Ekya / March 12, 2024 Posted by : administrator

Leadership is not just a title; it is a journey of continuous growth and development. The Leadership Bootcamp organised by the Student Development team on September 19th was an extraordinary day that brought together over 120 student leaders from Ekya, CMR NPS and CMR PU campuses. The day was filled with wisdom, stories of resilience, and the forging of future leaders.

The vision of the Leadership Bootcamp is to “Provide students with transformative experiences to excel at their leadership posts and enable them to be globally competitive and resilient leaders of the future.”

The objectives of the Leadership bootcamp:

  • To help students develop essential leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, multi-tasking and conflict resolution. They also learn how to apply these in real-life scenarios
  • Explore respect, integrity, inclusive leadership  through real-life stories
  • To encourage students to explore their strengths, weaknesses, core values, and leadership skills, set goals for themselves and continue their leadership development journey beyond the camp

Expected outcomes were threefold:

  • Students were able to identify key leadership skills and values and their importance
  • Students were able to apply key skills and values in their roles as council members on campus
  • Students were able to create their own leadership development plan

The Leadership Bootcamp started with Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Vice President of CMR Group of Institutions, Founder of Ekya Schools and Provost of CMR University, inspiring a welcome address that set the tone for an enriching journey of growth and learning. Her wisdom and guidance undoubtedly set the foundation for leadership excellence. The keynote address by Dr. Ishani Roy, Founder and CEO, Serein Inc, emphasised the significance of inclusivity, adaptability, and what it takes to be an inclusive leader. Dr. Roy set the stage for a day of self-discovery and leadership exploration.

Captain Vaibhav Pandey, Assistant Vice President, Vestian Global Workplace Pvt Limited, and Archana Mohan, Co-Founder, Bookosmia, took the stage, offering a glimpse into their remarkable journeys. Their stories of leadership, courage, and determination resonated deeply with all attendees, serving as a testament to the transformative power of effective leadership. Captain Vaibhav’s session on Adapting to Change brought insights and strategies that equip us to navigate uncharted waters with confidence, and Archana Mohan’s session on self-expression was a game changer for the students as the students learned the 3 best practices for leadership. 

A pivotal session on leadership skills and core values provided the students with the tools necessary to lead effectively. The discussions delved into the importance of teamwork, communication, and moral principles in leadership roles.

Highlights and Successes

  • The Student Mixer at the beginning of the event encouraged students to interact with leaders of other campuses.
    • Having students of different campuses come together helped students share best practices and also understand more about their fellow campuses. A sense of healthy competition was also noticed.
  • The students showcased their aspirations through vision and mission boards. These boards were a powerful testament to their dreams and the commitment to lead with purpose. Their visions ranged from community service initiatives to competitions in schools. The students also focused on Student Wellbeing and leveraging the entire student community. 
  • Personalised handouts helped students reflect on their personal journey, strengths and weaknesses.
  • All participants also signed the Cohort of 2023 sheet, which served as a reiteration of their oath and also their participation in the event.
  • The varied profiles of the speakers exposed students to very relevant topics such as inclusion, self-expression and also challenged norms of what their vision of a leader is.

Students left with a better understanding of key leadership skills and values and how to apply them in practical situations on campus. The experience also encouraged them to think critically about their personal leadership journeys and development. Students took back with them their leadership development plan and SWOT analysis to help them continue their leadership journey. Students’ reflections included thoughts such as leadership is not about holding a position but about taking action and inspiring others to follow. The journey of leadership is ongoing, and the Leadership Bootcamp was a vital step in their journey, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration to lead authentically and effectively.

Student Testimonials

Gautam Aravindan, Bhoomi House Captain, from CMR PU ITPL

I really appreciated the session on Diversity and Inclusion as well as the one on adaptability to change, because I found those 2 topics the most relatable amongst others. Although, all of them were really valuable and provided me with really good insights. I would like to appreciate each and every council member amongst all the campuses because they all were really kind during the interaction session, and all of their presentations were amazing and bold, which I really appreciate.

Megha M S, Head Girl, CMR NPS 

To be grounded and true to our values even when we reach a certain level or have a certain amount of power and it was very interesting to bond with other school’s council members and get to know what their plan of action for their institution.

Sahasya Vinodraj, Editor, Ekya BTM

Huge kudos to the student development team of Ekya for organising this event annually for council members. It’s been such a memorable experience, and it’s extremely well-organized!

Karen Grace Rohit, Agni House Vice Captain, CMR NPS

My key takeaways are the qualities of a leader that were stressed upon such as the relevance of being assertive and approachable at the same time. I would like to affirm all the CRMNPS council members for working so hard for us this year and the teachers for helping make this session such a success. I would also like to affirm the council and staff of all the other schools for being extremely friendly and helpful.

