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Ekya / October 17, 2022 Posted by : administrator

F1: Need for Speed

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports and is considered the fastest sport in the world. The races are filled with adrenaline-pumping action as race car drivers navigate hairpin turns and high-speed straights at breakneck speeds. These high speeds create one of the biggest challenges for Formula 1: pollution. The FIA International Conference on Road Safety revealed that driving a race car for 20 minutes produces about the same pollution as driving a regular vehicle for 320 hours—almost an entire month. If you have been following Formula 1 over the past few years, you may be aware of how much things have changed. New regulations have added hybrid engines, aerodynamic wings and even larger cockpits to cars. Some say these changes are necessary; without them, we risk losing racing as we know it. But what will happen to Formula 1 in response to pollution? Will there be a new type of track racing that doesn’t produce so much exhaust? Perhaps not… Let’s try to find out.

Every year, Formula 1 races across the globe, attracting millions of fans. However, the sport is producing an unbelievable amount of combustion waste—the pollutants created by an F1 car while racing is high enough to threaten human health. Formula 1 is polluting the atmosphere and has been doing so for a while. The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has been looking for solutions to the pollution problem since the 1990s. Back then, the organization started exploring how to reduce harmful exhaust fumes. However, the first solutions were not implemented until the following decade. Automobile manufacturers have been producing less polluting cars for some time now. But as Formula 1 cars are not made for regular road use, it is harder for engineers to design a hybrid vehicle that can withstand the stresses of racing. Formula 1, after all, is an extreme sport unlike any other.

The first Formula 1 race was held in France in 1906. At the time, the race was held over just 80 kilometres. The following year, the French Grand Prix was born over 342 kilometres. Over time, Formula 1 grew in popularity. By the mid-1950s, the number of races on the calendar had increased to around a dozen. However, the sport hit a hurdle in 1955 following the Le Mans disaster. There were several fatalities at the Grand Prix of France following a crash. As a result, the FIA implemented new regulations that reduced the number of races in the championship. However, the sport underwent another change in the 1990s when the FIA introduced new rules. These aimed to reduce pollution and increase safety. In 1994, Formula 1 cars started using less polluting turbocharged V10 engines. In 2002, the engines were further reduced when they were switched to 3000cc V10 engines.

Engineers from the FIA have tried numerous solutions to reduce the amount of pollution produced by Formula 1 cars. One of their first proposals was to make the sport more fuel efficient by reducing the number of kilometres each vehicle travels. The idea was to reduce the length of each Grand Prix from the contemporary distance of about 300 kilometres to about 100 kilometres. In doing so, engineers calculated that the cars could travel at a lower speed and still finish the race without needing extra fuel. With the shorter race, there would also be less pollution in the air. Another option that engineers looked into was making Formula 1 cars smaller. This idea was to shrink the car’s size to make it more efficient. However, shrinking the vehicles would mean drivers would have to sit inside a smaller cockpit. This would force them to sit awkwardly, leading to health concerns.

The good news is that Formula 1 has been working on reducing pollution from racing. The bad news is that the sport’s governing body has yet to devise a solution that works effectively without compromising the car or driver’s performance. While hybrid engines are cleaner than regular ones, they produce a large amount of heat. It takes a lot of energy to cool down this heat, which significantly impacts the environment. Air-conditioning the cockpits of Formula 1 cars is another challenge. Engineers are currently working on reducing the electricity used by air-conditioners. Formula 1 will likely continue to produce high levels of pollution. However, the sport may transition to a well-developed hybrid engine without going completely electrical. This would reduce the number of harmful exhaust fumes in the air. Hybrid engines could also generate electricity for charging electric racing cars.

The Future of Formula 1 may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure: pollution is the price paid to enjoy the essence of the sport for what it is. Hybrid engines could be the solution, but significant changes must be made to the sport’s infrastructure to accommodate them. Many fans and engineers aren’t pleased with turning the sport into Formula E. With the pollution caused by Formula 1, it is clear that the sport needs to find a solution before it becomes too damaging for society and the environment.

-Nawal Kotla, Grade 12

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Ekya / 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

Ekya / 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.

Ekya / 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

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#StudentBlogger: Roshni – A Ray of Hope By, Aparajita Rajesh Grade 11, Ekya School, ITPL

ROSHNI - A ray of hope: EKYA FUNDRAISER

 To commemorate the 75th Independence day, Ekya ITPL held a fundraiser to sponsor 75 cataract surgeries as a part of their Service Learning Program - Roshni: A ray of hope.

