11 Reading Tips for First Graders – Ekya Recommends
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Our series so far has explored reading tips for Infants, Toddlers, and Kindergarteners. In this blog piece, we visit the age group that’s one step higher where reading plays a vital role in every aspect of learning – First Graders. We have compiled eleven reading tips for first graders that offer some fun ways you can help your child become a happy and confident reader. Remember, give your child lots of opportunities to read aloud. Inspire your young reader to practice every day.
- Don’t leave home without it: Bring along a book or magazine any time your child has to wait, such as at a doctor’s office. Always try to fit in reading!
- Once is not enough: Encourage your child to re-read favourite books and poems. Re-reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately.
- Dig deeper into the story: Ask your child questions about the story you’ve just read. Say something like, “Why do you think Clifford did that?”
- Take control of the television: It’s difficult for reading to compete with TV and video games. Encourage reading as a free-time activity.
- Be patient: When your child is trying to sound out an unfamiliar word, give him or her time to do so. Remind your child to look closely at the first letter or letters of the word.
- Pick books that are at the right level: Help your child pick books that are not too difficult. The aim is to give your child lots of successful reading experiences.
- Play word games: Have your child sound out the word as you change it from mat to fat to sat; from sat to sag to sap, and from sap to sip.
- I read to you, you read to me: Take turns reading aloud at bedtime. Kids enjoy this special time with their parents.
- Gently correct your young reader: When your child makes a mistake, gently point out the letters he or she overlooked or read incorrectly. Many beginning readers will guess wildly at a word based on its first letter.
- Talk, Talk, Talk! Talk with your child every day about school and things going on around the house. Sprinkle some interesting words into the conversation, and build on words you’ve talked about in the past.
- Write, Write, Write! Ask your child to help you write out the grocery list, a thank you note to Grandma, or to keep a journal of special things that happen at home. When writing, encourage your child to use the letter and sound patterns he is learning at school.
Parents, we recommend you to try a new reading tip each week and see what works best for your child.
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Ekya / July 26, 2024
Guide to Conquer the IPMAT Entrance Exam
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a significant stepping stone for undergraduate aspirants aiming to carve a niche in the business management realm. Initiated by IIM Indore and now adopted by several other IIMs, IPMAT serves as a gateway for young students to enter prestigious management institutes directly after high school.
At Ekya Schools, we recognise the importance of early preparation for such competitive exams. We partnered with an esteemed institution like Career Launcher to provide our senior students with top-notch entrance exam coaching. This strategic collaboration ensures that our students are well-equipped not only to face the IPMAT but also to excel in it.
IPMAT Selection Process
Navigating through the IPMAT selection process is crucial for candidates aiming to secure a place in the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). This multi-stage process not only tests your academic prowess but also your ability to perform under pressure and showcase your personality traits during interviews. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the selection stages from the initial aptitude test to the final admission offer, emphasising the necessity of achieving high scores and excelling at the personal interview.
Understanding IPMAT and the Integrated Program in Management (IPM)
The Integrated Program in Management (IPM) serves as a prominent pathway into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for students immediately after completing their 12th grade. Originally pioneered by IIM Indore, this forward-thinking initiative has since been embraced by four additional IIMs—Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya, and Jammu. The IPM merges a Bachelor's Degree in Management with an MBA into a single five-year program, although it allows students the flexibility to exit after the first three years with just an undergraduate degree. Given its wide-reaching appeal across various educational backgrounds and its high esteem within the professional community, management continues to be a top career choice for many aspiring students. The IPM's inclusive, stream-neutral approach makes it an attractive option for those keen to delve into the world of management. To secure admission into these programs, aspiring candidates must successfully clear one of three entrance exams: IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT. Each of these exams is designed to meet the specific admission requirements of the respective IIMs. At Ekya Schools, we believe in going beyond textbook learning to guide our students toward fulfilling careers that align with their passions and interests. Our College and Career Guidance provides a closer look at how we offer personalised guidance and strategic planning to help students navigate their future academic and career paths effectively.IPMAT Eligibility Criteria - Gearing Up For Success
To be eligible for the IPMAT entrance test, you will need to meet specific age and academic qualifications requirements. The age limit is typically 20 years for the General and NC-OBC categories, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates. In terms of education, you must have passed your Class 10 and 12 board exams (or equivalent) in 2023, and 2024, or be appearing for them in 2025. While the minimum percentage requirement might be confirmed closer to the exam date, it's wise to start preparing early in your senior school years to ensure you meet any potential benchmarks and have ample time to refine your skills for the IPMAT. By beginning early, you can develop a strong foundation in areas like quantitative and verbal abilities, giving you a competitive edge come exam day.Exam Format and Syllabus
As we progress from discussing eligibility criteria, our focus shifts to the core components of the IPMAT: its exam format and syllabus. Mastery of these elements is crucial for developing an effective preparation plan and excelling in this rigorous test. The IPMAT is structured as a computer-based test (CBT) and is divided into three key sections, which include:
IPMAT Selection Process
Navigating through the IPMAT selection process is crucial for candidates aiming to secure a place in the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). This multi-stage process not only tests your academic prowess but also your ability to perform under pressure and showcase your personality traits during interviews. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the selection stages from the initial aptitude test to the final admission offer, emphasising the necessity of achieving high scores and excelling at the personal interview.
