Reflections That Changed My Thinking - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today's session of My Good School was engaging and interactive. It began with the reading of reflections from our school, Sunbeam Ballia, where students from different schools read reflections written by our students. It felt nice to see our work being shared and appreciated.

Many new students joined the session. Jugiv Sir introduced them to the Good School Alliance and gave a brief overview of its purpose.

Later, Sir read a story titled “What You Are Looking For” in the library. The story showed how Ryo reflected on his behaviour and eventually understood the negative impact of his pride and male ego. In the end, he apologised to Hina.

One line from the story that really amused me was when Hina said, “The owner of a handmade object is decided even before the object is made.” I found this thought very meaningful.

Sir also discussed the significance of Easter. During the discussion, I shared that people celebrate Easter with activities like egg hunts. Overall, the session was enjoyable and meaningful.
Ishika Singh, Class 10-B

The reading sessions so far have taught me many valuable lessons and made me reflect on my own thinking and actions. One of the strongest learnings for me has been the importance of trust—in people, in situations, and in oneself. It made me realise that many times we assume the worst outcomes, but things can actually turn out positively when trust exists.

Another important idea I understood is that no work is small or less important. This changed my perspective on how I see different roles in life. Also, the concept of parallel efforts, like the unseen part of a plant, helped me understand that not all hard work is visible, yet it still plays a crucial role in success.

Hina’s character made me reflect on how age does not define maturity. Her confidence, clarity, and belief in her ideas showed me the importance of standing by what we believe in and expressing it effectively. It also made me realise how communication and understanding can resolve conflicts better than reacting emotionally.

From all the readings, I also connected with the idea of turning doubts into plans and having the courage to face situations instead of avoiding them. These lessons feel practical and are things I can apply in my own life.

Through the Hindi reading sessions, I have developed a strong sense of curiosity. The setting of a school near the hills makes the story interesting and unpredictable. I always find myself wondering what will happen next, especially with the presence of nature and animals. The lives of the students and teachers feel simple yet engaging, and the humorous and joyful moments make the reading even more enjoyable.

Overall, these sessions have helped me not only understand the text but also think more deeply about life and my own mindset.

Akanksha Rai, Class 10-B

What Is the Biggest Dream of a Slave? - Arfa Khan

 

What is the biggest dream of a slave? We think it is freedom, but as philosopher Nietzsche pointed out, the biggest dream of a slave is not freedom, but to become a slave for himself. And the day a slave gets his own slave, he forgets that he was once controlled.

You see this everywhere: someone who has been raised under harsh authority will repeat it when they gain authority. Mothers who were once mistreated by their families may mistreat their daughters or daughters-in-law. Workers who once hated exploitation may exploit others when they become managers. When someone’s identity is shaped by hierarchy, instead of escaping it, their goal becomes moving up in the hierarchy.

Everyone wishes to become a millionaire, own a yacht, and buy a sports car. But no one questions the unjust system of capitalism, which doesn’t reward hard work, but rather the ownership of assets. A cobbler who does not own assets but works every day and gets his hands dirty makes minimal profits. But a billionaire who barely works and owns multiple stocks and properties makes enormous profits. People want to climb the financial ladder, but do not criticize the income inequality that capitalism brings. This can also be seen in the surge of misandry. Many women, distraught by the ill effects of patriarchy in the modern world as well as in history, resort to misandry, otherwise known as pseudo-feminism. Unlike feminism, which believes in equality between men and women, misandry is the belief that women are superior to men.

An ordinary man who climbs up the financial ladder by transitioning from earning income as a labourer to owning profitable assets never blames capitalism. This reflects a common mindset: “I don’t hate the system as long as I benefit from it.” Great are those who see light through the cracks of the system.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Depths of oppression create heights of character.” Humans realise the importance of something only when it is absent. We realise the worth of freedom when we are restrained, the importance of liberty when we are enslaved, and the importance of compassion when we are dehumanised. Enlightened individuals realise that the common enemy is not the elite, but the system that allowed them to become elites. The elites will die, but the system may not. Many visionaries choose not to climb the hierarchy but to end it altogether.

A real-life example of this is apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters never wished to oppress white people in revenge, but instead worked to build a system of equality.

So, the answer to the question of what the biggest dream of a slave is depends entirely on his or her moral compass. Human thought cannot be confined to a single ideology; it is subjective to every individual. Some may wish to have a slave for themselves, but many would wish for the abolition of slavery for everyone, including future generations. And of course, the latter stands as more virtuous.

Circumstances do not just make the man; they reveal him to himself. Only in the deepest pits of life, where he has nothing but himself, does a man discover his true nature: his resilience, his morals, and his determination. And in the depths of oppression, a slave reveals his true values: his desire for vengeance or his desire for liberation and the greater good for all.

