My Good School, Sunday the 1st June 2025

Screening of Episode 18 सुमेरू (चेतना): Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels by Amardeep Singh 

The Sunday School began with introductions and technical setup, followed by a presentation of a documentary series focusing on northern Pakistan and Tibet, exploring Guru Nanak's teachings and historical connections in the region. Discussions covered various geographical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of the area, including Mount Kailash, Baltistan, and the India-Pakistan border region. The conversation ended with an overview of Guru Nanak's travels and teachings, emphasizing the spiritual wisdom he documented rather than historical details of his journeys.

Next steps

• Amardeep: Continue filming and production of the documentary series on Indic aims as mentioned in the discussion
• Kunal: Write and share the impact study report about Guru Nanak allegory's influence on My Good School's growth with Amardeep
• Amardeep: Schedule and conduct Episode 19 viewing session after July 15th due to travel commitments

Summary

Meeting Setup and Participant Introduction

Jugjiv opens the meeting and greets participants as they join. He confirms that he has host controls and discusses scheduling with Amardeep for future meetings. Jugjiv then asks participants to rename themselves with their names and schools for easier identification. As more people join, Jugjiv decides to start the meeting, noting that it will be a long session and others can join as they proceed.

Documentary on Pakistan-Tibet Border Regions

Amardeep introduces episode 18 of his documentary series, which focuses on the northern regions of Pakistan and Tibet. He highlights that these areas are less accessible to Indians due to political boundaries. The episode, which is over an hour long, begins with a message about the essence of Guru Nanak's teachings, emphasizing the importance of intent over rituals. Amardeep also touches on themes of religious commercialization, the power of creation, and the historical connections between regions now separated by political borders.

Historical Border Freedom and Diversity

Amardeep presents a video about the historical freedom of movement across borders in the region, particularly focusing on the now-extinct settlement of Boogie Kingdom at Saparag. The video, which is in a language other than English, appears to discuss cultural and religious diversity in the area, mentioning Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and British. Amardeep plans to end the episode after showing the extinct settlement and then move on to Kailash man server.

Multilingual Meeting With Limited Context

The meeting transcript appears to be a mix of different languages and disjointed phrases, making it difficult to provide a coherent summary. The only clear segment is at the end where Jugjiv speaks in English, mentioning that participants can ask questions in the chat and starts to ask Amardeep a question. Without more context or coherent discussion, it's not possible to provide a meaningful summary of decisions, alignments, or action items from this transcript.

Guru Nanak's Spiritual Journeys

The discussion covers Guru Nanak's travels to Kailash Mansar over and Baltistan. Amardeep explains the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash as a gathering place for ascetics and its importance in feeding the Asian subcontinent's water systems. He highlights Guru Nanak's dialogue with Nath Jogis at Kailash, emphasizing the importance of respectful discussions in spiritual matters. The conversation then moves to Mansar over and Rakshastal lakes, representing wisdom and negativity respectively. Amardeep also discusses the challenges of filming in these high-altitude areas and the profound messages conveyed through Guru Nanak's travels in Ladakh and Baltistan.

Soham Mantra and Mount Kailash

Amardeep explains the meaning of the mantra "Soham," breaking it down to "So" (that) and "Hum" (me), emphasizing that the cosmic energy resides within oneself. He then attempts to play an audio or video clip about Mount Kailash, but encounters technical difficulties. The clip, once playing, describes Mount Kailash's geographical and spiritual significance, mentioning its height, surrounding rivers, and importance in various religious traditions.

Multilingual Meeting Summary

The transcript appears to be a mixture of Korean and Romanian languages without a clear topic or coherent conversation. Due to the lack of meaningful content and the language barrier, it is not possible to provide a summary that meets the given guidelines.

Baltistan: Borderland Cultures and Landscapes

Amardeep discusses various geographical and cultural aspects of the India-Pakistan border region, focusing on Baltistan. He mentions mountain ranges, glaciers, and the Line of Control that passes through the area. The conversation touches on religious diversity in the region, including Hindu and Muslim populations, as well as linguistic elements.

Guru Nanak's Spiritual Journeys Overview

Amardeep presents an overview of Guru Nanak's travels and teachings. He explains that Guru Nanak did not write about his own life or travels, but left 928 verses of spiritual wisdom in scripture. The details of Guru Nanak's journeys come from hagiographies written by followers 60-150 years after his life, based on oral traditions. Amardeep emphasizes that Guru Nanak's focus was on documenting spiritual insights rather than historical details. He notes that Guru Nanak's verses demonstrate deep knowledge of various religious traditions he encountered in his travels, showing how travel broadened his wisdom.

