Being on time – By Ms. Vasudha Parashar
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We all know the importance of time but rarely acknowledge it. Our Parent blogger Ms.Vasudha Parashar, mother of Vartika Shukla, Grade 2 student of Ekya School JP Nagar shares this interesting blog on the importance of time that will prompt you to be on time.
BEING ON TIME … A Dying Etiquette
There are a lot of proverbs on time such as; ‘A stitch on time saves nine’, ‘Time and Tide wait for none’, and ‘Nothing is more powerful than Time’. The importance of time right from the beginning of our life is evident from the fact that even the time of our birth is recorded.
Why being on time is so important?
Punctuality is a valued trait. When you are on time it simply means that you value YOURSELF as well as OTHERS. It portrays you as a disciplined person who respects others and values their time.
Then, why such a good manner is dying?
Casualness is one of the main reasons for such an approach. If the delay happens once or twice, one can understand it’s an emergency, but when it becomes a repeated habit; then the approach is casual. If a person does not value the time of others, it reflects their insensitivity towards others.
Fashion or creating self-importance could be another reason for being late. Some people assume that if they arrive late to an occasion, others will give them importance, considering them to be very busy people, while the truth may be different.
Importance of time should perhaps be taught from childhood itself. It should be made habitual in all families so that the children can learn to be on time as a gesture of respect. When such habits are encouraged in families it extends to the outside world as well. Being on TIME also ensures many other good habits and helps in better focus for a disciplined life. A disciplined schedule not only helps the mind to be in focus and stress-free but also a disciplined body is more active and healthy.
Many times we have seen an important event or class getting canceled or delayed due to absence or late coming of people. If we really want to encourage discipline, instead of canceling or delaying the event we should stick to time and avoid the latecomers. This will keep people who are on time motivated and set an example for latecomers. Let the small planning lead to better time management. Make being on time a habit, not a forced task.
A brief profile of Ms. Vasudha Parashar
Ms. Vasudha Parashar is a Finance Professional with vast corporate experience in India and abroad, but in a quest to pursue her passion for art and dance she moved away from corporate life. Ms. Vasudha started her own Art House and has been teaching classical dance and paintings of various forms such as; Oil, Acrylic, Ceramic, Nib, etc. She also puts her art for sale at exhibitions and online and contributes the profits from the Art House to sponsoring the education of students at Vimukti Sanstha, Jaipur an Institute for the education of unprivileged girls.
https://www.facebook.com/Dancing-Brushes-by-Vasudha-163628504332204/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
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Shanthi Sivaram / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Shanthi Sivaram / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Shanthi Sivaram / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Field Trip to Madras Engineering Group – Ekya School JP Nagar
The army base, located in Ulsoor, was a great learning experience. As we looked into the sacrifices of our soldiers pre-independence, we learned about the hardships and workings of the present day army too.
The Indian defense system consists of three main wings - the army, navy and the air force. Bangalore, having an abundance of army land of all the three wings, opens a door for students to learn about a very important aspect of a nation’s maintenance. The Madras Engineering Group or the Madras Sappers are the engineering corps for the Indian Army. They have been serving the nation since 1780, under the name of the Madras Pioneers. They were renamed as the Corps of Madras Sappers and Miners in 1831.
The visit started with the hour-long drive to the base. On entering the army base, we were told that space was a plastic-free zone. No plastic bags were allowed inside and littering was strictly forbidden. The army proves to be the epitome of discipline. We were asked to maintain silence and discipline as we took a trip around the base.
We took a round trip of the models and the museum there. A record of the sappers was kept on the walls of the museum, the information written with white paint on the wooden walls. The medals awarded filled up the museum walls, along with their names. One very memorable item on display was an American flag. If you looked closer, you would be able to see a few words written on the flag. We figured out that the flag was given to the Indian soldiers who fought with an American brigade. The soldiers had written small messages to the Indians, thanking them. One of them said - “Thank you for the friendship.” It truly was an emotional, eye-opening sight.
The museum took up quite a bit of our time, but when we exited the museum, a man gathered us all up and started to brief us on the history of The MEG. The MEG is known for mining and bridging. They deal with bombs, bridges, etc. and are responsible for demolition and building. As we know from Indian history, there were four European countries that tried setting up trade in India. The Portugese got to India first, landing in Calicut. The three others were the Dutch, the French and the British. The British’s fort in India was St.George fort. The British, as well as the French, settled down in India for trade and the two of them fought for trade in India. The British won the early wars. The British traders gradually gained territorial power and started to involve themselves in Indian politics, slowly turning it into a colony.
Mysore was not a small city then. It was the state that ruled the whole of South India. The British tried having a war with the kingdom but lost due to lack of local knowledge. During this time, there was a lack of combat pioneers which led to the rise of the Madras Pioneers in the army of the Madras Presidency. The Madras Pioneers would become the forefathers of the Corps of Engineers in the Indian Army.
An officer working in the MEG, who turned out to be our guide for the day, quickly took us to the war memorial. There were slabs of stone erected in the soil with the rank and names of soldiers who served in the regiment. We stayed there for a minute, then passed the quarter guard used for weapon storage to get to a ground. A very large ground. There were a group of soldiers in a rectangular formation standing in attention. At the front was one man, most probably their captain. Behind them was a man with a drum, the kind of drum used in parades. They were standing with a beautiful backdrop of a gate with the flag of the regiment on the sides and the Indian flag soaring at the highest point. They demonstrated a parade for us. We could hear the loud, proud words of the marshal, commanding the march. We watched the parade intently, occasionally exclaiming in awe.
