Women of Ekya – Celebrating International Women’s Day
Our Schools
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International Women’s Day is annually observed on 8th March – a day of recognizing and celebrating women around the globe, the values they bring as individuals and as part of a community, highlighting the challenges and struggles each one of them has faced, to pave way for others.
A mother, wife, daughter, friend, but importantly an individual.
A woman of substance.
A woman with a goal and a vision – who does not step away from challenges and strives to find a better way to do things.
Who laughs, celebrates and lives life.
On this occasion, we celebrate the women of Ekya, who run every cogwheel of our chain of schools. Leading the vision of Ekya Schools is the dynamic Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, supported by two stalwarts in education, Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, who leads the CMR Group of Institutions for over 25 years and Ms. Sharmila Choudhury, who is the Senior Director of Academics at Ekya, with three decades of teaching experience. The energetic and passionate women of Ekya Learning Centre strive to bring the best teaching methodologies and framework from across the world. The love and care of our Head of Schools and teaching staff nurture the citizens of tomorrow while the support staff ensures that everything runs smooth.
The women of Ekya make “Living the Lesson” possible, working diligently to create lifelong learners.
We took this opportunity to ask some of the women at Ekya for their thoughts on Women’s Day and women. The answers you see truly embody the “individual” spirit of women.
What is Women’s Day to you?
While everyone unanimously agreed that celebrating womanhood should be all day every day, rather than a dedicated annual affair, we had some interesting insights of what the day meant to each one of them.
“It’s a day to reflect on how far we have come in humankind’s journey for gender equality. Without struggle there can be no progress, and Women’s Day is a reminder to appreciate the small and big struggles women from all walks of life have overcome to ensure that men and women today lead better lives than they did before” Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director, Ekya Schools.
“We need to change our mindsets from celebrating women for a day as an afterthought to providing women with equal opportunities, pay and scope all over the world.” Ms. Ahlada Sudersan, Ekya Learning Centre.
“A special day to reflect and promote women’s equality and women’s rights. It’s that time of the year when we acknowledge and celebrate the lives of ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in society. Women are feted, honoured and revered.” Jyothi Menon, Head of School, Ekya School ITPL.
“It is a day of remembrance, of the hardships and struggles that women face. It is a day of celebrations, of achievements of every woman. It is also a day that highlights the issues women face, bringing a collective voice against them” Ms. Diya AnilKumar, Grade 10, Ekya JP Nagar.
“Women’s Day to me is a celebration of all the phases of a woman. It is a loud call for all the women in the world to stand up for each other and make their world filled with respect and dignity.” Ms. Poornima Mahesh, Headmistress, Ekya Early Years, Kanakapura Road.
“It’s a very important day for women across the world to come together and make the world recognize the gender inequalities and also celebrate the achievements of women who have overcome these barriers. I would like to see women in our country enjoy personal freedom and not having to deal with sexual misconduct and harassment in personal and professional arenas. They should have right to property, better educational access, equal opportunities for jobs and equal pay. We all have to do our bit to achieve full gender equality for women all over the world.”
Ms. Manisha Pandit, Ekya Learning Centre.
What is women empowerment to you?
With #PressforProgress being this year’s theme for Women’s Day, the women of Ekya had their say in what empowering women mean to them.
“To me, women empowerment means to strengthen the economic, social and educational abilities of women. Education is the most important and indispensable tool for women empowerment. It enables women to respond to the challenges, confront their traditional role and brings about a positive change in their attitude.” Ayesha Sirajuddin, Head of School, Ekya School ITPL.
“The ability to make choices is empowerment. I believe women empowerment is a movement when women will choose to work with confidence and dogged persistence towards achieving their ultimate goals, in whatever sphere it may be.“ Ms. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director, Ekya Schools.
“We all mostly associate women empowerment with having equal rights and opportunities. However, a very important aspect of the journey of successful women is the support they get from their loved ones. The encouragement and moral support from the people around them play a huge role in their empowerment. To me, that is the true meaning of women empowerment. Women are moving forward in their journeys; it’s time for the world to catch up.” Ms. Trishikha Kiran Rao, Grade 10, Ekya School JP Nagar.
“Empowering a woman is to empower the entire system that surrounds her, be it family, colleagues, and friends or just about anyone. A woman only needs support and understanding and she can conquer the world. She can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone else, be it a man or another woman and succeed in all fields. Empowering women is not a necessity because of gender discrimination as it is because of an existing system that does not feel the need to do it actively. Empowerment comes in many ways – teach her and she will be the best there is, guide her and she will lead the way, support her and she will reach the highest pinnacle, encourage her and she will make miracles happen, acknowledge her and she will make the people around her a priority and achieve beyond imagination.” Ms. Aparna Kiran Rao, Parent of Ekya.
To bring more women to the fore, we need to ensure that all girls are ensured basic school education. We need to create safe spaces for women to gather and discuss opportunities, problems and needs. Participating in a social network will encourage more women to educate themselves. We need to educate everyone at the grassroots level about the importance of treating women equally, about respecting their needs and decisions.
Who are the women you look up to?
When we asked about the women they look up to, names of mothers were on the lips of everyone. So did the names of women with inspiring stories behind them – from Indra Nooyi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Chandra Kocchar to Jhumpa Lahiri, Ellen Degeneres and Etta James.
“Savitribai Phule, who established the first women school in India and became the first women teacher to change the social fabric. Rosa Park and Frida Kahlo for utmost courage and determination. My mother and teachers, Dr Jyoti Dalal and Moloyashree Hashmi for their indomitable spirit and grit.” Pooja Arya, Ekya Learning Centre.
