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editorialclubitpl / December 10, 2018 Posted by :

Trip to Coorg – Class XII


The last trip of our schooling years had finally been planned. The moment had come and we were nothing but excited. We’d planned about this for a while with a whole lot of surprises and things to do while we were out together, forget all record work, upcoming tests and just have fun.

It began on the cold morning of Friday, the 23rd of November. We were asked to assemble in the school at 3:30 AM and of course, no one was late. Ms. Sonali, Ms. Devika, and Ms. Livija were going to accompany us. The bus arrived and we all bid goodbye to our parents and left for the journey. We were so excited that no one acknowledged the fact that it was 4 in the morning. We played music and danced. Everyone brought a lot of food and chocolates to nibble on.

It was around 10:30 AM by the time we stopped for breakfast at a cute little place called “Cute Resort” near Ranganathittu. Fueled up for the rest of the journey everyone was energized and danced all way to Coorg where we checked into a place called “The Minister’s Kourt” near Kushalnagar.

We were asked to freshen up and rest for a while before we started our sightseeing. All of us checked in and made sure our rooms were close to those of our friends- how could they not? We had lunch at the hotel and left for our first tourist spot – Abbey Falls. The long journey to the mesmerizing falls was completely worth it. Even after reaching the falls we had to walk down a park to view the falls. Its one of the early reaches of the river Kaveri. A nice little place with amazing scenery, one of the must-see places in Coorg.

We then continued our journey to this place called “Raja’s Seat” which was more or less a sunset point, situated on a hilltop giving us the most breathtaking view of the majestic western ghats. The hilltops and blue color of the sky were just mind-boggling. All of us took loads of ‘instagram’ worthy pictures and made quite a few memories.

A few minutes away from the park was a famous temple, Omkareshwara Temple, which was a historical place. It was a large place with a holy lake in between. Lucky for us, it was Karthik Purnima (Karthikai Deepam) and we considered ourselves blessed to be present there on such an auspicious moment.

With the shining white full moon above our head, we headed back to the hotel for dinner. After dinner, we all got together in one room and spent some quality time together. Despite our teachers’ warning we only slept later after midnight.

The hotel was ‘kind’ enough to give us a wake-up call at 6:30 AM. Everyone took their time to freshen up and came down for breakfast by 8.

Our first stop for the day was the famous Dubare Elephant Camp. The most awaited part was the boat ride to the camp. We got in line for our turn and took the boat across the water body to look at some of the most fascinating animals to walk this earth. A whole bunch of elephants, some young, some old. We saw them involved in various activities including one trying to save its friend from a maze and another having lunch. It was something we enjoyed looking at. Some of us were also lucky enough to feed the beautiful creatures while the rest of us were dying to take one home.

This activity took a lot of time, and we made it back to the hotel for lunch at around 1 PM. Whilst we were there, we all checked out of our rooms and packed ourselves up for the journey back to Bangalore. This, of course, doesn’t mean we were done with the sightseeing.

We continued to two places after lunch – Kaveri Nisargadhama and the Tibetan Monastery. Nisargadhama is a beautiful park full of bamboos plants. Watching herds of deer sleep and chilling in the park was somehow the happiest moment of this trip. After some shopping (chocolates, coffee, hats) we made our way to the rides and games- The Columbus, 360 spin ride and the mirror maze to name a few. Some of them even managed to get temporary tattoos on their hands.

The second place was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places we’ve ever seen. Pictures don’t do justice to such a mesmerizing place. The monastery’s full name is Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling, called “Namdrolling or Namdroling” for short. We all learned a lot about Tibetan culture and had one of the best momos.

This marked the end of sightseeing and we started our journey back home. It was a fun filled 7 hours we spent on the bus with all the dancing and the food. We stopped at McDonald’s for dinner. It was around 1 AM when we reached school and had to bid goodbye, this time to our friends. It was a much-awaited trip for us and a much-needed break from all the stress. A shoutout to Amazing Holidays who planned the package and kudos to all the people involved in making this trip the best we’ve had.

Written by

Manali Tanna and Rishab Dhotrekar, Grade XII-A, Ekya School ITPL


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editorialclubitpl / 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

editorialclubitpl / 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.

editorialclubitpl / 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

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Fundraiser for Community Service of Sankara Eye Hospital