Arfa Khan

Grade 11

Ahlcon Public School

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Reflections on Proposal Writing and Life Lessons - Sunbeam School, Ballia

The session I attended today focused on teaching how to write an effective proposal to a person or an organisation. Through the concepts explained by Kartik Sir, I understood the importance of context, tone, word choice, and clarity in framing a strong proposal. I learned that a proposal should clearly present its advantages and possible disadvantages while maintaining a professional and respectful tone. One key takeaway was to avoid making unrealistic promises and not present ourselves as inferior to the organisation. The session also encouraged me to think from the perspective of the other party, helping me anticipate possible concerns and address them in advance.

Through the reading session by Jugjiv Sir, I learned valuable life lessons about personality, passion, and self-belief. It highlighted how a person’s personality reflects their profession and relationships. From the example of Yasuhara, I understood how one can find happiness in simple interactions and personal passions, even without fulfilling conventional desires like travel. The session also emphasized having courage in one’s convictions, which means trusting our beliefs and taking risks with confidence. Another important lesson was to turn 'don'ts' into goals and not wait for the perfect moment to begin, but instead take initiative and trust our instincts.

Akanksha Rai

The first session with Kartik Bajoria was really inspiring. He explained how to write a good proposal using simple and clear language. The best part was learning about the collaboration with Penguin Random House, where students can share their book ideas and even get a chance to publish them while keeping their work safe. He also talked about AI and writing, which made the session even more interesting.

The second session with Jugjiv Sir was very engaging. He discussed the book “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” and asked us many thought-provoking questions like why trees grow tall, whether plants can talk, and why some people talk to plants. It made me think in a different way, and I really enjoyed the session.

Deenshah Najam 

In today's wonderful session, firstly, Manisha Khanna Ma'am introduced Mr Kartik, a person who always motivates students and takes the initiative to talk about communication skills.

He told us about effective proposal writing to a person or an organisation. According to me, the main motto of Sir was to teach us about proposal writing, context, clarity in writing a proposal, tone, word choice, etc. This session was truly knowledgeable and informative.

The next session with Jugjiv Singh Sir was truly informative, where Sir read a storybook called “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library.” It was really an interesting book, and Sir also explained it very nicely.

I am really thankful to all the mentors of My Good School Alliance for taking this initiative and giving us this amazing opportunity to improve our vocabulary and our English speaking skills.

Closing the session, Manisha Ma'am told us more about the Good School class as some students were new.

Thank you,

Talat Bano

GSA Calendar April 2026

 My Good School

April 5, 2026

Book Reading - What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
Book Reading - दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ                                  

April 12, 2026

The YES workshop on Mental Health with Kartik Bajoria. We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations as they embrace their goals.

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

April 19, 2026

Book Reading - My Family and Other Animals
Book Reading - शामली में ठहरा वक़्त और अन्य कहानियाँ               

April 26, 2026

Book Reading - My Family and Other Animals
Book Reading - Reflections from the My Good School Retreat and YES Workshop with Sandeep Dutt

The Teachers Academy

Learning Forward Saturday
In the Professional Learning Program (PLP) with Sandeep Dutt and Brinda Ghosh, we are reading ‘Wanted Back Bencher Last Ranker Teacher’ by Kavita Ghosh.

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass 
Every Saturday at 5:30 PM: We are reading The Courage To Be Happy by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi, a dialogue between a young teacher and a philosopher.

GSA Meetings and Events

My Good School Retreat 

April 10th -14th, 2026, at Mayoor School, Jaipur. Find out more at www.inYouth.in

Brewing Knowledge Fridays

Join us at The English Book Depot to celebrate Literature, Art, and Culture! Enjoy our cosy Book Cafe and connect with a community of book lovers, authors, and educators through in-person visits or via Zoom. #BrewingKnowledge

• April 10, 2026 -  Bhairavi Jani - Knowledge Partner, My Good School Retreat and author of Highway To Swades.
• April 17, 2026 - Priyadarshini, author of The Guardians of the Forest, The Myth of the Wild Boar & Thulir’s Stroll.

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 

Subscribe to our Good Schools of India Weekly, published every Monday at 7:00 www.GSI.in

How to start your reading journey?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gyan Anant Vidyalaya (@gyan_anant_vidyalaya)

Starting the Journey: For beginners, he recommends simply having books around to create an emotional connection, rather than forcing them to read.

This video features a conversation about fostering a love for reading, hosted at Gyan Anant Vidyalaya. Dutt emphasises that the best way to get children involved in reading is for teachers to be seen reading themselves. Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is a Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance.

My Good School, 29th March 2026

Sunday morning with Karkit Bajoria

To learn proposal writing and discuss book reading with Kartik Bajoria and Jugjiv Singh.

Key Takeaways

• Frame requests as opportunities: Present your need as a valuable opportunity for the recipient, not a subservient request.

• Use a 5-part structure: A proposal should include Context, Proposition, Recipient Advantages, Preemptive Solutions, and a “Big Idea” conclusion.

• Predict and solve problems upfront: Address potential recipient concerns directly in the proposal to demonstrate foresight and save time.

• Adopt a “parallel career” mindset: Turn negative self-talk (“I can’t”) into a concrete goal (“I will”) to overcome inertia and pursue dreams.

Topics

Proposal Writing Strategy

• Core Principle: Convert requests into opportunities for the recipient.

