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subeditorjpn / September 07, 2018 Posted by :

BOOK REVIEW ON ORIGIN BY DAN BROWN

The book’s protagonist is a Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, Robert
Langdon. It all starts when his former student Edmond Kirch discovers something that will
change the face of science forever. The unveiling happening at the Guggenheim Museum,
Bilbao is interrupted when Edmond Kirch gets shot. Langdon sets on a dangerous quest with
the museum director Ambra Vidal to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirch’s secret.

The book starts off really well, the suspense already building. But as in most books where
the suspense builds at the beginning of the book, it gets really boring by page 126. Dan
Brown has not improved since Inferno and the book seems like an elastic pulled to its
maximum. The book is therefore repetitive and one scene lasts for what seems like forever.
The murder of Edmond Kirch is dragged out too. It seems like Brown is trying to make the
book seem big while the story is just half of what he has written. Written in a concise
manner, the storyline would have been a lot more alluring.

Brown seems to be running out of ideas. The hunt for the prize in The Da Vinci Code
seemed a lot longer than what I read in Origin. The Da Vinci Code was the most pleasing
read among most books because of the great writing, the extensive research, the unravelling
of the most mind-boggling historical facts and the crazy hunt for the Holy Grail all across the
world. Origin lacks in most of the highlights of The Da Vinci Code except for the research
and a few facts that a huge percentage of today’s population do not know.

The big discovery that is supposed to change the lives of everyone is actually interesting.
One of the biggest plus points of Brown is that he comes up with something new and
interesting for every book. That really makes it unique and worth reading. This, particularly,
is the reason I still read Dan Brown.

The truth is hard and to tell the truth is to be brutal. Origin has a good storyline but to me, it
doesn’t deserve to be a bestseller and is one only due to Dan Brown’s reputation. Origin
could have been written better with a lot more substance in it.

I did enjoy reading it. It was well written but it is not Dan Brown at his best. He has frankly written
better books and will go down in history for them, but Origin is unlikely to be remembered. I
rate the book 2 out of 5 stars.

-Nidhi Bhavsar, Grade IX, Ekya School JP Nagar

 

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subeditorjpn / March 26, 2024

The Hot Garlic Soup Inspired by ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
Johnsy fell ill in November. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She would lie in her bed, gazing out of the window. Sue sent for the doctor. The doctor said to Sue, “Johnsy’s condition is not so serious yet. It seems she is unable to recover because she has lost the will to live.”
Sue became extremely worried for Johnsy’s well-being and mental health. She tried to make Johnsy interested in the things around her, but Johnsy never replied with more than a noncommittal hum.
One day, Sue was painting when she heard Johnsy counting backwards. Sue looked out of the window and saw an old ivy creeper climbing on the brick wall. The ivy was shedding its leaves in the strong gust of the wind.
“They are falling faster now,” whispered Johnsy. “Three days ago there were so many leaves. Only five are left now.”
“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”
“When the last leaf falls, I will die” said Johnsy with finality. “I have felt this for the last three days.”
“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “Why do you believe your fate is tied to those old ivy leaves?”
“Human life is fleeting, just like those ivy leaves,” said Johnsy. “I got sick just as the ivy started shedding its leaves. It must be an omen. The last leaf will fall, and I will slip into slumber forever.”
Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die. Plenty of people fall sick in autumn, and they recover soon enough. Do you want some soup?”
“I don’t want any soup. My time is almost up, I’m sure of it,” murmured Johnsy.
Sue decided to change tactics. She was not going to give up on Johnsy.
“It is true that human life is somewhat fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes life valuable. Do you not want to see what life has to offer before you slip into slumber? Will you not miss the cool breeze waking you up, the warm embrace of sunlight? Do you want to give up the feeling of the paintbrush gliding over the canvas?” Sue quavered.
“Look beyond the ivy to that tree over there,” Sue continued. “Even that tree is shedding its leaves, but it is also growing new leaves. It is going to live for many more years, just like you.”
Johnsy contemplated for a while. Then, she looked out of the window and smiled.
“Perhaps I will have some hot garlic soup. You made me realise that life is worth living after all.”
Written by Aahana,
from grade 9A

subeditorjpn / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T.Barnum

We as humans are social beings. We can't imagine our lives to be solitary. Literature facilitates us to understand and communicate with one another in society. It helps us explore the world around us and is a medium to express our views and experiences. So it is of vital importance that the students are introduced to literature at a young age.