IPMAT Selection Process Overview
The selection process for IPMAT typically involves the following steps: Step 1: Online Application Submission Candidates must first meet the basic eligibility criteria and then submit their applications through the institute's official website. Step 2: Aptitude Test Eligible candidates are invited to take the IPMAT, which includes sections on Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability to assess mathematical and language skills. Step 3: Score Validation Post-exam, an eligibility check is conducted to ensure candidates have scored positively in all sections of the test. Step 4: Conducting Personal Assessments Candidates who pass the eligibility check proceed to the Personal Assessment round, which may include a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI). This stage evaluates the candidates' communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the program. Step 5: Final Selection The final step involves the creation of a merit list based on a Composite Score, which considers performances in both the Aptitude Test and the Personal Assessment.
Key Points to Note:
- The IPMAT Indore scores are accepted at various important institutions including IIM Ranchi, IIFT, and NALSAR University of Law.
- Candidates need to achieve positive raw scores and meet the minimum mark requirements in each of the three sections of the aptitude test to be considered for the personal interview stage.
- The final merit list is prepared based on the composite score, which considers the candidate's performance across all stages of the selection process.
Preparation Strategies For IPMAT
Cracking the IPMAT is a challenge, but the rewards are immense. It's the gateway to a prestigious management program, and the right preparation can make the difference between success and disappointment. This section lays out a roadmap for your journey, helping you attend the exam with confidence and achieve your goals.- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Begin by familiarising yourself with the detailed structure and syllabus of the IPMAT. Understanding the weightage of different sections and types of questions will help you allocate your study time effectively.
- Create a Structured Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all topics systematically. Divide your time between learning new concepts, practising questions, and revising. Stick to your schedule diligently to ensure consistent progress.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Strong foundational knowledge, especially in quantitative and verbal sections, is crucial. Ensure you have a firm grasp of basic concepts before moving on to more complex problems.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in IPMAT. Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam’s format and timing. This will also help identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Enhance Time Management Skills: Time management can make or break your exam performance. Practice completing sections within the allotted time to improve your speed and accuracy. Learn to prioritise questions based on your strengths.
- Work on Verbal and Written Communication: For the verbal ability section and any subsequent interviews or written tests, enhance your reading, speaking, and writing skills. Regular reading and practising essay writing can be very beneficial.
- Seek Guidance When Needed: If you find certain areas particularly challenging, consider seeking help from teachers, or mentors, or joining a coaching institute. Sometimes, external guidance can provide new perspectives and strategies that streamline your preparation.
- Stay Informed and Updated: Keep yourself updated with any changes in the exam pattern or dates and regularly check the official website for any announcements.
- Maintain Physical and Mental Health: Lastly, balanced preparation includes taking care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep will help you maintain peak performance during your preparation journey.
Ekya / May 08, 2024
15 English Language Mistakes That You Should Avoid
Although English is a funny language, it has become a global language. It is one of the highest-speaking languages in the world. And to effectively communicate in English is crucial in today’s time. For students, parents, and professionals alike, speaking English confidently and correctly is a necessary skill.
