A kind word can warm three months of winter - Smarika Karki

Picture Courtesy: https://balance.media/kindness/

The cold can be anywhere from annoying to life-threatening. Winter is considered as harsh, cold, bleak and gloomy. It is the kind words that can warm.

In reality, it does nothing to the temperature of those winter months, but it's a metaphor, so it doesn't have to. Some words warm your heart a little. Therefore, one should always talk politely with everyone and never use harsh words with anyone.

'A kind word can warm three months of winter' means they will be happy and contented, and even you will feel good because you have done something good for them.

Smarika Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

One kind word can warm three winter months - Tenzin Jambey

Picture Courtesy: https://pepperdine-graphic.com/opinion-give-kindness-more-often/

The proverb- 'One kind word can warm three winter months' means that one kind word can make people feel good in their sufferings. In other words, our kind words and works have had a good effect on people for a very long time.

Doing kind work is neither easy nor difficult. It's just a simple act everyone must practice to promote peace among the living beings on earth. All people have their definition of the word - 'kindness', and therefore I have my definition of it too.

According to me, 'Kindness doesn't mean donating and helping poor and needy people'. If this act was to be called an act of kindness, then some people do these things to win the vote during the election. And after being elected, their words, kind work and promises to vanish into the air like the air itself. 

I also want to bring up the act of some rich people who donate money to charity unwillingly to reduce the tax from the government. Therefore, I believe that the act of kindness must come, and it must come from deep within your heart by forgetting about your wealth and asset.

I remember a line in the poem, 'The Heart Of Tree', where it tells that a kind man plants a tree to serve future generations. He knows that he won't be able to enjoy the fruits of that tree, but still, he will have the satisfaction - that someday this tree will be helping people improve fresh air to breathe.

Many people speak about peace and kindness, but a few follow it. And I agree that only speaking is not enough. We must act upon our saying as we all know that - 'Action speaks louder than words'.

Some people don't understand the words of love to whom we refer as 'Rod is the only logic of fools'. If all the people were to follow the saying, there would have been no jail or prison. It indicates that saying alone is not stable enough to bring up a change. 

It's the truth, which I will highlight since now we remember the people who speak well about us and praise us only for a few days. But the people who show their kindness and help us to make our life better and more peaceful are remembered for years and years. It's so true that the praise and lovely, heartful words vanish into the air like changing seasons, but the kind act shows its effect for a very long time, like the climate.

Most people forget kind words, but kind work can last for years. And people remember you for your contribution like we remember Mahatma Gandhi for his act of promoting peace. We Pestalozzians remember Sir Johan Henrich Pestalozzi every year for his kindness and loving act that he practised till his last breath.

'A kind word can warm three winter months, but an act of kindness can give warmth for centuries'.

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

One kind word can do a lot - Aria Gupta

Picture Courtesy: https://janbeek.blog/2019/11/16/one-kind-word/

There was a beggar who lived on the streets of Gronwice City. He always wanted to start a business of his own, but never believed he could do it at such a low position with no money. Life just went by as normal, people gave him a few pennies, out of which he bought some food and slept on the streets.

One day, a woman came by. And she stared at him for a while. The woman approached him and asked, “What do you want to become?”. “I know it seems stupid, but I want to start my own business,” he replied. “I’m Enara Jain, and I work at the Poltine Charity. Get up, let’s take you to my office.” The beggar, baffled, followed her to her car, and went on a ride.

He soon realised that this was no ordinary charity at all. “So you wanna become a businessman, huh?” she asked. “Yes, it’s a stupid thing to think of, but I still dream of it”, he replied. “What if I told you that you could become one?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “I would love to, but it’s just out of my reach.” replied the beggar.

They soon reached Enara’s office. It was the first time he sat on a proper couch in years. It was a strange feeling. He wasn’t used to the comfortable environment. Then Enara, offering him a glass of water, sat in front of him and asked a few questions as if she was taking his interview. The beggar was quite nervous while answering those questions.

The last question was “Do you believe that you can become a founder and start a business?”. It was the question that scared the beggar the most. “Ummmm… I don’t think I can.” was his reply. “After that, Enara went somewhere. She soon came back, smiling while carrying a cheque. “We’ll be donating 10,00,00,000 Rupees to you, Mr…?”. “Jones,” replied the beggar, delighted about the fact that he was finally about to have some money in his bank account.

“Let me tell you one thing, which is that you can become an entrepreneur. If you save this money, you can surely become one”, said Enara. Mr Jones thought for a while, thinking about what to do with this money. He decided to spend some money and save some money.

10 years later, the fashion company 'Swaniskin' was more successful than ever. The beggar, now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, was happy that he was able to work hard to achieve his dream. His rags-to-riches story is one of the most inspiring things in the world.

*(Note: None of these people, places, companies, etc are real)

Aria Gupta

Grade VI || Gyanshree School

Autobiography Of An Aloe Vera - Rishona Chopra

Hello, my dear friends! I am Aloe Vera. The most beautiful, most remarkable and kindest plant you have ever seen.