WE ARE LEADERS! WE ARE THE FUTURE

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Ekya / March 25, 2024

Celebrating Doctors' Day: Honoring Healthcare Heroes in Ekya

In a spirit of gratitude and admiration, our campus gathered on June 30th to celebrate Doctors' Day, honouring the legacy of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy and the invaluable contributions of healthcare professionals worldwide. This year's commemoration was elevated by the presence of Dr Raksha, a respected paediatrician from R M Hospital, who graciously shared her expertise with our students. The day began with a meaningful discussion led by Dr Raksha about the key components of sustaining good health. From emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and a balanced diet to highlighting the significance of quality sleep and minimal screen time, Dr Raksha imparted invaluable insights to our little learners. What truly stood out was the genuine enthusiasm and engagement displayed by our students throughout the session. Their eagerness to absorb knowledge and their thoughtful questions reflected a deep-seated appreciation for the importance of health and well-being in their lives. Dr. Raksha was visibly moved by their receptiveness and commended them for their active participation. Upon the event's conclusion, a strong sense of gratitude and admiration filled the surroundings, acknowledging the tireless dedication of healthcare professionals like Dr. Raksha. Their persistent commitment to healing and compassion serves as an inspiration to us all, and Doctors' Day provides an opportune moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for their invaluable service. In commemorating Doctors' Day, we honour the legacy of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy while reaffirming our commitment to prioritizing health and wellness in our lives. Through events like these, we aim to cultivate a culture of gratitude and respect for the medical profession, inspiring future generations to embrace wellness as a cornerstone of their journey towards a fulfilling life.

Ekya / March 25, 2024

Field Trip to Janapada Loka: Ekya’s Cultural Exploration

On June 30th, grade 8 students from Ekya JP Nagar went on an educational field trip to Janapada Loka. The visit was more than simply a recreational outing; it was an essential part of their curriculum. Students were studying Karnataka's rich folk culture and geography as part of their academic syllabus. The trip was carefully arranged to provide a practical and engaging experience that enhanced their classroom learning. By visiting Janapada Loka, students had the opportunity to witness firsthand the concepts and topics they had been studying.  Through interactive activities and guided tours, students could apply their classroom knowledge to the discovery of Janapada Loka, obtaining useful insights and improving their educational experience.

Introduction to Janapada Loka:

When the students arrived at Janapada Loka, they were greeted with the vast landscape that awaited their exploration. They set out on an expedition into Karnataka's cultural history, led by the teachers and expert guides. They had plenty of enriching encounters along their journey. Students gained excellent insights into the various parts of our culture by learning about traditional practices like ‘Kamsale’ and ‘Karaga’, as well as visually studying statues reflecting tribal communities. Also,, they had the opportunity to come across forgotten yet still existing equipment from the past, providing them with a tangible connection to Karnataka's historical roots.  This experience helped the students get a deeper respect for our rich heritage and a sense of pride in their cultural identity. 

Discovering Traditional Arts and Crafts:

One of the highlights of their trip was the enchanting performance of Janapada songs by a staff member. This musical performance entertained the students and also deepened their appreciation for our culture. They had a great time learning about folklore, legends, and links to previous generations. Through this fascinating journey, kids got significant insights into the traditions that have been passed down through time, as well as how they are still valued and celebrated in today's world.  The trip to Janapada Loka had a profound effect on the students. Experiencing Janapada songs and exploring folklore enhanced their appreciation for Karnataka's cultural heritage. They left with a renewed sense of pride, ready to uphold and cherish our traditions in the future.

Ekya / March 25, 2024

Ekya Byrathi celebrates Literacy Week to foster the love for reading

Ekya Byrathi held a special week dedicated to all things books, Literacy Week, from January 30th to February 3rd, 2024. This exciting week, themed "Read Across Ekya," aimed to spark a love of reading in young students.  There were lots of exciting activities planned throughout the week to make reading enjoyable for the students.
  • The celebration commenced with ‘Hats Day’.
  • Next came ‘Show and Tell’ and ‘Drop Everything and Read’ Day. Students got to share their favourite books with their classmates and then had some quiet time to get lost in a good story.
  • One of the highlights was ‘Comprehension and Bookmark Activity’ Day. Students dressed up as their favourite book characters and participated in fun activities that helped them understand the stories they read better. They even made their own bookmarks to take home!
  • The week ended with a special ‘Too Sleepy Day’ session. Parents were invited to join their children for a cozy reading time.
The whole week was a big hit with the students and teachers alike. It was a great way to show the importance of reading and to encourage a lifelong love of books.  Ekya Byrathi is committed to creating enriching experiences for its students, and Literacy Week was a perfect example of that!

