Finding Confidence and Joy Through Stories and Self-Discovery- Sunbeam School, Ballia

Book: What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

Mentor: Jugjiv Singh Sir

The webinar highlighted how books have the power to transform our thinking and help us understand ourselves better. The selected excerpts from What You Are Looking For Is in the Library showed that every individual has unique strengths, emotions, and experiences, and that kindness and encouragement can bring out the best in people.

The discussion about Confuciusornis symbolised discovering hidden potential and using creativity to give life to ideas. The reference to Monger, the "ultimate creature," reminded me that true strength is not only physical ability but also emotional resilience and the need for care and acceptance. The conversation about the Venus flytrap and other unusual examples encouraged curiosity and the habit of learning from nature.

One of the most touching parts was Nozomi's childhood experience of struggling to fit into the classroom. Ms. Komachi's simple words of appreciation changed her confidence and outlook. This reinforced the idea that a teacher's encouraging words can leave a lifelong impact on a student's life.

As a teacher, I realised that every learner has a different story and learns differently. My responsibility is not only to teach the syllabus but also to create a classroom where students feel respected, valued, and confident to express themselves. I will encourage reading, creativity, empathy, and meaningful discussions so that students develop both academically and emotionally.

Overall, the session reminded me that libraries and books are not merely places for information; they are spaces where hope, self-discovery, imagination, and lifelong learning begin.

This reflection has inspired me to become a more compassionate, patient, and encouraging educator who helps every child discover what they are truly looking for.
Regards,
Riya Yadav

The reading sessions were both enlightening and enjoyable, offering me an excellent platform to develop my reading habits, improve my comprehension skills, and appreciate the beauty of literature.

The first session was conducted by Brinda Ma'am, where she discussed the book My Family and Other Animals. In the session, Ma'am discussed the chapter "Conversation." Through the author's vivid descriptions, I experienced the charm of the spring season and the fascinating world of nature. Brinda Ma'am's engaging narration made the session both informative and captivating.

The second session was conducted by Jugjiv Sir, who guided us through the chapter "Hiroya" from What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. He made the session more engaging by asking many questions and also encouraging us to share our insights.

In the session, they also read the reflections written by the students.

Both the sessions were very interesting and enjoyable. I learned many new things and developed a greater interest in reading. The sessions also helped me improve my vocabulary, thinking skills, and creativity. I am sincerely thankful to my mentors for making these sessions so interactive and inspiring. They encouraged me to read more, think deeply, and enjoy learning through books.
Thank you.
Deenshah Najam, 10thC

In today's session, we first listened to the My Good School Anthem, and afterwards we read and saw all the creative reflections written by the students. 

Brinda Ma'am's Session

In the first session by Brinda Ma'am, we enjoyed the story My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. We read the chapter "Conversation." This chapter was about the spring season. There were baby donkeys, tortoises, butterflies, and many more animals. We were also introduced to the book The Elizabethan Dramatists, which was recommended by Larry to his mother.

Session by Jugjiv Singh Sir

The second session by Jugjiv Singh Sir was marvellous, as Sir introduced us to new words and explained the chapter "Hiroya" from the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. Sir also asked many interesting questions.

These sessions were very effective and knowledgeable.
Talat Bano

Today's My Good School session was both enjoyable and meaningful.

Brinda Ma'am read My Family and Other Animals. In the story, Gerald's great-aunt planned to visit the family, but Lawrence and the other siblings did not want her to come. They kept suggesting excuses, and eventually the family shifted to a smaller house to politely avoid the visit. This made me smile because it reminded me of how many of us also ask our parents to make excuses when guests are about to arrive.

Later, Jugjiv Sir read about Hiroya, who felt his drawing of a bird was not good enough. However, the assistant librarian and Miss Komachi appreciated his artwork. This taught me that we are often too critical of ourselves, while others may see the beauty and effort in our work. It encouraged me to value my own efforts and believe in myself.
Ishika Singh
Class 10-B

Celebrating Nature, Family, and Self-Discovery Through Reading - Sunbeam School, Ballia

Today's sessions were highly engaging and enriching. Brinda Ma'am's beautiful reading and explanation of "Conversation" by Gerald Durrell helped me appreciate the beauty of nature and the warmth of family life. Jugjiv Singh Sir's interactive session introduced us to new vocabulary and made us think deeply through interesting questions.

