#StudentBlogger: A synopsis of Dr. Mohit Sehgal’s talk
Our Schools
On the 28th of November, we hosted Day 2 of the Career Camp, following a very successful session of “Meet the University”, on Day 1. The theme of this Career Camp was 21st Century Careers, and it consisted of people from various careers in Science, Commerce, and Humanities. I was asked to help moderate the session of Dr. Mohit Sehgal, a research scientist in Cell and Gene Therapy. The session started off with a bang, as Dr. Sehgal started discussing his current project, CAR-T cell therapy, a technique used to treat certain blood cancers, and it is being studied in the treatment of other cancers. CAR-T cell therapy is a type of treatment in which a patient’s T cells (a type of immune cell) are changed in the laboratory so they will bind to cancer cells and kill them.
After that, Dr. Sehgal talked about his education and journey from the University of Rajasthan to the Wistar Institute in the USA. Finally, he took questions from the audience. It was a very interactive session, with the audience asking many questions, and Dr. Sehgal giving detailed responses to each of them.
By Aryan Dalmia,
Grade 10A, Ekya JPN
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ekyaschools / 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
ekyaschools / 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.
ekyaschools / 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 – Egypt, the land of mystery – A travelogue
Egypt, the land of mystery!
Egypt had always been on my travel bucket list. The Arabian towns, the cryptical pyramids, the spooky stories of mummies and their curses, mystical temples, the deserts, and the Nile...the list goes on! I feel that these have created a time capsule that allows us to understand the life of Pharaohs and the lives of those who lived during their reign. Egypt, the cradle of civilization was calling me!
I visited Egypt in 2018 with my parents. It was a dream come true for me! I had done thorough research as to what places we need to visit in Egypt. I was pretty excited about this trip! We reached Egypt on 9th April 2018. We landed in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. After fulfilling the immigration formalities, we took another flight to reach Luxor. From Luxor, we reached Aswan by road.
Aswan, a city on the Nile River, has been southern Egypt’s strategic and commercial gateway for ages as it was the main trading route between Egypt and the southern lands. It contains significant archaeological sites like the Philae temple complex, near the landmark Aswan Dam.
The ancient city was also famous for its granite quarries. Thousands of Egyptian statues, obelisks, shrines, and even pyramids are constructed out of the granite mined in Aswan.
In Aswan, the Nile is at its most beautiful state! Flowing through the desert and then finding its path through the palm groves! We set sail to Philae Island in a taxi boat.
The Ancient Egyptians built a magnificent temple on this island for the Goddess Isis. The temple has beautiful scenes depicting the birth of the God Horus by his mother Isis. It was mesmerizing!
I could not get over these huge structures and the story behind these structures! I was completely taken back in time to the ancient Egyptian world! I started picturing every detail in my mind.
After this, our next destination was Abu Simbel! We started early in the morning at 5 am. The journey was a long one...under the guidance of the Egyptian army. Abu Simbel is located in Aswan, bordering South Sudan and so it is not advisable to travel alone as there is a threat from terrorists from South Sudan.
Abu Simbel is an ancient temple complex, originally cut into a solid rock cliff, in southern Egypt.
The Great Temple stands 98 feet (30 meters) high with four seated bigger than life statutes, at the entrance!
King Ramesses II, built this temple complex. The extensive artwork throughout the interior of the Great Temple reveals that this celebrates Ramesses' victory in the war. There is also a temple for Queen Nefertari, Ramesses' favorite wife. With this, we ended our trip at Aswan and our next destination was Luxor. Luxor is a city on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. It is on the site of ancient Egypt, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power, during the 16th–11th centuries B.C
Aswan to Luxor was a cruise trip on the river Nile. It was very special as it was my first time on a river cruise!
We reached Luxor after a day’s journey on the cruise. First, we went to the Karnak temple. It is the largest temple complex in the world! It is also known as “The temple of Amun, the god of Egypt.”
Karnak was not just the temple for gods but also the temple for rulers!
When we reached Karnak, the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, amazed me! They are the protectors of the temple. Then comes the great court where we see a big statue of Ramesses II.
Next was the great hall that consisted of huge pillars...around 100 pillars! The whole scene was so magical and the stories told by the guide transported me to the Egyptian era of the 25th dynasty!
Later in the evening, there was a laser show in the temple complex. This made the whole experience of visiting the Karnak temple even more magical. I felt I was witnessing the action live! It was a day very well spent!
The next day we went to the West Bank of Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings. The valley contains 63 tombs. It was the principal burial place of the major royal figures of the Egyptian New Kingdom, as well as a number of privileged nobles. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology giving clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period.
These give an idea of the luxury and power of the pharaohs!
It was a chilling experience to see the mummies! I visited the tomb of the magnificent king Tut aka Pharaoh Tutankhamen. Tutankhamen became pharaoh when he was only 9 years old!
