life, he is wrong. It's the rich man's hard work day and night that the poor man didn't do, but we cannot blame the poor people for being poor. As I have told you before, life is tough for everyone. There can be many causes that led him to poverty.

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

People are more important than things - Tenzin Jambey

Reflection from Sunday School

Some people will choose expensive things, luxury items and valuable commodities over human beings, and some will give more importance to humans than any other things, even over the bag of gold and diamond. We all know very well that everyone is not the same. And therefore, one person can not change or bring goodness to others. First, we should be one to improvise our mindset, and we should be the ones to bring a good change in ourselves.

It is so true that people who have been close to death always give importance to other humans. These people respect all classes of people- from young to old and from poor to rich. I still remember the tragedy of my uncle, who once almost lost his life after being stuck under a rock while working. Nowadays, he is earning his life by serving as a driver. He has a very kind heart. He respects everyone. And sometimes he gives a free ride to the labours and workers as he has also been a labour and he knows their conditions of working and the level of physical hard work they do. 

If we are kind to others, then goodness comes to us through 'Karma'. When we give others love, care and importance, we get it all back from others. Having a great affection towards earthly things like gold and diamond would make your heart much like coal. But if you give importance and are affectionate towards humans, your work and contribution will always be remembered and told. It is not only the humans to whom we should give importance but also the animals, plants and our mother Earth, as in this world, everything is interconnected to each other in some way or the other.

At last, I want to bring up a powerful thought to acknowledgement- "When we were born the world rejoiced while we cried. Therefore, do a work that the world will cry when you die with rejoicing and happiness”.

Written by-

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

Appreciation - Tenzin Jambey

Image courtesy Pestalozzi World website.

Regarding appreciation, the image of people clapping for you and words like thanks and thank you come into our minds. Almost every people appreciate others by saying thanks and thank you. Some people think that only getting the word of thanks from others is an application, but I don't think about it that way.

Regarding my application work, I have done numerous good jobs. Whenever I do any good job or something, I first appreciate myself because it doesn't bring me any sadness or down feeling because of not being appreciated for my good work by someone; we should be the first to enjoy ourselves if we do any kind of work. Doing an excellent job in the presence of someone can be seen, and others might praise you for that, but being yourself without anyone's presence is a different thing; at that moment, there is no one to clap for you, and that's the moment when we should pat on our back for doing a good job. We should be good and kind to all humans, but what about plants and animals? They, too, have the right to live a long peaceful life. Humans are taking so much from nature and animals; in return, we are doing nothing helpful but destroying, killing and taking their life.

We should be kind to the plants and all the animals around us; in the hostel, I have planted varieties of flowers and plants since I am so attached to nature and the environment, and sometimes I water them in the evening. When I see that the soil level is unequal, I add soil and organic fertilizer like cow dung and decomposed vegetable peals. After returning from my vacation, I found that the plants had dried, and some had even died. I felt sad about that as I cared for them with my heart, I watered them, and the next day I saw them growing again, which thrilled me. No one appreciated me, as none saw me doing that, but when I appreciated myself, I heard the soundless appreciation of my plants and flowers. As the wind blew, they began to move, and I imagined they were dancing and singing with joy because I had watered them after so long.

We must come out of the mindset that being only kind to a human does not bring us appreciation, we must equally respect our mother earth and all the components of nature like air, water, land, soil, fire and even the dumb stones that stays in a fixed position and says nothing but we use it for many purposes.

Tenzin Jambey
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Being Human - Veda Varshita Marrivada

Being human is something which everyone cannot do. It depends on whether an individual is human, but what is being human? It means being a very generous human being. It is also a part of Humanity. Being human can also reflect on the character of a person. Donations, Charities, Adoptions, etc., come under the category of being human. A person requires a pure and kind heart to be human. Being human gives a feeling of satisfaction and happiness and teaches us to be good human beings.

The reality of the world hides in a mask where most people claim the good deeds and blame the bad deeds, but rare people are good humans from the inside. People show off their acts for the sake of status but not with good intentions. Humanity is becoming extinct, and many people hate each other. The percentage of cruelty in the world is at a high intensity.

Everyone should be treated fairly and equally. ALAS! I am still a child, but once I grow up, I shall donate money to old age homes and orphanages, give money to the poor and help anyone I see in trouble without hesitation. Also, I shall try my best to be a good human being as an honourable citizen of India, but my parents currently arrange food banks at orphanages and old age homes on our birthdays. Helping them gives us a feeling of happiness and joy. My parents always help others, inspiring and motivating me to do the same.