Overall, I learned that reading becomes more meaningful when we observe, imagine, and connect with the ideas in the text.
Anurag Tripathi
TGT English

My Reflection: Chapter "Conversation" by Gerald Durrell

Reading this chapter honestly feels like looking at a warm, sun-drenched painting made of words. It instantly brings a smile to your face because of how alive and joyful it feels.

What I loved most is how beautifully Ma'am connects nature with family life. On one hand, you see the entire island waking up after a long winter—lambs playing, tortoises shaking off the dirt, and flowers blooming. On the other hand, you see this wonderfully chaotic family doing the exact same thing: stepping out onto their veranda to soak in the sun.

My Takeaway— In today's busy world, this chapter is a gentle reminder that happiness is actually very simple. It is found in enjoying a beautiful morning, waiting for a letter, and the sweet, messy noise of a family spending time together.

Mr. Ravi Thakur
TGT English

The reading session by Brinda Ma'am on "Conversation" was enjoyable. This chapter taught me that meaningful conversations make family relationships stronger. I learned that simple moments, such as sitting together, talking, reading letters, and sharing laughter, can create lasting memories. The chapter also reminded me to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy life's small pleasures instead of always rushing.

I also enjoyed the reading session because Brinda Ma'am read this chapter beautifully.
Pooja Pandey
TGT English

The Transformative Power of Reading and Reflection - Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Reading and reflecting help students develop a deeper understanding of both books and themselves. Reading broadens their knowledge, imagination, and vocabulary, while reflection encourages critical thinking and self-awareness. Together, these habits build confidence and improve communication skills. They also nurture empathy by helping students understand different perspectives and experiences. Reflective reading inspires students to connect lessons from books with real-life situations and make thoughtful decisions. Over time, these practices cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. As a result, students grow into responsible, compassionate, and confident individuals.

Reading "Is Your Child Ready To Face The World?"

At the recent Leading Forward Retreat organised by Good Schools Alliance, our group came together to read and reflect on “Is Your Child Ready to Face the World?” anchored around the 3Rs: Reading, Reflection, and Relationship.

Founded as The LFIN Academy in 2017, we have evolved into The Teachers Academy in 2024. Join us for immersive learning retreats hosted by our founder, Sandeep Dutt, at our Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun.

Reading Dr Anupam Sibal's book as students was a unique experience.

Learning Forward Retreat, 14-16 July 2026, at the Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun

We are delighted to host educators from Sunbeam Schools - Suncity, Bhawanpur, Lahartara and Varuna; and the Aasara Trust for an immersive learning experience. Discover more at www.LFIN.Academy.

Books often teach us lessons, but some books make us pause and reflect on who we are and who we want to become. Is Your Child Ready to Face the World? By Dr Anupam Sibal was one such book for us.

Reading it as students was a unique experience. We initially thought the book was meant only for parents and teachers, but as we turned each page, we realised that it was equally relevant for children. It helped us understand that success in life is not defined only by marks or achievements but by our ability to think independently, adapt to change, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships.

One of our biggest takeaways was that education should prepare us for life, not just for examinations. The world beyond school values communication, empathy, resilience, teamwork, creativity, and decision-making. These are qualities that cannot be measured by report cards but are essential for becoming responsible and confident individuals.

The book also encouraged us to reflect on our own habits. Do we take responsibility for our actions? Are we willing to learn from failures? Do we step out of our comfort zone? These questions made us realise that personal growth begins with self-awareness.

Another inspiring message was the importance of parents, teachers, and students working together. We understood that guidance from adults is valuable, but we must also take ownership of our own learning journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger if we choose to learn from it.

As a team, we discussed how these ideas connect with our everyday school life. Whether participating in group activities, taking leadership roles, helping our peers, or managing setbacks, we now see these experiences as preparation for the real world.

This book has inspired us to focus not only on academic excellence but also on becoming compassionate, confident, and capable individuals. We believe that being “ready to face the world” means being curious enough to keep learning, courageous enough to face challenges, and kind enough to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

As students, this book has reminded us that our journey is not just about preparing for the next exam—it is about preparing for life.

 - Deeba Naqvi, Apeksha Malviya and Anurag Khanna from Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, Varanasi, and Manisha Bhandari from the Aasara Trust at Dehradun.

