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:
๐ 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.
๐ค 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.
Episode 16 – "Gyan Bohit: Boat of Wisdom" from the Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels series:
"Inner Awakening Through the Wisdom of the Guru"
This episode explores the metaphor of the Gyan Bohit—a wisdom boat that carries seekers across the ocean of illusion and ignorance toward truth, understanding, and liberation. The boat represents Guru Nanak's teachings, which guide individuals through the storms of life with clarity, courage, and compassion.
In Episode 16, Gyan Bohit: Boat of Wisdom, Guru Nanak's journey is shown as a physical exploration and a deep spiritual voyage. He meets people caught in rituals and superficial religious practices, and through dialogue and song, he gently steers them toward inner reflection and truth. The Gyan Bohit (wisdom boat) symbolises his teachings as a vessel to cross the worldly ocean (bhavsagar), freeing individuals from ignorance and leading them to a deeper purpose. The episode emphasises introspection, ethical living, and the transformative power of wisdom.
Reflection Questions:
What does the 'Boat of Wisdom' symbolise in your own life? What helps guide you through difficult times?
How do Guru Nanak's teachings encourage us to question blind rituals and seek truth through self-awareness?
Can you think of a moment when knowledge or insight helped you overcome a personal struggle?
Why is wisdom considered more potent than mere information or tradition in life?
How can we become 'boats of wisdom' for others around us—family, friends, or community?
Summary of Today's Session:
Amardeep led the session, focusing on Episode 16 of the 45-episode documentary series on Guru Nanak's travels. The key highlights included:
The teachings of Guru Nanak emphasiserespect for nature and understanding the symbolic meanings of natural elements (like rivers, trees, and mountains).
A strong message on the importance of inner purification and genuine spirituality over mere external rituals.
Coverage of Guru Nanak's journey from Bharuch, where he engaged in meaningful dialogues with saints and visited spiritually significant sites, promoting interfaith understanding and universal values.
The session encouraged reflection on spirituality, simplicity, and reverence for all forms of life—core themes in Guru Nanak's philosophy.
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
When one has to choose a career path, one would often think of the following things: "Doctor, Engineer, Astronaut, Scientist" but would never dream of saying "I want to be a plumber, an electrician, a restaurant waitress, a security guard for a local shop". Why? Because these jobs are what we think of as "menial". Ask the people around you if they would ever want to be a plumber, a house nanny, a school bus driver, etc, and the answer will be out instantly.
This whole perception of how these jobs are "inferior" is just a societal stereotype. The truth is, we NEED these people. Yes, we need doctors and scientists, but we need these workers just as much. We rely heavily on those who do these so-called "menial" jobs. We rely so much on them to fix our home wiring, solve the issue of a clogged toilet, clean our home, and cook our food. Yet, for some reason, we can't imagine being a hotel receptionist and being proud of it.
Another reason for this is the job pay that comes with it. We don't respect these workers and their worth in our lives. Hence comes the low wage. Their work requires hard work, patience, strength, and much more. It's tiring and taxing and, unfortunately, not as rewarding. And where is this constant negative energy about these "menial" jobs leading us? Unhappy workers. Workers who aren't happy in what they do and don't know their value and society is to blame for it. Why should a factory worker be paid minimum wage while a CEO is paid millions? Those factory workers are the backbone of that place, and in the end, those workers have to bear the brunt of it all. The problem is that we don't realise that we need them. We need all those people who we would never want to be. That's the irony of life. Now, ignorant fellows often claim that there is possibly nothing that they can do about these matters, but there is something that we can do. We can help, respect, and care for these workers. Whatever we may be in our lives, we are still human. Let's act like it.
Rishona Chopra
Grade IX
Gyanshree School
School Captain My Good School
At the Door-To-Door Bookstore, Carl is skeptical about the bookstore's ability to change lives, while Schascha believes in the power of books to connect people. Their contrasting views create tension and an opportunity for growth.
How do Carl's and Schascha's perspectives on life shape their actions in this chapter?
Schascha is eager to fulfill her mission, while Carl remains indifferent. How do these differences influence their journey and their handling of delivering the book?
How does Schascha's determination contrast with Carl's reluctance?
Schascha is deeply invested in delivering the book, while Carl is uninterested. What does this say about their different attitudes toward purpose and responsibility?
What do the bookstore and book delivery mean to Carl at this point?
