What can a man do for passion?
What can a man do with the fire that drives him?
He can do wonders.
There’s nothing a passionate man wouldn’t do.
Passion—for love, for what you love, for that little flame in your heart.
But what if someone extinguishes that fire?
Passion is what drives us.
Yet, when a man loses the very thing he’s alive for, he might continue living, but something inside him dies.
He may die at a certain age, but in truth, he died the moment he did something he didn’t have any passion for.
Without passion, life becomes a hollow routine.
You exist, but you don’t truly live.
Passion is what gives us purpose, what makes us reach for something more than mere survival.
Without it, we are but shadows of who we were meant to be.
Oshi Singh
Grade XI
Gyanshree School
A Heartwarming Glimpse into Our Sunday Session at Sunbeam School
Reflections Sunday School # 183
Episode 16 – "Gyan Bohit: Boat of Wisdom" from the Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels series:
We are delighted to share a wonderful summary of this Sunday’s session, beautifully presented by the students of Sunbeam School. Their creativity, depth of thought, and enthusiastic participation reflect the joy and genuine love they have for our Sunday School experience.
It’s truly inspiring to witness how these young minds express themselves so freely, embracing every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow. Their reflections speak volumes about the impact of a nurturing and engaging environment—one where curiosity is encouraged, and learning is filled with meaning and purpose.
We warmly invite you to join us and experience firsthand the reason behind the students’ affection for our Sunday sessions. Discover how a thoughtful blend of creativity, values, and interactive learning makes each Sunday truly special.
Session Summary: “My Good School” with Shikha Agnihotri, Founder of Right Side Story
The session featured a powerful conversation with Shikha Agnihotri, founder of Right Side Story, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing child safety and student well-being across India. With over 13 years of experience, Shikha shared her mission to bridge the gap between policy and on-ground impact, especially in light of a reported 500% rise in child crimes over the past decade despite the presence of 10,000 NGOs working in the field.
Key Discussion Points
1. Introduction and Vision
Shikha expressed her deep passion for child safety and the urgent need for empathy-driven communication. She emphasized addressing sensitive issues such as bullying, mental health, substance abuse, and sex education through customized programs for schools.
2. Unique Approach of Right Side Story
Right Side Story stands out by offering realistic, communication-based solutions. Unlike many organizations, it targets underserved middle-class communities and focuses on systemic change. Their work aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), National Curriculum Framework (NCF), and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
3. Creating Systemic Change in Schools
Shikha highlighted three critical pillars of school transformation:
Establishing systems and policies (e.g., student-led anti-bullying committees)
Taking complaints seriously
Fostering a culture of empathy
Workshops are held for students, teachers, and parents, enabling each stakeholder to contribute to a safer environment.
4. Addressing Students' Fear of Speaking Up
Recognizing students' reluctance to share openly, Shikha underlined the importance of safe spaces and anonymous communication channels. Right Side Story sessions are tailored to ensure psychological safety and openness.
5. Engaging Parents and Educators
Workshops are also conducted for parents and educators, with a focus on psychological first aid and effective communication. Shikha emphasized that holistic safety requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.
6. Origin and Philosophy of Right Side Story
The organization’s name signifies choosing the "right" side in conversations around child abuse and wellbeing. The red dot in the logo symbolizes a stand against child abuse. Personal stories, including tragic cases of abuse, inspired Shikha’s commitment to advocacy and prevention.
Interactive Q&A Highlights
Bullying Motivation:
Bullying often stems from jealousy, insecurity, or fear, and Shikha explained the roles of bully, victim, and bystander in such dynamics.
Cyberbullying:
For issues like fake Instagram accounts, Shikha advised reporting the incident, involving a trusted adult, and understanding age-appropriate platform usage.
Mental Bullying:
She clarified that ignoring bullying isn't always the solution. A confident and mature response can be more empowering.
Recommended Action Items
✅ Create safe, anonymous platforms for students to express concerns
✅ Establish anti-bullying policies and student-led committees
✅ Foster empathy across school communities
✅ Provide psychological first aid training for educators
✅ Conduct parent engagement workshops
Conclusion:
Shikha Agnihotri’s session served as a compelling call to action for schools to prioritize emotional safety alongside academic excellence. By equipping students, educators, and parents with the right tools and mindset, Right Side Story is paving the way for a more empathetic and secure learning environment for children in India.
Reflective questions for Chapter 2, titled “Strangers”, from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
ЁЯУЦ Chapter 2 Summary: “Strangers”
In this chapter, Carl, a 72-year-old "book walker," continues his nightly rounds delivering books to his loyal customers. His routine is disrupted when he encounters Schascha, a lively and inquisitive nine-year-old girl, who insists on accompanying him. Despite Carl's initial reluctance, Schascha's enthusiasm and curiosity begin to break down his solitary existence. Their interactions lead to unexpected moments of connection and mutual learning, highlighting the transformative power of companionship and shared experiences.
ЁЯдФ Reflective Questions:
Why do you think Carl was initially reluctant to allow Schascha to accompany him on his rounds? What does this hesitation reveal about his character and past experiences?
How does Schascha's presence challenge Carl's routine and worldview? In what ways does she serve as a catalyst for change in his lie?
Reflect on a time when an unexpected friendship or encounter led to personal growth or a shift in perspective for you? How did this experience compare to Carl's evolving relationship with Schascha?
Discuss how Carl and Schascha's differing ages influence their interactions and understanding of the word. What can we learn from bridging generational gaps in relationships?
Carl delivers books to his customers, yet it's his connection with Schascha that begins to transform him? What does this suggest about the role of human connection versus material possessions in fostering fulfillment?
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