Students of Ekya School ITPL had put an entire month of hard work for the display and sale on Independence Day. From T-shirts to earrings, lip balms, nachos, cake balls, rolls - you name it, they had it. With hundreds of parents meandering through the halls, it was an excellent opportunity for the students to display their impressive creative talents. The school managed to raise a grand sum of 80,000 rupees which was presented to Sankara Eye Hospital to fund their community service, during the recent visit of Grade 10 students to the hospital. Community service bundled with such immense learning left our students elated and they penned down their experience. Read on to know what our students have to say. In the words of students of Grade 10, Ekya School ITPL “On arriving at Sankara Eye Hospital, Dr. Parmeshwar gave us a brief itinerary of the day and then proceeded to give us a thorough and exquisite tour of the hospital. He gave us the opportunity to view a live cataract surgery. We were left us in awe when he told us that they conduct at least 120 cataract surgeries in a day! It is a simple procedure that takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After the tour, we were led into the auditorium where we were shown several videos about the hospitals' current machine- Nannakannu- which translates to 'my eyes' in Kannada and is called mission Rainbow in other parts of India. The hospital had set up camps in the districts of Karnataka where the employees of Infosys conducted check-ups for over 10000 children. We were shown a short film that greatly touched our hearts, about how a child vision accounts for 75% of their learning. Shortly after, Dr. Soumya gives an informative lecture about several eye problems such as myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and amblyopia and how to correct them. After which the staff gave us a few snacks to eat.” “Overall the trip was truly enlightening and awe-inspiring and many of us left the hospital with a feeling of gratitude and happiness in our hearts. It felt wonderful to know that our hard work is being utilized for a good cause and that our money could help so many people. The trip was an eye-opening and humbling experience that got the empathetic feeling out of me. I realized how privileged I am to have the gift of vision. The entire Hospital tour gave me a new perspective on my medical career. It was astonishing to see the specialization of the doctors for each part of the eye. In the visitors’ gallery, we could watch a live cataract surgery where the lens was removed and placed into the eye. The community wards were heart-wrenching. People from rural areas were given accommodation, food, medicine and surgeries were performed free of cost. We could also attend a talk with the ophthalmologists. I thank Ekya schools and the entire management for conducting this trip and help us in learning so much which was to last for a lifetime. I feel contented and highly satisfied for the efforts I put into raising the funds. We could donate the hospital a large amount of money and give many people their gift of vision. Once again I would like to thank the entire management of Ekya for such a wonderful trip and experience.” .

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Soul Amidst The Landscape – By Dwithi, Grade XII, Ekya School ITPL

Have you ever set out on a journey certain where you want to go, yet come back having travelled to unexpected and remarkable places? Our recent school trip to Imphal (Manipur) portrayed no less a different picture. We set out to stimulate a deeper learning for natural sciences and came back with a whole new learning experience ourselves. I couldn’t have imagined the serenity and spaciousness that one experiences in nature before I took a walk in Keibul Lamjao National Park. The biological reserve of the Sangai was our first stop on the third day. We arrived at 10 in the morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of the much endangered and famed deer of Manipur. After driving a bit into the reserve, we came upon two observation decks that were built overlooking the grassland. The grassland stretched for miles, winding up only when it touched the sky at the horizon. Like thin brushstrokes on canvas, slim green grass stems sprung from the marshy ground, topped with light brown husky ends. The towering trees marking the near edges of the grassland, looked grand with dark green leaves. Light blue streams flowed calmly, retaining the silence of the scene. We were lucky to have the chance to locate the Sangai which stood camouflaged. We hiked down a meandering road which was lined with strong and artistically patterned trees. At the bottom, we took a short boat ride in the twining blue water and learned a great deal about the brow antlered deer from the local boatmen. Having trekked through the only floating park in the world, we decided to head to view Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in North-east India. Light indigo mountains lay at the rim of this lake and the sky appeared grayish-white before the sun set for the day. The water body turned out to be larger and quite unlike that I had imagined. Tiny green islets floated effortlessly, some supporting small dwellings. We took delight in another boat ride to and from one of these islets where we met friendly people and arrangements. As we neared the shore, the sun slowly set, first behind the clouds and then the mountains. The trip, on the whole, proved to be a successful and memorable one. It included enlightening collaboration with students from D.M College of Sciences, valued sharing of knowledge with other high school students. They presented an open-minded attitude and were wholly receptive to upcoming research and new forms of learning. We had some rejuvenating moments with nature and exciting strolls through the local market. We found the people humble and ready to lend a hand. They supported and exhibited their traditions most splendidly. 

The rich samples that we collected showed the biodiversity of the place and a keen mentality of the people to live with nature. This journey indeed brought me closer to the people and place I today cherish having visited.

Foldscope in the North East

Urja who was part of Foldscope expedition shares her experience with Microcosmos. Read her account here.

More Stories From Ekya School

Ekya School ITPL at Coorg Ekya School visits Bannerghatta National Park Ekya School ITPL at Indian Institute Of Science - INCOSURF 2018 Ekya Summer Stories - Purvi's Poetry Fundraising for 20 Eye Surgeries - Service Learning at Ekya ITPL  

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