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Ekya / May 18, 2018 Posted by : administrator

When we first got in touch with Devaamsh Rajesh, he had just arrived back home after a game of basketball and a long day at college. With his Grade 11 classes already up and running, Devaamsh graciously took time to answer our questions, some of which he had been constantly answering over the past week.

Securing 97.2% in the Grade X ICSE Boards, Devaamsh is not just our school topper at Ekya School JP Nagar but also one of the city’s leading board toppers.

“I was in class when our results came out. My friends and I had a countdown going, by the minute. And when the news broke out at 3 PM, I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears. My parents messaged me and for a brief moment, I didn’t know how to react. I excused myself from class and screamed in the washroom. It was a sheer delight, more importantly, a sense of relief from all that tension.”

Devaamsh(left) secured 583 out of 600 with a centum score in Mathematics

With congratulatory messages and wishes still trickling in, we got a chance to hear from the boy himself, prodding him to share his secret recipe of topping the ICSE boards. We asked him the one question everyone had in mind – How did he pull this off?

In his humble demeanor, Devaamsh credited the learning-over-marks approach he employed at school.

“I never studied for marks. I never regarded school as a place to get marks, but a place to learn. I made sure I paid attention to what was being taught in class. At home, I would then revise topics that I had difficulty understanding from the day’s lesson. That was my day-to-day routine during school.”

Having joined Ekya in Grade 6, Devaamsh didn’t always have it easy with marks or class.

“I remember setting a goal for myself during the final Grade 9 examinations, of which I came short. I didn’t have the best start to my 10th Grade either. I wasn’t doing great in my unit tests and I had to buck up for my pre-boards.”

With a history of mischievous run-ins with a couple of his teachers, Devaamsh reveals how he turned things around.

“I set a percentage in my head, for the pre-boards. I was aiming for 95%. I sat down with my teachers to discuss where I was losing marks. I think this helped me identify areas that needed improvement. My preparation for both my pre-board examinations helped me cut down study time for my finals, substantially. I made use of this study break to revise what I knew and grasp topics that I wasn’t confident about.”

I was not looking to top my class. I set a target for myself and I just wanted to beat my previous score.

Admitting that he didn’t have a fixed study schedule, Devaamsh highlighted the importance of asking questions in class.

“We had a set of encouraging teachers who were always open to all our questions. I think I made the best use of this, asking them every doubt that occurred to me, however silly or stupid it may have seemed. Especially in Ms. Aarti’s Geography class or Ms. Asha’s English class, I’d actively participate in open discussions about the topic of the day. It helped me in my understanding and reduced my need to study it over and over again.”

When it comes to final exams, there is always that one subject that students dread. With Devaamsh, it was Hindi.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. I wasn’t very proficient in Hindi and as a second language, I found it a little difficult to follow. Here is where my teachers and friends stepped in. I spoke to students who were scoring well in the subject, to figure what more I could do to improve. I guess I have surprised myself by scoring well in the finals.”

Devaamsh was in a number of the city’s newspapers

Securing 97.2% in the ICSE Board is no ordinary feat, so we coaxed Devaamsh to share with us his schedule during the month of his examination and how he dealt with stress.

“Once the Boards began, I was solely focussed on performing well and getting marks. The exam would begin at 11 and finish by early afternoon, so I would be home by 2:30 PM. A quick snack or lunch break would be followed by a study session. For the next subject, I’d break my schedule over topics that I wanted to revise. I didn’t do lessons at a stretch because I was fairly confident of what I knew.

Since I cannot do long hours of studying, I spent 45 minutes to an hour with my books. I would pick up a novel or my guitar or practice my singing, to ease my mind from all the studying. I had secured my admission into a college at this point, so I wasn’t very worried. I just didn’t want to let myself down. I didn’t want to cut any corners. It feels great that I have made myself proud, and my parents proud.”