Helping others makes everyone happy. Humanity is an essential virtue which we should follow for a better world. Being human also applies to animals. Treating them fairly is necessary too. Many people torture animals such as horses, elephants, lions and other animals for entertainment.

In conclusion, everyone should do their best to be a good human being.

Veda Varishta Marrivada
Grade 5 Hyderabad Public School Begumpet

Listen to my reflection

Being Human - Tenzin Jambey

Having a good brain, two hands, two legs, two eyes, and a good outlook doesn't make you a human. Being human means being kind to humans and other living beings like animals, birds and insects. Being human means having a kind, gentle heart and personality with a  positive attitude toward everything. Some people have no mercy and love for people, and they do kidnappings and murders. People are killing people than just thinking about the way of treatment given to animals; these people are no less than a monster who has no mercy and love for anything except themselves. A good human has a kind and open heart that accepts other living beings as their own family, and they give love and care; they have mercy upon all living beings, even microorganisms.

I remember the saying of a great monk who once said that he feels sad and pitied to take steps because it kills microorganisms which can not be seen. 

We can not be called human until we feel humanity, humanism and tenderness upon living and non-living. We all should have mercy and love upon everything. At least let's be human with a kind and soft heart with gentle behaviour rather than being a monster with no compassion and love. 

Tenzin Jambey
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Being Human - Keyura Rao Cheeti

My school, The Hyderabad Public School Begumpet

Human beings are unique. But what are the qualities that make us so? Our intelligence and qualities, such as kindness, compassion, love, care, and empathy, differentiate us from other living beings.

We can use these qualities to improve the world by improving our and others' lives. We humans also have a responsibility towards Mother Earth. Some of the little things around me that I observed where I feel humanity can be put to use are children in the neighbourhood can learn to be compassionate towards the stray animals, friendly with other children, adults can be empathetic towards the beggars and the poor.

We must let go of our jealousy, pessimism, greed and pride that will stop us from seeing the good in others. We need to set an example for others to learn from us. We need to bring change in the world to make it harmonious for all of us to coexist.

Keyura Rao Cheeti
Class VI
The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet

Being Human - Aria Gupta

This is an illustration on the cover of The Little Book Of Values

This simple definition often needs to be more complicated.

It is sometimes said that there are specific types of humans, although it’s not true. Humans cannot be categorised into specific boxes like objects can. There is nothing such as cruel and kind, ugly and beautiful, pessimist and optimist, extraverted and introverted, etc.

All of that is just some thoughts in our minds. In reality, we all are unique and special in our own way. If there really were specific types, each would only contain one human. But because of these non-existent types, there is a lot of judgement by many people.

If someone appears cruel to you, they face an internal problem we cannot see from the outside. We all should try not to be prejudiced and fair to anyone, no matter who they are.

Aria Gupta
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Being Human - Amaira Bhati

Being a human, I feel proud but also crib about things a bit. I can tell the advantages and disadvantages of my life.

Had I been another human, I would like to carry my same attitude, feelings and thoughts. There are two types of humans, a cruel human and a kind human.

Our world's population of cruel people is growing, not knowing how many sins have been attempted. As a human, I have started exploring the world ahead of me even more.

With such small eyes of a human, the human can see the limitless skies. I see humans pulling and cutting trees and plants off their roots daily when we should care more for our dying earth.

Being a human is a beautiful journey. Some humans look at the negative side, while others look at the positive side. We humans only achieve something when we look at the positive side.

I feel proud to be a human by looking at the positive side, following kindness and expressing my thoughts and feelings to other humans who genuinely believe in themselves. Last but not least, I want to be a human who can understand everyone politely and kindly. Amaira Bhati Grade IV - C Gyanshree School

Mindful living is important in present time - Tenzin Jambey

With time everything is changing; we see development and new infrastructure set up. The living standard of people is also changing, and with the way of living standards, people's minds and the method of executing actions are too changing. We must be very mindful about our activities and words in today's world. 

Our one action can cause heavy destruction; with one step, our identity can change. With one step, we lose our trust, friends, and loved ones. Before doing any work or even speaking to somebody, we should ask ourselves whether we are doing the right thing. We should consider the effects and consequences, but many people still do something wrong even after knowing it is wrong. 

