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editorjpn / September 20, 2018 Posted by :

What’s the point of having a voice if you are going to be silent??

The Hate U Give is a book written by Angie Thomas. It is her first novel and is one of my favourite books. The story revolves around a coloured teen named Starr Carter. She lives in a poor neighbourhood called Garden Heights but goes to school in a posh and “white” neighbourhood. This book talks about her journey of discovering who she is and how to do the right thing even when the world is against you.

Image from Amazon

The story starts with Starr meeting her best friend, Khalil after eight years. Soon both of them are forced to flee when a gunfight erupts. Khalil was driving when a cop stopped him. He was neither speeding nor was he a minor. The cop assumed that since they were coloured kids, they were up to no good. The cop took a full body search of Khalil thrice and was still suspicious. But when Khalil leans towards the window to ask Starr if she is alright, the cop shoots him thrice, killing him. Khalil was not doing anything wrong and was killed just on the pretext of being coloured. This affects Starr’s life as nothing was done to the officer. He was white and was able to get away with murder. In this book, she learns to raise her voice and use it against the officer. She decides to fight for Khalil and make people understand that each life matters.

This book talks about personal relations, racism and the injustice prevalent in our society. It also talks about finding your true self and finding people who accept you for whom you are. It gives good advice to people who are fighting battles within themselves or with others. One of the most important lessons that I learnt is that there are times when you lose battles but you should never lose hope of winning the war. People might be against you in all stages of life but it’s up to us to stand up for ourselves and the people we love.

Angie Thomas has written this book in a very relatable way. Throughout the story, all the characters portray emotions and behave in ways which make you understand and empathise. This goes for almost all the characters. We can equally understand the pain and sadness along with the happiness and joy. It depicts the current world scenario of racism and prejudice. I really appreciate the way she took this problem and presented a realistic story where the problem isn’t solved but the issue is still prevalent instead of the cliche story of good winning over bad. But it is also not a depressing story as it teaches us that our voices matter. It may not solve the problem but it does make a difference.

In a remarkable way, the author shows us how not all coloured people are bad or thugs. It drills in the fact that even if a person is a drug dealer or a thug, IT IS NOT ALRIGHT TO KILL THEM. They too have families and people who depend on them. She also explains that due to racial profiling, many coloured people are unable to get jobs. This leads them to the alternative of selling drugs to survive.

I would like to recommend this book as it raises awareness and makes us want to put in a conscious effort of helping the world. It tackles several social problems that are prevalent in our society. Thus for all those who desperately want to make a difference, this is the book for them. Lastly, this story is intriguing and wouldn’t let you put it down anytime soon.

~ Ananya Milak, Grade X, Ekya School JP Nagar


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editorjpn / March 26, 2024

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

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

editorjpn / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

editorjpn / March 22, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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The Time I Got to Speak on Radio! – Account shared by Aisiri, Ekya School BTM Layout

The Time I Got to Speak on Radio!

By Aisiri, Ekya School BTM Layout
Everyone has a dream to either hear themselves on the radio or watch themselves on television, don't they? But our school decided to make this dream of ours come true. On the occasion of Teachers' Day, some of us were given a chance to speak about our favourite teacher  - the trickiest assignment we have received so far. That day we left school after the first period, and got into a bus. The air was filled with excitement and nervousness. I talk a lot when I get nervous and that day, I couldn't stop blabbering. My teacher was actually scared that I might lose my voice before the recording! Our bus went to the Ekya School JP Nagar campus where more kids got in, one of them was my friend. We enjoyed our way to the Radio Mirchi studio which was about a 25-minute drive to the city. We had to wait a while for the students from Ekya School ITPL to join us. We were later introduced to the scriptwriter who recorded our voices. When we told him how nervous we were, he made us do a small exercise, we were asked to stand in a circle and told to massage each other's shoulders. This relaxed us a bit, but we were still scared about messing up. Each one of us spoke on the microphone and later heard our voices. I really didn't know I sounded like that! Once everyone was done with the recording and taking pictures, we bid farewell to our friends and headed to our respective schools, just in time for the national anthem and dispersal. I really enjoyed the amazing experience I had in the studio! I really look forward to doing that again. If I ever get a chance to, I would like to talk about more serious problems being faced by the society and would like to talk for a longer period of time. Episode 1 of our Teachers' Day Special with Radio Mirchi: Episode 2 of our Teachers' Day Special with Radio Mirchi: Episode 3 of our Teachers' Day Special with Radio Mirchi:

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Wildlife Habitats Under Threat – Awareness Note By Misha Raichandani, Grade VII, Ekya JP Nagar

Wildlife Habitats Under Threat

By Misha Raichandani, Grade VII, Ekya JP Nagar
This is a very important and widely discussed topic. Let me bring it into consideration with an example. The famous “Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary” is located on the outskirts of Mumbai. This sanctuary, that is a habitat to a wide variety of flora and fauna, is under great threat owing to its proximity to a growing city like Mumbai. It has faced a number of similar problems to those faced by natural parks elsewhere in the world involving disputes between human and natural interests Mumbai is an expanding city, with greenery reducing every day. It is home to the Indian Film Industry. This results in a lot of people living there. Added to the large population are the cars and factories causing noise and air pollution. The animals in the sanctuary might get distracted with an environment such as this. Animals might find ways to escape and can come in close contact with the people. This, in turn, will create a lot of panic due to animal-human conflict. And indeed! the number of reported incidents of predators attacking humans has increased over the last few decades. Here are some of the most experienced threats to Sanjay Gandhi wildlife park that are seen throughout other sanctuaries also:-
  • The lack of space in Mumbai has pushed residential colonies right up to the park boundary. This boundary is poorly fenced and has often allowed wild animals into human habitations.
  • In June 2004, leopards were responsible for the deaths of 20 humans within the span of a week. August 2015 saw four leopard attacks in Thane city. In one incident, a leopard and her cub dragged a one-year-old Rottweiler off. The leopard threat still continues in and around Thane district today with repeated sightings as well as attacks.
  • Sanjay Gandhi national park has played home to many poachers in the recent years. In many cases, these animals had been poisoned, and claws or other valuable body parts were cut off and sold.
  • During the summer and any time before the monsoon, fires burn in the park, at least once every two weeks. This has resulted in the loss of rare trees and loss of habitat for wild animals.
Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Park is home to the leopards (image from Pexel.com)
It disappoints me to see events like this happening in our own country. People should really be caring and empathizing towards the poor animals. How can we forget that they too are living beings and need the same basic comforts as us Strict action should be taken by the government? Even us, the citizens should help out by protesting and arranging marches. Saving these habitats is one of the only ways to make peace between us and nature.

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