Carl seems detached from the bookstore and uninterested in Schascha's task. Why do you think he continues his job despite this lack of enthusiasm?
What might Carl learn from Schascha's dedication and belief in her mission?
Schascha is willing to go the extra mile for something she believes in. How could her attitude impact Carl's view of books, people, or even his choices?
How can having a strong sense of purpose, like Schascha's, help us overcome indifference or obstacles in life?
Have you ever been in a situation where someone else's passion or belief changed your perspective? How did it affect you?
Reflection questions based on the chapter "Altruism" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:
What is altruism, and how do animals show it?
Can you imagine an example from the chapter where an animal helps another without expecting anything?
Why do you think animals help each other?
Do you believe animals have emotions like kindness and empathy, or is their behavior based on survival?
How does the chapter change your view of animals?
Did any story or example in the chapter surprise you? Why?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone selflessly?
How did it make you feel, and why is kindness important?
What can we learn from animals about kindness and cooperation?
How can we apply these lessons in our daily lives?
My Good School - March 30 Summary
A vibrant Sunday School session featuring book readings, storytelling, and thought-provoking discussions with special guests!
Key Takeaways
๐ Readings from "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" & "The Inner Life of Animals"
๐️ Special guests Umesh Vyas, Ajay Singh, & Chetan Khosla shared valuable insights!
๐ Emphasized reading, storytelling, & learning communities
๐ข Updates on the My Good School Retreat & weekly newsletter
๐ Book Readings & Discussions
๐ "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"
๐น Continued Chapter 2 – Carl & young Schascha’s heart-warming interaction
๐น Carl's unique way of naming customers after literary characters
๐พ "The Inner Life of Animals"
๐น Fascinating insights on altruism in animals – even bacteria & vampire bats!
๐น Debate: Are animals truly selfless or just evolutionarily wired? ๐นThemes of altruism, free will, and books shaping lives
๐️ Guest Speaker Insights
๐งฎ Umesh Vyas - Revolutionizing Math Education
๐น Introduced VIPS methods: Visualization, Investigation, Play and Storytelling.
๐น Emphasized storytelling, play, and discovery to make math engaging
๐น Open to collaboration for innovative math learning approaches
๐ Ajay Singh - Importance of Reading Habits
๐น Advocated for teachers as readers to inspire students
๐น Started a teacher reading club with plans for expansion
๐น Appreciated the learning atmosphere of Sunday School
๐ง Chetan Khosla - Altruism & Selflessness
๐น Shared insights from the Advaita tradition on true selflessness
๐น Believes selfishness vs. unselfishness stems from a false identity
๐น Found vampire bats' altruism fascinating!
๐น Encouraged storytelling as a leadership skill & more sharing opportunities
๐ซ My Good School Updates
๐ณ Upcoming retreat at Arthur Foot Academy (April 11-14)
๐ฉ Growing readership of the Good Schools of India newsletter
๐ฅ YouTube channel expanding storytelling & reflections
✅ Next Steps
๐ Prepare for the April Retreat – excitement builds!
๐ Next Sunday School: Guru Nanak Stories
๐ค Explore collaboration with Umesh Vyas for math education
๐ Encourage reflections from participants for publication
๐ My Good School – Where Learning is Fun & Meaningful! ๐ ๐ก๐๐
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
Amardeep Singh Screening of Episode 16 Gyan Bohit (Boat of
Wisdom) Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels Book Reading- The
Door-To-Door Bookstore
My Good School Retreat 2025 11th April to 14th April at Arthur Foot Academy
We will host Brewing Knowledge Friday, Saturday Masterclass and the Sunday My Good School from the Retreat venue.
13th April 2025 Meet and Greet with Ms Shikha Agnihotri Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
You'll only read poems about love and despair,
hurt and care,
failure and success,
All the opposites.
But you'll rarely ever hear about poems about what you have,
What you can do and all the things that aren't bad.
Sure, this world is a dark and lonely place,
But not if you find your little space.
Bombs and wars, fighting and chores.
It'll be wrong of me to say,
It'll all be okay.
Because perhaps it wont,
But we've put our hopes in things that would never happen for far too long.
Perhaps it's time for us to see,
Count our blessings and find the glee.
There must be something in our life, that perhaps we can find,
Something that makes one smile despite the tough times.
There are too many pessimistic things you can burden your mind with,
But only one you can free the mind with.
And that's to think of the things you have, the things you did and the things you will.
