The DSOBS delegation at the Arthur Foot Academy

The Doon School Old Boys' Society is a member of the Good Schools Alliance.

Photo courtesy: Instagram handle @thedsobs

5 March 2025
The DSOBS delegation visited Arthur Foot Academy (AFA) to understand its educational endeavors and extend a hand to support the Good School Alliance (GSA) work as part of the Dosco Impact initiative.

An Aristocracy Of Service

The motto of the Doon School Old Boys' Society (DSOBS) is An Aristocracy of Service, borrowed from Arthur Foot's statement at the formal opening of the school on 27 October 1935: "Truly, we mean that the boys should leave the Doon School as members of an aristocracy, but it must be an aristocracy of service inspired by the ideals of unselfishness, not one of privilege, wealth or position.

In honour of Arthur Edward Foot's ideals, a dedicated Old Boys of The Doon School led by Asad Khan joined forces to create a lasting legacy for their first Headmaster, the Arthur Foot Academy. The academy is committed to providing a well-rounded education to the children of Bandarjhud, a small village near Dehradun. 

As a member of the Good Schools Alliance, the academy is committed to nurturing each student's personal and social growth, focusing on service, skill, sport, and study. The school's mission is to prepare students to face the world confidently. #JoyOfLearning.

Culture of trust and learning

Exciting news! Learning Forward India Foundation has teamed up with the Arthur Foot Academy, backed by the incredible duo Asad Khan and Feroza Khan of the AFZAL KHAN FOUNDATION! Together, we are on a mission to equip the village's children to thrive in the world. 

We are excited to announce our transformation of the Library into a vibrant Community Learning Centre equipped with WiFi and digital learning devices. This Centre is vital to the world. Each week, teachers, students, and local community members will gather for engaging Zoom sessions, discovering the joy of learning together. 

We encourage you to join us in supporting the Arthur Foot Academy and helping create meaningful change. Your contribution goes beyond a donation; it is crucial in advancing our initiative. Together, we can positively impact the world. Your support is essential to our mission!

Websites:
The Doon School Old Boys' Society: www.dsobs.net
Arthur Foot Academy: www.ArthurFootAcademy.org
Learning Forward India Foundation: www.LearningForward.org.in

Coming soon:

Find out more at https://schooleducation.com/my-good-school-retreat

 

My Good School, Sunday 9th March 2025

Sunday School # 179 

Summary of Episode 15: Suddh Uddesham from Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels:

In this episode, Guru Nanak emphasizes the importance of purity in intention and action. Suddh Uddesham (pure intention) refers to acting with a heart and mind free from selfish motives, aligning oneself with a higher spiritual purpose. Guru Nanak teaches that actions performed with pure intentions can lead to spiritual enlightenment and a deeper connection with the divine. This episode reflects Guru Nanak's teachings on how true purity is not just about external rituals but is rooted in the inner state of one's mind and heart.

Guru Nanak's travels in this episode highlight how pursuing a higher truth requires shedding personal desires and ego. It is not enough to follow external practices or customs; one must cultivate sincerity and a clear, unselfish purpose in all actions. The story encourages individuals to examine their intentions, emphasizing that purity in one's heart can lead to true spiritual fulfillment.

Guru Nanak's message of oneness and interconnectedness was key in integrating diverse saints' teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib. Amardeep explained that Guru Nanak traveled across the Indian subcontinent and engaged in dialogues with spiritualists from different traditions. He emphasized the concept of Ek Niranjan, the belief that the creator and creation are one, transcending religious boundaries. This philosophy allowed Guru Nanak to recognize the common threads in the teachings of saints like Bhagat Namdev, Bhagat Trilochan, and others and incorporate their verses into the Sikh scripture. The Guru Granth Sahib became a unifying text that celebrated the diversity of spiritual thought while highlighting the underlying unity.

In summary, Suddh Uddesham is about transforming one's internal state to reflect divine qualities through genuine, selfless action.

Reflection Question - Reflect on when aligning your actions with a deeper purpose brought clarity or transformation to your path.