“Women in the Armed Forces, who have broken gender barriers. We need to salute them for the courage they possess as women excelling in a once male-dominated field. Being part of the Armed Forces is requires unwavering mental strength than physicality, which is proven by these women” Ms. Trishikha Kiran Rao.
“I look at myself every day and say, ‘there I am’ – the woman who has grown up from a little girl to a responsible and strong human being.” Ms. Baishakhi Roy, Ekya Learning Centre.
On Educator Appreciation Day, one of our children came dressed as Savitribai Phule, the mother of Modern Girls’ Rights and a social reformer. From that day, I have been inspired by her and her open-mindedness to bring about the change in the outlook of education and rights to girls. As an educationist, I would want to turn every stone to make learning reachable and meaningful. Savitribai Phule has been on my mind whenever I think of modern steps towards learning.
Ms. Poornima Mahesh, Headmistress, Ekya Early Years, Kanakapura Road.
“My first and foremost inspiration is my grandmother, Amrithavalli. She was a cancer survivor who faced many hardships and losses in her life with a smile. She was educated only until the fifth grade, but was a voracious reader, teaching herself Hindi and English using books. Her drive and willpower in fighting cancer, her compassion and encouragement towards others are qualities that I look up to.
I also admire the work done by Lady Ada Lovelace and Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is a well-known household name with her stories engrossing millions of people. At a time when women authors were confined to writing social commentaries and domestic fiction, Christie paved a new path for women authors by showing that they are no less capable in the written word. Lady Ada Lovelace is known as the world’s ‘first’ programmer. Statistically, few women venture into the field of technology. Ada Lovelace is a reminder that girls can code and be as tech savvy as the boys.” Ms. Ahlada Sudersan.
For the strong women in every chapter of our lives,
May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them.
Happy Women’s Day!
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
11 Reading Tips for First Graders – Ekya Recommends
- Don’t leave home without it: Bring along a book or magazine any time your child has to wait, such as at a doctor's office. Always try to fit in reading!
- Once is not enough: Encourage your child to re-read favourite books and poems. Re-reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately.
- Dig deeper into the story: Ask your child questions about the story you've just read. Say something like, "Why do you think Clifford did that?"
- Take control of the television: It's difficult for reading to compete with TV and video games. Encourage reading as a free-time activity.
- Be patient: When your child is trying to sound out an unfamiliar word, give him or her time to do so. Remind your child to look closely at the first letter or letters of the word.
- Pick books that are at the right level: Help your child pick books that are not too difficult. The aim is to give your child lots of successful reading experiences.
- Play word games: Have your child sound out the word as you change it from mat to fat to sat; from sat to sag to sap, and from sap to sip.
- I read to you, you read to me: Take turns reading aloud at bedtime. Kids enjoy this special time with their parents.
- Gently correct your young reader: When your child makes a mistake, gently point out the letters he or she overlooked or read incorrectly. Many beginning readers will guess wildly at a word based on its first letter.
- Talk, Talk, Talk! Talk with your child every day about school and things going on around the house. Sprinkle some interesting words into the conversation, and build on words you've talked about in the past.
- Write, Write, Write! Ask your child to help you write out the grocery list, a thank you note to Grandma, or to keep a journal of special things that happen at home. When writing, encourage your child to use the letter and sound patterns he is learning at school.
For more reading tips, click the following links:
Infants
Toddlers
KindergartenersDiet Tips for the Exam Season – Ekya Recommends
Why Balanced Meals?
Balanced meals and timely snacks make a considerable difference during exams. Children and teenagers have an increased nutritional need owing to the development of their bodies, therefore adequate and proper nourishment is required, especially with all the stress, anxiety and tension that comes with exams. When it comes to nutrition, during this time of the year, a few things should be kept in mind- A calm stomach keeps a calm mind. Feeding yourself with healthy snacks and timely meals help.
- Compliment your study plan with a diet plan built around it. Plan it and adhere to it.
- Eating right helps boost your immunity which fights off any possibility of catching an illness during exams.
Calm the mind with a calm stomach
To begin with, let’s see what foods should be included and what to be avoided for a happy stomach:
How do we achieve this? Here are a couple of tips you can try at home:
- Replace fizzy soft drinks and sugary drinks with lemon, fruit juices, clear veg/non-veg clear soups during winters.
- Coffee and tea may give you an instant boost but should be ideally avoided as it may cause acidity issues. It can be replaced with a cup of hot chocolate or lightly sweetened buttermilk.
- Pizzas can be made at home by replacing the pizza base with whole wheat roti and can include freshly chopped tomatoes, choice of your favourite veggies/chicken and sprinkled with cottage cheese/paneer.
- Who doesn’t love burgers? choose burger buns that are smaller than the usual. The high-fat sauce can be replaced with thick creamy hung curd, lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and cucumber along with homemade potato/chicken cutlet.
- Instead of French fries or highly processed potato chips, opt for baked, grilled and tawa roast potato chunks with herbs and flavourings such as coriander, lemon and pepper.
- To accompany these dishes, skip the high-fat sauces with thick creamy hung curd, tomato salsa, pudina or coriander chutney.
Stick To The Plan
Always remember to allocate time for meals and snacks when you plan your study timetable. A sample diet/ study timetable is as follows:
NOTE: This is a sample plan that you can use as a guide. Chalk out your own plan based on your schedule, your exam dates/time and other considerations such as health or medical conditions. Your study time can be replaced by the choice of your chores based on your individual needs. The quantity of food items is not mentioned as it may vary with the age, gender and physical activity level of the student.
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