Sunday, 2 November 2025

Roots, Circuits, and Stories: Lessons on Growth, Connection, and Being Human - Sunbeam Varuna

1. Lessons of The Hidden Life of Trees:

Trees are interconnected through fungal networks, showing us the importance of building strong relationships and community. Trees adapt to harsh weather conditions, pests, and diseases, teaching us to be resilient in the face of challenges. They bend and flex in strong winds, demonstrating the value of being flexible and adaptable.
Trees grow slowly and steadily over time, showing us the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving our goals. They provide shade, shelter, food, and oxygen for countless creatures, teaching us the value of selflessness and giving to others.
Trees go through cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth, reminding us to accept and embrace change and impermanence.
Trees have been on our planet for millions of years, holding ancient wisdom and knowledge that can teach us about the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and respecting the natural world.
Trees live in harmony with their environment, showing us the importance of living in balance with nature and respecting the interconnectedness of all living things.
These lessons from The Hidden Life of Trees can inspire us to live more mindful, compassionate, and sustainable lives.

2. A fascinating topic! AI vs AI

It refers to the competition, collaboration, or comparison between different artificial intelligence systems. This can happen in various domains, such as:
AI-powered agents are competing against each other in games like chess, Go, or video games. Different AI algorithms or models are competing to achieve better performance, accuracy, or efficiency.
AI has introduced chatbots or language models engaging in conversations, debating, or generating text. It controls robots competing in tasks like navigation, manipulation, or human-robot interaction.
The AI vs AI paradigm leads to improved performance through competition. These systems can push each other to improve.
Collaboration between AI systems can lead to new ideas, approaches, or solutions. Testing AI systems against each other can help identify vulnerabilities and improve overall robustness.
AI vs AI also raises concerns about: AI systems may perpetuate or amplify existing biases when competing or collaborating. Unintended consequences or loss of control may arise when AI systems interact or compete. Questions about accountability, transparency, and human oversight become increasingly important.

The AI vs AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with potential applications in fields like:
Education — adaptive learning systems, Healthcare — diagnosis, treatment, or patient care, Cybersecurity — threat detection, response, or mitigation.
Thus, as AI continues to advance, the AI vs AI dynamic will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

3. Lessons by Cinnamon

The book My Name is Cinnamon teaches us many lessons that can pour a drastic change in our life...
Cinnamon teaches the importance of spreading warmth and kindness, just like its aroma fills the air. As a spice, Cinnamon has been traded and traveled extensively, teaching us to be resilient and adaptable in the face of change.
Cinnamon's unique flavor and aroma remind us to celebrate our individuality and stay true to ourselves.
Cinnamon provides comfort and solace, teaching us to be present and supportive for others in times of need. The warmth and coziness associated with Cinnamon encourage us to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Cinnamon's soothing properties remind us to prioritize self-care and nourishment for our minds, bodies, and spirits.
Cinnamon's rich history and cultural significance inspire us to explore and discover new things about ourselves and the world. The bold and warm flavor of Cinnamon emboldens us to take risks, build confidence, and pursue our passions. Cinnamon's role in bringing people together through food and tradition teaches us the value of building strong connections and community.
It's just a reminder to live a life filled with warmth, kindness, resilience, and authenticity.

4. Cinnamon Speaks

Hello friends,
My name is Cinnamon. Do you know I sound like...

C - Compassionate:
You spread warmth and kindness wherever you go.

I - Inspiring:
Your unique flavour and spirit inspire others to be their best selves.

N - Nurturing:
You provide comfort and solace to those around you, just like the soothing properties of cinnamon.

N - Nimble:
You're adaptable and resilient, navigating life's challenges with ease and grace.

A - Authentic:
You stay true to yourself, embracing your individuality and celebrating your unique strengths.

M - Mindful:
You cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, finding joy in everyday moments.

M - Meaningful:
You add depth and purpose to the lives of those around you, making a positive impact in your community.

O - Optimistic:
You radiate warmth and positivity, illuminating the path for others and inspiring hope and confidence.

