'The Second Night' chapter highlights - Shalini Gupta

The Courage To Be Disliked - Saturday book reading session

Session 3 - The Second Night

'The Second Night' chapter highlights how many of our problems stem from interpersonal relationships. I believe that once we stop comparing ourselves to others, most of these issues lose their power. People often avoid stepping out of their comfort zones due to fear of rejection or failure. But acknowledging our weaknesses and working to overcome them is a far healthier way to grow than remaining stuck in fear or self-doubt. In essence, the line "whatever the worry that may arise, the shadows of other people are always present" captures why feelings of inferiority take root in our mindset.

Another key takeaway is that feeling inferior is natural and even healthy—it creates space for improvement. However, if left unaddressed, it can develop into an inferiority complex and, in its most extreme form, a superiority complex.  

Ultimately, the choice is ours: Rise above our weaknesses, or Raise them as shields!! I choose to rise above my weaknesses!! 

Shalini Gupta

The Novelist’s Window - Manisha Khanna

Eli sat by his apartment window every night, watching the lights of the city flicker on. He often told his friends, “If I ever had the time, I’d write a novel.” They’d nod, envious of his poetic dream. But Eli never wrote a single line. His job was demanding, he said. His mind was too tired after work.

One evening, his old friend Mara visited. She listened as Eli spoke, again, of the book he would write someday — about a man who transforms his life.

“Then why don’t you start?” she asked simply.

Eli laughed. “You don’t understand. My childhood was strict. My parents never believed in me. I can’t just—”

Mara smiled gently. “You’re not your parents, Eli. You’re your choices.”

That night, her words kept echoing. You’re your choices.

He realised something unsettling — he wasn’t avoiding writing because of the past. He was afraid of the present. Afraid that if he tried and failed, he’d lose the comforting illusion that he could have been great. His “busy job” was his excuse, his shield against disappointment.

So he made a quiet decision. He turned off the TV, opened his laptop, and began typing. The words were clumsy, hesitant — but they were his.

For the first time, Eli felt something he hadn’t in years: freedom. Not from his past, but from the belief that his past defined him.

At dawn, he looked out the window again. The city was the same, but he was not.

He whispered to himself, “Happiness isn’t found. It’s chosen.”

1. Thematic Alignment with Adlerian Psychology

Strengths:

• The story illustrates teleology (future-driven motivation) clearly.
  Eli’s turning point isn’t caused by resolving childhood trauma but by reinterpreting it — seeing his limitations as choices rather than determinants.

• It reflects “lifestyle” as a chosen worldview.
  Eli’s excuse-making and self-limiting beliefs are portrayed as part of his unconscious lifestyle, which he then consciously re-chooses when he decides to write.

• The moment of change (“He opened his laptop and began typing”) embodies the courage to change, a hallmark of Adlerian philosophy: action in the present moment, not waiting for circumstances or healing from the past.

Limitations:

• While the story demonstrates Adlerian ideas well, it simplifies them. Real change, in Adler’s view, involves consistent action, social interest (community feeling), and purpose beyond the self. Eli’s transformation is very individualistic — it ends at self-liberation, not contribution to others.

• The story omits the social dimension of Adlerian thought (Gemeinschaftsgefühl). Adler would argue that true happiness comes from connection and contribution, not merely personal self-realisation.

2. Psychological Realism

Strengths:

• Eli’s fear of failure — choosing the safety of a dream over the risk of action — is psychologically authentic. It mirrors Adler’s insight that people “choose” unhappiness because it offers security and avoidance of pain.

• The dialogue with Mara serves as the philosopher’s role in The Courage to Be Disliked: a catalyst for self-reflection, not a rescuer.

Weaknesses:

• The emotional shift happens too abruptly. In reality, shifting from etiology to teleology (from past-determinism to goal-orientation) requires deep internal work and repeated courage. The “one-night change” might seem inspirational, but it lacks psychological nuance.

• The story’s resolution — Eli feeling “free” after typing a few words — risks romanticising change as a single act of will, whereas Adlerian psychology views it as a lifelong process of choice and courage.

3. Literary Technique and Symbolism

Strengths:

• The window is an apt metaphor: it separates Eli from the world he observes but doesn’t participate in — until he acts. When he writes, he symbolically steps through that window into life.

• The story’s economy of language and quiet tone reflect introspection, fitting its philosophical theme.

Weaknesses:

• The symbolic shift (darkness to dawn) is predictable. The story might benefit from more complexity — for instance, showing Eli facing discomfort or resistance after the initial act of courage, to deepen realism and tension.

4. Philosophical Critique

• The story effectively rejects Freudian etiology — Eli’s past is acknowledged but not treated as causal. However, it could explore more critically why humans cling to causal narratives.

• The conclusion — “Happiness isn’t found. It’s chosen.” — encapsulates Adler’s teleology but oversimplifies it into a motivational aphorism. Adler’s philosophy also emphasises responsibility and contribution, not just personal choice.

Conclusion: 

“The Novelist’s Window” succeeds as an accessible, illustrative parable of Adlerian teleology — capturing the moment of choosing freedom over fear. Yet, it simplifies the enduring, social, and process-oriented aspects of change that Adler emphasised. It’s philosophically sound but narratively tidy — an inspiring sketch rather than a psychologically complete portrait.

Manisha Khanna

Freedom begins the moment we choose purpose over excuse

Like vs Unlike

                    

LIKE VS UNLIKE

Everyone is born unique and special. We all have different things we like and don't like. Some of these choices come from within us. Others we learn from people around us. Let's explore what shapes our preferences.