However, speaking in English can be tough, especially for beginners. It takes confidence and knowledge to put sentences together and express your ideas in a language that might not feel comfortable yet. Even as you get better, there are still some common errors in the English language that can sneak into your speech. Most of them aren't a big deal, but sometimes they can cause misunderstandings.
As one of the best CBSE Schools in Bangalore, we’ve identified fifteen common English language mistakes and give you tips on how to fix them, so your next conversation can go more smoothly.
Not Speaking Enough
One common mistake is not speaking English enough. Many students feel shy to speak English at first, but speaking is one of the best ways to improve your command over the language. Imagine a cricket player who only watches others play but never picks up a bat themselves. They would never get better. The same goes for English. So, don't be afraid to use your voice. Talk with friends, ask questions to teachers in English, or even practice speaking to yourself. The more you speak, the better you'll get.Translating from Your Native Language
A common error in the English language many students make is trying to directly translate their thoughts from their native language into English. This is a problem because translations are rarely exact and it takes longer for your brain to do the work. Even if your English is basic, don't worry. Use the expressions and phrases you have learned. Practice using new expressions so they become a part of your regular vocabulary..Emphasizing The Wrong Syllable
Another tricky English language error is emphasizing the wrong syllable. It's like singing a song out of tune. For example, "import" is pronounced as "im-PORT" not "IM-port." Another one is "address" which is pronounced as "a-DRESS" not "AD-dress." These little changes in emphasis can change the meaning of words and make it hard for others to understand. To improve this, listen carefully to your teachers and make note of how they say the word. The best ICSE schools in Bangalore prioritize proper syllable emphasis in spoken and written English, incorporating it into the grammar lessons. Additionally, you can watch English movies, sitcoms, or cartoons to mimic how they emphasize the syllable.Pronouncing Sounds That Aren’t There
Pronouncing sounds that aren't there is a common mistake in English. It happens when we add extra sounds to words. For example, saying "aks" instead of "ask". To avoid this, we need to pronounce words correctly and not add any extra or unnecessary sounds.Overuse of “Will” for Future
This is one of the most common English grammar mistakes. A lot of students rely too much on the word “will” when composing future sentences. While it may seem like the easiest option, using the more versatile structure of "going to + base form" is actually more appropriate in many situations. "Will" is best suited for promises, spontaneous decisions, predictions, and future actions beyond the speaker's control. However, when discussing plans for the future, it is more accurate to use "going to". For instance, instead of saying "Tomorrow I will go to the bank," it is correct to say "Tomorrow I am going to the bank."Adding Unnecessary Words and Missing Necessary Words
Another common English Grammar mistakes that students often make are adding unnecessary words or leaving out necessary ones. These errors can make sentences sound confusing or change their meaning completely. For example, saying "I am agree with you" is incorrect because the verb "agree" doesn't need the helping verb "am" before it. On the other hand, forgetting a necessary word can also lead to problems. For instance, saying "I looking for a bus to the city center" is incorrect because the word "am" is missing. When talking about something happening right now, we use the Present Continuous tense by adding "am," "is," or "are" before the verb, along with the suffix "-ing." So, a correct version of the sentence would be "I am looking for a bus to the city center." Remember, it's important to use the correct words and structure so that your meaning is clear.Saying Incorrect Negative Sentences
Students often make mistakes when forming negative sentences. For instance, saying “I no like pizza" instead of "I don't like pizza." In the Present Simple, to create a negative sentence, we need to use "don't" or "doesn't" before the verb. It's also important to remember that after "he," "she," or "it," we should use "doesn't" and remove the "-s" ending from the verb. For example, instead of saying "He's not wanting to go," the correct phrasing is "He doesn't want to go."- Using the Wrong Word Order in Questions
Not Using Adverbs
Many beginners don’t use adverbs in their speech. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They add more details to a sentence and make it more interesting. For example, instead of saying "he ran fast," we can say "he ran quickly." Adverbs help us paint a clearer picture of what is happening. So don't forget to use adverbs in your speech to make it livelier and more descriptive.Missing Comma in a Compound Sentence
Not using commas or pauses in a sentence while talking or writing can lead to confusion. It becomes difficult to distinguish between different thoughts or ideas, making the overall communication less clear. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but." For example, instead of saying "I went to the store and I bought some apples," we should say "I went to the store, and bought some apples." By using a comma, we can indicate the pause between the two independent clauses. This helps our listeners understand our thoughts and ideas more effectively. So, don't forget to include commas in compound sentences when you're speaking or even writing.Faulty sentence structure