N - Nourishing:
You prioritise self-care and nourishment, taking care of your mind, body, and spirit.

This is the creative interpretation of the name, Cinnamon!

23/02/2025

1. Why does the book focus so much on the role of community and different communities in India?

My Name is Cinnamon emphasises the role of community and different communities in India because it uses the protagonist's experiences navigating various social groups within Indian society to explore themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance, particularly for adopted children, highlighting how different communities can impact one's life and sense of self within a complex social landscape.

Key points about the book's focus on community:
Social dynamics:
The story delves into the nuances of class, caste, and regional differences within India, showing how these factors can influence Cinnamon's interactions and experiences.

Family and kinship:
The concept of family extends beyond the immediate nuclear unit, with the extended family and community playing a significant role in Cinnamon's life.

Adoption narrative:
As an adopted child, Cinnamon's search for belonging is deeply tied to his understanding of his biological family and the community he is adopted into.

School environment:
The school setting provides a microcosm of Indian society, showcasing the dynamics between different social groups and how Cinnamon navigates them.

2. How did you come up with the name "Cinnamon" for the main character?

The name "Cinnamon" evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of sweetness. It's a unique and memorable name that suggests a character who is:

Warm and nurturing, with a caring personality.
Comforting and soothing, with a calming presence.
Sweet and gentle, with a kind heart.

In a story, Cinnamon could be a character who brings people together, provides solace in times of need, and adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to those around her.

3. When do you think is the best time to tell an adopted child about their adoption?

The ideal time to tell an adopted child about their adoption varies depending on the child's age, maturity, and individual development. Here are some general guidelines:
Start sharing simple, age-appropriate information about their adoption story, using positive and reassuring language.
Gradually provide more details about their adoption, encouraging questions and open discussions.
Engage in more in-depth discussions about their adoption, exploring emotions, and addressing potential concerns.

When discussing adoption with a child, consider the following:

  • Be honest, open, and positive.

  • Use simple, clear language.

  • Validate their feelings and emotions.

  • Be prepared for ongoing conversations.

  • Respect their boundaries and pace.

It's necessary to remember — every child is unique, and the right time to discuss adoption will depend on their individual needs and developmental stage.

4. How should an adopted child react if they are being bullied at school?

Bullying is a sensitive and serious issue that must be stopped at its initial step. Everyone's respect must be followed and cared for well. When an adopted child goes through bullying at school, he has no way to go ahead but to tolerate and suffer.
He takes a few deep breaths and tries not to react impulsively. He tries to find a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counsellor, or parent, and report the bullying.
If someone is bullying, he must share emotions and concerns with a trusted adult or friend. He should write downhis  thoughts and feelings to process and release emotions. He must try to celebrate individual strengths, talents, and accomplishments. He should surround himself with positive, supportive friends and family.
If bullying is related to adoption, talk to a trusted adult about how to address these specific comments or behaviours. He must share positive aspects of his adoption story with friends and family to promote understanding and pride.

Stop...
Bullying is not okay.

No one deserves to be bullied, and it's not the child's fault.

Adoption is a positive experience.
Adoption is a loving and selfless act that provides a child with a forever family.

5. What strategies can aspiring writers implement to balance quality and quantity in their writing process?

The general strategies for balancing quality and quantity in writing... very first we will talk about quality-oriented steps to be taken...

Set clear goals and deadlines:
Establish specific, achievable objectives for each writing session.

Develop a writing routine:
Create a consistent schedule to ensure dedicated time for writing.

Outline and plan:
Organise ideas, structure, and plot before starting to write.

Revise and edit:
Allocate time for reviewing, revising, and editing to refine your work.

Seek feedback:
Share your work with others to receive constructive feedback and improve.

Now we have to discuss quantity-focused steps to be followed:

Write regularly:
Commit to a regular writing schedule, even if it's just 10–15 minutes a day.

Use writing prompts:
Utilise prompts or exercises to generate new ideas and stay motivated.

Set word count targets:
Challenge yourself to write a certain number of words within a set timeframe.

Practice freewriting:
Write freely without stopping or worrying about grammar, spelling, or perfection.