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Wrap Around 2023

July 2023 was an exhilarating month at Ekya Schools' EITPL and EJPN campuses, where young minds explored new horizons beyond textbooks and traditional learning. The Wrap Around 2023 activities drew the participation of a staggering 112 students at EITPL and 179 students at EJPN, all eager to “FIND their unique voice,” as per the ethos of the program.

An Enriching Experience for All

Wrap Around 2023 offered various activities across Arts, Sports, Exposure, and Self-development, emphasising well-defined outcomes. Students dived into the world of music, sports, martial arts, and more, guided by our carefully chosen partners. At EITPL, the budding musicians learned to play a medley of five songs on the keyboard, exploring C and D major chords as well as C minor chords. The guitar enthusiasts weren't far behind, mastering A and E minor chords and E major chords. In gymnastics, students executed forward and backward rolls, incline and ¾ handstands, splits, and back bridges. Basketball saw a dual track of coaching. In mass coaching, students were taught various exercises and ball-holding techniques. Those in team coaching underwent rigorous training in general fitness, advanced game strategies, and intense defensive skills. Martial arts took a front seat with karate lessons that included basic stances, footwork, blocks, kicks, and punches. Students also got a taste of skating, learning skills like zigzagging, hand movements, turning, and stopping. Table tennis wrapped up the activities with students learning the essential rules, forehand and backhand services, and even playing friendly matches. The EJPN campus had its unique flair with activities like drumming, where students learned drum rudiments and how to build a drum beat based on quarter notes. Chess also made its debut, teaching typical checkmate patterns and basic introductions for beginners. On-spot dribbling right and left in basketball, skatewalking, and on-spot tapping in skating were among the other activities that captivated the students.

The Voices of Participants

“I am an intermediate player. My after-school classes help me meet different types of players and participate in competitions. I have learned tips, strategies, and control warm-ups that have helped me to improve as a player. It is also helping me stay fit,” said a student, encapsulating the essence of what Wrap Around 2023 aimed to achieve.

Wrapping It Up

Ekya Schools' Wrap Around 2023 was not just another extra-curricular program; it was a month-long journey that allowed students to discover new passions and hone existing skills. As we look back at the strides taken in July, we are filled with pride and look forward to seeing how these newly acquired skills will shape our students' futures. With Wrap Around, we reaffirm our commitment to the holistic development of our students, inside and outside the classroom. Thank you to all the students, staff, and partners for making Wrap Around 2023 an outstanding success. We can't wait to see what the next edition holds!

Work Exposure Program 2023

On April 10th, the campuses of Ekya Schools buzzed with a different kind of excitement. It wasn’t the usual chatter about homework, tests, or basketball matches. Students talked about stepping into new worlds—workspaces that promised hands-on experience in areas ranging from space research to digital marketing. The much-anticipated Work Exposure Program (WEP) had officially commenced, and by May 12th, a host of transformative experiences were in the books.

A Quick Overview of What Happened

For six to eight weeks, students found themselves navigating the professional world—meeting deadlines, taking on challenges, and collaborating as part of a team. The program saw participation from 26 partner organisations and offered 133 internship opportunities across various fields. Despite the hurdles like adapting to new environments and Bengaluru's traffic, our 74 interns who completed their internships told us- it was worth it.

The Power of Choice

One of the unique features of our Work Exposure Program is the amount of choice given to students. A comprehensive website laid out the details of each partner organisation, the kind of work involved, and the benefits of signing up. This allowed our young minds to make informed decisions, choosing fields they were genuinely interested in. We also prepared them by conducting resume-building and WEP introduction sessions across all campuses.

The Student Experience

Neha from EITPL, who interned at Redwood Edutours, gushed about her work on student engagement projects. "Researching locations and designing handbooks wasn't just work; it was fun," she said. Ashrith, who did research that might be used by ISRO in the future, couldn't have been happier. "This experience opened my eyes to new career paths," he reflected.

What Our Partners Said

The feedback from our partner organisations was overwhelmingly positive. Genex Space praised Devika and Ashrith for their punctuality and quality of work. CRY was impressed with the sincerity of our students, and Hapchi lauded Ekya Schools for matching them with a student who brought fresh perspectives to their team.

Words of Appreciation

We must thank the parents for their continued support. One parent, whose daughter Shreya received a job offer through her internship, couldn't hide their enthusiasm. "Shreya gained invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom," they said. In closing, the 2023 Work Exposure Program wasn't just an internship initiative; it was a journey that has shaped our students for the better. It has been yet another testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and the right opportunities. Thank you to all who made it such a success. Here’s to bigger and better experiences in 2024!
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