Sunday School Reflection - Sunbeam School Varuna

 

Sunday school Reflection by Manisha Khanna

The Transformative Power of Reading and Reflection -Sunbeam School, Mau

 

Jai Hind, everyone,

My Reflection on  Webinar – 5th July 2026 (Sunday), 10:30 a.m. onwards

The story-reading session conducted by Jugjiv Sir and Brinda Ma'am was a truly enriching learning experience. Through the selected excerpts from My Family and Other Animals and What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, I realised that reading is much more than decoding words; it is about observing, imagining, questioning, and connecting with life.

What inspired me most was the way the mentors encouraged us to pause, visualise the scenes, appreciate the beauty of language, and reflect on the emotions and values embedded within the text. The character of Ms Komachi reminded me that sometimes a teacher's simple guidance or timely encouragement can open new possibilities for a learner and help them discover interests they never knew they had.

This session strengthened my belief that reading should not be limited to completing a chapter or preparing for an assessment. As teachers, we should create opportunities for students to experience stories, think deeply, express their ideas confidently, and develop empathy through literature. It also reminded me that every book has the potential to shape not only language skills but also character and perspective.

Overall, the session inspired me to make reading a joyful, reflective, and meaningful experience in my classroom, where every student feels encouraged to explore, imagine, and grow.

Regards,

Ms. Sangeeta Singh

Academic Head (VI–VIII)

I attended today's My Good School webinar and found it to be a truly enriching experience. The book-reading session by Ms Brinda Ghosh from My Family and Other Animals was engaging and thought-provoking. Her narration brought the text to life and highlighted the joy of reading.

The subsequent reading sessions by Mr Jugjiv Singh and Ms Manisha Khanna were equally insightful and encouraged us to reflect on the value of literature in our daily lives. The webinar reinforced the importance of reading, sharing ideas, and building meaningful relationships.

Overall, it was a well-conducted and inspiring session. I sincerely thank you for providing us with this valuable opportunity to learn and grow.

Regards,
Aayush Pandey
Social Science Department

Sea Voyages, Library Dreams, and Vegetable Trails: A Sunday of Stories, Reflection, and Real Life

In today's Sunday session, Brinda Ma'am and Jugjiv Sir spoke to us about why abstract thinking and visualization matter so much, especially now, when our attention spans keep getting shorter. They explained that when we read a description and try to imagine it in our minds, we are training our brains for things like higher maths and physics, where we cannot always see what we are working with. This made me realise that reading is not just about following a story; it is also a kind of mental exercise.
I want to practice visualizing more while I read, instead of rushing through the words.
Utkarsh Gupta - 6th-C

In today's Sunday School session, I learned about a giant daikon and how fresh flowers and vegetables are grown and sold in the local market. Near the market, there is a community center connected to the elementary and high school. Although I have visited the center before, my mother often goes there to attend flower-arranging classes.

Every three months, a farmers' market is held where local producers sell fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the community. I also learned about the Mooncake Festival, which left a lasting impression on me. Overall, this experience helped me better understand the importance of community life, preserving local traditions, and supporting local farmers by buying fresh produce directly from them.
Anuradha Jaiswal - 7-A

Brinda Ma'am read us a wonderful passage from "My Family and Other Animals" about Gerald's first boat trip on "Bootle Bum Trinket," the little boat his brother Leslie built. Through the crystal-clear water, Gerald watched clams, sea urchins, anemones, and even an octopus, and Brinda Ma'am also explained how buoyancy works. I loved imagining the underwater world Gerald describes, and it made me want to listen to the recording again so I don't miss any of the new words. This session showed me how one boy's curiosity about nature can turn an ordinary boat ride into a great adventure.
Ujjwal Singh - 6-C

Jugjiv Sir shared something I never thought about before: how vegetables like the Miura daikon radish travel from the farm to wholesale markets like Azadpur Mandi before reaching the shop near our home. We discussed how seasons affect when vegetables are available and how farmers, middlemen, and markets all work together so we get fresh food. He even spoke about going with his mother to a community house near a school to bring back more vegetables.

This made me appreciate everything that happens behind the scenes before food reaches our table.
Devang Agrawal - 7-A

In today's session, Jugjiv Sir spoke about his love for manga since childhood and how visiting a manga café once helped him make friends who shared his interest. He also told us honestly about how hard it has been to find work in illustration, even after pursuing it since school, and how others encouraged him to consider other options. I admired how openly he shared his struggle with us instead of only telling us about success. It taught me that passion does not always lead to easy success, but staying honest about our struggles is its own kind of courage.
Arushi Hisaria - 7-C
 

The Joy of Reading: Learning Lessons for Life - Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Sunday School Reflection

Reading in Sunday School is always enjoyable because every story teaches us something valuable. Through reading, we gain knowledge, improve our imagination, and learn new words and ideas. The lessons we read often relate to real life, helping us understand people, nature, and the world around us. 