Tucking in 10 to 15-minute breaks in between, Devaamsh’s mental release also came from regular games of basketball. A regular at the Harmony School of Music for over five years, Devaamsh was also an established player in the Ekya JP Nagar’s basketball team, also representing the school in debates and other interschool competitions.

“I think extracurricular activities play a big role in your mental state. When I was preparing for my Hindi exam, I found myself getting very saturated. Basketball helped me here. In between play, I would think about what I wasn’t doing right with the subject, a perspective I would have missed while sitting and studying. I would have this rectified as soon as I got home.”

On being asked if being at Ekya helped him with being one of the toppers of the city, Devaamsh spoke highly of his teachers, his classmates and all the support he has received over the years.

Ekya gave us an environment for open conversations – our teachers were always listening to us and answering our doubts, creating a space where we could focus on what was being taught, airing questions without the fear of being judged.  I received so much support from the vice-principal, my teachers and my house mistress, who was encouraging during my time as the House Captain. My classmates, we were one big gang of friends with absolutely no room for judgment.

Does our topper have any regrets? We prodded him to which he confessed,

“I guess I should have troubled my teachers a little lesser than what I did. That and a few more marks in English.”

Currently in Grade 11, pursuing the PCMB steam in Science, Devaamsh is an IISC aspirant, looking to apply for the KVPY Scholarship programme. With an eye on research, he hasn’t really decided which side of the field he will find himself in the future.

“One thing is constant – my love for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The study of genetics and radiology are two fields I might consider. Science has always fascinated me and I will continue pursuing it.”

With the latest fanfare from his performance, we wanted to know if Devaamsh was overwhelmed with the media coverage and if he had any treats due for his friends and family.

“My friends from my apartment have gotten theirs. A few more treats are pending. I was pretty happy and euphoric. I have seen my face in the papers a couple of times, as part of our troupe from music school but no-one has interviewed me before. This is definitely a first.”

And certainly not the last, we hope, for this young achiever of ours! Here is what Ms. Ayesha Sirajuddin, Vice-Principal at Ekya JP Nagar and a couple of Devaamsh’s teachers had to say about him.

We asked Devaamsh to list down his advice for his juniors and students who are looking to excel in their boards next March. Here are his eight commandments:

  1. Always ask questions, be free to share – don’t be afraid to be judged, you’re still going to learn from it.
  2. Always compete with yourself. Set personal benchmarks and believe that you are going to reach your goals.
  3. Make running notes in class. Concise everything you have understood and ask doubts if you haven’t.
  4. You have to know the ins and outs of your textbook. Cover every corner. Don’t skip topics. Understand them.
  5. Nail your revision schedule. Spend your study holidays studying and grasping. Save practicing question papers to only after you are done studying.
  6. Ask teachers for help. They have so much experience and can tell you what to expect in the exam and how you can answer better.
  7. Different things work for different people. Don’t set anything too high that you know you cannot achieve. Don’t aim too low. Don’t over-do. Just do your best.
  8. Don’t forget to have fun. It is an important part of the process.

 

