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Ekya / October 29, 2021 Posted by : administrator

Did you know that in the 1600s, many Puritans (English Protestants) named their daughters “Patience”  because it was and still is an amazing virtue? Patience is the ability to wait calmly in the face of frustration or adversity. Like when it’s been 30 minutes since you placed the order for your food in a restaurant and you’re hungry as hell.

Very deep inside the brain, there are like 165,000 neurons,  which is called the dorsal raphe nucleus. When this nucleus is prompted to action, the nucleus produces the neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as a messenger to the other areas of the brain. The 2 areas which are often in communication with the dorsal raphe nucleus sit right behind our eyes. That is the medial prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex. Together, this communication channel appears responsible for the virtue of patience.

A scientist at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan was the one who researched the relationship between serotonergic neural activity (a nerve cell that uses serotonin as its neurotransmitter) and animal behaviour. This research found a strong link between serotonin and waiting behaviour. When the dorsal raphe nucleus is stimulated, serotonin floods the system, and patience is displayed. People and animals with less serotonin generally behave very impulsively. However, this effect appears to be maximised when two features are present. Either a super high probability for a reward or uncertainty about the timing of the reward.

Now we know what’s going on in the hood when we sit through a meal knowing the finale will be a delicious Instagram-worthy dessert.

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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: मेरी मातृभाषा मेरी पहचान By, Ritu Kumari Jain, Ekya JP Nagar

 मेरी मातृभाषा मेरी पहचान 

भाषा’  मनुष्य की अभिव्यक्ति का सर्वाधिक महत्वपूर्ण एवं व्यापक माध्यम  है l

 भाषा  शब्द  संस्कृत के “भाष्”  से उत्पन्न हुआ है जिसका अर्थ है ‘ प्रकट करना’  जिस माध्यम से हम अपने मन के भावों को, मस्तिष्क के विचारों को, बोलकर (वाणी के माध्यम से ) प्रकट करते हैं उसे भाषा की संज्ञा दी गई है l

 भाषा का प्रथम रूप  मातृभाषा है। “ मातृभाषा का शाब्दिक अर्थ है- माँ से ग्रहण की गई भाषा”

जिसे बालक सर्वप्रथम माँ से सीखता है और जिसके माध्यम से वह, परिवार एवं समुदाय में, अपने विचारों की अभिव्यक्ति करता हैl

 यूनेस्को (2007) के एक सर्वे के अनुसार यदि बच्चों को उनकी प्रारंभिक शिक्षा मातृभाषा में प्रदान की जाती है, तो बच्चे पढ़ाई के प्रति अधिक रुचि दिखाते हैं । बच्चों का स्कूल में दाखिला, अधिक संख्या में होता है तथा उनके माता-पिता भी, संबंधित शिक्षकों से, बच्चों की पढ़ाई के संदर्भ में वार्तालाप कर पाते हैं।

 इस प्रकार हम समझ सकते हैं, कि मातृभाषा व्यक्तित्व के विकास की वह आधारशिला है जिस पर उनके  जीवन का एक माहौल तैयार किया जाता है । अगर आधारशिला कमजोर हो तो भवन खोखला सा पड़ जाता है । उसी प्रकार यदि बालक, अपने विचारों की अभिव्यक्ति सही अर्थों में नहीं कर पाता है तो, उस बालक का मानसिक तथा शारीरिक विकास पूर्ण रूप से नहीं हो पाता है।

 ‘माता और मातृभूमि’  के सामान  ‘मातृभाषा’ भी वंदनीय होती है । यह बालक की शिक्षा का आधार होती है । हमारी शिक्षा का कोई भी उद्देश्य क्यों ना हो, उसकी प्राप्ति में मातृभाषा का स्थान सर्वोपरि होता है । मातृभाषा का ज्ञान, मानव विकास के लिए आवश्यक है । इसी कारण आज संसार के लगभग सभी देशों में मातृभाषा के महत्व को समझते हुए, इसी के माध्यम से शिक्षा देने का प्रयोजन है ।

मातृभाषा की महत्वता निम्न प्रकार से समझी जा सकती है -

 शारीरिक विकास में सहायक

 मानसिक विकास में सहायक,

सामाजिक विकास में सहायक

 भावात्मक तथा नैतिक विकास में सहायक

स्वाध्याय के प्रति रुचि को जागृत करने में सहायक

कल्पना शक्ति का विकास एवं तर्कशक्ति के विकास में सहायक

 व्यवहार कुशलता

बालक के चरित्र निर्माण में सहायक

मातृभाषा की इन सभी विशेषताओं तथा उद्देश्य को ध्यान में रखते हुए अंत में यही कहा जा सकता है की मातृभाषा वह शक्ति है जिसके माध्यम से मानव स्वयं, दूसरों के समक्ष विचारों को प्रस्तुत करता है और दूसरे के विचारों को समझता है ।

अतः मातृभाषा में प्राथमिक शिक्षा देना अनिवार्य है । छात्रों के विकास की दृष्टि से हितकर होता है। पाठ्यक्रम में मातृभाषा अभिन्न अंग होना चाहिए । अनुदेशन , प्रशिक्षण तथा परीक्षा का माध्यम मातृभाषा होना अपेक्षित है इससे अन्य विषयों का शिक्षण तथा उसकी बोधगम्यता सरल होती है।

धन्यवाद

रितु कुमारी जैन 

#StudentBlogger: Don’t Judge And Discriminate By, Lekhana Harish Grade 11A, Ekya BTM Layout

On 15th April 2014, the Supreme Court gave a historic and revolutionary judgment in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) vs Union of India case, identifying transgender people as the “third gender” in India.  According to this judgment, transgender people have the right to be treated equally under the constitution of India. When the Supreme Court has given this judgment why can’t we accept the fact that they are equal? When we can update our phone's software once a month, why can’t we do the same with ourselves? When we have the privilege of making our personal choices, we dye our hair, we change our jobs, religion, nationality by moving elsewhere, etc. but why is a person changing his/her gender such a big deal? Who made such a rule? They go through so many hardships in their lives. Their parents don’t accept them in their childhood so most of them run out of their houses leaving all their comforts and security- just so they have the freedom to choose their gender. Their struggle doesn’t end here. As a society we treat them terribly, we don’t give them jobs though they possess the talent. Many schools and colleges don’t admit them because they think their reputation will be ruined. Due to these situations, they are forced to beg on the streets. And they are denied health care facilities too. People behave very inappropriately and harass them. Did you know, 59% of the respondents in the transgender communities have experienced violence? We need to stop this. When we witness people ill-treating them, we need to take action. We should show them the love and affection they probably didn’t receive in their childhood. We should treat them equally and give them the opportunities they deserve.

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