Humans get many emotions like greed, selfishness, and desire to possess. That's why it becomes difficult sometimes to have control over our actions. How strange we human beings are. Aren't we just for the sake of fun and enjoyment? We put everything, even studies, aside? This all originates in the mind, and we should adopt good habits so that lousy thought can die at the place where it was created. 

Good thinking leads to the execution of good actions, and good actions would lead you to a happy life. Indeed, we don't have control over our emotions but can control our actions.

Teenzin Jambey
Pestalozzi Children's India Village

Understanding - Shambhavi Nautiyal

Understanding is one of the traits of the most beautiful human beings on this planet. It revolves around several other values and virtues as well. To be understanding, one needs to have the will to do so, to be empathetic, considerate, caring and compassionate. Understanding one another’s feelings is the foundation of relationships, which creates wonders. Making someone feel understood makes them feel loved and gives them the feeling that they aren’t alone. Other people like them are there to stay by their side.

Understanding someone inculcates one of the prettiest feelings in our hearts, feelings of concern, love and kindness, which make humans human. Understanding strengthens unity. We should all try to understand each other’s feelings at the very least instead of poking fun at each other for that or making judgements about them.

When we allow ourselves to do so with an open heart and mind, we can talk things out properly and strengthen our bonds even further. Thus, we should all try to understand each other’s feelings and decisions instead of hating each other impetuously.

Shambhavi Nautiyal

Ahlcon Public School

Understanding between animals and humans

As we know, an understanding person can understand how others are feeling and forgive them if they do something wrong. The four steps of understanding are " know, use, expand and surpass". We should also understand the feeling of animals as they can't speak for themselves in our language. As we studied in our Sunday School, many animals want to share their emotions with us.

The relation between animals and humans in which man understands the feeling of an elephant. The emotional state of many animals is easily recognizable by their faces, eyes and how their muscle-tone changes, eye size and gaze. Many animals need help and are in danger because people are trying to kill them. That is why they became man-eaters; we still don't understand them. Instead of making them comfortable and able, we are killing them. So we should respect wild animals by keeping a safe distance away, not approaching and removing their environment. If you are scared of wild animals or found while travelling, just don't chase them, stay quiet and calm, and don't touch or get close. So we should also understand the emotions of animals.

Aayushma Gaha

Understanding has a unique value that other epistemic states, such as knowledge, do not. This fact threatens the justification for the focus on knowledge that the history of epistemology displays. Elsewhere it has been argued knowledge does not possess this exceptional value. There are a couple of lines of argument, however, that threaten to extend and denial of this unique value for understanding. Underlying all such challenges is the apparent fact that the language of knowing and understanding are closely related. This discussion argues that the kind of understanding we prize most is immune from the concerns plaguing the theory of knowledge. Animals don't understand the language in a language,  but they understand what you want to mention by your gestures, body language, and tone. These are animals like parrots, monkeys, dogs etc.
Sunita Bk

Understanding is that without which you cannot be a good human being. To be a better human being, one should have understanding. Understanding can improve explanatorily when one has more true beliefs of fundamental epistemic value. Stepwise, we should have an understanding of animals. In understanding animals, Lars Sevendsen teaches us how humans can attempt to understand the lives of other animals. We should understand the feelings of animals then. Only animals and human beings can have a good relationship between them. Let's take the example of a dog and how a dog understands us. Dogs read more into our tone and body language than actual words. They focus on us and observe our physical clues to determine what we want them to do. Understanding why some animals help others at the potential cost of their own survival and reproduction, for example, not only gives us insight into their behaviour but could also help us understand our species' ideas of altruism and sacrifice.

Samarika Karki 

Since humans are more advanced and social, we should have empathy. We should be understanding, caring and loving not only between us and the other person, but we should be understanding, caring and loving to animals also, as they have feelings too. If would be trust between the animal and humans, the world would live in peace. We should betray animals that rely on us; only then will there be a bond between that animals and humans.

Ngawang Lhamo

Humans have various ways of survival. Animals are only dependent upon nature. So, they do not have any other means of survival. Humans have become much more advanced and know several ways to survive and sustain themselves. Animals do not have such survival techniques; therefore, they only depend on nature for food. We can speak a complex language. We use our logic. But animals only do their actions based on instincts. Apart from the differences, humans and animals are similar in certain aspects and have an outstanding bond. Their bond mutually benefits people and animals and is influenced by behaviour essential to health and well-being. This includes, among other things, emotional, psychological and physical interactions between people, animals and the environment. 