Literature is necessary for students as it helps them to develop imagination, improves vocabulary and language skills and even enhances creativity. Literature helps them understand the world outside their home and school.

It is disheartening to see that literature is often not put on the same pedestal as other technical subjects like Math or Science. where it shouldn't be the case.

Literature includes different types of texts like stories and fables, myths

and legends, poetry and drama or even informational texts that help them explore other subjects. It prepares students to read and understand the real world.

There are one too many benefits of including literature at a young age. It is like an exercise for the brain, keeping an individual mentally active and stimulated.

Exposure to cultures from different countries brings in a sense of respect and tolerance, a feat possible through literature. It motivates one to appreciate different lives and their ways and also to graciously disagree with something that may not be right. The different characters the students are introduced to become a source of inspiration. They start to imagine themselves in varied situations. they learn different solutions to problems they come across.

More importantly, reading is fun and literature develops an inclination toward reading and makes them self-learners.

It can be concluded that literature is a gateway to nurturing a child’s life skills more than any assignment or task

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

subeditorjpn / March 22, 2024

A Day to Remember: Juniors Bid Goodbye to Seniors with a Spectacular Farewell Party.

As the academic year draws to a close, emotions run high at our beloved school. The time has come for the juniors to express their gratitude, love, and affection for their departing seniors.

And what better way to do this than by throwing an unforgettable farewell party?

The air was buzzing with excitement as the juniors meticulously planned every detail to make it a night that their seniors would cherish forever.

The audio-visual room was transformed into a place of nostalgia and celebration, adorned with decorations to welcome the seniors. Each performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. Each video played, spoke volumes about the memories shared and the bonds formed throughout their academic journey, blanketing the atmosphere with a mix of joy, laughter, and a hint of bittersweet anticipation.

Our seniors were all dressed up to the nines for the occasion with the girls in a blue and white saree and the boys in black suits.

But how did all of this come to be? I am a grade 11 student and let me take you through behind the scenes of this event and how we prepared for this event.

  • Many girls formed a group and decided to dance to “Paint It Red” and “All Is Well”. Everyone’s efforts are to be appreciated as they come up with new steps and formations. Well-coordinated teamwork led to an amazing performance that got everyone cheering.

  • Meanwhile, my batchmate, Lara,  and a few teachers were preparing to sing songs dedicated to the seniors. Lara sang a melodious rendition of “When You Believe” and the teachers sang a medley of songs which got the seniors singing along as well!

  • The boys planned on dancing to the song “Galti Se Mistake” and their performance was full of creativity and humour. The choreography was inspired by the original music video of the song and they worked hard together and taught each other the steps. This performance got everyone giggling and cheering so loud!

  • It did not end with the students, even the teachers chose to step into this grand celebration. They danced on a variety of songs and each song made the seniors hoot louder. Even though they had a very busy schedule they would still take time and dedicate it to the dance practice during after-school hours. Huge kudos for their coordination and effort!

  • Mohana and Arshia came up with a very engaging script which had the attention of the audience. A small game was organised for the students where they had to write something good about one of their batchmates. Everybody put their hands together and made 32 crowns of appreciation for their seniors. A video of the seniors was made including photos and videos of their dearest memories. Last but not least, our teachers also prepared a video message for the seniors bidding farewell and wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

The day finally came. The 10th of February came. It was the day - the day for which we had been preparing for days. The graduation.

The place was set, the background screen was ready, the mic was ready and the sound system was ready. Our seniors came one by one and the auditorium was filled with chatter until the anchors came in and the event started.

After a few minutes, the head boy gave a heartfelt speech, followed by the chit game of affirmations then Lara’s beautiful performance.

The girls donned black kurtis and sunglasses and danced to “Paint It Red”, which got a round of applause. The seniors loved the “Galti Se Mistake” dance by the boys for its creativity and comedic execution and what made it better was the shorts with shirt and tie combination. The dance finale was to the song “All Is Well” which got the audience cheering for the dancers with lots of enthusiasm.

