#HARRY POTTER AND THE AGE OF GRIMS OF THE GREAT – A snippet by Utkarsh Vyas, Grade 5, ITPL
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The scar was a topic Harry refused to discuss. Or rather ignore. His defeat of Voldemort seemed to be a century ago.
Harry felt a lot more like a Slytherin. He had agreed to something new. He felt like he wanted something new, something that will earn him the glory he wanted and deserved… but he’d have to earn it.
Even though he was now forty years old, his birth month was not exactly far away… in fact, today was the twenty-seventh of July, and his birthday was on the thirty first.
He missed it all, fooling around in the dormitory, with Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, and Dean Thomas.
Seamus would currently be doing a report on dark arts that Harry had ordered him to do.
You see, Harry was the head of the Auror Department in the Ministry of Magic, now run by Aaron Babington.
Harry missed Hogwarts, even the detentions that he so often ended up in during his last and sometimes first few years at Hogwarts. Of course, most of the time, he tried to do the right thing.
He missed all the teachers in the castle that had always been his one true home.
Then there was a knock on the door of the house. Ginny went to open it, but when she did, she found nothing but the copy of the latest MAGIC SCRIPT, the local newspaper.
TERROR IN ST. CRISTONBERG
‘The most respected hospital in the whole world,’ says Nurse Laura Carter, ‘just gets broken into by some bloke in a stupid cloak with a wand that looks as though you can squeeze it faster than clay? What cannot be wrong? My blames go to the government!’ The nurse clearly is not happy with someone who calls himself Grimsof the Great. This ‘Grimsof’ has shown a lot of criminal history … his wand is the cause of devastation amongst families whose loved ones could have been in St Cristonberg.
Harry read, then wondered aloud, ‘What is this?’ The answer, Harry did not need, as he already knew it. This was an outrage or a scandal for sure, but Harry knew that this is what will help him to earn glory again.
Harry worked the next full night, and he called Ron and Hermione. ‘I don’t get why you wish to be involved in this business,’ said Hermione on their third day of work. She got the answer from the annoyed look that Harry gave her.
Then, on the fourth day, Harry found a crucial detail: it was stated in Grimsofs’ magical profile that he had done most of his now rising crime in a place in Russia call Hemslovf. Harry, even in his wildest dreams, had never heard of this place.
So, Hermione found out more about the place, and soon enough, it was decided that Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione will go to Hemslovf to stop Grimsof from wrecking something else.
Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were all outside the house, and each holding hands to apparate to Russia.
So, as they all wished each other luck, they apparated a few thousand kilometers from where they were originally standing.
In one second, they were in a place that looked as though there was a dark wizard rampage just yesterday. Harry would have tried to cook up even worse descriptions for the place if not for a sudden black bubble in the sky. Out of nowhere, a few million more came, and they formed a circle, and a portal formed… A caped figure emerged from the portal.
Grimsof had a green cape. His wand also obviously didn’t look like it could be squished like clay. His hair was straight upwards and his shoes really went well with his black and red robes.
A horrifying cackle filled the air, and no one was able to escape his deadly stare as he said, ‘So, you all have come to here to stop me? Ahh, slim chance…’
‘Yeah right… you and who else?’ Ron piped up.
‘I alone am a death trap!’ Grimsof snapped.
‘All right then,’ said Harry as he pointed his wand and shot a spell. It was dodged.
‘NOT TODAY!’ And then there was a blast coming from Grimsof’s wand which Harry deflected. A fierce battle ensued and Harry finally deflected a spell towards Grimsof and in one loud scream, where Grimsof was once standing, there was dust everywhere.
Grimsof was defeated.
By Utkarsh Vyas
5 B, Ekya ITPL
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itplccacoordinator / 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
itplccacoordinator / 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.
itplccacoordinator / 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
#StudentBlogger: Religious conflicts in India – Reasons & Measures by Shivanshi, Grade 11, Ekya ITPL
In your opinion, what global problem or issue deserves more attention than it currently receives? Why should more time and money be invested in this cause?
Religious conflicts or religious wars or holy wars are the wars that occur due to the distrust or conflicting views related to a particular subject between groups of people of different religions. Religious conflicts have always been one of the most crucial global issues of all time. Keeping India under consideration, India has more ethnic and religious groups than most other countries. So, it is obvious that the chances of having religious conflicts in India are more than that of any other country. However, we all are well aware of the fact that India has always been among the top five countries when it comes to the frequency of having religious conflicts. Historically, India touts itself as a secular country that has a vast number of religions wherein, all the religions are treated equally. Well, at least in theory, it is. Unfortunately, in reality, it is much different and worse than ever expected.