Akshra Singh

As we know that the human and animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between humans and animals that is influenced by behaviour to the health and well-being of both. This includes, among other things, emotional, psychological and physical interaction of people, animals and the environment. 

Animals have been protectors, companions, co-workers and even best friends. Humans need animals in their lives to stay healthy, mentally and even physically. Animals are used in standard therapy to increase movement in the handicapped. We should also understand animals' feelings. They can't speak or show their emotions as we can; it doesn't mean we will not respect or treat them however they want. Because they are also like us, they also have feelings. 

Shraddhanshi Rawat

We are finally beginning to use our intellect | Dr Jane Goodall | Conver...

Dr Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace, talks to Nirmal Ghosh about the drive to inspire environmentalism in young people and why, despite the damage done to the planet, she remains an optimist. Read more: https://str.sg/wtLo.

Travellers and Death - Reveda Bhatt

“The dead are not powerless.

Dead, did I say?

There is no death, only a change of worlds.”

‘Will I die? Or will I just leave my body?’

Oh! Wait! Let me reframe a part of my question-“the” body.

Well, hello, “travellers.”

Don’t like to travel? Still travellers.

Why?

Let’s see.

This writing, I guess, could seem to be an interactive session because I have a lot of questions there

is no right answer to?

So, your interaction would not be with me but with yourself.

In the beginning, I addressed you as a “traveller,” should I have called you a “human?”

Probably, right now, you’ll agree because you have a body, right?

Or are you “in” a body?

Let’s face it. The truth is the second.

Somebody might be called a human until they’re “alive”, but once they die, they’re called “dead.”

But, you know, there is life after “death”, so why be called dead once we’ve left our physical body?

It’s just that the soul is like water filled in a bottle which is the body. So you see, the water doesn’t

reduce in amount until you drink it, in the same way, if, in the end, you say that you can’t live life

loudly, there’s no one to blame except you! That’s on you! Be it anyone coming in the way, the fault

is in you because you let them in, in through the gate to your mind, to pull you down!

Why be backstage when you can rock it up on the floor!?

So, if I don’t see you when we are both in bodies, don’t worry!

We’ll get a chance to meet on the other side!

Reveda Bhatt
The Aryan Schoo, Dehradun

Respect - Tenzin Jambey

Respect means having inspiration, admiration, and high regard for someone because of their action, work, and achievement. In today's world, if we want to be respected by people, then our actions should awaken a feeling of motivation in them.

Respect is something that needs to be earned, but we should always be first to give respect to others. Then only we will be respected back.

As the world is changing, people's mindsets and ways of thinking are changing and transforming into a devil's mind. Nowadays, if we even respect someone, they don't respect us back. People only respect you for your position. In school, I see "once in a blue moon" students giving respect to the workers like sweepers, carpenters, guards, gatekeepers, etc.

In school, I have seen some students who don't even respect their teachers, who are like gods to us and always try to teach us good things. I have also noticed during assembly that the seniors don't listen to what the Principal sir is saying; they all seem lost in their own world.

Some people find it very difficult to learn and adopt good things, but they find it exciting and joyful to know the bad words, cursing words, wrong languages, and bad qualities.

We might think that the person who is beautiful and handsome or very attractive and good-looking is the one who is always respected, but, actually, only they are respected who work day and night to be a good person and always have a pure heart.

As students, we should always try to be calm children in the class. Although we are good students, our actions might be disrespectful to the teachers, which we don't get to know.

In today's world, even if we do our best to be respected by the people, it really doesn't matter to them. They only appreciate you if you have a  position. Millions of people say, "there should be equality, " but they don't do it. We should always respect someone not for their job but by thinking they are also human beings.

Tenzin Jambey

Courtesy--
Shelja Thakur
Pestalozzi World Local Alumni Coordinator and Senior Student Liaison Officer
https://pestalozziworld.com/about/where-we-work/indian-village/

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

Education - Reveda Bhatt

Education! First, they ask what it is? Then they don't let you have your own definition!

Warning: *CHOKING HAZARD* Contains I.C.S.E. - keep out of reach of kids studying elsewhere.