Then a video filled with the memories of the seniors was shown which made most of them emotional. The dance which everybody was eagerly anticipating started - it was our beloved teachers who completely rocked the stage with their amazing performance.

Then a few teachers gave a very emotional message followed by songs dedicated to their students. The event came to an end with video messages by the teachers,  a crowning ceremony and high tea.

In conclusion, the event was successful, and enjoyed by all the students - juniors, seniors and teachers. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contribution and teamwork. It was an emotional roller coaster for everyone and a day which will never be forgotten.

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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Ekya School ITPL at Indian Institute Of Science – INCOSURF 2018

Ms. Veera P. Menon and Ms. Srisanthi C, along with thirty students from Grade XI and XII students of Ekya School ITPL spent three days at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore on account of the International Conference on Surface Engineering, INCOSURF-2018. Ms. Veera and a few students wrote to our ITPL editorial team, sharing their personal experiences at the conference.
"We woke up to a chilly windy Thursday on 9th August 2018. The planning had been meticulous and so the execution was impeccable. IISC or the Indian Institute of Science for the uninitiated is the premier institute for scientific research and is ranked first in our country and tenth in the world. It has been a second home to me having presented research papers there and being a member of the illustrious ECSI ( Electrochemical Society of India). This year my innovation employing carbon paste biosensor whose surface was modified with Ni (II) phthalocyanine for the facile detection of Morin in Psidium Guajava leaf extract was selected to be presented in front of an august scientific audience. Reaching IISC was gargantuan in efforts but the experience the students were going to have at renowned institute paled everything. Mrs. Srisanthi C. from the Department of Biology, Ekya ITPL, was my companion for these three memorable days and we had with us, 30 impressionable, witty, curious XI and XII Graders! After the ceremonial inauguration, plenary and invited talks from eminent scientists, it was time for oral and poster presentations. My oral presentation was well received and had a house full attendance. The rebuttal saw some very pertinent, valid and stimulating questions which I managed to respond to, with much enthusiasm. Since the organizing committee was apprised in advance, and the discussions which are generally highly technical, saw most of the eminent scientists tweaking their presentation to suit our students! And it was much appreciated by them! In between these lectures, the students rented cycles and at a languid pace explored the campus. Early morning visits to the IISC canteen for a quick economical bite became a routine soon. Sojourn to the famous library where the curator personally took us around and explained the chronicled facts about the place to the picture taken at the iconic TATA Memorial will be etched in our minds. The students soaked in the beautiful ennui picked up valuable academic energies and have gained much. Their mere presence for three days in a scientific community made them realize what they can also strive for. I invite you to read up some thoughts put on by our students here. Harsh Dudhe from Grade XII also got the opportunity to interview Dr. Dwarakadasa, Chairman, and Director of IISC. A big shout out to Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, Ms. Jyothi Menon, Ms. Rajini, Ms. Mahua and Ms. Renuka for having faith in me and allowing this scientist to be a part of this organization. Thanks a ton! Thanks to Ms. Srisanthi and all my students who made every moment memorable."

Click here to read Harsh's interview with Dr. Dwarakadasa, Chairman, and Director of IISC

Hard Work Does Pay Off – Poem by Ms. Sribaghya S, Ekya School BTM Layout

Hard Work Does Pay Off Poem by Ms. Sribaghya S, Teacher at Ekya School BTM Layout
A moment of truth and a word of advice from Ms. Sribaghya from Ekya School BTM Layout. It pays to persevere and keep the faith - there is always a silver lining. Hard work does pay off, ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off! Hard work is a gluttonous monster, for some people look at it as though it’s a gangster. Ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off. It might deprive your sleep, and give you some memories you could keep. Ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off. Your favourite movie is on, but your desk has a pile upon. Greed tries to make an entrance, and yet conscience tells you not to be in trance. Ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off. A day arrives when your work is revised, you are in for a day where you’ll be surprised! As your name lingers in the corridor, you are uncertain as to why you’re called for! Ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off. You enter your senior’s cubicle in fear, And receive the words of appreciation that you’d longed to hear. The rush of warm blood inside your body, Personifies a million cheerleaders cheering you with an Audi. Ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off. The moment you step out of the room, you notice the disappearance of some gloom. Don’t trust me when I say this? test it yourself for it’s a sheer bliss. Ask me how! I shall tell you now that hard work does pay off!

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