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Ekya / August 17, 2019 Posted by : administrator

Ms. Sulakshana Dasgupta, the parent of Ahona Dasgupta, student of Grade 3 at Ekya School BTM Layout, believes that children pick up habits of their parents just like how they inherit their characteristics. She shares this interesting blog on how we can train children to become good individuals just by ‘practicing what we preach.’

Papa Don’t Preach!

On a lazy Sunday morning, as I struggled to get up from bed, clinging on to the last few moments of my beautiful dream, I heard a lot of clink-clank-clink — they seemed far and distant at first, but slowly became distinct — so much so that I knew exactly from where they were coming! They were coming from the kitchen — drawers were being pulled, cups were being placed on the granite slab, something was being placed on the microwave and then the beeping… I jumped up! Gathering myself for a moment, I rushed out to my kids’ room and found the younger one missing! I turned around and there she was, with a large tray in her hand on which was a neatly placed tissue, two cups of steaming, hot tea and a bowl of my favorite oat biscuits! She said, “Mamma, I have made tea for you and Pappa!” I welled up. There couldn’t have been a better start to the day!

As we sat and sipped our morning cuppa, my older one grabbed a book from the shelves and lost herself in it in a few seconds. She is so much a reflection of me, I thought! Why does she behave so much like me? Why doesn’t she have a personality different from mine? Perhaps that’s why they say, like father, like son! Rather, like mother, like daughter!

The lift is here! I step in. The kids try to get in, and the door almost closes. I wave my hand between the lift doors and the doors open. My younger one tries to do the same. I shout. She should not be doing that! Prompt comes the question — “Why are YOU doing it then, mamma? It can hurt you too!”. I don’t have an answer. We have company inside the lift. A daddy and his son are on their mobiles. Both completely engrossed, so much so that they do not realize the lift has reached their destination. Once again, the ‘like father, like son’ moment! When I tell them so, the father rebukes the son — “what were you doing? Why didn’t you tell me? I was checking a very important email!”. The son retorts — “I was in a very important juncture in my game!” Once again, silence prevails!

Breaking this is the deafening reality — our kids do not listen to what we say, they do as we do. They learn not from what we ask them to do, but from what we do. Hence, the need to let go of all the long sermons and speeches, the long list of do’s and don’ts. Time to act like we want our kid to grow up! Time to keep our mobile aside and pick up a book! Time to take all the precautions ourselves that we want our kids to follow! Time to bite into that apple and not save it for tomorrow’s short break tiffin box! Time to shut down the laptop and play with the kiddo!

Be an example, not give one!

A short profile of Ms. Sulakshana Dasgupta:

A mother of two, Ms. Sulakshana Dasgupta is passionate about all things creative. She holds a Masters degree in English Literature & Journalism and has an enriching career of over 15 years in diverse fields. A digital marketer by profession, wary of the Bangalore traffic and also egged on by motherly desires, she currently works from home. Her hobbies include designing, creating and selling costume jewellery online and teaching dance to a group of enthusiastic kids. A Bengali foodie to the core with a  love for all things sweet, she likes gorging on delicacies rather than cooking them!

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Ekya / 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

Ekya / 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

Ekya / 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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Independence Day Celebration at Ekya School Byrathi

Ekya School Byrathi celebrated Independence Day to remember with pride the commitment and contribution of the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for the cause of India. The celebrations started with Flag Hoisting followed by the invocation song. Irrespective of our culture, civilization, caste, creed, and religion, the most important and binding factor is our National Flag. The Tricolor symbolizes courage, truth, and prosperity. Ms. Shubhra Sinha, Head of School, Ekya Byrathi welcome the guests to the celebrations and delivered the welcome speech. The celebrations included a list of performances by the students. MONTESSORI PROGRAMME: "Ethnic is tradition, cultures, real beauty, ethnic is real me, real feelings, Ethnic is me in Mine." The Montessorians showcased the diversity of our nation. Students came in traditional dresses of Punjab, Coorg, Kerala, Andhara Pradesh, and Gujarat. We had a student dressed as Bharat Mata, the national personification of India as a mother goddess, usually depicted as a woman clad in a saffron sari holding the Indian national flag, and sometimes accompanied by a lion. A student came dresses as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and a central figure in Indian politics before and after Independence. Cultural Program Dance in India is much more than mere body movements, from the very ancient times, the classical dance forms are considered as a discipline and a way portraying their devotion to God through art. India has many dance forms coming from every state in the country. The students from Grades 1 to 7 gave mesmerizing dance performances such as; Gujarat - Garba, a form of dance which originated in the state of Gujarat in India. Many traditional garbas are performed around a centrally-lit lamp or a statue of the Goddess Shakti. The sticks used for the dance represent the sword of Goddess Durga. Karnataka - Dances of Karnataka are one of the ancient dance forms existent in India. Most of the tribal dances are still in effect and enhanced by the nature-loving culture of the Kannadigas. Rajasthani - Kalbelia or Kabeliya is a dance performed by the tribe of the same name. This dance is an integral part of their culture and performed by both men and women. Goa - Music, and dance form the very fiber of rural Goa. Each occasion and region has its distinctive forms. The urban areas have adapted to modern and popular music styles. Goan folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures, and aspirations of different strata, religions, and castes of the Goan society. The School also organized games such as Kho-Kho and Chess for the parents conducted by our PE instructor, Mr. Karan, and Ms. Melody. There was a canvas board put up in the courtyard to capture the thoughts on the topic, "What does freedom mean to you" Parents were requested to contribute their thoughts and ideas on the same and help create valuable insight for our students. Jai Hind!
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Shloka and Rhymes Competition

Shloka/Prayer Competition(Mont seniors, juniors, K-1, K-2) Shloka/Prayer chanting has been a part of our tradition from time immemorial. The immense peace experienced during the chanting is inexplicable. The vibration spread brings purity and serenity to the environment all around. Chanting slokas also balances the responses of our nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve that connects the heart, throat, and lungs. So to experience the tranquility and experience the fragrance of the same a Shloka/Prayer Recitation Competition was conducted at Ekya School, Btm layout for our Pre-primary students, held in two categories between 10th and 17th August 2019. The students were judged on the basis of 1) Confidence & presentation ability 2) Clarity in pronunciation 3) Memory Students participated enthusiastically with flawless chanting of shlokas/Prayers from the scriptures like Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, hymns of Lord Ganesh, Shiva and Saraswathi to name only a few, verses from the Bible were also recited.   Rhymes Competition (sub-juniors) Beauty is the realm of poetry, children enjoy the beauty of expression, thoughts, feeling, rhyme, rhythm and the music of words. Taking all these facts into consideration students of Montessori sub-juniors got an opportunity to exhibit their talent and confidence in the rhymes competition, which inspired them to come forward and recite on stage.
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