Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts

Monday 18 March 2024

International Mother Language Day- Shambhavi Nautiyal

International Mother Language Day

The indispensableness of knowing our mother language is understood by all of us. It connects us with indigenous culture, people, traditions, and history. It helps us learn where we come from and who our ancestors were, as they are who we are since we are compact from our ancestors. They reside in our bodies, shower us with blessings, and guide us from the subtle realms.

A testament to this is in the fact that we can find fragments of our ancestors in our countenance, devolved virtues and values, how our ancestors can find semblances of them in us and how they can tell with a single glance that we belong to their lineage just by the aura and mien we have may they be dead or alive. To me, connection with my mother language means connection with my ancestors, who may be from a millennium ago or just a generation ago.

The expressions, slang, speech, and literature in their era let me know what kind of people they were, how the times gone were and how it would feel getting to know them. By learning about our mother tongue, we get to know them through word of mouth or writing, which may divulge the allegory of their life, how they reacted to their plight and what I can learn from that.

Even though in the present times we have several translations of our scriptures, and I own to have read them too yet, there is an implicitly distinct sentiment of being connected to your roots, almost like watering the roots of a tree and maybe even discerning how our past life had been like because there is a reason for everything, including why we were born on this part of the universe, belonging to our peculiar ethnicity, may we be aware of it or not.

The reason for that is to learn something new and succeed in our spiritual advancement by picking up something from this realm, the people surrounding us, and the language of our ancestors bequeathed to us. And that's why try at least learning to be fluent in speaking our mother language.


Shambhavi Nautiyal
Ahlcon Public School
Grade- IX

Wednesday 28 February 2024

Pamela Atkinson - Mridul Maheshwari

image courtesy - https://www.deseret.com, used by Mridul Maheshwari for representation only

Pamela Atkinson

Today we saw a video about Pamela Atkinson related to her social work - serving others or helping the poor. Pamela believes that 'even small acts of service help change lives. Small things make a difference". 

Over the years, working with the poor, Pamela has learned that service doesn't always need to be huge, it can even be small.

Pamela said, "We should look for opportunities to make a difference in other people's lives-which in turn, make a difference in our own."

  -Mridul Maheshwari (IX)
                                                      Sunbeam School Lahartara




Tuesday 20 February 2024

The True Success - Tenzin Nyesel

For me, Success means achieving a goal that you have set in your life. Even if it is just getting better marks in any subject.

Success is a feeling when you are well satisfied with what you have or got. Achieving success does not always mean becoming a topper in class or becoming a rich person. 

Sometimes it's just us who feel we have done better work that we couldn't do or attempt before.

Tenzin Nyesel
Class 10th,
Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

The Way of Home - Ati Pema

PC- Ati Pema

The Way of Home

"A leopard never changes its spots."
- Anonymous

Far beyond the distant chains of ice, stone and snow in the land of the icey plateau lies my dwelling, enveloped by the stone and dust that gives me my livelihood. I have to hunt those devilishly quick prey that leaps away on cliffs and claws away on the ridges (Even when they have none!). 

Fearless they are so I too have to become such, though they are swift, they lack much awareness and are lost in their petty fights. I can creep up on them quickly, and with my colour, they rarely see me! But a lot has changed since my solitude; there are more mouths to feed than my own.

My hunting days are longer and more gruelling, and hunting itself has become more complicated than it once was. My prey left their grazing ground and now lives on the planes in numbers more prominent than I had ever seen. It would be good if those two-legged skin changers did not look over them. They, too, live in herds of hundreds in their own lands, where they carve the plateau to their liking. 

I would not be much concerned, but lately, the snow on the hill, which once shone white, has been painted grey with dust. I can no longer hide under my camouflage! 

I take my cubs wherever I go as now my own kind threatens them in these difficult times. 

What had changed in the time I grew? Where is the land I knew? The snow, the ice and those green pastures. What could be the cause? 

Yet there is no time to complain as even those two-legged beasts are now hunting us! Will my cubs ever see the world I saw? Will they never hear the silent breath they take as they go for their first hunt? I shan't throw away my hope. As times have gone and become such, it will change once more. 

Ati Pema
St. Thomas College

Wednesday 14 February 2024

The Book Highlight - Ayush Kashyap

The book Hidden Life of Trees highlights its intricate relationships and communication networks within forests, reminding us of the importance of fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. It encourages us to appreciate and respect the complexity of ecosystems.

