Akhil Balasubramanian, a Grade 12 student at Ekya ITPL recently participated in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics competition (IAAC) and made it to the final round and received the bronze honor.
The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is an international science competition that enables students from all countries to prove their skills and to unleash their creativity in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics.
This is what Akhil had to say about his feat “I came to know about this competition from an astronomy group that I am part of. It was a very interesting competition which allowed me to push the boundaries of my knowledge of the subject”.
Well done! We are proud of you Akhil!
My perception of the subject of History used to be similar to many people who feel that it is dry and vast to comprehend and also question- why should it be studied today, or past is past and what does it have to do with the present? The same questions crept into my mind until I chose to become a social science teacher.
But, things changed gradually as I explored this learning area along with my students and realized the existence of life in it. I find that discipline reflects human behavior in the past, sheds light on our lives and achievements, and describes cultural and traditional traits. Moreover, it exposes an individual to the values embedded and passed on as a legacy from generation to generation.
If we look around and observe the day to day life, we would find history as an inseparable part of our life. “History does come to life” actually.
To cite a few examples, Patanjali’s Yogashastra has become an international trend to enhance the human body and mind. Similarly, ancient Ayurveda is shared with the world when modern science has no immediate solution for the pandemic. The copper metal is acting as an antibacterial metal in our kitchens and the use of terracotta is becoming popular too. The Indian age-old spices have become agents of boosting human immunity in the present scenario.
I strongly feel the binding force that has united mankind to combat any form of a difficult situation is the knowledge we have about our past and a strong understanding of our existence.
Values such as love, compassion, empathy, kindness, trust, self-care, and self-awareness are all the guiding forces we have inherited by studying and understanding the dry subject history.
I am glad to see, hear, and understand all these ideas deeply inculcated in my students. Hats off to them for responding to and supporting people in need, saluting their empathy they show for people across different parts of the world, and the strategies they propose in class to fight difficult scenarios. Above all, the love and respect they have for their parents, teachers, and friends.
I feel happy and proud to be associated with this subject that has taught all these attributes to my students and is helping them become responsible global citizens and wonderful human beings who are not only capable of self-discipline but also developing knowledge and ideas that contribute to changes in the world.
And, all these have certainly been acquired from “not the dry subject or what is perceived has no life”.
By
Ms. Mumtaz Begum
Ekya BTM Layout
‘Emotions are the language of the soul’
The students of Grade 4 planned a special assembly virtually for the students of Grade 1-8 on September 11th, 2020. The event was on the theme, ‘Emotions in the time of a pandemic’. The session commenced with a prayer song, ‘All things bright and beautiful’ and this was followed by a sharing of lockdown experiences ranging from playing board games with siblings to fighting with them, trying their hand at cooking to getting bored at home and feeling sad.
The students had compiled a video on the topic, ‘Things that I miss most about our school’. Students mentioned the different aspects of physical school that they missed, such as their friends, teachers, recess, the swimming pool, and reading time at the library.
The thought for the day, ‘Control your emotions or else they will control you’ was shared and explained briefly.
The session also included a new word that was shared from the Vocabulary building exercises posted on Book Nook and students of other grades were encouraged to build on their word power.
The news headlines were shared followed by the video of a short skit enacted and recorded earlier by the students of grade 4.
Students emphasized the need for gratitude and how it keeps us going at all times and demonstrated this by talking of good things and affirming their dear ones, such as parents, siblings and teachers.
The session highlight was the talent show in which a couple of students showcased their musical skills. The students played, ‘My heart will go on’ and ‘Believer’ on the keyboard.
The assembly concluded with a motivational video on the theme, ‘Determination and hardwork create success’ which was the life story of Colonel Sanders, the brain behind the world's largest fast food chain KFC.
The session came to an end with the National Anthem and an address by the Head of School encouraging students to stay safe at home, to spend quality time with their families, work hard in their online classes and most importantly to be positive, at all times!
It was a time of much insight on the attitude of gratitude and to count our blessings especially in an uncertain time such as this.
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