• Key Elements:

  • Context: Provide relevant background to justify the request.

  • Proposition: State the request clearly and concisely.

  • Recipient Advantages: Detail 2–3 unique benefits for the recipient.

  • Preemptive Solutions: Address potential problems before they are raised.

  • Big Idea: Frame the proposal as part of a larger, meaningful movement.

• Practical Tips:

  • Tone: Communicate on equal terms; avoid subservient language.

  • Language: Use cautious phrasing (“great likelihood”) instead of promises, as emails are legal documents.

  • Format: Use simple salutations (“Dear Sir/Ma’am”) and sign-offs (“Regards”).

Case Study: Tennis Academy Proposal

• Scenario: Propose a 10-day coaching camp to the Mahesh Bhupati Tennis Academy.

• Brainstormed Ideas:

  • Context: New school courts, rising student interest, and local players succeeding on the international stage.

  • Recipient Advantages: Access new markets (e.g., smaller towns) and recruit future talent.

  • Preemptive Solutions:

    • Concern: Low student turnout → Solution: Invite other local schools.

    • Concern: Poor infrastructure → Solution: Highlight recently built, world-class courts.

    • Concern: High resource investment → Solution: Offer school faculty to assist coaches.

Book Reading: “What You’re Looking For is in the Library”

• Plot: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but lacks the courage.

• Key Learnings from Yasuhara (bookshop owner):

  • Parallel Careers: A second job provides mental fulfilment, making the primary job less burdensome.

  • Courage of Conviction: Act on your beliefs, even when difficult.

  • “Turn the Don’t into a Goal”: Reframe negative self-talk into a concrete objective.

  • Start Now: Don’t wait for the “right time”; connections and opportunities arise from action.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Write a reflection on the session’s takeaways.

  • Send reflections to Manisha Khanna for publication on the website.

  • Research: How much of a plant’s mass is in its roots?

• Manisha Khanna:

  • Publish submitted reflections on the website.

• Kartik:

• Lead an in-person session at the April 10-14 My Good School Retreat.

• 
  FATHOM AI-generated summary, read with care.

Reflections on Reading, Relationships, and Human Behaviour - Sunbeam School Ballia

In today’s session, we read a part from What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. The chapter introduced Mr Nasuda, a colourful and confident businessman who manages different ventures in his own unique way. The story then focused on Ryo, who became worried after an incident with the president’s daughter at his office. Because of this tension, he later argued with his girlfriend Hina and criticised the things that made her happy online. During the discussion, Jugjiv Sir and the participants talked about what we would have done if we were in Ryo’s place. It made me realise how stress from one situation can easily affect our behaviour with the people close to us.

In the Hindi session, we read The Whistling Schoolboy by Ruskin Bond, which had a lighter and humorous tone. The story described a teacher who suddenly disappeared, leading everyone to believe that a leopard might have taken him away. However, when he returned, he refused to admit this and simply said that his pyjama had torn because it was hanging somewhere. When a curious child asked how it happened, the teacher became annoyed and avoided explaining it. This story highlighted the natural curiosity of children and how adults sometimes try to hide embarrassing situations. Together, both readings gave an interesting view of human behaviour in different situations.

Akanksha Rai

In today’s reading session, with Jugjiv Sir and Manisha Ma’am, we read the story What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. I learned that work stress can affect a person’s emotions and relationships. Ryo’s behaviour shows that when someone is worried or under pressure, they may react badly and unintentionally hurt people close to them. His frustration from the office affected the way he spoke to Hina at home. This made me realise that in such situations, it is important to stay calm, think before reacting, and communicate properly instead of letting stress affect others.

The reading also showed how one person’s mood can influence the people around them. Ryo’s stress from work turned into irritation at home and led to an argument with Hina. During the session, Jugjiv Sir and other students discussed how such situations happen in real life too. Thinking about what we would do in Ryo’s place made the discussion more interesting and helped us understand the lesson better.

Later, Manisha Ma’am showed us a picture through which we learned about indoor and outdoor education. We understood that education in an open environment helps in the overall development of a child's mind, body, and character. Therefore, learning in nature is more meaningful and enjoyable for students. While reading the story, we also discussed stress eating. Stress eating may give temporary comfort, but healthy activities like exercise, talking to someone, or relaxing are better ways to manage stress. The story ended ironically.

Roshni Bhagat

In today’s session, we first shared our own written reflections and then interacted with Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir and his thoughtful ideas. He read the story What You Are Looking for Is in the Library. It was an amazing and knowledgeable story, and we read it with great interest. One thing that I like most about the Good School Alliance is that every participant, along with all the members, participates enthusiastically and gives their best to make this class informative.

Many students were new to this wonderful session and were not familiar with the class. Manisha Ma’am explained a lot about the class to them. In the other session, we had Manisha Ma’am, who always takes the initiative for Hindi reading. We started with her quiz and then read a story by Ruskin Bond. This was also a very interesting and informative session.

I thank every member of the Good School Alliance for taking the initiative for this reading class.

Thank you.

Talat Bano