Chapter 1: A Man for all seasons from The Door to Door Bookstore:

1. The Power of Books

• Question: What does the character's fascination with books tell us about the importance of reading in their life?

2. Personal Connections

• Question: How do the interactions between the main character and the people they meet in the bookstore reveal the significance of human connections?

• Question: In this Chapter, what changes or discoveries does the protagonist experience, and how might these shape the story's progression?

4. Finding Purpose

• Question: How does the main character seem to be searching for something more in life, and how might the bookstore be a part of that journey?

5. Mystery and Curiosity

• Question: What elements of mystery or curiosity are introduced in the first chapter, and how do they make you want to keep reading?

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

My Good School, Sunday 2nd March 2025

 Sunday School # 178

Reflection questions based on Chapter 1: "A Man for All Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:

1. First Impressions: What do you learn about Carl from the first chapter? What kind of person does he seem to be?

2. Carl's Routine: Carl has a routine for delivering books. Why do you think routines are important in life? Do you have any daily habits or routines?

3. Bookstore & Books: The bookstore is important to Carl's life. What is your favorite place to find or read books? Why do you like it?

4. Character's Mood: Carl seems content but also a little lonely. Have you ever felt lonely even when doing something you love? What helped you feel better?

5. Curiosity & Change: The chapter hints at changes in Carl's life. How do you feel when something unexpected happens? Do you like surprises, or do you prefer to plan everything?

• Reflection questions based on the chapter "Just for Fun" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:

1. Playful Animals: The chapter talks about animals playing just for fun. Have you ever seen an animal playing? What was it doing?
2. Why Play Matters: Why do you think animals like to play? Does it help them in some way?
3. Your Own Fun: What do you do for fun without a goal or reason? How does it make you feel?
4. Animal Games: If you could play a game with any animal, which one would it be, and what game would you play?
5. Surprising Behavior: Did anything in this chapter surprise you about how animals have fun? Which part did you like the most?

The My Good School retreat is scheduled from April 11th to 14th. Art and music sessions are under consideration for the week, focusing on engaging a broader audience. Finally, plans for the Art and Music Sessions on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with Wednesday as a weekly off.

Meeting Purpose:  Discussed The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben and began reading The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.

Key Takeaways:
Animals experience emotions, play, and form social bonds like humans.
Reading offers healing and new perspectives, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Technology and individualism are reshaping human interactions and behaviors.
Bookstores are evolving by diversifying products to attract customers.

Topics Covered:

Animal Emotions & Behaviors:
Crows engage in playful activities like sliding down roofs.
Animals form cross-species friendships, challenging instinct-based assumptions.
Mating behaviors involve complex emotions and hormonal responses.
Ravens form lifelong partnerships.

The Power of Reading:
Books provide healing and personal insights.
All types of literature contribute to reader development.
Strategic book placement can encourage reluctant readers.
Karl, a bookstore employee, strongly believes in books' transformative power.

Societal Changes:
Shift from outdoor to indoor activities due to technology.
Transition from joint to nuclear family structures.
The growth of senior care homes in India is less common than in the West.
Increasing individualism affects social bonds and family dynamics.

Bookstore Operations:
City Gate Bookstore diversifies with CDs, stationery, and chocolate.
Karl carefully wraps and delivers books to customers.
Running a bookstore is challenging in the digital era due to lower demand.

Next Steps:
Continue reading The Door-to-Door Bookstore in future sessions.
Participants will share personal experiences of how reading has influenced them.
Review upcoming My Good School events.
Interested participants to register for the retreat at Arthur Foot Academy (April 11-14).

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Session recording:

#ThoughfulThursdays - Poetry Sessions

The sessions at hosted at 5:30 PM on Thursdays our universal evening #JoyOfLearning time! Ms. Brinda Ghosh curates the poetry session, in which we discuss the importance of sharing personal compositions and exploring different poetic forms.  