King Tut made his mark in history in record time. He was just 18 when he died. He was a rich pharaoh and Tutankhamen's tomb contained so many items of gold and precious items that cataloging them all took seventeen years! Pharaoh Tutankhamen brought many of his possessions with him so that they could accompany him in the afterlife! Yes, Egyptians believed that life existed afterlife! The mummy preserved the body of a dead so that they come back and use them in their afterlife. It was believed that “Anubis” was the god of mummification. He had a human body and the head of a jackal. His job was to prepare the bodies of the dead (mummies). The Egyptians believed that if the pharaoh's body could be mummified, then the pharaoh would live forever even after death! The tombs were designed to protect the buried Pharaoh's body and his belongings. In the Old and Middle Kingdoms, Egyptian kings were buried in pyramids. About 50 royal pyramids have survived, one such pyramid that I have visited during my trip to Egypt is the pyramid of Giza. This was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu.
Yes, the pyramid of Giza, one of the old seven wonders of the world! It was built in 2500 BC.The mystery about this building is its design and construction. Even today, archeologists wonder how such a massive building of limestone has survived for thousands of years, without any damage even during massive earthquake that stuck Cairo in 1303AD!
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Pyramid complex bordering Giza, Cairo, Egypt. It is the oldest of the seven ancient wonders of the world!
It is made of limestone and it is in the shape of a true pyramid.it is huge. The base itself around 250 m wide! It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the tallest manmade structures in the world. For 3800 years, no other building was taller than this until Lincoln cathedral, which was built in 1311AD.
Next comes the great Sphinx! Another remarkable piece of sculpture that is etched in my memory. A sphinx is a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It is a prominent mythological figure in Egyptian stories. The sphinx was a spiritual guardian. This Sphinx is huge. It is 240 feet long and is made of a single rock boulder!
I soaked in the beauty of this larger than life-size statue .the whole experience of seeing a pyramid and its guard was so ethereal!
I let it soak into my mind completely and then we moved on to visit a local restaurant in Cairo .it was already lunchtime and I wanted to taste some local food. For me, a trip is incomplete without enjoying local culture and cuisine. We went to this world-famous restaurant, Abu Tarek in Cairo. I tasted the Egyptian national dish Koshary. It was delicious! It was like a pasta dish with an Egyptian touch.
Our next stop was at the cultural show to see ‘Tanoura’.Tanoura means skirt in English, Tanoura dance is a kind of folkloric dance that is very common in Egypt usually performed by Sufi men for the Sufi music, who spin continuously. It was my first time to see such a dance form and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This trip has had many first time adventures!
Any trip is incomplete without shopping.
Yes, shopping! I went to Al-Khalili Market, an old large souk to shop for local spices and classic Egyptian art pieces like the papyrus scroll!
Egypt is the gift of the Nile. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the wonders of the past and present. Great Pyramids, statues of Abu Simbel suddenly crash into your sight, just like what it appears on TV, in movies, magazines, and guidebooks. It feels so familiar yet so strange! I feel so privileged to sit at the foot of the Great Pyramid, having a bird’s eye view of the great pyramid, spend time walking around and appreciating them from different angles.
“Once you drink from the Nile, you are destined to return." This old Egyptian proverb holds true for me. I will surely visit Egypt again, with my children, to show them the history of the greatest civilization of the world!
-P SHRAAVYA HANDE,
GRADE 8A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
A few pictures from my travel diary!
#TeacherBlogger: Investiture Ceremony 2020 – Leadership in Trying Times
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”---- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
What was once said about the French Revolution is also true about the time we are all living in. Yes, it is definitely tough not being able to sit in classrooms, chat incessantly, share lunch boxes, and run around the basketball courts. Yet, we have successfully un-learned all the basics of our existence and picked up the threads of life. Yes, the show must always go on.
With this invincible spirit resonating in our hearts the students and teachers of Ekya JPN laid down the red carpet and welcomed their new leaders, the Student Council 2020. As the nominations poured in from Classes 9 and 10 with motivating speeches and creative videos as a part of the online campaign, classes 6 to 10 geared up to cast their precious votes. And yes, everything was happening online. The future leaders had to rake their brains to find out new ways to touch the lives of their constituents.
The ballots (read google forms) were cast and the race for laurels was real close. Finally, on October 3, 2020, in a solemn ceremony, Ekya JPN ushered in Aryan Dalmia and Urja Srivastava as the Head Boy and Head Girl. Sai Anagha (Cultural Secretary), Srithanishka Mummidi (Sports Captain), and Swara Bhavsar (Editor) took up their respective roles in the Council. Vipin Lokesh (Vice Cultural Secretary), Sutej R Haritsa (Vice Sports Captain), and Lakshin Sai Mahesh (Sub-editor) also held positions of honour. The occasion was graced by Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director of Ekya Schools who congratulated the Student Council and reminded them of their responsibilities. Ms.Ayesha Sirajuddin, the Head of South Campuses, and Ms. Deepa S, Head of School Ekya JP Nagar had words of wisdom for the new leaders.
The new leaders promised to be empathetic, respectful, and responsible in every way and faithfully discharge the duties of the office. We have full confidence in them and look forward to an eventful academic year full of innovative activities and exemplary unity.
A wise man once said, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
So, we look forward to the Student Council 2020 to turn on the light…...
Ms. Priyanka Ghosh,
Senior English Teacher,
Ekya School, JP Nagar
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