India has had a vast number of religious conflicts to date. However, the ethnic conflict in Assam, the Sikh- Hindu conflict in Punjab, and the consistent Hindu- Muslim conflicts have been the most famous ones until today. The state of Assam consisted of four disparate groups, the Bengali Hindus, the Bengali Muslims, the Assamese, and the tribal group. The conflicts among these groups originated due to the superiority of the Bengali Hindus. Because of their educational advantage over Assamese, they were better suited to man the growing administrative and professional machinery, whereas, the Bengali Muslims were peasants. Since the Bengali Hindus were more educated, they were the first priorities in the job sector, whereas the Muslims were pushed under consideration. The Bengali Hindus were granted a lot of powers and authorities and were given access to everything, but the Bengali Muslims did not enjoy this freedom. They were suppressed by the Bengali Hindus. This partiality made the Muslims angry due to which the riots began among the Bengali Hindus and Bengali Muslims, where the Muslims defended and stood up for themselves, for their rights and freedom. At a time like this, where the Bengali Hindus and Muslims were fighting over their powers, the tribal group was struggling to come to their standards and compete. Due to these differences, the situation worsened. This was one of the biggest and the worst religious conflicts of India which attracted a lot of attention towards the public. However, there was no public or government involvement in such a crisis time as well. As time passed by, the powers were distributed among everyone equally due to the increasing Bengali Muslim population, which is a result balanced the Bengali Hindus and Muslim population. But since these conflicts persisted for a long time, it affected the economy of Assam. But if there would have been any kind of efforts made by the public or the government during this crisis time, then the situation would have come under control and there might have been comparatively a less amount of economic loss.
Coming to the Sikh- Hindu conflicts in Punjab, it was another devastating conflict that left everyone in shock. There were mounting communal tensions between Hindus and Sikhs in the state. Although religious symbols were used for the mobilization of Sikhs and the secessionist slogan of Khalistan (a sovereign state of Sikhs) had been raised, the Sikh's charter of demands, drawn from the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, had strong economic and political components, unlike in Assam where the issue of aliens had sidelined economic demands of Punjab which led to violent clashes. In Punjab, Sikhs were a majority and Hindus a minority. The religious demands made by the Sikhs included a greater radio broadcast time and a separate legislative act for the Sikh shrines. These demands were fulfilled and were granted to the Sikhs after the approval of the new Delhi. There were even many economic demands made by the Sikhs which included a greater share in their part. Due to the fulfillment of demands, the Hindus faced a lot of inconveniences and this tempered them. A good bond was shared between the Hindu traders and the Sikhs. However, it is unlikely that these links would have automatically led to political action without the mediation of political parties. This mediation did not simply reflect the emerging socio-economic divisions; it deepened them. Since the political parties, like congress, were involved in this conflict, the situation persisted for a really long time because the Congress party would not sort out and settle the situation until and unless they would have any kind of political or electoral gain. However, Congress could not dominate the entire case for a long time and hence, as time passed by, the situation settled down by itself. Again, in this conflict as well, there was no major role or any kind of effective involvement from the government’s side. Due to this ignorance, Punjab faced a very big amount of economic loss.
Lastly, comes the Hindu- Muslim conflicts, which till today persists. Of all the religious and ethnic issues in contemporary India, history has cast its deepest shadow on Hindu-Muslim relations. The most critical contemporary phase of this history was the partition of 1947. The recent Hindu-Muslim conflicts have been over the new citizenship law of India. The law makes religion a criterion for nationality in India’s citizenship law for the first time. It creates an expedited path to citizenship for migrants from three countries — Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan — who illegally entered India by 2014, provided they belong to six religions. The religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. However, the Muslims are offended by this law and are completely against it. This law has been controversial and has led to many protests and riots on the streets of Delhi because the law has sparked a backlash on several levels. When India became independent in 1947, its founders sought to create a secular nation where all religions were welcome — in contrast with Pakistan, which was conceived as a home for the subcontinent’s Muslims. By giving preference to certain religions in citizenship law, the government is moving away from that ethos. As a result of this preference, the Muslims feel alienated. However, there has been no major involvement from the government in this controversy as well.
