DRIVE: The Force Behind Success - Manisha Khanna

“From First Steps to Full Circle: A Journey Rooted in DRIVE”

It began with a question: What truly makes a school good?

I didn’t have the answer then, but I had curiosity. And sometimes, that’s enough to begin.

Neetu Koranga, my mentor, didn’t hand me the answer—she offered scaffolding. Gentle nudges, reflective pauses, and space to explore helped me see that a good school isn’t defined by buildings or rankings, but by its soul—its people, its purpose, and its practices. She let me climb at my own pace, not rushing the learning, just guiding it. That’s where I found my first ‘D’—Direction.

Then came the voice behind the movement— Sandeep Dutt. A mentor, not in instruction but in inspiration. He didn’t just show the way; he walked with me. From helping shape my first student post to allowing me the space to correct, create, and eventually lead, he helped me tap into my second ‘D’—Dream.

The rest followed like ingredients into a simmering pot:

From designing graphics, writing reflections, to conducting a session in Hindi for students on a Sunday—it wasn't just learning, it was living the learning. Each effort, every retry, every Sunday spent refining my thoughts taught me the value of Dedication.

And when I stumbled, as learners often do, it was the fire within—the silent push to continue—that revealed my own Determination.

Together, these four pillars became my foundation. And like any good recipe, it wasn’t just one spice but the perfect blend that brought flavour to my journey.

“When You Dare to Dream, Direction Finds You—And Drive Takes You Further.”

To everyone who walked beside me in this journey, thank you for the patience, the belief, and the freedom to grow without limits. My Good School didn’t just change how I see education—it changed how I see myself.

Chasing questions, catching sparks — Manisha Khanna

Beyond Marks: Raising World Ready Children - Sunbeam School, Lahartara

 

Confident Kids, Strong Futures - MY GOOD SCHOOL .pptx by students of Sunbeam School, Lahartara and posted on their behalf by Manisha Khanna, our GSA Principal.

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, every parent must ask themselves an important question: Are we only preparing our children for exams, or are we also preparing them for life? Good marks may open doors, but confidence, emotional strength, decision-making skills, effective communication, and strong moral values help children thrive. These qualities empower them to handle challenges, build meaningful relationships, and navigate the complexities of adulthood independently. A balanced upbringing means teaching children not just how to study, but also how to live with purpose, empathy, and resilience. Let's move beyond textbooks and help our children become well-rounded individuals ready to face the world with strength and wisdom.

संकल्प का असली अर्थ: शुरुआत से निभाने तक की यात्रा – Lalita Pal

"This life is one, and time is also limited, so live for yourself rather than waste it on others." 😊

हर नया संकल्प एक बीज की तरह होता है, जिसे यदि सही वातावरण, नियमित देखभाल और समय मिले, तो वह वटवृक्ष बन सकता है। लेकिन क्या हम उस बीज को समय पर पानी देते हैं?

क्या हम उसे सूरज की रोशनी में ले जाते हैं? या हम सिर्फ संकल्प करके उसे भूल जाते हैं?

"Everything is easy when you are busy, but nothing is easy when you are lazy." 😊

संकल्प लेना आसान है—"मैं रोज ध्यान करूंगी"—पर क्या हमने कभी पीछे मुड़कर देखा कि हमने कितनी बार अपने ही संकल्पों से मुंह मोड़ा? संकल्प लेना आसान था—कुछ शब्द, एक भावना और मन में एक तस्वीर।

लेकिन उसे निभाना कठिन था। वो सुबह जल्दी उठना, बार-बार मन को समझाना, पुरानी आदतों से लड़ना—यही असली तप था। अब जब पीछे मुड़कर देखती हूं, तो सोचती हूं: क्या मेरा संकल्प सिर्फ एक प्रेरणा थी, या वो सच में मेरी आत्मा की पुकार थी? शुरुआत में जो जोश था, वो धीरे-धीरे थम गया—शायद इसलिए क्योंकि मैंने संकल्प लिया था, पर उसकी जिम्मेदारी को पूरी तरह अपनाया नहीं था। या शायद इसलिए कि मैं बैठी थी ये सोचने कि मैं सच में क्यों बदलना चाहती हूं?

कभी-कभी लगता है कि संकल्प लेना तो आसान है—बस कुछ अच्छा सोचो, कुछ प्रेरक लाइनें पढ़ो और खुद से वादा कर लो। पर असली चुनौती है हर दिन उस वादे को निभाना। जब मन कहता है, "छोड़ न, कल से फिर कर लेंगे," तब खुद को पकड़ कर खड़ा करना ही असली संकल्प है। मैंने कई बार संकल्प लिए—कभी उत्साह में, कभी भावनाओं में बहकर, कभी दूसरों को देखकर और कभी खुद को सच्चे मन से बदलने की चाह में।

"Remember, nothing is impossible for you.

You can do what you never thought." 🙂

– Lalita Pal