Faulty sentence structure is a common English language error that arises when a sentence is not properly constructed. This can make the sentence difficult to read and understand. An example of this error is using too many commas, which can make a sentence disjointed and confusing. Another example is failing to use proper subject-verb agreement, which can make a sentence grammatically incorrect. To avoid this error, it's important to practice constructing sentences with clarity and precision.Lack of pronoun
A common error in English is forgetting to use pronouns. Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition. For example, instead of saying "John went to the store," just say "He went to the store." Remember to use pronouns like he, she, it, they, we, etc.Unnecessary Shift in Verb Tense
It occurs when there is an inconsistent change in verb tense within a sentence, paragraph, or passage. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the writing. To avoid this error, you should ensure that you maintain a consistent verb tense, making sure that all verbs match in past, present, or future tense.nnecessary or Missing Apostrophe
An unnecessary or Missing Apostrophe is another common error. For example, "it's" is a contraction of "it is" and should not be used to show possession. Instead, "its" without an apostrophe indicates possession. Missing apostrophes result in incorrect pluralization, such as "apple's" instead of "apples".Poorly Integrated Quotation
Lastly, poorly Integrated Quotation is a common English grammar mistake. It happens when a quote is not smoothly integrated into a sentence. For example, "She said, 'I like pizza.' instead of 'She said that she likes pizza.' To fix it, we need to integrate the quote correctly into the sentence. It is okay to make mistakes while learning. However, the key is to learn from those mistakes and continuously improve. Learning English may be challenging, but the rewards it brings are immeasurable. By being mindful of grammar mistakes and actively working to avoid them, you can enhance your fluency and communication skills. So, embrace the learning journey, avoid common English language mistakes, and watch yourself grow more confident and fluent in English. For exceptional mastery over English , consider Ekya Schools, one the best CBSE schools in Bangalore. Call 080-49609096 for more information about admissions.Ekya / May 07, 2024
What Is IGCSE And Is It the Right Choice for My Child?
Every parent wants their child to have the best education, you are no different. However, when finding the right school for your child, you are often presented with a plethora of options. One such option that has grown in popularity in recent years is the IGCSE Schools in Bangalore. It is a globally recognized board and its curriculum is designed to foster holistic growth among students.
As one of the top IGCSE schools in Bangalore, we will explain what IGCSE is and help you decide if IGCSE schools are suitable for your child.
What is IGCSE?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally recognized board created by the University of Cambridge in England. It caters to 14–16 year olds (usually grades 9-10) and prepares them for further university studies worldwide. IGCSE courses offer a rich curriculum that tailors to individual strengths and nurtures the skills and competencies of students. Here are some of the benefits of IGCSE schools for your child.Student-Centric Approach
The IGCSE curriculum is student-centric and fosters creativity. Teachers and students contribute equally to the class, making it an enriching experience. Learning is practical, allowing students to understand concepts better through real-life applications. IGCSE schools encourage students to ask questions, share ideas, and learn collaboratively with their peers. This approach nurtures logical and creative thinking skills in students.Preparing for the Universities
One of the major advantages of joining IGCSE schools is that the students here are well-prepared for further studies. This is made possible by the extensive knowledge and benefits that come from a globally standardized education. The students are encouraged to become independent thinkers and learners which is crucial for university studies. IGCSE schools focus on understanding and grasping the concepts rather than just memorizing. These are the traits most universities look for in a student.A Community Worldwide
The IGCSE program brings together students from all over the world in a global community. Children learn how to be inclusive and empathetic towards different people and cultures. This helps them develop a broad perspective. The program also allows each child to become a part of a diverse and comprehensive global community.Inquiry-Based Learning
IGCSE courses foster curiosity in students by emphasizing real-life experiences, exploration, and expression. This encourages children to ask questions and research answers, helping them gain a better understanding of their communities and the world around them.Rigorous Assessments
Top IGCSE schools in Bangalore such as Ekya Schools offer a rich experience for students with thought-provoking assessments. These include a variety of modes such as oral, written, coursework, and practical assessments. These assessments offer questions of different difficulty levels, enabling students to challenge themselves and discover their strengths and weaknesses. By instilling confidence and boosting morale, the IGCSE curriculum empowers students to plan their future educational journeys.Choice of Subjects that Cater to Different Abilities
The IGCSE subjects are designed to meet the needs of different students. With over 70 subjects to choose from, including 30 languages, schools can offer a combination that suits each student. Students must select at least 5 subjects, which include:- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Science
- Languages
- Creative, Technical, and Vocational Subjects Students also have a wide range of 30 languages to choose from, including their mother tongue.