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Ekya / March 26, 2024

The Hot Garlic Soup Inspired by ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
Johnsy fell ill in November. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She would lie in her bed, gazing out of the window. Sue sent for the doctor. The doctor said to Sue, “Johnsy’s condition is not so serious yet. It seems she is unable to recover because she has lost the will to live.”
Sue became extremely worried for Johnsy’s well-being and mental health. She tried to make Johnsy interested in the things around her, but Johnsy never replied with more than a noncommittal hum.
One day, Sue was painting when she heard Johnsy counting backwards. Sue looked out of the window and saw an old ivy creeper climbing on the brick wall. The ivy was shedding its leaves in the strong gust of the wind.
“They are falling faster now,” whispered Johnsy. “Three days ago there were so many leaves. Only five are left now.”
“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”
“When the last leaf falls, I will die” said Johnsy with finality. “I have felt this for the last three days.”
“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “Why do you believe your fate is tied to those old ivy leaves?”
“Human life is fleeting, just like those ivy leaves,” said Johnsy. “I got sick just as the ivy started shedding its leaves. It must be an omen. The last leaf will fall, and I will slip into slumber forever.”
Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die. Plenty of people fall sick in autumn, and they recover soon enough. Do you want some soup?”
“I don’t want any soup. My time is almost up, I’m sure of it,” murmured Johnsy.
Sue decided to change tactics. She was not going to give up on Johnsy.
“It is true that human life is somewhat fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes life valuable. Do you not want to see what life has to offer before you slip into slumber? Will you not miss the cool breeze waking you up, the warm embrace of sunlight? Do you want to give up the feeling of the paintbrush gliding over the canvas?” Sue quavered.
“Look beyond the ivy to that tree over there,” Sue continued. “Even that tree is shedding its leaves, but it is also growing new leaves. It is going to live for many more years, just like you.”
Johnsy contemplated for a while. Then, she looked out of the window and smiled.
“Perhaps I will have some hot garlic soup. You made me realise that life is worth living after all.”
Written by Aahana,
from grade 9A

Ekya / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T.Barnum

We as humans are social beings. We can't imagine our lives to be solitary. Literature facilitates us to understand and communicate with one another in society. It helps us explore the world around us and is a medium to express our views and experiences. So it is of vital importance that the students are introduced to literature at a young age.

Literature is necessary for students as it helps them to develop imagination, improves vocabulary and language skills and even enhances creativity. Literature helps them understand the world outside their home and school.

It is disheartening to see that literature is often not put on the same pedestal as other technical subjects like Math or Science. where it shouldn't be the case.

Literature includes different types of texts like stories and fables, myths

and legends, poetry and drama or even informational texts that help them explore other subjects. It prepares students to read and understand the real world.

There are one too many benefits of including literature at a young age. It is like an exercise for the brain, keeping an individual mentally active and stimulated.

Exposure to cultures from different countries brings in a sense of respect and tolerance, a feat possible through literature. It motivates one to appreciate different lives and their ways and also to graciously disagree with something that may not be right. The different characters the students are introduced to become a source of inspiration. They start to imagine themselves in varied situations. they learn different solutions to problems they come across.

More importantly, reading is fun and literature develops an inclination toward reading and makes them self-learners.

It can be concluded that literature is a gateway to nurturing a child’s life skills more than any assignment or task

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

Ekya / March 22, 2024

A Day to Remember: Juniors Bid Goodbye to Seniors with a Spectacular Farewell Party.

As the academic year draws to a close, emotions run high at our beloved school. The time has come for the juniors to express their gratitude, love, and affection for their departing seniors.

And what better way to do this than by throwing an unforgettable farewell party?

The air was buzzing with excitement as the juniors meticulously planned every detail to make it a night that their seniors would cherish forever.

The audio-visual room was transformed into a place of nostalgia and celebration, adorned with decorations to welcome the seniors. Each performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. Each video played, spoke volumes about the memories shared and the bonds formed throughout their academic journey, blanketing the atmosphere with a mix of joy, laughter, and a hint of bittersweet anticipation.

Our seniors were all dressed up to the nines for the occasion with the girls in a blue and white saree and the boys in black suits.

But how did all of this come to be? I am a grade 11 student and let me take you through behind the scenes of this event and how we prepared for this event.

  • Many girls formed a group and decided to dance to “Paint It Red” and “All Is Well”. Everyone’s efforts are to be appreciated as they come up with new steps and formations. Well-coordinated teamwork led to an amazing performance that got everyone cheering.

  • Meanwhile, my batchmate, Lara,  and a few teachers were preparing to sing songs dedicated to the seniors. Lara sang a melodious rendition of “When You Believe” and the teachers sang a medley of songs which got the seniors singing along as well!

  • The boys planned on dancing to the song “Galti Se Mistake” and their performance was full of creativity and humour. The choreography was inspired by the original music video of the song and they worked hard together and taught each other the steps. This performance got everyone giggling and cheering so loud!

