Our Sunday School class is something we all look forward to each week. It’s a time filled with stories, learning, and quiet reflection. We enjoy being together, sharing thoughts, and discovering new lessons.
Reading has become a special part of our Sunday routine. Through reading, we not only learn about faith and values but also improve our thinking and understanding. Each story teaches us something new—about kindness, honesty, patience, and how to live a meaningful life.
Sunday class helps us grow not just in knowledge, but also in heart.
Today’s session was truly inspiring and thought-provoking. The speaker focused on some very powerful points that struck a chord deep within me. The first and most impactful thing he said was that one should always dream big and never stop chasing those dreams. It reminded me that our ambitions should never be limited by our surroundings or fears—after all, every great achievement starts with a dream.
Another key takeaway was about self-belief. No matter what the world says, believing in yourself is the first step toward success. I felt truly motivated hearing this because in today’s world, where opinions come from all directions, staying rooted and self-confidence is more important than ever.
He also walked us through some practical steps to build self-esteem. From positive self-talk to surrounding ourselves with encouraging people, it felt like a toolkit we all need but often forget to use. Along with that, the insights on building confidence and improving personality were very relevant—especially for us students who are constantly growing and learning.
Towards the end, a teacher began reading a book via screenshare, which added a calm and thoughtful conclusion to an already empowering session.
I genuinely feel more charged up and ready to work on myself after today’s experience.
"If you are happy in a dream, does that count?" - Arundhati Roy
Yes, if we are happy in our dreams, it truly counts—because happiness, no matter where it finds us, is real. In dreams, we are unbound by gravity, untouched by rules, free to chase sunsets that never set and meet loved ones long gone. We laugh with the full weight of our hearts, we love without hesitation, and we feel joy as vividly as if it were daylight on our skin. The mind may sleep, but the soul stays wide awake, collecting moments that the waking world sometimes forgets to offer.
Dream happiness is not an illusion—it’s a truth whispered in symbols and stories, a secret language of the heart. It’s where our deepest hopes live, where healing quietly begins, and where our spirit finds its way back to peace. We wake up lighter, as if someone hugged our dreams into us, and though we may not remember every detail, the feeling lingers—like music long after the last note fades.
So yes, it counts. It counts because we felt it. It counts because joy, even in the silence of sleep, still lights the soul.
The Foundation focuses on the holistic development of the child thus preparing them to integrate into mainstream society, leaving a long-lasting impact on the lives of the students and their families.
Students share their #JoyOfLearning at the Sunday School.
भविष्य उन्ही का है जो सपने देखते हैं। बिना सपना देखे हम सफल नहीं हो सकते। यदि हम सपने देखते हैं तो उसे पूरा करने की कोशिश करते रहना चाहिए।
विशाखा यादव कक्षा -8
भविष्य उन्ही का है जो अपने सपनों की खूबसूरती में विश्वास रखते हैं। अगर हम सपने नहीं देखेंगे तो हमारा जीवन अधूरा है। पहले हम सपने देखते हैं फिर उसको पूरा करने की कोशिश करते हैं। हर काम के पीछे कोई न कोई सपना होता है।
नैन्सी मौर्या कक्षा-8
सपने देखना हमारे लिए आवश्यक है, अगर हम सपने नहीं देखेंगे तो लक्ष्य तय नहीं कर पायेंगे। किसी भी कामयाब व्यक्ति के पीछे उनके सपनों का हाथ होता है इसलिए सपना देखना आवश्यक है।
Sometimes the setbacks are exactly what we need, to rise higher than the rest. These setbacks push us back and let us down but to win a good race, you need to take a few steps back, so that you win with full force.
It’s so often in life that we don’t get what we wished for, but that’s okay right? At that point, we may not always spot the silver lining but just like every cloud has a silver lining, every disappointment has a profound positive aspect to it that seems invisible but it’s always there, we just need to look deeper and find it.
It sounds so cliche and shallow when people say that everything happens for a reason. When you’re down in the dumps, the last thing you want someone to tell you is that it all happened for a good reason. It doesn’t feel true at that time. But maybe, they’re right. Maybe everything does happen in life for a reason and perhaps setbacks and challenges are exactly what we need for a brighter future. How can one ever face life if they’ve never truly felt how disappointment feels? How can someone reach for the stars if they’ve never really faced any challenge in life?
Time is precious. Each second is a blessing. Why spend that time wondering what could have been? It’s easier said than done ofcourse, but nevertheless it's the truth. The cold truth is, we don’t always get what we deserve, we don’t always get what we want, but life doesn’t wait for that. What matters more than the unchosen path is the one you’re on right now.