I have done many good deeds in my life with my best friend "Gel". I have healed several people. You might give credit to Gel, but who produced him? Me. Who motivated him? Me. Who supported him? Me. But I am very humble. I'll let you take credit, but we all know who really did the work.  

I have been healing you, humans, for centuries, but what do you do? You cut me in half and apply me on your sticky, dry, sweaty face. You don't care about the pain I go through. You just put me so you get a pretty face, but what on earth happened to my pretty face? And that, my friends, is my struggle in life. 

Rishona Chopra
Grade VII
Gyanshree School

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 - 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 - 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

Importance of bedrock mentoring - Shilpika Pandey

There is too much or too little of so many things in this world that we wish to catch in life. Our dreams, aspirations and wants make us put our hands into a jar full of innumerable  options but when we get stuck at what to really pick, we falter and are unable to choose and thus come at a precise decision. 

The road ahead seems blurry and one wonders if at all to walk on it until someone out there clears, not the road but the vision to see it clearly and helps us walk on it with a confident gait that we realize the importance and effectiveness of that guiding hand, advisor, counsellor or a bedrock MENTOR! 

A Mentor is what each one of us needs to take the best decision, pick the right option and stay focused. But how do we know our mentors? How do we recognize them? The answer is very unadulterated.. When the student is ready, the Guru or mentor appears!

One recognizes a mentor in a kind, empathetic, non judgmental ,helpful, supporting, encouraging, motivating, positive and a wise human. A mentor is a gateway to a mentee's world of opportunities becoming correct and lifelong decisions and facilitating a successful place in life! A true mentor plants a belief, nurtures trust and backs a skill in the right direction. A mentee is forever looking for that mentor who exists but justifies his/her presence when the former is open to welcome one.

A mentor can help one find himself ,change lives and help build a nation and so MENTORING MATTERS!

Why fit in when I can stand out? - Rishona Chopra

We have grown up with values and are taught to be kind to everyone around us. But we often exhibit the behaviour of dependency – we are nice to people only when they are nice to us. 

If they behave wrongly with us in small or big ways, we feel an impulse to strike back in the name of tit for tat or an eye for an eye. We copy people's wrong behaviours and give up our inherent goodness. From today, start living by your value compass, no matter what. 

Holding on to your qualities when tempted to copy others' wrong behaviour increases your inner power. Remind yourself – "Irrespective of my environment and people, I use my original qualities in every situation. Irrespective of the other's behaviour, I am caring and kind to them.

Unique the way I am,
That's how I stand.
With all my values and principles in place,
I will always stay at my own pace!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Guru Bhakti - Rishona Chopra

You were the one who held my hand, 
You were the one who made me understand.
You don't just have a fantastic carrier,
You make me and many others happier.
You are a superhero,
You would be sweet and understanding even if I got a zero.
You have so many features,
I am proud to say you are my teacher.
You helped me to bring out my best,
You took care of the rest. 
You have so many features,
I am proud to say you are my teacher.
You can be strict,
And very smartly solve a conflict.
You can be sweet and kind,
But somehow, you hide your tired face behind.
You stay up late just to check your notebooks,
And make sure we read exciting books.
You teach us selflessly,
And very carefully.
You have so many features,
I am proud to say you are my teacher.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

What makes me feel positive? - Rishona Chopra

My mother makes me positive, maybe sitting in her lap and reading a book make me feel positive. There is no reason for it; it's just her face that shines so bright and makes me smile. She, for me, is the most spiritual person I know and the most positive person too. Seeing her, I feel that everything in the world is just great. It gives me positivity and hope.

This is for you, 

When anything happened, you knew.
You taught me to be true,
And that's how I grew
You cared for me,
You are the one that makes me feel free!
The kindest one ever,
When I needed you, you were always there whatsoever. You make me positive, You are so progressive, You give me a new sense of hope, There is no one like you on the globe! There is no reason for this, It's just a natural bliss, That's probably why you are my mother, You are like no other! Rishona Chopra Grade VI Gyanshree School

You're Really A Good Girl - Rishona Chopra

 

" You're Really A Good Girl," said the headmaster to Totto-chan and the better part is that Totto-chan agreed with him; now that's what I call - self-esteem and self-love. 

It was not that she wasn't a good girl; she was a really good girl. She was kind and helpful, but always curious took the better of her. It always got her into trouble! I wonder what a marvellous friend she would be!  

Telling a young child that he/she is a good girl/ boy is really good. It means to say that - Some people may not think we are good, but your character is not bad. It has an excellent great deal, and I know that. Maybe someone makes us believe we are not great, but when we have one person who tells us that he believes in us and likes us, doesn't it feel great even if it is your friend. These words instil self-confidence in us, which is very important.

So, today let's give ourselves a message that we are great girls and boys!

 

Totto-chan, you're great,
You're someone with who I can relate,
You are kind,
You help the blind.
You are sweet,
You acted like you were meat!
You have amazing skills,
You bravely climb hills.