Recognized by Universities Across the World
The IGCSE is the most recognized examination qualification across the world. Students with these qualifications are accepted into several countries like the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. Many universities acknowledge and accept the IGCSE curriculum as part of their entrance criteria. The IGCSE opens up opportunities for further vocational education and serves as a strong foundation for employment. Students with IGCSE backgrounds have the necessary abilities that employers value in potential employees. In conclusion, choosing the best school for your child can be a daunting task considering the number of options today. However, if you think a strong syllabus and robust curriculum are best for your child, IGCSE schools are the way to go. To find the best IGCSE schools near Bannerghatta Road, look no further than Ekya Schools in JP Nagar. Our goal is to give students a well-rounded education that nurtures critical thinking, and creativity along with academic excellence.Join us and allow your child to delve into the stimulating realm of IGCSE subjects, nurturing their personal growth and development along the way.. We're here to shape future leaders with an inclusive and inspiring learning environment.Fundraising for 20 Eye Surgeries – Service Learning at Ekya ITPL
Service Learning plays an important role at Ekya, as it helps students identify themselves as part of the community, develop empathy and respect for others, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
As part of the Service Learning programme, our students conduct several fundraising activities at school – newspapers drives, selling handmade scented candles and body scrubs to name a few, with the funds directed to charity.
This month Grade 9 and 10 students of Ekya School ITPL successfully raised an impressive amount of Rs. 29,500/- with the aim of bringing a difference to the lives of those who eagerly hope a change.
The children decided to use the funds to sponsor 20 eye surgeries, approaching Sankara Nethralaya in Kundalahalli, Bengaluru to help facilitate them. When contacted, Mr. Vikram Chaudhary, Unit Head at Sankara Nethralaya was more than willing to oblige.
Impressed with the efforts of our students, Mr Vikram visited the ITPL campus to address them, taking them through an informative and interactive session on Sankara Nethralaya, its vision and the services it provides.
He invited our Grade 9 students to visit Sankara Eye Hospital, located at Kundalahalli. Buzzing from their efforts put in for this noble cause, the children were excited to pay a visit to the hospital. A cheque of Rs 30,000/- was handed over to Mr. Vikram on behalf of the hospital.
In addition to this, our students interacted with doctors on duty, understanding the various procedures undertaken at an eye hospital. They also got to witness a live eye surgery conducted at the operation theatre; a thrilling experience that sparked curious questions in their heads, each of which was answered by the staff who accompanied them.
This was a wonderful learning curve for our young mind. In the words of Leo Tolstoy, “the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity”, we at Ekya Schools, look forward to being part of so many such activities in the coming years.
Impressed with the efforts of our students, Mr Vikram visited the ITPL campus to address them, taking them through an informative and interactive session on Sankara Nethralaya, its vision and the services it provides.
He invited our Grade 9 students to visit Sankara Eye Hospital, located at Kundalahalli. Buzzing from their efforts put in for this noble cause, the children were excited to pay a visit to the hospital. A cheque of Rs 30,000/- was handed over to Mr. Vikram on behalf of the hospital.
In addition to this, our students interacted with doctors on duty, understanding the various procedures undertaken at an eye hospital. They also got to witness a live eye surgery conducted at the operation theatre; a thrilling experience that sparked curious questions in their heads, each of which was answered by the staff who accompanied them.
This was a wonderful learning curve for our young mind. In the words of Leo Tolstoy, “the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity”, we at Ekya Schools, look forward to being part of so many such activities in the coming years.
Women of Ekya – Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is annually observed on 8th March - a day of recognizing and celebrating women around the globe, the values they bring as individuals and as part of a community, highlighting the challenges and struggles each one of them has faced, to pave way for others.
We took this opportunity to ask some of the women at Ekya for their thoughts on Women’s Day and women. The answers you see truly embody the “individual” spirit of women.
