#StudentBlogger: Promises A short story
Our Schools
“Yo, Ms.Clemintine thinks that the Cunfra is under the bleachers.”
“The what?”
“The Cunfra. Don’t tell me tyou don’t know what it is!”
“I’m sorry, but I have absolutely no clue what the Cunfra is. It sounds like something straight out of a movie.”
“Well today in history, Ms.Clemintine told us about this precious book that lies hidden inside this school. She said that kids long ago wrote about it, and hid it. She also said that it holds some kind of legend or curse or something. But, who believes that.
“Oh..”
Hi, I’m Noah. I used to live in Philadelphia for 12 years, but I recently shifted to Maine due to dad’s work. I am 15 years old and I go to Falmouth High School. This is the kind of school where kids act like actors from movies. Some are over-dramatic, some exaggerate a bit too much, and some just chill. I personally just chill.
I wanted to share with you this incident that happened to me a few days ago. It has kind of shaken me up a bit. It involves the grumpy school janitor, and myself, and a bathroom. So get yourself comfortable and a bag of popcorn if you wish, and sit back. I’ll take questions at the end.
It was just my second day here, and I was having a bad tummy-ache. I asked my teacher to excuse me out of class and went to the boy’s washroom. The janitor, Mr.Bram was kind of in a bad mood. But he is always, so nevermind that. I saw him holding a book. I assumed that it was some kid’s book. It was only us two in the washroom and something with being alone with someone else just creeps me out. Anyway, I finished my business and I came out to find Mr.Bram gone. He had left a book on the counter, so I opened it. Here is what it said:
Today was the third day after Charlie’s demise and I am really missing him. I didn’t mean for him to go up, but I honestly had no other choice. If I hadn’t passed the promise onto him, I would not have been here right now. This was the sorry, not sorry kind of situation. Anyway, I don’t want to say much as if I do, it will get confusing for you. But just one thing, to the person who is reading this, the curse is going to be soon onto you.
I really wanted the last 3 minutes of my life to be erased. What curse, who’s Charlie, and why does Mr.Bram have this book?
“You!” Mr.Brams grumpy voice sounded the room. “I knew you were going to cause trouble when you walked in.”
“I-I-I can explain”. I stuttered. “It was a book, I thought it was my math book. It’s been lost”
“Hmph. You have the curse don’t you. Ughh, kids these days always have their pointy nose in everything. Fine, let me explain.
“This curse was put on a boy named Dixin 55 years ago. You say a promise in front of the book, then you die within the next 2 days. The only way to break it is to pass the promise on to another person in front of the book.”
“Oh dear, I better tell my enemy to promise me something,” I said getting up.
“Oh! And one more thing, can you promise me not to tell anyone about this book. People think it is hidden, let it be this way”
“I promise,” I said without thinking. In a flash, I looked up and saw Mr.Bram’s sly yet creepy grin. I have the curse now!!
By Kriti Madan,
Grade 8A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
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Shanthi Sivaram / 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
Shanthi Sivaram / 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.
Shanthi Sivaram / 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: From Zero to Hero – Autobiography of A Tissue Paper!
It was 25th March 2020. I have etched this day in my heart for it has created history in the world of tissue rolls! It all started on the morning of 25th March, in the Dunzo mart. At first, it was a normal day and when I say normal, I mean the same boring day as always.
I was sitting on the shelf in the health and hygiene section with my other friends, waiting for someone to come to me with a warm smile and say: “Hello!” instead of ignoring my presence and dumping me into the cart. I still do not understand how such tall, chubby, plumpy human beings can turn out to be such impatient ones, buzzing like bees and darting in the streets!
It was 10 AM and I was doing my daily work, sulking at one corner with no rush of excitement at all! However, by 12 PM, I saw there was a sudden rush in the mart. People were pouring in like zombies. Literally a scene of a stampede! To my surprise, all of them were rushing towards the health and hygiene section. I heard someone asking the storekeeper for tissue rolls. Holy Moley! They were all running towards me! I was clueless as to what was happening. However, I really wanted to go to someone’s house. I dressed nicely; neat as a pin. I tried to hug and embrace the fresh air to appear clean and fresh. I sat in a very fashionable way of attracting everyone. However, one thing I still did not understand as to why there was a sudden change in human behaviour. I just wondered whether they all developed a new genetic disorder that altered their likes and dislikes!
I saw old, young, man, woman, police officer, student everyone sprinting towards me. Oh jeez! The look on their faces was just so entertaining to watch!
They were anxious, stressed, and were giving importance to me. I was seriously getting all emotional. I was just a commodity; not an important one in anyone’s life until today! Now I have become a VIP! I know I clean their waste, but still, they treat me as a waste! However, suddenly I became the center of their attraction. Oh my God! I just felt like a celebrity, standing on a high pedestal with all the spectators taking my photo. Oh, the flash in my eyes was just like a beam of light from heaven. It was like a dream come true! My heart started singing.
People were fighting for me. I was a hero, a saviour for them and they would cease to exist without me! I started to catch everyone’s attention and I actually was on news channels, social media, Tik Tok, Instagram, everywhere! I was in the limelight! There were tears in my eyes but I could not cry at any cost and hurt myself, ultimately being a disgust to the others. You know, “wet and weird”! I met this woman, who was so generous that she not only took me with her but my entire family of seven. We were all lucky that she took the whole family and we did not have to worry about suffering from separation anxiety and homesickness. I sat in her car, listening to the radio that was playing in the background. There was a radio announcement that the entire nation was going to lockdown due to a pandemic, COVID-19, caused by a coronavirus. This virus was a deadly one. Maintaining hygiene was keen to keep the disease at bay, as good hygiene means being strong and healthy. People were advised to use me to clean their hands and nose frequently. They had to wear masks if they had to go out to buy essential commodities. Now I realized why there was a commotion at the mart.
Mom, who was sitting next to me in the car, told me that once her grandmother had told her a story where people in the West had experienced a similar situation .yeah, it was the Spanish flu!
Well, after listening to everything, I had a mixed feeling in me. First, I was proud of myself for being a hero! It was just awesome. I felt I received the most precious, sacrosanct gift of honour, the golden sun-kissed olive branch! However, at the same time, I felt stressed after listening to the deeds of the murderer, Corona.
I just felt sorry for the others who might be crying at home looking at the photo of their loved ones, killed by corona. All my feelings were popping like popcorn! Within a week, this world declared my entire species as the hero! We were the frontline warriors, ready to sacrifice our lives for keeping the human species hale and healthy.
I heard similar stories from my cousin in the US. The woman, who took me with her, placed me on the kitchen shelf and every day I used to see her watching Instagram, chitchat on WhatsApp and video call her friends who shared similar stories. I could see the videos where my mates had become heroes! This COVID-19 may have been a slash on my human friends but for me, it was a game-changer. I knew I was losing my life bit by bit every day, but I was happy sacrificing my life and saving the world! I was going to be a martyr!
I know I have created history as a tissue roll for not cleaning peoples’ waste but keeping them safe from COVID-19! I am a saviour, a hero, an unsung hero of the world! I am T007, signing off from the kitchen!
By Shraavya P Hande
Grade 8A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
#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!
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