#StudentBlogger: Memorable And Adventurous Trip To Gods Own Country By, Aaryan Vittal Grade 4A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
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The 3 states- memorable and Adventurous trip to God’s own country- KERALA
As we had a long weekend we suddenly planned a trip to Kerala! But we read about the floods in Kerala so we cautiously planned the trip with enough breaks in between and carried all necessary items… I eagerly packed my notepad and pencils along with my snack supplies!!! I already wanted to write and share it with you all!!
So we began the morning after we cleared the Varamahalakshmi pooja arranged the previous day on the occasion of the festival! The drive was pleasant as it wasn’t too sunny or rainy either! We reached our native- Gobichettipalayam by evening and relaxed as we met some friends and relatives and had our dinner. So Tamil Nadu is the second state as we started from Bangalore Karnataka!!
The next morning- the much-awaited trip – we began early just to have enough time to explore and reach safely… so a lovely sunrise en route- oh how I love the colors changing in the sky!! How often do we notice sunrise and the colors amidst our routine in cities and skyscrapers!! The mountains, the clouds, the many shades of green!!! The slight drizzle was oh so cool. Hey look, we are going through a tunnel!!! It’s so cool!! “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, ” Amma says!! But I feel we are the light ourselves wherever we go!! We used google maps to reach our Hotel- we got repeated warnings about Kerala floods and de routes… Anxiety was there on everyone’s minds but I realized we all cheered each other up and enjoyed every moment together!! We reached Hotel Srivar- amazing ambiance and paintings everywhere. We had many friends and family calling us often to check if we were safe amidst floods! We miraculously had a safe trip!!
We had lunch, freshened up, and had a good nap… By the time I woke up amma had done a round of shopping and picked the Kerala-style dress for all of us!! We had a quick dress-up and photoshoot – memories are screenshots of our experience amma says and clicks tons of pictures always – I used to get irritated, but now when I look at my baby pics I realize why it’s important! I even carried my Polaroid camera!! We headed to the temple- the experience can’t be expressed in words!! So calm, serene! After darshan, there was a deep Utsav where they lit 40,000 Diya’s around the temple! We all got lucky and had a chance to light them too!! Which was unexpected!!! We prayed, and felt grateful for every moment! Now I understand why guruvayur is called BHOO VAIKUNTAM- It’s indeed heaven on earth!!!
We also visited vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur-a very large and spacious campus!! Siva, Parvathi, Vrishaba, Krishna, Murugan, Ayyappan! All stood tall to bless us all!! Hey, there’s even a Vyasa muni spot where we can worship for wishes to be true!
We always try to explore and try local foods when we travel- so here in Kerala, we enjoyed vellai appam, idiyappam, puttu with kadala curry, and also idli dosa vada. My thatha always says on every grain of food our names are pre-written by god!! So we got to eat yummy food as destined!! Grateful isn’t it!!
We visited Mammiyur Sivan temple the next morning- another amazing temple- my grandparents say there’s a belief that our trip to guruvayur is incomplete without visiting this temple! I always like the stories associated with every place!! So much to learn now??
We headed to the Yanai thottam next – omg!!! Soooooo many elephants in one place!! I saw elephants doing chores, an elephant enjoying eating, and another baby elephant dancing so happily!!! Another one taking a bath!! Some were standing! A few were undergoing some sort of training!! For some temple pooja, they said!! Hey, there’s a clinic inside for them too!! We can feed them too!!! I took so many pictures!! I loved this place!!!
We visited Bhagavathi temple and headed to visit my most awaited part of the trip THE MARINE WORLD- India’s largest public aquarium. We reached at 10 am and realized it opens only by 11.30 am so we took a detour and yayyyy beach wasn’t on our list due to floods but the time mismatch we all decided to explore chavakkad beach- a blessing in disguise isn’t it!! I loved the beach for its view, the sound, the sand smell!! Oh man we spotted fishermen coming back with so much of their catch – we opened nets and saw they had caught crabs!! So many varieties!!! And also we spotted a turtle hatchery on the beach!!! The sky and the sea looked like they met!!
Ok, so we got tickets and entered the MARINE WORLD AQUARIUM- India’s largest public aquarium!!! It’s so big!! Omg!! From the outside, it looks so simple!! There are 11 zones of aquariums here!! Each different theme!! We could spot almost every type of fish on earth here!!!! There’s also a children’s park and play area, a birds park where we can also feed the birds and take pictures!! We fed the koi Carp fish- they just jumped into our palms to take feed!!!! It’s so nice… koi carp is one of my favorite fish! There’s a tunnel aquarium here too!! Oh also there is a rain forest zone, igloo zone, and fighter fish zone, I forgot other names already!!! Also, there’s a separate zone for fish therapy- it’s so refreshing, all the fish nibble on our feet, it’s ticklish and so much fun!! We all enjoyed it!!! Anyways I loved the lionfish the most!!!! And also lobsters, aba, starfish, live she’ll, silver Arowana, shark, neon fish, fighter fish,
We half-heartedly bid adieu to the aquarium and cleared our room and packed and all set to head back to our native Gobichettipalayam.. on our way we picked all Prasadam, snacks like banana chips, jackfruit chips to give to all friends and relatives.
We reached our native by evening and relaxed while we met friends and relatives and shared our experiences with them. Had dinner with them and slept.