If you wish to join us, please join the GSI Jounal Group in the GSA Whatsapp Community. For assistance, kind send a WhatsApp Message to +91 9811133900 and quote #ThoughfulThursdays

My Good School · GSA Poetry Session 27th February 2025

GSA Calendar March 2025

We invite all GSA members and individuals to participate in our enriching programs. Here’s our weekly calendar for online learning activities that we hope will inspire you:

- Wednesday Weekly GSI Journal: A Journey of Inspiration and Growth

- Thoughtful Thursdays with Poetry 

- Fantastic Fridays with Book Reading

- Saturday Masterclass for Teachers

- Sunday My Good School for Students

We are here to support you on your learning journey!

Good Schools India (GSI) Journal is a reader-supported publication. Consider becoming a free subscriber to receive new posts and support our work. You can help empower individuals with personal and social development. You will feel a sense of deep satisfaction as you help young people prepare to face the world with #JoyOfLearning.

Read more at www.GSI.in

Good Schools India Journal

My Good School

2^nd March 2025
Book Reading- The Door- To Door Bookstore

Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals

9^th March 2025 
Screening of Episode 15 with Amardeep Singh
Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels
Sudh Uddesham Seed of Intent The magnanimity of sharing with pure intentions is illustrated by Guru Nanak in the backwaters of lush ‘Malabar’.

Book Reading- The Door To Door Bookstore

16^th March 2025

   Book Reading- The Door To Door Bookstore

   Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals

23^rd March 2025

Book Reading- The Door- To Door Bookstore
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals

 

30^th March 2025

Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore

Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals

The Teacher's Academy 

Professional Learning Program (PLP)

AFA Special Edition
Is Your Child Ready To Face The World (Hindi Session)
Exclusive event for our five DEI Member Schools 

• Professional Learning and communicative English with Brinda Ghosh every fortnight on Saturday at 3:00pm
• Digital literacy and Microsoft office Skills with Ms Meenakshi Uberai every fortnight on Saturday at 3:00pm

Please email Manisha Khanna MK@LearningForward.Org.IN, or send her a WhatsApp message on +91 8378978971 for details.

Masterclass Webinars with Sandeep Dutt

Book reading: Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow
Masterclass every Saturday at 5:30 pm

We invite you to join our Saturday Evening webinars! To secure your spot, please use the link 🔗 to register immediately:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FaZLwScqRLiqAFlCbQIiFA

Reading My Good School with Sandeep Dutt

Book Reading: My Good School Where Passion Meets Education
Every Friday at 2.20 PM over Zoom
Please Register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kC9iK0ySTW6CzXNIeJzczA

In the Week

Thoughtful Thursdays 

Poetry Sessions with Brinda Ghosh at 5:30 PM

Brewing Knowledge Friday

Reading My Good School Where Passion Meets Education with Sandeep Dutt

Meetings

Arthur Foot Academy Monthly Meeting
1^st March 2025 at 11 am - WhatsApp Video Call

GSA Monthly Meeting 
Wednesday, 26th March 2025 at 5:30 PM 

DSOBS Visit to the Arthur Foot Academy - 5th March 2025 

The Doon School Old Boys’ Society supports the Arthur Foot Academy as a part of its Impact Project and its philosophy of An Aristocracy Of Service.

My Good School, Sunday 23rd February 2025

 Sunday School # 177

A workshop on goal setting with guest speaker Lina Ashar, followed by a book reading session and updates on My Good School activities. 

Key Takeaways

• Lina Ashar presented on the importance of SMART goal setting and how to apply it effectively
• The group read chapters from "The Hidden Life of Animals" on animal intelligence and goal-oriented behavior
• Updates were shared on upcoming My Good School events, including a retreat in April and new weekday sessions

Session 1 of 3, scheduled for the third Sunday of the month, beginging February 2025.

Lina Ashar, founder of Dreamtime Learning, discussed the importance of goal setting using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. She emphasized the need for clear, realistic goals to achieve personal and academic success. Lina Ashar highlighted the reticular activating system (RAS) in the brain, which helps focus on specific goals. She also addressed common challenges like procrastination and stress, suggesting time-blocking and realistic goal setting. The session included practical exercises to transform vague goals into SMART ones and stressed the importance of inner mastery and personal growth. 