Good reading habits also improve our thinking, concentration, and communication skills. Every Sunday session reminds us that reading is not just a hobby—it is a lifelong habit that helps us grow into thoughtful and informed individuals.

Finding Direction Through Books and Learning - Ishika Singh

In today’s session of My Good School, Jugjiv Sir started a new chapter from the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. We learned about a 30-year-old man named Hiroya, who was a NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). He was an introverted person who loved reading manga and found it difficult to talk to others.

During the session, we also discussed manga, graphic novels in India, and the challenges faced by many NEETs who struggle to find jobs. Jugjiv Sir emphasized the importance of developing our skills for a better future.

In the story, Hiroya visited a library and met Miss Komachi. He liked the peaceful atmosphere of the library and shared his struggles with finding work related to illustration. This chapter taught us that guidance, books, and continuous learning can help people find direction in life.

Ishika Singh, 10th B

Where Every Page Inspires - Sunbeam School Ballia

Photo from John Martyn Memorial School, only for representation 

The Sunday reading sessions taught me that books are not just stories—they are windows to new ideas, emotions, and experiences. Through these readings, I learned the importance of observation, family values, gratitude, and finding joy in life’s simple moments. Every page opened a new perspective and inspired me to become a better learner and reader. 📚✨

Azam Khan

PRT Teacher

The online reading session was a truly enriching and inspiring experience. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library taught us that guidance, learning, and self-belief can help us discover our true path, no matter how difficult life seems. The story of Hiroya reminded us that developing our skills and never giving up is the key to growth. My Family and Other Animals filled the session with warmth, humor, and a deep appreciation for nature and family.

Shamli Mein Thahara Waqt Aur Anya Kahaniyan beautifully reflected human emotions and the richness of everyday life through Hindi literature. The discussions by Jugjiv Sir, Brinda Ma'am, and Manisha Khanna Ma'am made every book more meaningful and engaging.

I learned that books are not just stories—they are companions, teachers, and sources of inspiration.

These sessions encouraged me to read more, think deeply, and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.

Grateful to all the mentors for making reading an enjoyable and memorable journey. 📚✨

  

Riya Yadav

TGT English

My Thoughts and Lessons Learned

Photo courtesy of Shweta Morolia

As a teacher, I found this webinar to be a valuable and enriching learning experience. The session went beyond simply reading My Family and Other Animals and encouraged participants to engage with the text through observation, interpretation, and reflection. 

I particularly appreciated how the discussion highlighted the beauty of descriptive writing, the relationship between humans and nature, and the author's use of humour to make everyday experiences meaningful. 

The pace of the session allowed participants to absorb the text thoughtfully, while the shared reading created a collaborative learning environment. Such sessions remind us that literature is not only about understanding words on a page but also about developing empathy, imagination, and critical thinking. 

I am grateful to Sandeep Dutt Sir, Jugjiv Sir, Kunal Sir, Brinda Ma'am, and Manisha Ma'am for their dedication to fostering a culture of reading and meaningful dialogue. Their efforts made the webinar engaging, reflective, and professionally enriching for educators and learners alike.

Rekha Sharma, Teacher, Sunbeam School Mau

Reading Makes Our Minds Healthy - Maira Jalan

Reading is one of the best habits for keeping our minds healthy and active. It improves our concentration, increases knowledge, and helps us think more clearly. Reading good books reduces stress, boosts creativity, and fosters empathy by helping us understand different people and perspectives. Just as exercise keeps our body fit, reading keeps our brain sharp and strong. A few minutes of reading every day can help us learn new ideas, build confidence, and maintain a positive mindset.

Maira Jalan

A Circle of Reflection - MGS Retreat

 

In the calm and open environment of a retreat, students come together to read, reflect, and truly listen to one another. These shared moments encourage honest expression and deeper understanding. As stories are exchanged and ideas unfold, barriers fade, and connections strengthen, allowing students to build relationships rooted in respect, empathy, and mutual growth.

MGS Retreat 2026: Nurturing Learning, Reflection, and Relationships

Enjoy the Photo Book courtesy Varun Arora of Mayoor School Jaipur.