  • It did not end with the students, even the teachers chose to step into this grand celebration. They danced on a variety of songs and each song made the seniors hoot louder. Even though they had a very busy schedule they would still take time and dedicate it to the dance practice during after-school hours. Huge kudos for their coordination and effort!

  • Mohana and Arshia came up with a very engaging script which had the attention of the audience. A small game was organised for the students where they had to write something good about one of their batchmates. Everybody put their hands together and made 32 crowns of appreciation for their seniors. A video of the seniors was made including photos and videos of their dearest memories. Last but not least, our teachers also prepared a video message for the seniors bidding farewell and wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

The day finally came. The 10th of February came. It was the day - the day for which we had been preparing for days. The graduation.

The place was set, the background screen was ready, the mic was ready and the sound system was ready. Our seniors came one by one and the auditorium was filled with chatter until the anchors came in and the event started.

After a few minutes, the head boy gave a heartfelt speech, followed by the chit game of affirmations then Lara’s beautiful performance.

The girls donned black kurtis and sunglasses and danced to “Paint It Red”, which got a round of applause. The seniors loved the “Galti Se Mistake” dance by the boys for its creativity and comedic execution and what made it better was the shorts with shirt and tie combination. The dance finale was to the song “All Is Well” which got the audience cheering for the dancers with lots of enthusiasm.

Then a video filled with the memories of the seniors was shown which made most of them emotional. The dance which everybody was eagerly anticipating started - it was our beloved teachers who completely rocked the stage with their amazing performance.

Then a few teachers gave a very emotional message followed by songs dedicated to their students. The event came to an end with video messages by the teachers,  a crowning ceremony and high tea.

In conclusion, the event was successful, and enjoyed by all the students - juniors, seniors and teachers. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contribution and teamwork. It was an emotional roller coaster for everyone and a day which will never be forgotten.

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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Work Exposure Programme at Ekya Schools – Udhyam Learning Foundation