We should have gotten that, but sorry, here in India, you don't have a choice but to mug the syllabus up!

How do we do it? Does it remind you of something?

It reminds me of Doraemon's gadget - the one just eating the bread; you could learn the whole thing from your book. Doesn't exist, but if it did, the top purchasers would be the children of Indian schools.

Okay, so I personally don't like the system here. It's like you have to scan all that's printed in your books and make a photocopy of it on your exam sheet! Doesn't matter if even it's the last thing you would need in your life. You need to learn all about it.

If you want to become a doctor, you should know the depth of the core beneath the surface.

To become a geologist, you should know the names of the human body's bones.

Does it make any sense? No, right?

But according to our education system, it does. In fact, that's the motive to feed you every baseless knowledge that would help you anywhere in your life!

THEY DON'T KNOW THE FACT THAT FOR EVERY LITTLE THING WE FIT IN OUR BRAIN, ANY AND EVERY USEFUL THING GOES OUT, out in the sense-sinks in into this heap!

Literally, there is no experiential learning. I doubt they even know of that word! L.O.L.! All they do is supply each child with a box to fill in with dead warriors, articles and other things, and by the time you pick out useful stuff, your bag is complete!

Keeping us in a box like that serves no purpose but forces us to enter the class and just wait around the clock for the bell to ring!

Trin Trin!

Reveda Bhatt
Grade 9
The Aryan School

Acoustic Life - Reveda Bhatt

Our fate and will to live,

Opens the lifelong gate.

Our love for others,

Makes us feel as gentle as a dove,

But when it comes to playing the blame game,

We should act like a human,

And not an animal who's not tame!

Being the way you are,

Never makes anyone feel bad.

It makes them feel good,

Even when they are sad!

So, just be kind to everyone, lad,

And, with following that, you'll never go mad!

Never hurt someone,

And, if you do,

You'll never get along with anyone!

And if you say sorry too,

That wound won't fill,

Just give them some time,

And they'll be talking to you of their own will!

- Reveda Bhatt 
Grade IX The Aryan School

Reveda has signed up for the Internship Program at the National Office of the Learning Forward India Foundation; she helps with social media outreach for My Good School.

Global Warming- Aanya Kumar

Global warming is the rising of temperature on Earth. It rises by about one degree Celsius each year, but it is a significant change. It is caused by carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

These pollutants can stay for centuries and trap the sunlight bounced off to the Earth's surface. This light could bounce out to space, but the gases trap the light. They are known as greenhouse gases and cause the greenhouse effect.

Global warming is harmful to human beings and the Earth in many ways; for instance, it can cause many natural disasters like- storms, heat waves, floods, and droughts. It would be challenging to live in these conditions.

Global warming can be reduced in our houses with few simple steps. We should always turn the lights and fan off before leaving a room. We should use energy-saving light bulbs, and gradually global warming will reduce.

Aanya Kumar
Grade 5
Gyanshree School, Noida

Appreciation - Anisha Gaitonde

Everyone needs a bit of appreciation at some point in time. It’s a part of being Human. Showing appreciation just takes a few words – ‘great going’, ‘good show’, ‘well done, but its value is far more than that. A small piece of appreciation motivates us to be better than we are. 

Thankfully, there have been incidents in my life (just like all of you) where I was appreciated, and it made me feel good and, more importantly, motivated me to do better next time.

My first award was a bronze medal in Sports Day function 2015 when I was in Jr. Kg. That was the first time I stood so close to our school Principal, and it was beyond my most fantastic dreams – such an honour 🤩! Even if it was a bronze medal, this small appreciation helped me develop a mindset to participate in extra-curricular activities in later years, whether SpellBee, Neltas, Logiqids or Drawing and Handwriting competitions. 

My next memorable moment came when I passed the First level of Kathak dance, which I had been practising for almost 6 months. It just underlines that nothing is impossible if you have the right motivation – our teacher used to appreciate our small efforts every week. It resulted in a collective jump in my performance.

My teachers and family have been very encouraging and supportive to me (even though sometimes there are times when too many competitions come at the same time 😢). Some of the initiatives by my school where they appreciate and celebrate small successes of students in their monthly newsletters really keep us motivated to do much more – in school and in life!

Anisha Gaitonde 
Grade: 5 Division: B
Billabong High International School, Thane