A Recording Of The Session

Reflection questions that will help deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

1. Thinking about your awareness
   What does "consciousness" mean to you, and how do you stay aware of your thoughts and actions in daily life?

2. Recalling a deeper moment
   Have you ever experienced a time when you felt truly connected to something bigger than yourself—nature, people, or a quiet inner feeling? What was that moment like?

3. Considering your daily interactions
   How can you become more mindful and present when you're talking, listening, or spending time with others?

4. Exploring the idea of unity
   Guru Nanak spoke of a universal consciousness that exists in everyone. How can understanding this help us become more empathetic and accepting of people from different backgrounds?

5. Reflecting on your inner world
   In what ways can taking time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings help you understand your values, goals, and purpose better?

Reflection helps us pause, understand ourselves better, and grow through our experiences. We invite you to share your takeaways or reflections as a post and send it to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Through Our Eyes: Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Shining Within: Insights from Sunbeam Learners by Manisha Khanna

At Sunbeam School Lahartara, every reflection is a step toward self-awareness and growth. As our students pause to look back on their experiences, they are not just recounting events—they are learning to understand themselves, their emotions, and their journey. With each thoughtful word, they demonstrate how reflection helps shape responsible, empathetic, and mindful individuals.

It is truly heart-warming to see how wonderfully our students have captured their thoughts, turning everyday moments into meaningful insights. Their reflections speak of curiosity, learning, challenges, and triumphs—woven together with sincerity and depth. This process of thinking, feeling, and expressing is not only helping them grow as learners but also as thoughtful human beings.

Joy of Learning Calendar June 2025

My Good School

1^st June 2025

Amardeep Singh 
Screening of Episode 18 सुमेरू (चेतना): Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels 
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore

8^th June 2025

Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- क्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?

15^th  June 2025

Meet and Greet Kartik Bajoria - Writing, Education and Mental Health - TEDx Speaker, Film, Media and Music expert.

Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore

22nd  June 2025

Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- क्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?

29^th  June 2025
We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate while embracing their dreams and aspirations.
The YES workshop with Shikha Agnihotri, founder The Right Side Story
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 at 5.30 PM

Brewing Knowledge Fridays: Book Reading with Sandeep Dutt, My Good School: Where Passion Meets Education  at 5.30 PM

Masterclass Webinar: Productive Failure - Design for and turn your failures into meaningful learning experiences at 5:30 PM

Weekly Meetings at 5:30 PM every Wednesday

WhatsApp Video Call

Good Schools of India

Are you signed up for the Good Schools of India Weekly yet? Don't miss out on valuable insights—published every Wednesday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning Subscribe at: www.GSI.in

 

My Good School, Sunday the 25th May 2025

Reflective questions based on Chapter 4: Great Expectations from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:

Theme: Interpersonal Skills & Compassion

Reflective Questions:

1. How does Carl's interaction with the people on his book route reflect his ability to listen, empathise, and respond compassionately?
   → Consider how Carl changes his approach to people and what this says about the importance of listening with understanding rather than judgment.

2. In this chapter, how do Carl and Schascha begin to build trust and mutual respect? What does this reveal about the importance of patience and open-minded communication in relationships?
   → Consider how interpersonal skills like respect and adaptability influence the growing connection between them.

3. Reflect on a moment when Carl goes beyond his duty as a book deliverer. How does this act show his growth in compassion and emotional intelligence? How can you apply a similar mindset in your own life?
   → Draw parallels between Carl’s actions and your own experiences with empathy or kindness.

 चिंतनशील प्रश्न (Reflective Questions) डॉ. अनुपम सिब्बल की पुस्तक "क्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?" के अध्याय "संवेदना" पर आधारित, हिंदी में:

1. अध्याय में वर्णित कहानी में संवेदना का व्यवहार किस प्रकार न केवल प्राप्तकर्ता को बल्कि देने वाले को भी प्रभावित करता है? क्या आपके जीवन में कभी ऐसा अनुभव हुआ है जब आपने करुणा दिखाई हो और उसका असर गहरा महसूस किया हो?
   → विचार करें कि एक सरल दयालुता का कार्य कैसे संबंधों में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन ला सकता है।

2. यह अध्याय दूसरों की भावनाओं को समझने और प्रतिक्रिया देने से पहले सोचने के महत्व को कैसे दर्शाता है? यह जीवन की कठिनाइयों से निपटने में कैसे सहायक होता है?
   → सोचें कि कैसे भावनात्मक समझदारी संघर्ष को टाल सकती है और विश्वास बना सकती है।

3. आज की प्रतिस्पर्धी दुनिया में बच्चों में संवेदना जैसे गुण कैसे विकसित किए जा सकते हैं? इसमें परिवार, विद्यालय और समाज की क्या भूमिका होनी चाहिए?
   → अपने आसपास के वातावरण से जोड़कर सोचें — कहाँ और कैसे संवेदना को बढ़ावा दिया जा सकता है।

Reflection holds a vital place in education. It deepens learning, encourages self-awareness, and helps students and educators evaluate their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Through reflection, individuals grow more empathetic, mindful, and responsible. It transforms knowledge into experience and experience into meaningful life learning.