The soldiers marched for the next batch of students while we left to get to another building. On the way, I saw a board. It was a wooden one with this painted on it.
“I hear, I forget.
I see I remember.
I do, I understand.”
- A trainee.
It seemed interesting. The quote is something everyone should understand because a lot of life becomes easier if executed. Doing something is a more efficient way of learning, rather than letting information enter one ear and exit the other.
We reached a building that had models of different types of bridges outside. The building had rows of rooms. Each room was a model room, explaining different things the MEG deals with. We were taken to a few of them and were given explanations on them. The first one had models of different explosives, the walls filled with information about the different kinds. The officer took us to a few other rooms, telling us about their work. There were rooms about bombs, bridges, the different types of gadgets used against enemies to ensure injuries on a large scale and mines.
The next destination was a small bridge they had built. It was a small walk from the building of models. We walked onto the bridge when we were asked to gather at the front of it. The memories made from trips are often captured in pictures and we did not miss out on this ritual. The ninth and tenth graders had a group picture with the teachers and soldiers.
We then were taken to a small fenced place with a few targets and rifles. We could see a few soldiers holding the rifles, some sitting, some crouching, some standing and some lying down. We were told that this was a weapon training nursery. An officer there asked us to gather around him and told us that there were a few stances soldiers were taught. A soldier cannot shoot while standing when their targets are of different heights. Hence, we were briefed on different types of stances, when they were used and a few exercises soldiers were made to do to strengthen parts of their body.
There were four basic types of stances used by soldiers. They were - standing, sitting, kneeling and lying. Standing stances were used for an approximate height of 4 to 4.5 feet. Enemies were shot in the middle, chest region area, as opposed to their head. There are two reasons. First, soldiers often wear helmets, so penetration of the bullet is not guaranteed. Second, the bullet could easily miss the enemy and sail above the enemy’s head. But if shot in the chest region, even if the desired target is missed, the bullet is bound to at least hit the enemy. Kneeling positions are taken up for a target of around two and a half feet in height. The lying position is taken for a target height of one to one and a half feet. Sitting positions are incorporated when an enemy is being shot from a distance. Example, from a mountain. The soldier sits in a suitable place on a mountain and when movement is required, take up a scouting position.
We were also told about the different techniques marshals use on soldiers to strengthen a few important parts of their body and increase the accuracy of shooting. Weights are placed on the barrels of soldiers’ rifles while they are in a lying position. This strengthens their arms and shoulders. They are also repeatedly made to wring out water from the cloth into a bucket and dip the cloth in the water again. This is supposed to strengthen their fingers, and hence their grip. A coin is also sometimes placed on the barrel. This tells the coaches how much the barrel moves when soldiers shoot. If the coin falls, the soldiers are not opposing the recoil with enough force, which is an important aspect of learning how to shoot properly.
We were given the name of the rifle they were using. It was called INSAS, or the Indian Small Arms System. It has a weight of four kilograms and does not have much of an effect. It has a lesser force at which the bullet flies out.
The last destination we visited out of the seven they had prepared for us was a small room that had a display of artisan works made by the army soldiers and information on them. They had models of the types of building built by them too. We were told that soldiers were trained to be artisans too, as it was also a requirement in the army. Artisan work included carpentry, masonry, building, metallurgy, painting, etc. The soldiers made a lot of furniture. These included a shelf with hidden drawers and compartments, a ladder cum ironing table, a ladder that became a chair when the top part of the ladder was flipped over, rocking chairs, etc. They were truly very innovative making optimum use of space and materials.
The artisan room was our last stop, after which we were taken back. The experience was an educational one as well as an inspirational one. It opened our eyes to the endless possibilities and choices we have. It showed us the dedication and hard work of the soldiers of our country’s defense system. It may have inspired a few to become soldiers in the army, or made us appreciate the comfort of living in a country like India. Either way, every student took away something from the field trip.
Soldiers train for years, their blood, sweat, and tears all for the safety of someone else. They lay down their lives to protect the country that has given them a home. They shed blood to give us a better life. They become physically as well as mentally strong to endure the years to come. The years of war and fighting to protect their sacred homeland. The defense system is an underappreciated but crucial cog in the great wheel that is the Indian government. So let us take a moment to pray for the soldiers that are, have been and will be.
Jai Hind.
More stories from Ekya:
Importance of attitude – Teacher Talk by Ms. Lavanya Raghavan
Here’s the story of a carpenter which teaches us these values.
The Carpenter
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer/contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one last house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."
What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known that he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built which was not too good. So it is the same case with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points, we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized, we would have done it differently.
Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. It is your work that speaks for you and who you are. It defines you completely. If you take your work for granted and not pay much interest in what you do, however small it may be or whoever may benefit from that work, it is all going to reflect upon you.
Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitude and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitude and the choices you make today.
Ponder over the following quotes,
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- “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – John Wooden, college basketball coach
- “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, and author
- Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz, pro football coach and motivational author
Ms. Lavanya Raghavan is very passionate about teaching Science and Mathematics. Currently, she is handling Physics for High School and Mathematics for Middle School.
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