 The event fundraiser was conducted by the students of grades 6-12. The event started with the flag hoisting and the principal speech, head boy and head girl speech, followed by a cultural program by our tiny tots of grade 1. The fundraiser consisted of food stalls, ranging from chaat to beverages to drinks, and all the students put in more than three weeks of effort to make this event happen. The stalls were also beautifully decorated with banners and menus with creative names such as Bhel Bhulaiya, Liber-Tea Cafe, MoonBucks and 15-Ate-47, which appealed to parents and teachers alike.

 The stalls included bhel puris, corn, brownies, cupcakes, vada pav and mojitos, ranging from Indian to exotic dishes. Parents, friends and all the students enjoyed the food thoroughly, and by the end of the event, all the food was sold out. It is indeed a proud moment for the school to have raised money for not 75 surgeries but 100 surgeries.

Thanks to all the students, teachers and parents who made this possible, 100 people who cannot afford treatment due to financial circumstances can now see it!

We can positively say that this year's fundraiser trumped the previous ones.

How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health?

An integral part of children’s health, mental health, works hand-in-hand with their physical health, aiding them to succeed at school, work, and in society. Together, physical and mental health affect how one thinks, feels, and acts. Mental health is important through all stages of life, from prenatal to late adulthood. The foundation of mental wellbeing is established in the early years. It is the ability to produce positive emotions, feelings, ideas and adapt oneself when hit by a stressful situation or an adversity. 

Why is a Child's Mental Health Important?

A child’s brain is like raw, fresh clay, one in its moulding stage. During the developing stage of their childhood, children acquire cognitive and socio-emotional skills that determine their mental health. The exposure to their immediate environments and experiences at home, school, peer groups, etc., helps them develop these skills. During the development stages of children’s life, parents must entail a positive and enriching environment for themto blossom in, and to be mentally healthy to function efficiently as an adult. Following are little tokens of affection parents can utilise to support their child’s mental health:
  • Show Unconditional Love
The simplest acts of love, such as giving hugs, can trigger the release of oxytocin; bringing a wave of warmth and contentment. Unconditional love differs vastly from rewarding your child for their achievements (as you will see next), it means loving them regardless and not only if. Feeling loved is tagged along feelings of security, a reassurance every child needs. 
  • Praise their Characteristics
Your child needs to be appreciated for their accomplishments and good deeds. The kind words will not only encourage them to continue doing so but make them feel recognised. Respect your child and approach them with a positive, and empathic attitude. Do not forget that their behaviour is a reflection of yours.
  • Spend Time Together
Play games, sing silly songs, read bedtime stories, play throwball at the park - do activities that bring you together. Over a period of time, these things might encourage them to view you as a friend rather than as a parent. Such positive experiences give them a dopamine rush and a lifetime full of memories. Henceforth, they will valuethe importance of spending time with their loved ones.
  • Communicate Regularly
Walk and talk through their daily lives as well as any troubling experiences. Encourage them to talk about their feelings so they develop effective processing and communication skills. Talk to them with a soft approach and assure that you are always available to listen. Communication is key. Sometimes, an ear to their problem is all they need. 
  • Build Trust
Be sensitive to your child’s needs and respond to the signals they give. Ensure a safe space by creating a warm, loving home for them. A strong support system results in many positive benefits, such as reducing stress and higher levels of well-being. Building a relationship on trust will aid the child’s emotional regulation and, in turn, raise them to have sustainable relationships as adults.
  • Get Them Help if They Need It
As soon as you notice signs of deteriorating mental health, address these concerns. Early identification is essential to get them the help they need. Children’s minds are fragile and need proper guidance and care to tackle bigger issues. For additional support, approach professionals - a teacher or school counsellor to begin with. In such cases, it is necessary to understand the root of the problem rather than jumping directly to the solution - and that is where professionals come into the picture. 

Conclusion

The culture at Ekya is built on empathy and respect - students are taught and treated with the same. We create a positive and encouraging space for children to feel safe. By inculcating recreational activities such as reading books and watching movies as part of the curriculum, we make learning engaging and fun. Not only does this ensure the holistic development of the child in an enriching environment, but also empowers them to go out in the world as highly competent and good human beings !!

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