So let us pause, think, and share. Authentic learning begins with reflection.

We invite everyone to reflect on the questions above and share their reflective responses by emailing them to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Lotus Petals Lessons from the Sunday School

Lotus Petals Whispers.pptx by Manisha Khanna

Check out the wonderful reflections about reading Carsten Henn's The Doon-to-Door Bookstore and our enlightening session with Amardeep Singh at the screening of Allegory—The Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels.

Sunbeam Moments: Learning, Growing and Glowing!

Sunbeam Moments: Learning, Growing, Glowing.pptx by Manisha Khanna

Students from Sunbeam School Lahartara shared thoughtful reflections on the Sunday School stories of Guru Nanak’s travels and Kubja Ji. Guru Nanak’s journey inspired them to value humility, equality, and compassion. Kubja Ji’s story taught them the power of kindness and inner beauty. Their reflections showed a growing understanding of empathy, respect, and the strength of moral values in daily life.The story of Kubja, the legendary hunchbacked woman of Mathura. Guru Nanak and Oneness, what we learnt from the session with Amardeep Singh, at the screening of Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels Episode 17. Our understanding of religion, belief and much more.

Special Post: Screening of Episode 17 “Allegory - A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels”

My Good School (05/18/2025)

We commenced with a brief on the upcoming episode of a docuseries about Guru Nanak's life and teachings, covering his spiritual journey, philosophical messages, and visits to significant religious sites. Participants explored key concepts from Guru Nanak's philosophy, including the interconnectedness of all existence, the importance of introspection, and the distinction between spirituality and religion. The discussion also touched on the historical context of languages and scripts in Punjab, as well as the interpretation of spiritual concepts and their relevance to personal growth and understanding.

Next steps

• Students will write reflections on the session, which will be published and shown in the next meeting.

• Manisha will collect and review student reflections before the next meeting.

• Students to research and learn more about the concept of "monism" as mentioned by Amardeep.

• Students should watch previous episodes of the Guru Nanak series on www.thegurnanak.com for better context and understanding.

• Amardeep will continue producing future Guru Nanak series episodes in multiple languages.

Summary

Guru Nanak Docuseries Episode 17

The meeting discussed the upcoming episode of a docuseries on Guru Nanak's life and travels. Amardeep, the executive producer, introduced the series, emphasising its focus on understanding Guru Nanak's philosophical messages and his journey across Asia. He explained that the series aims to convey the concept of the entire creation as one ecosystem, rather than promoting human supremacy. The episode to be discussed is the 17th in the series, and Amardeep highlighted key messages that will be covered, including Guru Nanak's journey from Chittorgarh to his birthplace, Nankana Sahib. The meeting also touched on the availability of the series in multiple languages on the website www.thegurnanak.com.

Journey of Spiritual Growth and Balance

Amardeep discussed the spiritual journey depicted in the episode, focusing on themes such as introspection, prayer, and mindfulness. He explained how the movement of the Earth around the sun compares to personal growth and the importance of reflecting on one's actions. The discussion included visits to significant religious sites in India and explored philosophical concepts from various spiritual texts. Amardeep emphasised the need to understand these stories symbolically rather than literally, highlighting the message of achieving balance and empathy.

Guru Nanak Pilgrimage Sites Discussion

Amardeep explained the significance of various pilgrimage sites associated with Guru Nanak, including Ajmer, Pushkar, Mathura, and other locations in India. She explained these sites' historical and spiritual importance and mentioned the presence of a gurdwara in Pushkar. The conversation included references to religious practices and the cultural significance of these locations. Amardeep and Jugjiv joined the discussion briefly, but the transcript does not provide clear context for their contributions.

Journey of Spirituality and Ego Submission

Amardeep shared the spiritual journey through Delhi and into Pakistan, highlighting key sites and messages from Guru Nanak's teachings. He explained the concept of building mental "dikes" to control negative thoughts and the significance of bowing as an act of ego submission. The discussion covered comparing the body to a farmland and the importance of the thoughts and crops planted within it. The journey concluded at Nankana Sahib, where Guru Nanak was born, with a message about gathering like-minded spiritual individuals and the importance of conquering one's mind to achieve victory in the world.