Experiment with different formats:
Try writing in different styles, such as poetry, short stories, or journalism.

By implementing these strategies, aspiring writers can set a balance between quality and quantity, leading to improved productivity, creativity, and overall writing success.

Sunbeam Varuna

Thursday, 30 October 2025

Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025 - Opening Ceremony and Highlights

 

My Good School Retreat 2025 opened today at Sunbeam Gramin School, Varanasi, in the presence of distinguished members of the Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, the Good Schools Alliance, and other esteemed guests. With 117 students and mentors from 16 outstation and core Sunbeam branches, the grand opening set the tone for four inspiring days of learning, reflection, and collaboration — where students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds come together to learn, share, and grow through experiential and value-driven education.
Anchored gracefully by Sunbeam Gramin School students, the day witnessed soulful chanting, music, dance, and dialogue — beautifully capturing the spirit of education beyond classrooms, one that nurtures empathy, equality, and real-world understanding.

The GSA Retreat 2025 an enriching confluence of learning, leadership, and culture! 🌟 Over five remarkable days, participants explored new ideas, engaged in reflective workshops, and experienced the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi. From teamwork to self-discovery, every moment inspired growth, connection, and purpose — truly embodying the spirit of the Good Schools Alliance. 💫

Inspiring Minds Through Reading and Expression - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today, in the Good School Alliance session, I attended a very interesting and meaningful class conducted by Jugjiv Sir. In the class, Sir read a wonderful story and asked about our experience and thoughts on today's class. Another important thing we learned was the correct use of punctuation marks and how to spell words and sentences correctly. He also explained about public speaking and speaking with confidence. Overall, the class was very educational and enjoyable. I learned many new things about speaking, reading, and writing. I feel that these lessons will help me become a better communicator and a more confident speaker in the future.

Riddhi Gupta

My Reflection on Today's Session
Today's session was inspiring and enjoyable. It helped me to understand the importance of regular reading and how it improves our creativity and thinking. I liked how the speaker encouraged us to explore new books and share our ideas with others. It was a really meaningful session for me.

Aadhya Gupta, Class 5B

In today's Good School Session, firstly, Jugjiv Sir read an amazing story. We learned how to pronounce some difficult words. He also explained about public speaking and speaking with confidence. Overall, this session was really awesome and helpful for speaking, reading, and writing.

Arohi Jaiswal, Class 5B

Reflection on Today's Session 
In today's session, we had a very great personality, Mr Jugjiv Sir. He read a story, “The Door-to-Door Bookstore.” Sir also explained the story and asked us questions. Sir taught us the meaning of hard words, and I was focusing on each word. Really, Sir explained the story very nicely. After Jugjiv Sir's class, we automatically moved to Brinda Ma’am’s class. She read the story “The Inner Life of Animals” and also explained the meanings of difficult words and how to pronounce them. At the end, I would like to say that the session was really informative.

Thank you.
Janhvi Singh, Class 5C

Today's Morning Session
Today's morning session started with Jugjiv Sir. He read a story called “The Door-to-Door Bookstore.” It was such an amazing story, and he also told us some interesting and knowledgeable new things. This session was really awesome. 

In the second session, we had a great personality, Ms Brinda Ghosh Ma’am, with us. She also read a story named “The Inner Life of Animals,” in which she read the chapter “Hello Sandman.” It was an amazing story. Then she also told us new things that we did not even know.

This session was also really nice. Both sessions were really wonderful. 

Talat Bano, Class 5C

My Reflection on Today's Session
In today's session, we had a very great personality, Mr Jugjiv Sir.
He read a story, “The Door-to-Door Bookstore.” Sir also explained the story and asked us questions. Sir taught us the meaning of hard words, and I was focusing on each word. Really, Sir explained the story very nicely. After Jugjiv Sir's class, we automatically moved to Brinda Ma’am’s class. She read the story “The Inner Life of Animals” and also explained the meanings of difficult words and how to pronounce them. At the end, I would like to say that the session was really informative.