"Empowering a woman is to empower the entire system that surrounds her, be it family, colleagues, and friends or just about anyone. A woman only needs support and understanding and she can conquer the world. She can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone else, be it a man or another woman and succeed in all fields. Empowering women is not a necessity because of gender discrimination as it is because of an existing system that does not feel the need to do it actively. Empowerment comes in many ways - teach her and she will be the best there is, guide her and she will lead the way, support her and she will reach the highest pinnacle, encourage her and she will make miracles happen, acknowledge her and she will make the people around her a priority and achieve beyond imagination." Ms. Aparna Kiran Rao, Parent of Ekya.
"My first and foremost inspiration is my grandmother, Amrithavalli. She was a cancer survivor who faced many hardships and losses in her life with a smile. She was educated only until the fifth grade, but was a voracious reader, teaching herself Hindi and English using books. Her drive and willpower in fighting cancer, her compassion and encouragement towards others are qualities that I look up to.
I also admire the work done by Lady Ada Lovelace and Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is a well-known household name with her stories engrossing millions of people. At a time when women authors were confined to writing social commentaries and domestic fiction, Christie paved a new path for women authors by showing that they are no less capable in the written word. Lady Ada Lovelace is known as the world's 'first' programmer. Statistically, few women venture into the field of technology. Ada Lovelace is a reminder that girls can code and be as tech savvy as the boys." Ms. Ahlada Sudersan.
For the strong women in every chapter of our lives,
May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them.
A mother, wife, daughter, friend, but importantly an individual. A woman of substance. A woman with a goal and a vision – who does not step away from challenges and strives to find a better way to do things. Who laughs, celebrates and lives life.On this occasion, we celebrate the women of Ekya, who run every cogwheel of our chain of schools. Leading the vision of Ekya Schools is the dynamic Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, supported by two stalwarts in education, Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, who leads the CMR Group of Institutions for over 25 years and Ms. Sharmila Choudhury, who is the Senior Director of Academics at Ekya, with three decades of teaching experience. The energetic and passionate women of Ekya Learning Centre strive to bring the best teaching methodologies and framework from across the world. The love and care of our Head of Schools and teaching staff nurture the citizens of tomorrow while the support staff ensures that everything runs smooth. The women of Ekya make “Living the Lesson” possible, working diligently to create lifelong learners.
We took this opportunity to ask some of the women at Ekya for their thoughts on Women’s Day and women. The answers you see truly embody the “individual” spirit of women.
What is Women’s Day to you?
While everyone unanimously agreed that celebrating womanhood should be all day every day, rather than a dedicated annual affair, we had some interesting insights of what the day meant to each one of them. “It’s a day to reflect on how far we have come in humankind's journey for gender equality. Without struggle there can be no progress, and Women's Day is a reminder to appreciate the small and big struggles women from all walks of life have overcome to ensure that men and women today lead better lives than they did before” Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director, Ekya Schools. “We need to change our mindsets from celebrating women for a day as an afterthought to providing women with equal opportunities, pay and scope all over the world.” Ms. Ahlada Sudersan, Ekya Learning Centre. “A special day to reflect and promote women's equality and women's rights. It's that time of the year when we acknowledge and celebrate the lives of ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in society. Women are feted, honoured and revered." Jyothi Menon, Head of School, Ekya School ITPL. “It is a day of remembrance, of the hardships and struggles that women face. It is a day of celebrations, of achievements of every woman. It is also a day that highlights the issues women face, bringing a collective voice against them” Ms. Diya AnilKumar, Grade 10, Ekya JP Nagar. “Women's Day to me is a celebration of all the phases of a woman. It is a loud call for all the women in the world to stand up for each other and make their world filled with respect and dignity.” Ms. Poornima Mahesh, Headmistress, Ekya Early Years, Kanakapura Road.
"It's a very important day for women across the world to come together and make the world recognize the gender inequalities and also celebrate the achievements of women who have overcome these barriers. I would like to see women in our country enjoy personal freedom and not having to deal with sexual misconduct and harassment in personal and professional arenas. They should have right to property, better educational access, equal opportunities for jobs and equal pay. We all have to do our bit to achieve full gender equality for women all over the world."Ms. Manisha Pandit, Ekya Learning Centre.