Challenges make us stronger. I’ve heard that plenty of times but today I feel it. If you’ve never failed an exam, you’ll never know how important it truly is to pass. If a bird never leaves its nest, despite knowing it could fall, how would it ever sail through the clouds? It feels right now as if life couldn’t be worse, it feels disappointing. It feels as if your heart could break into a million pieces. But it won’t. It won’t because you and I, we know the secret of life. That the only way to move forward is to take a step back.
Reflection questions based on Chapter 3, "The Red and the Black," from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
1. Character Perception and Transformation
In this chapter, Carl assigns literary nicknames to his customers, such as "Mr. Darcy" and "Dr. Faustus." How do these names reflect Carl's perception of each individual, and what does this reveal about his character?
2. The Role of Books in Personal Identity
Carl believes that "books and people were made of the same substance." How does this metaphor deepen our understanding of the connection between literature and personal identity?
3. The Impact of Routine on Life
Carl's daily routine of delivering books is disrupted by unforeseen events. Reflect on how routines shape our lives and the challenges that arise when altered.
4. The Influence of External Perspectives
Schascha's presence introduces a fresh perspective into Carl's world. How does her viewpoint challenge Carl's established ways, and what does this suggest about the value of external influences in personal growth?
5. Community and Human Connection
The chapter emphasizes the importance of human connection through shared stories. Reflect on how literature fosters a sense of community and belonging among individuals.
🌠 "सपने देखो – क्योंकि हर उड़ान एक ख्वाब से शुरू होती है"
✨ संक्षिप्त लेख (Write-up):
हर इंसान के दिल में कोई न कोई सपना होता है — कोई आसमान को छूना चाहता है, कोई ज़मीन पर बदलाव लाना चाहता है। सपने हमारी सोच को दिशा देते हैं, हमें मेहनत करने की प्रेरणा देते हैं, और हमें यह विश्वास दिलाते हैं कि हम कुछ भी कर सकते हैं।
सपने देखना सिर्फ कल्पना नहीं है, यह पहला कदम है किसी भी मंज़िल की ओर। जब हम अपने दिल से कोई सपना देखते हैं, तो पूरी कायनात उसे सच करने में लग जाती है — लेकिन उसके लिए ज़रूरी है मेहनत, धैर्य और विश्वास।
🪞 Reflective Questions (प्रतिबिंबात्मक प्रश्न):
आपने अभी तक कौन सा सपना देखा है जो आपको सबसे ज़्यादा प्रेरित करता है? क्यों?
(What dream have you seen so far that inspires you the most? Why?)
अगर आपके पास कोई डर नहीं होता, तो आप कौन सा सपना पूरा करना चाहते?
(If you had no fear, what dream would you chase?)
आपके सपनों को पूरा करने में सबसे बड़ी चुनौती क्या है? और आप उससे कैसे निपट सकते हैं?
(What is the biggest challenge in fulfilling your dreams? How can you overcome it?)
क्या आपने कभी किसी और के सपने को सच करने में मदद की है? वह अनुभव कैसा था?
(Have you ever helped someone else fulfil their dream? What was that experience like?)
आप अपने सपने को पूरा करने के लिए आज से क्या छोटा कदम उठा सकते हैं?
(What small step can you take today to achieve your dream?)
"My Good School" Session: Cultivating Personal Growth through Dreams, Reflections, and Values
Key Insights:
Inner Strength and Stability:
Just as a tree draws strength from its roots, personal stability and resilience stem from one's purpose, passions, and self-belief. These foundational elements guide us through life's challenges.
Dreams as Catalysts for Growth:
Like the inspiring stories of Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., dreams, when aligned with purpose, spark meaningful change and require perseverance and dedication to make a lasting impact.
Authentic Expression Over Judgment:
The meeting emphasised the power of expressing one's true self despite external judgment, highlighting the importance of finding strength in one's individuality and unique talents.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Tree Metaphor: Building Personal Strength
Jugjiv Singh used the metaphor of a fallen tree with weak roots to illustrate the importance of purpose and inner confidence in human development.
The discussion explored how "roots"—purpose, passion, and self-confidence—are a foundation during challenging times, helping individuals remain strong despite life's "storms."
Expressing Emotions and Talents: Antra's Journey
The group watched a video about Antra, a girl who overcame social isolation by embracing her talent for singing.
Lessons focused on the importance of authentically expressing oneself and having supportive mentors in fostering self-confidence.
Discussion centred on judging people by appearances versus recognising their inner strengths.