What we learnt with Lina Ashar

• Explained the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Discussed the brain's reticular activating system (RAS) and its role in goal achievement
• Emphasized the importance of setting realistic, incremental goals to avoid stress
• Addressed questions on procrastination, parental pressure, and maintaining motivation

Book Reading: "The Hidden Life of Animals"

Chapters: Hidden Agendas & Simple Sums:

• Read chapters on animal intelligence, focusing on crows, goats, and dogs
• Discussed examples of animals demonstrating counting abilities and time awareness
• Explored the concept of forward planning in animal behavior

Reflection questions

1. How does Wohlleben challenge the traditional understanding of animal intelligence in this chapter? Reflect on examples he provides and consider whether they change your perspective on how animals think and solve problems.

2. In what ways does the ability of animals to perform simple mathematical tasks impact our ethical responsibilities toward them? Do you think recognizing intelligence in animals should influence the way humans treat them?

3. Wohlleben shares anecdotes about animals demonstrating basic arithmetic skills. How do these examples compare to the way young children or untrained humans approach similar tasks? What does this suggest about the cognitive abilities of animals in comparison to humans?

Planning for March 2025

The meeting discussed the upcoming schedule for various educational activities. Students will return from holidays on April 1st, and attendance is expected to improve. The calendar will include reading sessions on Sundays, watching the Episode 14 of Guru Nanak’s travels with Amardeep Singh and a workshop with Lina Ashar. The students of Sunbeam School Varuna are planning a presentation at My Good School. In addition, a poetry sessions are held on Thursdays at 5:15 PM, and a book reading sessions on Friday afternoon at 2:20 PM. 

The My Good School retreat is scheduled from April 11th to 14th. Art and music sessions are under consideration for the week, with a focus on engaging a broader audience. Finally, plans for the Art and Music Sessions on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with Wednesday as a weekly off.

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Reading is Reflecting - Ila Gautam

READING IS REFLECTING

Reading aids learning, understanding, creating, inventing, and inspiring. The selection of books paves the way for the journey of learning. Like a loyal companion, a book serves your sad as well as happy emotions, consoles your gloom, and redirects your pessimistic ideas. They entertain with silly anecdotes from someone’s life and fancies of the authors. They are the true reflection of one’s choices, as the one who loses heart likes the autobiographies, a curious one tries to peep in the books as an explorer, and the one in search with a better understanding sits among the wisdom of great thinkers and reads different views on the same ideas. The books that mirror the efforts of one govern the achievements of someone else, whereas some books pour out the hearts of those who want others to imitate their ideas. Most importantly, the significance of books lies in the choices made by the readers. It is rightly called reflection because the book one reads reflects his thoughts. They magnify the reader’s ideologies. The rhymes of a poet or themes of any author take space in the thoughts, beliefs, and even words of the readers. Think of a polyglot who excels in languages with books or a student who studies the concepts with his teacher’s directions but expresses them with his reflections. Each edition of a book tells a story of the reader whose reflections defined it again.

WRITER VS READERS

A character of a story remains an immersive experience for its readers. Through the insights of his life, he revives the reflections of the readers. Happiness, sorrow, excitement, or anxiety are the emotions beyond the interest of the reader. Is it what the writer wants its readers to do? Or is it a reader’s choice? Ironically, it’s something that wasn’t and, moreover, can’t be imagined. The writer who fabricates a woof without having experienced it and readers devour it without being one of them. Some of the bitter or best memories gain their vent at a moment in time where the frequency of the reader goes exactly the same as the reader.

What if the reader comes before the writer—the creator of the character? This moment opens another space for them. It’s a beginning to a new journey where the creator rejoices in the praise, appreciation, and liking his character yields, where some new characters come into existence, and where he actually meets his own creation. To a reader, the moment is a completely different place. He who has been struggling with his pain and misery, who has been so excited to find the one with the experiences and ideas akin to him, encounters a reality that’s not true. His acquaintance—the character is merely a fanciful creation. The reader who has already driven out many of his poor thoughts attains a better maturity, turning into a stronger and perfected being.

Ila Gautam

The Century School