What is women empowerment to you?
With #PressforProgress being this year’s theme for Women’s Day, the women of Ekya had their say in what empowering women mean to them. “To me, women empowerment means to strengthen the economic, social and educational abilities of women. Education is the most important and indispensable tool for women empowerment. It enables women to respond to the challenges, confront their traditional role and brings about a positive change in their attitude.” Ayesha Sirajuddin, Head of School, Ekya School ITPL. “The ability to make choices is empowerment. I believe women empowerment is a movement when women will choose to work with confidence and dogged persistence towards achieving their ultimate goals, in whatever sphere it may be.“ Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director, Ekya Schools. “We all mostly associate women empowerment with having equal rights and opportunities. However, a very important aspect of the journey of successful women is the support they get from their loved ones. The encouragement and moral support from the people around them play a huge role in their empowerment. To me, that is the true meaning of women empowerment. Women are moving forward in their journeys; it’s time for the world to catch up.” Ms. Trishikha Kiran Rao, Grade 10, Ekya School JP Nagar.
"Empowering a woman is to empower the entire system that surrounds her, be it family, colleagues, and friends or just about anyone. A woman only needs support and understanding and she can conquer the world. She can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone else, be it a man or another woman and succeed in all fields. Empowering women is not a necessity because of gender discrimination as it is because of an existing system that does not feel the need to do it actively. Empowerment comes in many ways - teach her and she will be the best there is, guide her and she will lead the way, support her and she will reach the highest pinnacle, encourage her and she will make miracles happen, acknowledge her and she will make the people around her a priority and achieve beyond imagination." Ms. Aparna Kiran Rao, Parent of Ekya.
To bring more women to the fore, we need to ensure that all girls are ensured basic school education. We need to create safe spaces for women to gather and discuss opportunities, problems and needs. Participating in a social network will encourage more women to educate themselves. We need to educate everyone at the grassroots level about the importance of treating women equally, about respecting their needs and decisions.
Who are the women you look up to?
When we asked about the women they look up to, names of mothers were on the lips of everyone. So did the names of women with inspiring stories behind them - from Indra Nooyi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Chandra Kocchar to Jhumpa Lahiri, Ellen Degeneres and Etta James. "Savitribai Phule, who established the first women school in India and became the first women teacher to change the social fabric. Rosa Park and Frida Kahlo for utmost courage and determination. My mother and teachers, Dr Jyoti Dalal and Moloyashree Hashmi for their indomitable spirit and grit." Pooja Arya, Ekya Learning Centre. "Women in the Armed Forces, who have broken gender barriers. We need to salute them for the courage they possess as women excelling in a once male-dominated field. Being part of the Armed Forces is requires unwavering mental strength than physicality, which is proven by these women" Ms. Trishikha Kiran Rao. "I look at myself every day and say, 'there I am' - the woman who has grown up from a little girl to a responsible and strong human being." Ms. Baishakhi Roy, Ekya Learning Centre.On Educator Appreciation Day, one of our children came dressed as Savitribai Phule, the mother of Modern Girls' Rights and a social reformer. From that day, I have been inspired by her and her open-mindedness to bring about the change in the outlook of education and rights to girls. As an educationist, I would want to turn every stone to make learning reachable and meaningful. Savitribai Phule has been on my mind whenever I think of modern steps towards learning.Ms. Poornima Mahesh, Headmistress, Ekya Early Years, Kanakapura Road.
"My first and foremost inspiration is my grandmother, Amrithavalli. She was a cancer survivor who faced many hardships and losses in her life with a smile. She was educated only until the fifth grade, but was a voracious reader, teaching herself Hindi and English using books. Her drive and willpower in fighting cancer, her compassion and encouragement towards others are qualities that I look up to.
I also admire the work done by Lady Ada Lovelace and Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is a well-known household name with her stories engrossing millions of people. At a time when women authors were confined to writing social commentaries and domestic fiction, Christie paved a new path for women authors by showing that they are no less capable in the written word. Lady Ada Lovelace is known as the world's 'first' programmer. Statistically, few women venture into the field of technology. Ada Lovelace is a reminder that girls can code and be as tech savvy as the boys." Ms. Ahlada Sudersan.
For the strong women in every chapter of our lives,
May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them.
Happy Women's Day!
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