Guru Nanak's Life and Teachings

The meeting focused on Guru Nanak and his teachings, including his philosophy on charity and the importance of clean actions. The discussion covered Guru Nanak's travels, his companionship with Bhai Mardana, and his interactions with various historical figures and places. The presentation included details about Guru Nanak's visits to Sultanpur Lodhi and his teachings on devotion and service. After the presentation, participants were encouraged to ask questions, and some viewers requested access to the video or documentation of the presentation.

Punjabi and Urdu Script Evolution

The meeting primarily focused on discussing languages and scripts, particularly the evolution of Punjabi and Urdu scripts. Amardeep explained how the Persian script was used for official purposes in Punjab under British rule. In contrast, the Landa script (later known as Gurmukhi) was used to address the spiritual needs of the Sikh community. The discussion also touched on the historical context of how Urdu, developed in the UP and Bihar region, was introduced to Punjab due to British influence, leading to the replacement of Persian script in the school system.

Interpreting Guru Nanak's Spiritual Teachings

The meeting focused on discussing spiritual concepts and their interpretations, particularly through the lens of Guru Nanak's teachings. Amardeep explained key terms like 'ghosty,' 'kalandar,' and 'rohanyat,' emphasising the distinction between spirituality and religion. Khushi and others asked questions about specific words and phrases from a video, which led to detailed explanations about thoughts, actions, and the human spirit. The discussion highlighted the importance of being proactive, observing one's thoughts, and recognising the spiritual aspect within everyone, as Chetan Khosla shared insights from Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The session concluded with reflections on the universal nature of spirituality and the need for respect and learning from diverse ideas.

Guru Nanak's Philosophy of Oneness

The discussion focused on Guru Nanak's teachings and their interpretation, particularly around Ek Onkar (Oneness) rather than monotheism. Amardeep explained that Nanak's philosophy emphasises the interconnectedness of all existence, viewing creation, sustenance, and destruction as different forms of energy rather than separate entities. He clarified that Nanak's message is about understanding the oneness of creation, with "Satnam" representing the reality of this interconnectedness, rather than focusing on religious differences. The session concluded with students being encouraged to write reflections on the episode, which would be shared in the next meeting.

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My Good School, Sunday the 18th May 2025

Sunday School #189

Summary:

प्रवास (क़ियाम) एक 24 कड़ियों वाली धारावाहिक डॉक्यूमेंट्री श्रृंखला है, जिसका शीर्षक “रूपक, गुरु नानक के कदमों की रुहानी छाप” है। यह श्रृंखला गुरु नानक के जीवन और उनकी यात्रा की गाथा को क्रमिक रूप से दर्शाती है, जिससे उनके गहरे और सार्वभौमिक संदेशों को समझा जा सके। गुरु नानक, जो एक परोपकारी मुसाफ़िर थे, बारह साल की लंबी दूरी की यात्रा के बाद अपनी पांच नदियों की भूमि (पंजाब) में लौटते हैं, जहां से वे फिर अगली यात्रा शुरू करते हैं। इस श्रृंखला को नौ देशों में 150 से अधिक बहु-विश्वास स्थलों पर फिल्माया गया है, जो उनकी विचारधारा और उनके संवादों की व्यापकता को दर्शाता है। इस प्रयास का उद्देश्य गुरु नानक के आदर्शों को विश्व के सामने उजागर करना और उनके संदेशों के महत्व को समझाना है।

Parvaas (Sojourn): After 12 years, the altruistic traveller Guru Nanak returns to his native land of the five rivers to embark on another odyssey.  

“Allegory - A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels”, a 24-episode docuseries, sequentially explores Guru Nanak's life events to unfurl the deep import of his messages. This docuseries is filmed at over 150 multifaith sites in 9 countries. Reflective questions:

1. What messages from Guru Nanak's twelve-year journey are still relevant and inspiring for today's society?
   गुरु नानक की बारह साल लंबी यात्रा के कौन से संदेश आज के समाज के लिए प्रासंगिक और प्रेरणादायक हैं?

2. What is the significance of showcasing Guru Nanak's travels to multi-faith sites, and how does it promote social harmony today?
   गुरु नानक की बहु-विश्वास स्थलों की यात्राओं को दर्शाने का क्या महत्व है, और यह आज सामाजिक सद्भाव को कैसे बढ़ावा देता है?

3. How can we incorporate Guru Nanak's values of altruism and spirituality into our own lives?
   गुरु नानक के परोपकार और आध्यात्मिकता के मूल्य हम अपने जीवन में कैसे उतार सकते हैं?