You wanted to be a ticket seller,
But you could even be a storyteller!
You want to be a spy and a musician,
You truly have a great ambition.

You're talkative and have so much to tell,
You're a great rebel.
I wish I were a bit more like you!
And that's true!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
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

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.

Totto Chan's mother - Rishona Chopra

   

I am Totto-chan's Mom
The illustration also by Rishona Chopra

Totto-chan's mother is a sweet, compassionate woman who is a lovely parent. She is patient and kind and loves her daughter Totto-chan. Totto-chan had been expelled from school. If it was any other mother, she would have grounded her or punished her or given her a long lecture, but Totto-chan 's mother didn't even let her know that she was expelled and just took her to a new school!

Compassion and understanding make a mother. Even if she had scolded her daughter, it would have been for the best, but after all, Totto-chan didn't do anything wrong either. She could also have scolded the teacher, but she understood her feelings and reacted accordingly and did not take decisions in haste.

She is a sweet mother,
She loves her daughter and couldn't want another!

She is kind and sweet,
Patient and neat,

She loves her daughter dearly,
She treats her like a fairy!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

We learn from Nature - Rishona Chopra

We learn almost everything from nature. The way trees sway, we might learn a dance move from them. Some birds even dance in coordination with their very own dance teacher! ( I am not joking) . The way the weaver bird weaves its nest is so mesmerizing, and if you observe them closely, we humans knit the same way as them, except we use needles, and they use their beaks! 

Noticing the movement of birds, we made aeroplanes. We learned about hibernation because animals don't move or eat much in winters. 

Nature gives us education and other necessary things we need to live. When nature is so kind to us, why are we so rude to it? Why don't we care for the outdoors the same way nature cares for us?

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Friendship - Arnav Sharma

“Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”

I, Arnav Sharma, of grade 3, would like to share my personal story about friendship. When I was in Grade 1, one fine day, on reaching the school, I didn’t find a place to sit, and I felt awful and got disheartened. Suddenly, one boy, Rajveer, told me to come and sit with him. I felt good and happy because he was very kind. After that, Rajveer and I became good friends. That day, I realized that ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’  

I also learnt that we should observe the things and situations around us very carefully because we can help many people around us.

We need to be determined because friendship is fantastic, and our parents and siblings are our best friends.

Arnav Sharma
Grade III
Gyanshree School

Friendship - Mishika Baweja

Hello! Today I am going to talk about friendship. Everyone likes to make friends. We talk, dance and play with friends. I have many friends in my grade 3 class like Aryama, Janya, Amina and Manya. My best friend is Aryama. She is very kind to me. I, being her good friend, have helped her many times. Let me share my experience. 

One day I was walking down the stairs, suddenly, I fell down from the fifth stair. I injured my leg. It was paining, and Aryama saw me on the ground; she got to know what had happened. She helped me stand on my feet. This is how my friend helped me in school.

I also talk with my other friends, Janya, Manya, Aryama and Aarohi. I love to speak with them because they are my good friends. I even remember when we used to get lunch in school, we shared lunch with each other. That was my best experience ever with friends sharing our tiffins. 

My teacher in grade 3, Nishita ma’am, is also my friend because she is very friendly and makes us laugh a lot. We enjoy her classes a lot. Thank you to all my friends for being with me.

Mishika Baweja
III-C
Gyanshree School

Making Everyday A Celebration - Rishona Chopra

You can make each day a celebration by being happy and by being kind to others!!

We usually celebrate on special occasions like festivals, birthdays, anniversaries and more. I’m sure you love celebrating and even I do. But why? Now your answers could be the following:-

• Get time to spend with your family

• Get to watch TV

• Eat tasty food

In the above examples you can see that in these celebrations you watch TV, eat tasty food etc. But is it necessary that in celebrations you need to watch all those TV shows and eat  unhealthy food? No. A celebration is something when you spend time with your families and be happy and be compassionate to people. So what do you think? Can you make each day a celebration? Yes you can. You can make each day a celebration by being happy and by being kind to others!!

So be grateful and thankful everyday and it is itself a celebration!

Rishona Chopra

Grade - V

Gyanshree School

Honesty and Respect - Tanishi Chitara

Tanishi Chitara 

Honesty and Respect are essential hallmarks of healthy relationships. In healthy relationships, people talk honestly, listen well, trust and respect each additional. Honesty is a vital character trait that every individual should possess. The possession of this trait is very beneficial for a person’s whole life. 

Honesty is the courage to speak the truth and reject disloyalty. At the same time, respect is a way of treating or thinking about someone. People respect others who are impressive for any reason, such as being in authority – like a teacher or cop or grandparents. We show respect by being polite and kind.

We are taught early that honesty is a great virtue; one must give respect to earn respect, and learning compassion requires standing in someone else’s shoes. All of these are pretty ideas. After all, people don’t want to be lied to; they want to be respected for who they are. I think it’s best summed up by the adage, “Treat others the way you wish to be treated.” 

Tanishi Chitara 

Class III

The Fabindia School