Book Discussion: "The Door-To-Door Bookstore" Continues
The discussion of Schascha and Carl's relationship revealed how books serve as a tool for personal growth, teaching empathy and the importance of understanding others.
Carl's advice to Schascha, that no single book pleases everyone, highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives for growth.
Dreams and Purpose: Hindi Session with Manisha
Manisha led an insightful session on dreams and their role in defining one's purpose, inspiring students with the examples of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.
The DREAM acronym (Dedication, Respect, Education, Attitude, and Motivation) was introduced, offering a framework for approaching dreams with purpose and intent.
A distinction was made between intrinsic motivation (inner drive) and extrinsic motivation (external rewards).
Ikigai Reflections and Student Projects:
Students shared their "Ikigai" trees, exploring their passions, talents, and aspirations.
Sahiba presented her Ikigai diagram, reflecting her dream of becoming a pilot.
The session also featured creative student projects that illustrated how they are beginning to apply the concepts of purpose and self-discovery in their lives.
Next Steps and Action Points:
Ongoing Reflection: Students are encouraged to continue reflecting on their growth through their Joy of Learning Diaries.
Youth Engagement: The GSA Council will lead initiatives to promote reading and peer leadership among students.
Upcoming Book Reading: Khushi will read from My Good School at a Friday evening (5:30 PM) session.
Dream and Ikigai Reflections: Students will create reflections and diagrams to share, with Chetan offering feedback.
New Initiative: Sandeep announced the development of Dreamtime's My Good School, in collaboration with a partner organisation.
I'd love to hear your reflections on today's session. 🌟 Kindly take a moment to share your thoughts and insights by writing an email to mk@learningforward.org.in, or feel free to leave a comment below our post. ✍️ Your ideas and feedback are truly valuable, and I can't wait to read them! 💬😊
Students of Lotus Petals Foundation explored Ikigai; they uncovered passions aligned with purpose and strength.
Each step brought them closer to a meaningful life filled with joy, direction, and inner drive
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore Book Reading- क्याआपकाबच्चादुनियाकासामनाकरनेकेलिएतैयारहै?
11th May 2025 Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- क्याआपकाबच्चादुनियाकासामनाकरनेकेलिएतैयारहै?
18th May 2025
Amardeep Singh
Screening of Episode 17 Parvaas (Sojourn): Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
25th May 2025 We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate while embracing their dreams and aspirations. The YES workshop with Lina Ashar Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
The Teacher's Academy
Thoughtful Thursdays: MAP with Music, Art and Poetry Brinda Ghosh, Subhasish Ghosh, and Jatin Soni Every Thursday at 5.30 PM
Brewing Knowledge Fridays: Book Reading
My Good School: Where Passion Meets
Education
With Sandeep Dutt
Every Friday at 5.30 PM
Masterclass Webinar: Productive Failure
Design for and turn your failures into meaningful learning experiences Every Saturday at 5:30 PM
Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an
online session hosted by My Good School, and it turned out to be such an
enriching experience. The session focused on understanding Ikigai —
the beautiful Japanese concept of finding one’s true purpose in life. Although
I joined a little late because I was caught up with some household chores, the
moment Shahar Ma’am messaged us, I rushed to log in without a second thought.
I’m so grateful I did!
The host introduced a unique method of finding
our Ikigai by drawing a tree and analyzing our strengths,
opportunities, and ways to contribute to society. It really made me reflect
deeply. We also learned about Emotional Quotient (EQ) and how it is different
from Intelligence Quotient (IQ). I even got a chance to answer a question about
EQ, which made me feel really connected and engaged.
What truly inspired me the most was Mr. Sandeep Dutt
Sir’s personality — his passion, wisdom, and simplicity left a lasting
impression on me. It wasn’t just a session; it felt like a journey into
self-discovery. I came out of it feeling motivated, thoughtful, and genuinely
excited to explore my own Ikigai.
Shaurya Pandey
Sunbeam School
Ballia
It was a fabulous experience—one of the best sessions
I’ve ever attended. It wasn’t just a session, but an impactful imprint on me.
The valuable insights, skills, and knowledge shared truly enhanced our
understanding and opened new avenues for personal development.
Today, I found a new best friend—Ikigai. It
brings together our interests, skills, strengths, and joy. It also helped me
gain clarity about my values, and better understand both intrinsic and
extrinsic motivation. The best part was planting our very own Ikigai tree,
which will guide us in building confidence in our interests, skills, and
overall growth.
We explored what we love, what we are good at, what
the world needs, and what we can be paid for. It was such a meaningful
and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious session—something that
doesn’t just belong in books, but in our lives.