Ayush Kashyap
Sunbeam School, Varuna

The Joy of Giving - Ahad Hashmi

The Joy of Giving is an enriching experience. It is a profound connection to our inherent generosity and empathy. When we give freely, whether it be our time, resources, or simply our presence, we ignite a spark of warmth and fulfilment within ourselves and others. 

The act of giving opens our hearts and purpose as we contribute to the well-being of those around us. In giving, we discover the truth that true abundance lies not in what we possess, but in what we are willing to share with others.

Ahad Hashmi
Sunbeam School, Varuna

Wednesday 7 February 2024

Accomplishing the goals is not a success- Vaibhav Jaiswal

"It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credits."

Accomplishing the goals is not a success. Success means, you know the hard work you have done and the behaviour you show to the people, the respect which you give to the society. You're never overconfident in yourself. 

I have researched what is success; Success is not when you accomplish your dreams, success is when people respect you and you and your perspective in society. Only then, you become a successful person this is what I think after seeing the world.

Vaibhav Jaiswal 
Grade 9
Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Monday 5 February 2024

Selfless and Compassionates - Shubhangi Kashyap


Selflessness and Compassion words are somewhat connected. Selflessness means caring more for what others need and thinking less about oneself, while compassion is all about showing sympathy and emotions or having an eagerness to help others. 

Having compassion is a genuine emotion for others. It's a powerful force that can help individuals overcome feelings of isolation and despair and can promote growth. By cultivating both compassion and selflessness, individuals can create a stronger connection with others 

Shubhangi Kashyap
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Friday 2 February 2024

Being Grateful - Tenzin Nyingsel


If you talk about being grateful, there will be a whole book written about it and still, the list will not be finished. Being grateful for any small things shows our values and importance towards it. It can be felt or expressed by any person to a person or any animal to a person. Sometimes it happens that we are not able to show our gratitude towards one thing that means a lot to us. Still, it always remains in our hearts that we will always try to fulfil it. Whether by our affection towards it or by proving our hard work for it. Let me take an example of a situation that happened a few days back.

It was 8 in the morning when I was dressed in my school uniform, standing in the school assembly hall with the history book in my hand. It was the exam day and just a few minutes were left for the exam to begin. It was cold in the morning due to which the roof above my head was covered with dew. Suddenly a drop fell on the book. To my surprise, it fell exactly on the topic that said, 'JUDICIAL REVIEW'.

For me, I really believe in fate, destiny and luck. At that moment, I felt it might be a sign for me. So I revised it very well. It was not long before the bell rang for the exam. After some minutes, the question papers were laid on my desk. I checked the paper slowly, turning the pages. In the middle of the crowd of questions, I saw a familiar question that asked about the 'judicial review'. For that very moment, I felt really grateful towards that one drop of water that fell. Since that question carried four marks, I wrote the answer in a very happy mood.

That is why, being grateful can be felt at any particular time and for any particular thing because sometimes it is not always a 'person' towards which we feel grateful. 

In the end, I would conclude by saying that ' I am grateful for everything I have. The highs. The lows. The blessings. The lessons. The setbacks. The comebacks. The love. The hate. Everything.' 

Tenzin Nyingsel
Class 10
Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

Being Grateful- Tenzin Dakar


For me being grateful means not just saying thank you to a person but it is a feeling from inside which shows gratitude, and respect towards the person, organization or any other entity. We should not take it for granted and should not disregard the effort or the hard work which is done by somebody for us to make our life and living a better one.

You should always be grateful for what you are getting whether it is education, food, knowledge, morals or even the place where you stay as there might be many people in this world who might not be getting the basic necessities which are food, shelter, clothes, etc.

I am grateful for the environment where  I live and study, the place which provides me good education, delicious food, teachers, morals and the opportunity to study in the best schools which may not be possible without the helping hands of others.

It makes me feel scared when I think of whether I will be able to meet the expectations of people and the thoughts which tell me, I won't be able to utilize the hardships and efforts done for me by others, or if I don't score good marks but, these thoughts help me to push myself become better and work harder.

Some people take the hard work done for them for granted and do not care much about it and forget about it. They are not satisfied with what they are getting and always want more, whereas some people wish for life like them. 

Tenzin Dakar
Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

We are all connected and we are one - Nishan Karki

“The most important things in life are the connections you make with others.” – Tom Ford 

All the human beings living in this world are connected to one another. Despite differences in race, religion, colour, custom and language, we are all one. We are somehow directly or indirectly connected to each other.