Thank you.
Janhvi Singh, Class 5C

Reflection Speech
Today's session was truly inspiring and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impact on my perspective. I'd like to express my gratitude to Jugjiv Sir for his engaging presentation.

The story he shared was captivating, and the way he articulated difficult words helped me improve my pronunciation. The session on public speaking and confidence was particularly insightful, emphasising the importance of effective communication.

What resonated with me most was the encouragement to explore new books and share ideas with others. This session was a valuable reminder of the power of reading in enhancing our creativity, thinking, and communication skills.

Overall, it was an enriching experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I look forward to applying these valuable lessons in my daily life.

Iqra Meraj, Class IX-F

A Day of Literary and Intellectual Growth

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for today's profoundly educational and enjoyable Good School Alliance session. The seamless combination of literary exposure and practical communication advice made this a truly memorable day of learning.

The first segment, led by Jugjiv Sir, was characterised by warmth and clarity. The reading of “The Door-to-Door Bookstore” beautifully highlighted themes of community, friendship, and the personal connections we form with literature. Sir’s subsequent lesson on correct punctuation and clear articulation was incredibly useful, as it directly addressed crucial elements of effective writing and speaking. His emphasis on developing public speaking confidence gave me actionable steps toward becoming a better orator.

The second session, featuring the insightful Ms Brinda Ghosh, shifted our focus to the natural world. Her reading from the chapter “Hello Sandman” in “The Inner Life of Animals” was fascinating. It opened my eyes to the depth of emotional and intellectual life in animals, introducing new concepts that sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more about environmental studies and biology.

Both presenters delivered their content with infectious enthusiasm. I left the session feeling motivated to not only read more widely but also to practice the communication techniques I acquired. These lessons are highly valuable and will undoubtedly contribute to my growth both academically and personally.

Ashish Verma, Class 12 PCB

Beyond Books: The Essence of True Learning - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

My Good School Reflections - 26th October

True learning goes far beyond the boundaries of books and classrooms. It begins when we start observing the world around us with curiosity, exploring new ideas with an open mind, and connecting different concepts to make sense of our experiences. Books provide knowledge, but understanding comes from reflection, experimentation, and engagement with real-life situations. When we learn to question, explore, and relate what we study to the world we live in, education transforms from mere information into wisdom that shapes who we are and how we think.

Lotus Petal Foundation

Monday, 27 October 2025

GSA Calendar November 2025

 My Good School

2nd November 2025
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
Book Reading- à¤¦ी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

9th November 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- à¤¦ी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

16th November 2025
We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations while embracing their goals. The YES workshop on Communication with Kartik Bajoria
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals

23rd November 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- à¤¦ी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

30th November 2025
Amardeep Singh Screening of Episode 23
गुरु चेला (मुर्शद और अभिलाषी):Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels 
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore

The Teachers Academy

Brewing Knowledge 
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal
What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning

Saturday Masterclass 
Meeting at 5:30 PM: The Courage to Be Disliked: The life-changing global bestseller recommended by Steven Bartlett on 'Diary of a CEO’, co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt

Learning Forward Saturday
Early Childhood Development training sessions for teachers at 2:00 PM every Saturday - Hosted by Ms Neelashi Mangal

GSA Meetings and Events 

GSA Squad
We review programs and plan for the coming week.
At 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

AFA Weekly Review
Zoom Meeting for Arthur Foot Academy: 4th Friday of Every Month at 4:00 PM in association with Asteya Services

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 Monday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning 
Subscribe at: www.GSI.in

Meet and Greet with Dr Manu Kapur
Friday 28th November 5:30 
Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing
MANU KAPUR developed the theory of Productive Failure and applies it in classrooms and workplaces around the world to transform learning and growth. He is a Professor of Learning Sciences and Higher Education at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and has spent the past two decades understanding the science of how people learn.
Open to All
Follow the Brewing Knowledge WhatsApp Group for further details


Annual Day and AGA at the Arthur Foot Academy 14th of November 2025
By invitation only, please contact Kunal Rajpurohit at KR@LearningForward.org.in

Reflections Since 2021