Summer internships are a great way for our senior students to step out of their comfort zones and expose themselves to the industry of their interest. With the Work Exposure Programme (WEP), children from Grade X to Grade XII of Ekya Schools and sister institutions, CMR National Public School and CMR National PU College got this opportunity this summer break. Here is Ms. Malayeeka Kulsum sharing her account from her time with Udhyam Learning Foundation: How did you find the application process at the start? Why did you pick Udhyam? I remember being nervous during the process. I had applied to Udhyam Learning Foundation and FonePaisa. I was really looking forward to the internship programme because as the name suggests, I was seeking exposure in a professional setting, to get some work experience during the summer – an experience that would help me in my future in terms of decision-making and problem-solving. Since I am a Biology student, I opted for organizations whose internship did not revolve around coding. My interest peaked when I found Udhyam on the list of organizations to apply for, as it was based on teaching and learning, an opportunity to hone my teaching skills and to help impact people’s lives. It was a humbling experience, as I got to learn so much on the job, aside from understanding what it takes to be human. I was interning for the Udhyam Shiksha Program, which is an entrepreneurship program that teaches children from private schools to do business. Children are exposed to real business scenarios, based on their interests and strengths and are guided on how to run it over three to five weeks of the program. Give us a brief of your time at Udhyam? How did your internship programme unfold across the month? I was assisting the facilitators at their summer program that was being organized across 40 schools in Bangalore. The first week was uneventful as our field work was scheduled to start with the program. We used this time to do our homework and understand the program’s objective, how it works and how it is implemented. We were introduced to the definition of learners-context, after which we were asked to submit our understandings and observations. In our second week, we got to visit a school in Neelasandra. I remember the commute to the place was difficult. Once there, I was happy to be greeted by a bunch of enthusiastic children. It was touching to learn about their dreams, every single one of them spoke about their family and their background. I was impressed by their interest and energy put towards running their business, with so many ideas and suggestions shared with us. Interning with Udhyam gave me the opportunity to visit different schools. I began to realize that situations make people. Having met so many children over the week, I realized that they came from unfortunate backgrounds, not because of their parents, but because a situation got them here. I was glad that they were coming to school, taking their opportunity to get educated seriously. I got to interact with children from the program, understanding their dreams, fears, aspirations and the backgrounds they came from. Seeing them take an active interest in learning about how businesses run was inspiring and left a mark on how I look at the world. What did you learn from your internship experience? Tell us what was your key learning? I have so many to list! The internship taught me to respect every occupation even if it is a job of selling vegetables. After interviewing the children I met, I realized that you cannot run away from your problems, a better alternative is to take those head first and face them. I understood that problems are long-lasting if you avoid facing them. ‘Don't let a bad day make a bad life’, someone once said and I now truly agree with them. With this, I also got to learn how to work in a company, how to talk to strangers, and break out of our comfort zone and do something new.  I got to meet and bond with some really inspiring individuals, which I don’t get to, on a daily basis. The kids and their circumstances made me realize the importance of not giving up. People are going to put you down, by discouraging you and passing comments. It is important to not get affected by these and keep our hope up, to do something even if there seems to be no way. Can you highlight two best points and two pain points during the internship? The best bit from the internship was the kids and the chance to work with the other Udhyam interns. I also started enjoying the travel as the weeks progressed, as I was excited to meet all the new faces at every school I visited. I wasn’t a fan of all the walking that came from interning, especially in this hot summer. Maybe that would count as a pain point? Also, some of the children were a little rude at the start, as they weren’t making any conversation and were making fun of me. Did you have someone from the foundation mentoring you? How did that work out? Do you have any memorable moment you'd like to share? I was mentored by Mr. Shubham who was kind and supportive throughout my time with Udhyam. He understood us from day one and guided us if we needed any help. I was half expecting to be holed in an office space, but interning at Udhyam Learning Foundation was a different experience, that I will cherish. There was a kid from the RT Nagar batch, named Yakoob. He was very protective of all us interns. He took great care of us and even dropped us to the bus stop, not leaving the place until we got into one. It was such a kind and warm gesture from someone we had just met.

Read more stories from our Work Exposure Programme

Ekya Summer Stories – Purvi’s Poetry

Ms. Purvi from Ekya School ITPL wrote to us, as part of our summer stories submission, telling us that she hadn't been to any place in particular but she spent her summer writing poetry which she wishes to share with us. Here are some of her endearing collection of poems:

Stars

Stars are tiny and shiny Stars always twinkle They are in different shapes and they look so different like us Stars form up to different constellations Sun is also a star

Flowers

Flowers flowers are everywhere They bloom like beauty They never lose their brightness Flowers make the environment beautiful All beautiful flowers are around us like lotus, rose, marigold and tulips

We will be good

We will be good all the time Because we are quite And we listen to the teacher And we never break the rules And we be kind to others And we share everything to others And we don’t hurt anyone And we finish our work very fast and neat And we should help everybody around Us and we should listen to everybody

You should try

You should try for everything you do And you don’t fail And don’t forget one thing you should try and try and try And try your best to win a race or competition And don’t be sad when you don’t win Try your best next time to win And don’t forget another thing Don’t think you cannot do it You should try and try and try and try and try

Rain

Rain come, come, come You are the best creature of the earth You make that you make this you it beautiful Everyone likes your skill and smell Plants like your water, birds dance, Humans dance First make it wet then muddy Then waterfall You are one of the best waterfalls Rain, rain come come
Want to read more of our summer stories?  Here is Urja’s account on the digital detox camp she attended in the month of April. Ridha and Varnit narrate their trip to Srilanka with their mothers and friends. Ayush Murthy speaks about his trip to Italy in April. Ahaana visited her Ajja and Ajji, Mihika missed all her teachers, Dhrithi learned to swim and Misha was in awe of Dubai. Enjoy a collection of stories from our children from their summer break.

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