Early in the morning, we started back to Bangalore after visiting the party temple- remember the ducks from the previous story? We saw them today too!! And we spotted 3 peacocks sitting in a row!! How beautiful!!! Also, every time we pass by a village where we can see muniswaran idols sitting at the entrance of every village- they are huge with wide scary eyes!!! They are protectors of the villages!!! Like we have security for our apartments!!! Interesting stories everywhere!!!
Loved looking at green paddy fields all along! And hey the matter dam was brimming and gushing with water!!! It was very scary indeed!! We stopped and watched in awe!! Admiring nature, thanking for every moment, and being grateful for such a life, I happily thanked my family for this lovely trip.
Traveling always helps us realize how small we are on this big beautiful earth! And yes- please don’t use plastic!!! Carry your bottles everywhere, use all reusable things, let us reduce pollution, and save our earth!!!
Where did you travel this monsoon??? How do you like my trip? Anything similar? Please let me know …
Aaryan Vittal,
Grade 4A,
Ekya School, JP Nagar
Explore more
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
#StudentBlogger: Krishna Janmashtami By, Aaryan Vittal Grade 4A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
Krishna Janmashtami 2022
Hi everyone.. How did you celebrate Janmashtami this year? What do you like about God Krishna?? Janmashtami is Krishna's Happy birthday celebration, who would not like a birthday celebration isn't it??
I love to celebrate it. my mother used to dress me up as little Krishna every year on Janmashtami day but this year I chose to wear a shirt with a Krishna painting which we got from our guruvayur trip, and this year Janmashtami is more special as we got a lovely Krishna from Guruvayur itself- it feels like he is smiling at us every time I look at him!! We prepared many bacchanals - all Krishna's favorites as aachi said- butter murukku, seedai, the Kushal, and so many more names I forgot already!! and yes, his favorite Butter, milk, curd, and avalakki! Krishna is alankara priyan- which means he loves to be dressed up and celebrated!! so amma made all the decorations like every year- flowers, thulasi, lotus flowers were used.. and yes the footsteps were drawn using rice flour!! They are so tiny and cute!!!
This year's special -is Krishna nartanam kolam ( Krishna dance kolam ) which has so many Krishna footsteps and we decorated the kolam with flowers and dreams (diyas). This has a special meaning- Krishna comes and dances and rejoices at our place on Janmashtami!! to mark that we draw this kolam it seems!! interesting no? By evening we were all ready for pooja, bhajan, and naivedyam, yes we clicked lots of pics and blessings from elders, and yay we got to eat yum bakshanam!! Like a birthday party isn't complete without the snacks and games- Janmashtami is similar no? we had bakshanam prepared for Krishna, my grandparents told me so many stories about Kutty Krishna Leela, and I was told every child is like Krishna for all the naughtiness we do!! Amma keeps all the bakshanam at night hoping Krishna will rejoice in it!! and looks at it the next morning and does pooja. As always I love learning about new things at every festival. Let me know about your celebration too. Happy Janmashtami everyone, May we all be blessed by Lord Krishna and be happy and smiling.
Aaryan Vittal
Grade 4A,
Ekya School, JP Nagar
#Teachers’ Day By, Mohana Veena Grade 10B, Ekya School, JP Nagar
TEACHER’S DAY
On September 5th of every year, it is common knowledge that our country celebrates the annual Teacher’s Day. But do you know some of the most interesting facts about teachers, schools, and the education systems all over the world? In this blog, I’m going to cover some amusing facts that I have recently come across.
The declaration of the Indian Teacher’s Day took place in 1962, and if you think about it, that was not very long ago! 5th September was the birthday of India’s second president, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Back then, the man held the Vice-President’s office and was a beloved teacher and a philosopher. When his students urged him to celebrate his birthday, he decided that his birthday would be declared a tribute to all the teachers of our nation!
Here are some interesting facts about the different schools all over the world!
There is a school named Bottle School, located in the Philippines, Asia. It was constructed using about 9,000 bottles and dozens of volunteers were needed to complete the structure. Each bottle was filled with sand, water, and straw to keep them sturdy. Then, a cement-like substance was used to hold the bottles in place as they were stacked on top of each other to create walls.
Did you know that the largest school in the world is located in our very own India? The City Montessori School (CMS), located in Lucknow city, enters the 2019 Guinness Book of World Records for its enormous student population. There are currently more than 56,000 students attending the school daily. In Lucknow city alone, there are 18 campuses with over 4,500 staff across the city.
All students in the schools in South Korea are expected to stay back after class to clean up their respective classrooms. This includes sweeping, moping, vacuuming, and taking out the trash. They are prohibited to leave until their classrooms have been tidied up!
Bangladesh has some very unique educational institutions. They are renowned for their “boat schools” which are quite literally schools sailing on the water. Bangladesh is prone to severe annual flooding between July and October, and this causes rivers to rise to more than 12 feet. Hence, boat schools are implemented and there are no less than 100 of them in the country. Each one of them is solar powered, consists of a library and even has internet access!
In Los Pinos, a remote, isolated valley located in Columbia, the students travel to school using a zip line! The school is separated from the residential area by ticket rainforests and travel by foot would take around two hours. Very young children are supposed to use the zip line along with an adult or an older sibling.
Different schools in the world have different things to offer and it is our teachers that bring about unity in schools and act like the glue that binds us all together.
So this Teacher’s Day, I would like to extend my warmest gratitude and appreciation to all the teachers of the world. You make our childhoods incredible!
-Mohana Veena, 10B
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