The My Good School Alliance Retreat (MGS Retreat), in collaboration with Mayoor School Jaipur, was successfully held on the school premises, with participation from 12 schools across the country. The Good Schools Alliance (GSA) promotes the values of “Joy of Learning” and “Joy of Giving,” aiming to build a connected and inclusive community through Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

The retreat focused on the 3R’s—Reading, Reflection, and Relationships—providing students with a holistic learning experience. The four-day camp included enriching book-reading sessions led by eminent authors, including Ms Bhairvi Jani and Mr Jugjiv Singh, during which students explored excerpts from inspiring works such as Highway to Swades.

Each day began with engaging sports activities, including basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, and indoor games like chess and carrom. A special art session by Prenita Dutt introduced students to creative techniques using various art media. Interactive sessions by INME encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional awareness.

Students also enjoyed an educational excursion to the City Palace, where they experienced its rich heritage and architectural grandeur. The retreat featured a vibrant talent show where students showcased their skills through music, dance, skits, and cultural presentations.

FLP for Educators at Jaipur by Learning Forward India Foundation

The closing ceremony included an insightful session on financial literacy led by Mr Manoj Kumar (Executive Director, SEBI), Mr Venkat Chalasani (CEO, AMFI), and Mr Suryakant Sharma (Sr. Consultant, AMFI), emphasising the importance of financial planning and investment.

The event concluded on a positive note, fostering unity, learning, and inspiration, while opening new avenues for future generations.

Regards

Team Mayoor School Jaipur 🦚

How to start your reading journey?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gyan Anant Vidyalaya (@gyan_anant_vidyalaya)

Starting the Journey: For beginners, he recommends simply having books around to create an emotional connection, rather than forcing them to read.

This video features a conversation about fostering a love for reading, hosted at Gyan Anant Vidyalaya. Dutt emphasises that the best way to get children involved in reading is for teachers to be seen reading themselves. Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is a Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance.

My Good School, 29th March 2026

Sunday morning with Karkit Bajoria

To learn proposal writing and discuss book reading with Kartik Bajoria and Jugjiv Singh.

Key Takeaways

• Frame requests as opportunities: Present your need as a valuable opportunity for the recipient, not a subservient request.

• Use a 5-part structure: A proposal should include Context, Proposition, Recipient Advantages, Preemptive Solutions, and a “Big Idea” conclusion.

• Predict and solve problems upfront: Address potential recipient concerns directly in the proposal to demonstrate foresight and save time.

• Adopt a “parallel career” mindset: Turn negative self-talk (“I can’t”) into a concrete goal (“I will”) to overcome inertia and pursue dreams.

Topics

Proposal Writing Strategy

• Core Principle: Convert requests into opportunities for the recipient.

• Key Elements:

  • Context: Provide relevant background to justify the request.

  • Proposition: State the request clearly and concisely.

  • Recipient Advantages: Detail 2–3 unique benefits for the recipient.

  • Preemptive Solutions: Address potential problems before they are raised.

  • Big Idea: Frame the proposal as part of a larger, meaningful movement.

• Practical Tips:

  • Tone: Communicate on equal terms; avoid subservient language.

  • Language: Use cautious phrasing (“great likelihood”) instead of promises, as emails are legal documents.

  • Format: Use simple salutations (“Dear Sir/Ma’am”) and sign-offs (“Regards”).

Case Study: Tennis Academy Proposal

• Scenario: Propose a 10-day coaching camp to the Mahesh Bhupati Tennis Academy.

• Brainstormed Ideas:

  • Context: New school courts, rising student interest, and local players succeeding on the international stage.

  • Recipient Advantages: Access new markets (e.g., smaller towns) and recruit future talent.

  • Preemptive Solutions:

    • Concern: Low student turnout → Solution: Invite other local schools.

    • Concern: Poor infrastructure → Solution: Highlight recently built, world-class courts.

    • Concern: High resource investment → Solution: Offer school faculty to assist coaches.

Book Reading: “What You’re Looking For is in the Library”

• Plot: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but lacks the courage.

• Key Learnings from Yasuhara (bookshop owner):

  • Parallel Careers: A second job provides mental fulfilment, making the primary job less burdensome.

  • Courage of Conviction: Act on your beliefs, even when difficult.

  • “Turn the Don’t into a Goal”: Reframe negative self-talk into a concrete objective.

