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Ekya / April 20, 2022 Posted by : administrator

Why do teenagers get involved in excess social media usage?

Understanding our adolescent children

There are various reasons for teenagers as well as adults to use social media. They can

include entertainment, tension relief, staying relevant with popular culture or trends, learning

about the world, sensation seeking, escape from loneliness, and many others.

Learning about these can help us better relate to them and understand their perspective. Therefore providing us with significant insights regarding how as parents we can provide the support and help them in areas that might be causing the behavior rather than try to deal with it at a surface level.

The motivations for social media usage:

1. Diversion: Seeking pleasure, relaxation, escape from boredom or worries, and

mood management; this is what can be considered as providing entertainment and is the commonly stated reason for using social media.

2. Cognition: Seeking or acquiring information, ranging from observing current

events to learn norms for various aspects of human behavior across the globe from entertainment content. Quite often the information they acquire through social media is incidental, i.e.: they happen to come across opinions, incidences, and social awareness.

3. Social utility: Facilitating relationships with family, friends, or desired social

groups by establishing vicarious social relationships with social media and the people involved.

4. Withdrawal: Establishing barriers between the self and others to avoid conflict,

ensure uninterrupted attention and focus, or simply obtain solitude.

5. Personal identity: Helping to establish a sense of self by trying out and internalizing of

potential roles and identities; building self-confidence; seeking moral guidance,

social acceptance, or status.

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Ekya / 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

Ekya / 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.

Ekya / 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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#CounsellorBlog: Be Negative And Stay Positive By, Noelle Joy Counselling Specialist, Ekya Schools ITPL

‘Be Negative and Stay Positive’ is the best mantra we can use during this pandemic.

Taking best care in protecting oneself from the attack of the coronavirus and maintaining Covid test results negative should be the top priority during these tough times.  However, In spite of the best efforts put in, one may succumb to the virus even with a strict following of the safety protocols. In relation to the topic, keeping your mind positive should be paramount in taking good care of oneself.

Amid the covid outbreak, feeding your mind with information from the media on the unforeseen events leads you to fear, anxiety and depression. On the other hand, news of lakhs of people around the world successfully walking back to normal life after being infected with the virus hardly catches your attention. In fact, you spend much of your time focusing your thoughts on recollecting the faces of people who have had a lot to suffer. This fear built up in your mind is more critical than the virus. In reality, you need to be picky about the input going into your mind from the outside world. Because it affects your thinking, your mood, and your ability to be positive. You need to shift your mind from ‘I can’t because....’ to 'How can I ....’ Be informed. Knowing what’s going on is important. Knowing what’s going on 24 hours a day from multiple sources will only serve to wear you down.

During this period of anxiety and fear, you need to engage in activities that make you feel good, pleasant, and fulfilling. Select a few activities that promote your physical and mental health as well. It is very important to maintain a daily routine. This will help your mind be focused and sharp. It also helps us to ‘normalize our day’. Keep in touch with your contacts. Social distancing should never lead to distancing ourselves from friends and families. Read a book, and engage in a craft. Listening to music, doing some online courses, etc improve your mental health. Going out for a while, enjoying nature, looking up at the trees, and stars, breathing some fresh air, and enjoying the beauty of the world we live in will certainly boost our outlook. This is 2022 and we have all the tools at our fingertips to keep in touch with our loved ones. Regular communication with our dear ones and sharing experiences is very important during these times.

We need to manage our expectations. Go easy on yourself. As you settle into this new rhythm of online studies and isolation, you need to be realistic about the goals you are setting. Focus on what we can influence, what we can change, and perhaps most importantly, what we can learn.

The human mind has a weakness- it attaches itself to sadness. ‘How can you always stay happy ?’ asked a student to his Guru. The Guru answered, “There is no secret behind it. The decision of whether I should be happy or sad is mine only. I always choose happiness as my option. In the midst of sorrows, somewhere I find a door of hope open to me. I get out of the door and start thinking carefully. Can I solve the problems and challenges facing me or not? If my mind says “Yes”, I will manage my happiness and solve the problems. If the answer is “NO”, I stop thinking about them and leave them. Then again, I will keep my mind happy”

As regards this pandemic too, let us not trouble ourselves thinking about what will happen to the world tomorrow.

Remember, this too shall pass and become history.

Keep believing in Staying Positive & Testing Negative.

#StudentBlogger: Carnatic Music By, Shreyaa Siddarth By, Grade 9B, Ekya Schools JP Nagar

Carnatic Music: A Journey

Carnatic music, the delicate harmony that once was born on the banks of the Kaveri River, made its way into my life at the age of four. But its influence on both my family and myself goes back to the time when my great grandfather used to sing these musical masterpieces in the town center over 75 years ago.

Today, the modern world looks at Carnatic music as a thing of the past, as something archaic and merely as words. But, it is so much more than you think.

A way of life, a path to keep the old Hindu traditions alive is what I see in it. In my experience as a student learning Carnatic music, I have learnt that in a way, it really is the soul of our culture and a bridge between spirituality and reality for those who seek it. At first, to most learners like myself, Carnatic music introduces itself in the form of swaras, the foundation, S R G M P D N S. The infinite variations of these 7 notes in different tunes or ‘ragas’ are what is to be mastered next. And only then will the key to the unbounded library of music from composers across the vast terrain of this culture-rich country will be handed over.

In my opinion, the hardest phase of this long journey is the ‘Varnas’, songs with long, complicated sequences of swaras, the base to the next level of songs, the real place where singers are judged. Compositions of artists who lived long ago like Thyagaraja, Purandaradasa, Tulasi Das are still being sung by the few who chose to do so today. When you immerse yourself in Carnatic music, the realness and feeling put into it when sung almost touches your soul hidden among the petty worries, and its effects ripples as its amplitudes a thousandfold.

Carnatic music is so different from western songs. It's most certainly not light music and the real audience of these songs could be very unforgiving if not sung right, but the compositions have the power to induce a feeling that words cannot express. It is a feeling of being at peace and being hypnotised into the gracefully crafted, meaningful lyrics and its melody. Carnatic music is more than just songs, it is a musical journey, it truly is an experience.

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