Connection with other people makes our life easier and happier. If we are connected to one another, it means we have someone to share our happiness and sadness and other emotions. We can help people in times of their distress and also get back help from others.

People who are lonely are lost (mentally) and do not seem very active. They do not indulge in conversation and do activities with other people. These people are not well connected to one another. 

Maybe, the lives of people who are not connected to others are not fun. But from many people's point of view, it may be fun.

Sometimes, I sing a song in my mind. Then after a few seconds, I hear another person singing the same song. This makes me wonder whether our minds are connected or not. This has happened several times.

Monday 29 January 2024

Empowering Learners for a Brighter Future: Anmol Kashyap

Education plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for individuals and society. To empower learners, it requires skills, knowledge, and confidence. Empowering learners to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and contributors also requires quality education and accessibility, changing the world. 

As learners invest in education, it takes them to a brighter future, driving positive change, sustainability, and growth. The main factor for empowering learners for a brighter future is education."

Anmol Kashyap 
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Tuesday 23 January 2024

The Importance of Good Health - Ankit Raj

"Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”

This means that health is a resource to support an individual's function in wider society, rather than an end in itself. A healthful lifestyle provides the means to lead a full life with meaning and purpose.

Ankit Raj
Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Sylvan Reverie: A Soul’s Unveiling

I came across a forest;
Which was full of green, 
With the colossal trees-
They were so tall they couldn’t be seen.
With animals so enigmatic, 
The mist was so dramatic.

I came across a forest-
Where lay the river’s poetic grace.
I saw a reflection that seemed honest, 
The reflection told me what was seen but unknown,
Heard but ignored.

I came across a forest-
Where the water showed me a reflection true, 
A tale untold that became a mystery to pursue.
The one I saw in the reflection-
Was it me or a girl in the past? 
At thirteen, a memory that couldn’t last.

I came across a forest-
It was just another forest,
But it was the place where I found myself. 
I came across a forest, 
But the forest was just my dream. 


-Aarika Banka 
Grade IX, Gyanshree School, Noida 

Thursday 28 December 2023

Do it for yourself - Rishona Chopra

PC. VectorStock

Often, we find ourselves doing things to please someone else. To get appreciation. We all are like that, even I. It makes me feel happy when one appreciates me. But there is one more thing to the appreciation - the pressure. 

When one appreciates you, you feel burdened to always do well, be an achiever and keep striving but when you fall in that cycle, you lose the joy of doing the task in the very first place. You now don't do it for self-pleasure but to please someone else.

When we do that, the task eventually becomes a burden and all happiness is replaced by fear and nervousness. Whatever we do, we should be doing it just for ourselves. Not for seeking prestige and glory. 

Why are we here in this world? What is our purpose? To do our part in the world and be kind. That is our purpose. And the key to fulfilling that purpose is to be happy and content with ourselves. To do all our tasks for mere joy and happiness.


I write because it gives me joy. I read because it takes me to another world. I play the piano because it makes my heart soar with happiness. If I did all these things for someone else then it wouldn't give me the same joy that it gave me before.

There are two meanings that come out when we say “ Do it for yourself”. One is that we do something because it gives us happiness. Because we love that task. The second is to help out someone else yet enjoy the task and not lose the joy in doing it.


Helping out someone is fantastic but everything we must do must be done with passion and happiness. If no joy, the beauty of the work itself disappears.

When you eat the food at a restaurant and when you eat something homemade, there is a humongous difference! The food at home is made with love and you can feel that while eating the food.  The joy and passion in work are shown similarly no matter how it may look or be.


When we say "Joy of learning" the keyword isn't "Learning", it is "Joy". We learn for our own joy and happiness. 


As said, live your life for you, not for anyone else.


Rishona Chopra

Grade VII

Gyanshree School



Tuesday 10 October 2023

My Sunday School - Manisha Khanna


Today, on World Mental Health Day, I would like to share my reason for joining "The Sunday School". 

IKIGAI, for me, is Sunday School. "Ikigai" is a Japanese word that signifies "life purpose" or "raison d'être." I don't engage in a lot of activities on Sunday. I work six days a week and take Sundays off, but when I learned about SUNDAY SCHOOL, I saw that this was precisely what I had wanted to do all these years as an avid reader. I resonated with the idea of Sunday School right away. We all have a ton to do on Sunday, but after two weeks, I learned that this time is my IKIGAI. This is how my relationship with the Sunday School began.


"Reading without reflection is like eating without digestion." —Edward Burke.


I'm looking forward to receiving everyone's reflections for this week.