From the above situations, it is clear that religious conflicts take up the evil side which not only results in the economic loss of the government but it also results in individual losses. I believe that more involvement should be there in such conflicts because due to lack of public and government involvement, results in the loss of the entire country as a whole. These conflicts also create barriers between various ethnic groups which sometimes become unbreakable and these barriers will result in distrust among people. This distrust will hence result in even more religious conflicts which will worsen the condition of the country. These things might also go out of hand if they are not taken care of at the initial stages. Some people think that it is better to stay off the hook at all times, assuming that staying off the hook would do more good. In reality, it would cause more harm than good. We as the public, in such situations, should raise our voice against the wrong thing, and together we should unite to educate ourselves and our fellow citizens about what is right and wrong. The public involvement should be peacefully executed. We should encourage our fellow citizens to unite together and support each other instead of going against each other. If we as the public do not get involved in such conflicts, even after being aware of our losses then we are no good to society. We need to stand up for ourselves, for others, and for our country as a whole. Even the government should take up some measures well in advance to avoid such situations.
Shivanshi, 11 A, Ekya ITPL
# StudentBlogger-Song request- A poignant story by Ramya Sridhar, Grade 12, ITPL
I do not like it when people ask my name. If you have a name to give, then suggest it or do not ask that abhorrent question. I cannot have a name as according to humans, I do not have a soul or consciousness. I am nothing more than a music box and I play if you wish. So stop asking my name!
Now, onto introductions, I am Aryan’s life-long companion and I have helped him through his worst days. He didn’t like his friends so I played for him. When he visited his grandparents, I played for him. When he wishes, I pull out a tune and make him happy. Life was…wait, I am not living! Let me rephrase this sentence. My time with Aryan was wonderful.
Anyway, I was day dreaming when all of a sudden, a huge uproar took place. The lady and the man picked up my Aryan and took him somewhere. I was angry! How could they take him away without me, his music box! I do not like these people who Aryan calls “mom” and “dad.” They give me weird vibes.
A few days later, they pick me up and take me on a car ride to this hospital. The hospital looked so dull and bleak, with people looking like dead corpses and lifeless souls standing in line. They needed some music so I decided to play but then “mom” turned me off. See, this “mom” is not nice, I told you so.
They carried me and then placed me in a room on a white table top. Next to me was Aryan, but he looked different. He had some kind of a mask on him and he did not move. There was this woman who looked white and blue and her face was also covered by a mask.
After some time, it was only me and Aryan. I looked at his beautiful eyes, now still and colourless. His hands shrivelled and he was not the lively boy I once knew. With all his might, he started humming my tune and I played it to accompany his singing. It was very hoarse and weak, but it did not matter. I kept aiding him in his effort hoping he would come back.
“Mom” and “dad” were whispering and weeping softly. No one was happy and no amount of songs could ever make them joyful again. I tried playing but every time, they turned me off and ignored me. As the days went on, I did not have the energy to play. Life was bleak and no one wanted me anyway. I couldn’t even play for Aryan. What was the point if I could not make anyone happy?
I continued these repetitive thoughts in my head. I did not have much to do now that no one liked me. I do not remember how long I was on that table top, aimlessly wasting my time, sitting lifeless with no purpose.
Sometimes, I dreamed of me and Aryan, running through a playground, playing his favourite songs and him laughing and playing with his friends, but soon the remnant of life in him faded until it was no more and the lively hands and legs turned white like snow. He was dead at 2:03 a.m. and the doctor conveyed the message to “mom” and “dad.”
Dreary feet of people around me walked through the mud and sludge to reach a barren land. Mounds of dirt and soil covered the land and masked people carried wheel barrows and stretchers. Aryan’s stretcher was the smallest of them all. A tiny stretcher was placed on the ground and they buried my Aryan. I was watching from “mom’s” handbag as his corpse was buried, covering that lovely face with dirt and he became nothing more than a statistic, another death in a time marred with demise.
The people had no smiles on their once bright faces so I played one last tune for that boy, something he can carry when he’s playing in the clouds, a tune he can hum to, skipping and frolicking, free from pain. I sang and sang and sang and sang….until my songs lost all meaning…just like his death.
By Ramya Sridhar
12 B , Ekya School ITPL
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