  • Start Now: Don’t wait for the “right time”; connections and opportunities arise from action.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Write a reflection on the session’s takeaways.

  • Send reflections to Manisha Khanna for publication on the website.

  • Research: How much of a plant’s mass is in its roots?

• Manisha Khanna:

  • Publish submitted reflections on the website.

• Kartik:

• Lead an in-person session at the April 10-14 My Good School Retreat.

• 
  FATHOM AI-generated summary, read with care.

"Sunday School" concept, emphasising curiosity and creativity without exams

My Good School Mar 8, 10:20 am, 1 hr 42 min

The discussion centred on the impact of exam-focused education systems, highlighting the stress and reduced instructional time they cause. Brinda and Jugjiv Singh shared experiences of residential school environments and the benefits of continuous assessment. The conversation shifted to the "Sunday School" concept, emphasizing curiosity and creativity without exams. They read a chapter from "The Treasure of the Spiders," discussing Gerald's interactions with Theodore, a biologist, and his fascination with trapdoor spiders. The session concluded with a quiz on reading habits and a presentation on "Atomic Habits," stressing the importance of small, consistent changes for building good habits. Manisha read a chapter in Hindi from Ruskin Bond’s The Whistling Schoolboy.

What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story from, “The Whistling Schoolboy”

Sunday School of 1st March 2026

To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of ambition and school life.

Key Takeaways

• Low Attendance Due to Exams: Final exams for classes 9 & 11 (home) and 10 & 12 (board) significantly reduced student attendance.

• Dual-Book Format: The session featured two books: a Japanese novel, What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story, “The Whistling Schoolboy” from Kabhi Kabhi School Masti Ka Adda Lagta Tha.

• Core Themes: The English novel explored ambition vs. responsibility through protagonist Ryo’s dream of opening an antique shop. The Hindi story used humour to highlight the fun, non-academic parts of school life, like plays and food.

• “Parallel Career” Concept: A key idea from the English novel, a “parallel career” (coined by Peter Drucker), was introduced as a way to pursue two complementary careers without one being secondary.

Topics

Context: Low Attendance & New Participant

• Low student attendance was attributed to ongoing final exams across many schools.

• Shailaja from Holi Sai International School (Chennai, IGCSE) joined for the first time to observe the session.

• Jugjiv Singh provided an overview of the program’s goal: using books to spark dialogues on life skills and socio-emotional learning.

English Book: What You’re Looking For in the Library

• Recap: The session began by reading student blog reflections to recap the story.

  • Plot: Ryo, stuck in a finance job, dreams of opening an antique shop.

  • Librarian’s Role: Ms Komachi gives Ryo a book on worms and a felted cat, prompting him to discover a cat-themed bookshop, “Cats Now Books.”

• Reading & Discussion:

  • Ryo’s Work Stress: Ryo is burdened by his boss’s lack of software skills and an unmotivated assistant.

  • Hina’s Family Pressure: Hina’s parents see Ryo as a “steady chap” and hint at marriage, creating pressure that conflicts with his dream of running an antique shop.

  • “Parallel Career” Concept: Ryo learns this term from Peter Drucker, defined as two complementary careers in which neither is secondary.

Hindi Book: Ekanki Swang - Natak

• Pre-Reading Quiz: A quiz on “fun school moments” served as a warm-up, with students identifying activities like sharing jokes and playing during free periods as key to enjoyment.

• Reading: The story, read by Manisha Khanna, used humour to describe the author’s experiences at boarding school.

  • Plays: Rehearsals were a fun escape from mandatory study.

  • Food: The author would intentionally finish last in races to stop at a tikki/samosa stall, highlighting the importance of food in school life.

  • Library: The library was a favourite place, made lively by the senior master, Mr Knight.

• Discussion: The story sparked a discussion on the importance of food in boarding schools, with participants sharing anecdotes about hunger and the quality of school meals.

Program Calendar & Logistics

• Manisha Khanna shared the March calendar to provide context for new participants.

• Weekly Schedule:

  • Sundays: Dual book readings (English & Hindi).

  • Saturdays: Professional learning for teachers and a masterclass for students.

  • Fridays: “Brewing Knowledge” meet-and-greets with published authors.

• Upcoming Event: A retreat is scheduled for April 10–14 at Mayoor School Jaipur.

Next Steps

• Students: Write and submit reflections on the stories.

• Manisha Khanna: Publish student reflections on the program blog.