Manisha Khanna

Your Sunday School host

Sunday 1 October 2023

My Good School is 2, join the party!


Amid the jollification, a sudden and unexpected knock came on the door. #MyGoodSchool We are Two! Hoorah and the party is on!!

Reading, Reflection and Relationships #GoodSchoolsAlliance You must watch the video and, even better, sign up for My Good School; this is not a commercial but a sincere acknowledgement of the wonderful effort all the young people put in at My Good School - where passion meets education. Gyanshree Noida: We avoid sharing videos and photos of our school children and people who attend My Good School. Please bear with us for this small exception, as we are overwhelmed.

Wednesday 27 September 2023

My Contribution To Change The World - Tenzin Jambey

What will be my contribution to making the world a better place?

One person can not change the whole world, but we must understand that to bring peace, we all must contribute our efforts together. 


Every person can not reach out to the whole world; some people who are illiterate, uneducated and poor don't have access to the other side of the world. But, yes! There is a world for simple people, even if they don't know how the world looks outside their village and town.


One day, my grandmother asked me where this place called Dehradun actually lies because she had never stepped out of the village. Like my grandmother, people in the town know nothing about the states, countries, continents, world and planets. 


This is how life looks without education; without education, we cannot see the world beyond our surroundings. 


Still, even though the world of the illiterate people is limited, there is a world for them: their surroundings, where they live with their family, community and the different forms of life like animals and birds. 


Some people think that illiterate people are fools and dummies like zombies who can't feel, but no, they are wrong. As I have lived among educated and uneducated people, I know how different people think and live. 


Some people do very well in education and technology but use those skills badly. Hackers, people who indulge in cybercrime, corrupted ministers, and many more can be mentioned. Some uneducated people are pure from their hearts; they know nothing about the bad stuff, and the educated people always exploit them.


The world of uneducated and poor people is brutal to live in; they don't get food to eat, but some rich people spend a lot of money on ordering varieties of food, but all of it goes wasted! Well, to make the world a better place, both the educated and uneducated people must connect with each other. Every individual must give their best in all ways they can to make a sustainable future and a peaceful world.


I will always respect all the people of different castes and religions, and I will always try to be polite to others and keep my environment healthy. I will help the people who are in need. I will utilise education correctly and avoid the bad stuff that would hurt the sentiments and interests of people around me. 

 

I will think beyond the looks and try to reflect and understand as much as possible. I will always accept others and their opinion, thoughts and ideas. 


If everyone follows the good path, then our efforts will undoubtedly result in overcoming unwanted activities and things like illiteracy, poverty, pollution, exploitation, global warming, food wastage, tribal clash, discrimination, racism, crimes, murders, rapes, child labour and many more activities that harm the interest of the people.


Lastly, we are the ones who create trouble for ourselves, and we get disturbed by it. Some of our actions are the outcome of sadness & depression, which come when our happiness dies. Therefore, we must be happy and have peace of mind. Sadness and depression result in unwanted activities and things that I mentioned earlier. That's why happiness should be our priority- it will serve as a pillar in changing the world.


Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.



Sunday 10 September 2023

Finding Your Voice - Tenzin Nyesel

REFLECTION: " Finding your voice " (inner voice)

Let's talk about the voice, not the one with which we speak but the inner voice. The voice that whispers in our mind with powerful and meaningful words. It tells us what's right and what's not. It tells us when to leave and where to go when needed. It tells us when to say yes and when to say no. Sometimes, that voice is crystal clear. It says go or stay, right or wrong, but sometimes it whispers. Always be calm and concentrative to have great clarity of that voice.

"Never let your inner voice drown in this noisy world because, in the end, that voice knows what's right for you. Always trust your inner voice." 
 
Tenzin Nyesel,
Pestalozzi Children's Village India


Saturday 2 September 2023

Be true to yourself - Tulsi Karki

Picture Courtesy: https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/true-self-finding-your-spiritual/


Being true to yourself means thinking and acting in ways that align with your values and feelings rather than the values of others. 

If you are living true to yourself, you feel confident in your identity and you are pursuing goals that you know will lead to your happiness. 

It is really important to be true to yourself it will be your guide to living a life for yourself. A life that is fulfilling and filled with all of the things that make you joyful and allow you to live a life of purpose, whatever that looks like for you. 

Hence, the only way to live your life happily is to be who you are, not caring what other people might think or say about it. 

People are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well forget society and be like others. But keep one thing in mind you have to be true to yourself at every moment of your life. 

Tulsi Karki
Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.