4. What lessons can we learn from the series "Rupak, Guru Nanak's Spiritual Footprints" that help us become better individuals?
   “रूपक, गुरु नानक के कदमों की रुहानी छाप” श्रृंखला से हम कौन से ऐसे सबक सीख सकते हैं जो हमें बेहतर इंसान बनाएं?

5. After watching this documentary, how has your perspective changed, and what positive changes would you like to bring to your community?
   इस डॉक्यूमेंट्री को देखने के बाद आपका दृष्टिकोण कैसे बदला है, और आप अपने समाज में कौन से सकारात्मक परिवर्तन लाना चाहेंगे?

Reflection helps you understand your learning, grow with purpose, and make better decisions. Please take a moment and reflect on today's experience.

📩 Send your reflections to: mk@learningforward.org.in. Let your thoughts lead you to transformation.

My Good School, Sunday the 11th May 2025

Sunday School #188

Introduction: In Door-to-Door Bookstore, Carsten Henn introduces us to Carl Kollhoff, a reclusive bookseller with a gentle heart, who delivers books by hand to a select group of customers. In Chapter 4: "Great Expectations", Carl reflects on the expectations placed upon him by others and the ones he has internalized for himself. This chapter explores the theme of self-worth, transformation, and quiet courage through Carl’s evolving understanding of his role in the lives of his book recipients and his growing connection with the spirited young girl, Schascha.

1. Contrast and Connection Between Generations

Question: Schascha is bold, talkative, and full of curiosity, while Carl is reserved, cautious, and set in his ways. How do their contrasting personalities help each other grow?

Have you ever had a friendship or relationship with someone very different from you? What did you learn from them?

2. Growth Through Relationships

Question: Carl begins to open up and take small risks after spending time with Schascha. What qualities in Schascha help him change?

Think about a person who encouraged you to change in a positive way. What did they do that made an impact?

3.  Empathy and Understanding

Question: Schascha quickly picks up on Carl’s emotions and routines, showing empathy despite her young age. What does this say about her emotional intelligence, and how does it affect their relationship?

Why is empathy important in building strong relationships, even with people we don’t fully understand at first?

4.  Interpersonal Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Question: Schascha shows a natural ability to connect with others—she’s curious, empathetic, and unafraid to speak her mind. How do her interpersonal skills begin to influence Carl and the way he interacts with others?

Reflect on someone in your life who, like Schascha, uses their interpersonal skills to bring people together. What have you learned from them?

विषय: "अपने रुचि और कौशल के अनुसार व्यवसाय चुनो" (Choose a career based on your interests and skills)

भूमिका:

हर व्यक्ति में कोई न कोई खास रुचि (interest) और कौशल (skill) छिपा होता है। जब हम अपने कार्यक्षेत्र का चयन इन्हीं दोनों के आधार पर करते हैं, तो न केवल सफलता मिलती है, बल्कि काम में खुशी और आत्म-संतोष भी मिलता है। इसलिए यह जरूरी है कि हम अपने करियर की दिशा तय करने से पहले अपनी रुचियों और क्षमताओं को पहचानें।

प्रश्न 1: आपकी कौन-सी रुचि है जिसे आप पूरे मन से करते हैं, बिना थके हुए?

प्रश्न 2: आपके अनुसार कौन-सा ऐसा कौशल है जो आपके अंदर प्राकृतिक रूप से मौजूद है?

प्रश्न 3: क्या आपने कभी अपने किसी शौक या रुचि को करियर में बदलने के बारे में सोचा है? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?

प्रश्न 4: अगर आपको मौका मिले कि आप अपनी रुचि के अनुसार कोई व्यवसाय चुन सकें, तो आप क्या चुनेंगे और क्यों?

Reflection helps you understand your learning, grow with purpose, and make better decisions. 

We encourage you to take a moment and reflect on today’s experience.
📩 Send your reflections to: mk@learningforward.org.in Let your thoughts lead you to transformation.
 

Sapne Dekho - Vidya Singh

Jai hind everyone... I wanted to share my reflection on the recent session I attended at My Good School. The session focused on believing in yourself and emphasized the importance of discovering our own talents, rather than waiting for others to define them. It taught me that once we recognize our strengths, we must train them with dedication and purpose. Another key takeaway was the power of expressing our emotions freely—learning that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Finally, the session encouraged us to create our own path, rather than follow someone else’s journey, which felt incredibly empowering. This experience reminded me of the book Sapne Dekho, which encourages us to dream big and take bold steps toward our aspirations. Overall, it was a thought-provoking and motivating session, and I’m excited to apply these lessons in my own life. 

Thank you 

Vidya Singh

Sunbeam School Ballia