Let me express each point in detail:

Personal Choices Matter: Our personal preferences are like fingerprints of our personality. When someone chooses to learn piano over guitar, read science fiction over romance, or prefer solitary activities over group events, these choices reveal deeper aspects of their character. For example, someone who consistently chooses creative hobbies might have a strong imaginative side, while someone who gravitates toward analytical activities might have a more logical thinking pattern. These preferences aren't just superficial - they form the building blocks of our identity and influence how we see and interact with the world around us.

Influenced by Others: Our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our likes and dislikes. Consider how food preferences often reflect our cultural background, or how our music taste might be influenced by what our friends listen to. This influence can be direct (like parents encouraging certain activities) or indirect (like social media shaping our fashion choices). Sometimes, we adopt preferences to feel part of a group - like a teenager getting interested in a particular sport because their friends play it. These influenced preferences aren't necessarily inauthentic; they're part of how we grow and connect with others.

Changes Over Time Our preferences are not set in stone - they evolve as we do. Someone who disliked vegetables as a child might become a vegetarian adult. A person who never enjoyed reading might discover a love for books later in life. These changes often come through exposure to new experiences, changing circumstances, or personal growth. Being open to such changes is crucial because it allows us to adapt and discover new aspects of ourselves. Think of how many people discovered new hobbies or interests during the pandemic, showing how circumstances can lead to unexpected preference changes.

Impact on Decisions Our likes and dislikes: act as an internal compass guiding our choices. On a daily basis, they influence small decisions like what clothes to wear or what show to watch. But their impact extends to major life decisions too. Career choices often stem from our interests - someone who loves helping others might become a nurse, while someone passionate about technology might pursue software development. Even relationship choices are influenced by our preferences, from the type of people we're attracted to, to the kind of lifestyle we want to share with a partner.

Respecting Differences Understanding and accepting different preferences is key to harmonious relationships and social interactions. When we recognize that someone's different preferences don't diminish their value as a person, we create space for more meaningful connections. This respect is crucial in various settings:

In families: Accepting that children might have different interests than their parents

At work: Acknowledging different working styles and preferences among colleagues

In relationships: Understanding that partners don't need to share all the same interests

In society: Appreciating how diverse preferences contribute to cultural richness

By respecting these differences, we create an environment where people feel comfortable expressing their true preferences without fear of judgment. This leads to more authentic relationships and a more inclusive society where diversity in tastes and choices is celebrated rather than criticized.

Ankit Khare

Sunbeam School Sarnath

And the Sky is Grey: A Journey Through the 10 Cs

Reflection

Webinar 1 of 51 #2025

Chapter 9:Ten on Ten from Shomie Das: A Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala 

One bright day, I was substituting for a junior class and enjoying the playful chatter of curious minds. To spark a conversation, I asked them a simple question:

“What is the colour of the sky?”

Without hesitation, the students replied, “The sky is blue.”

But one student, sitting quietly at the corner of the classroom and looking outside the window, said, “Ma’am, the sky is grey. Look outside, it’s grey, not blue.”

His answer surprised me. Most children would confidently say “blue,” but this child saw the world differently. Intrigued, I asked, “Why do you think the sky is grey?”

His curiosity sparked the moment when our journey through the Ten Cs began. His willingness to question his observations is a powerful reminder of how curiosity drives learning.

I explained, “The sky is grey because of dust and pollution.”

At that moment, the child was learning science, processing observations, and critically analysing the world around him. Critical thinking was in action.

Our conversation was a two-way exchange, during which we listened and understood each other. Communication is more than just speaking—it’s about listening with empathy and responding thoughtfully.

His honest response showed real courage. Despite knowing most people say the sky is blue, he wasn’t afraid to share what he saw. Encouraging such honesty and bravery helps create a safe learning environment.

I used an analogy to make the idea more relatable: “Think of the sky as a mirror reflecting sunlight, but dust and pollution change its appearance.” Creativity helps simplify complex ideas and makes learning more memorable.

That student chose to share his observation, and I decided to explore it further with him. This is the power of choice in learning—when students feel empowered, they take ownership of their curiosity.

The exchange was also a collaborative effort. He asked. I explained, and together we discovered something new. 

While there wasn’t direct competition in this story, there was an inherent drive to learn and grow, which reflects healthy competition in its true sense.

During our discussion, I tied the grey sky to the topic of pollution—an opportunity to talk about responsible citizenship and how our actions impact the environment.

His perspective was respected throughout the conversation, and no one laughed at his observation. Instead, he was guided with care and compassion, fostering a supportive and trusting learning environment.

A Journey of Learning

So, what is the colour of the sky? A child's simple observation of a grey sky became a powerful lesson in the Ten Cs. The sky may have been grey that day, but the lessons we learnt were bright and clear.

Gurdeep Kaur

The Teacher’s Academy

GK@LearningForward.org.in

Ten on Ten: Masterclass Saturday 11th January 2025

Webinar 1 of 51 #2025

Chapter 9:Ten on Ten from Shomie Das: A Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala 

Curiosity

1. How do you inspire curiosity in your students? Share an example of a lesson or activity encouraging them to ask more questions and explore independently.
2. Some students struggle to ask questions, while others are overly dependent on your guidance. How would you create a classroom environment that nurtures curiosity in all learners?

Creativity

3. How do you integrate creativity into your teaching methods to make learning engaging and impactful?

Critical Thinking

4. What strategies do you use to help students develop critical thinking skills? Share an example of how you assess their growth in this area.
5. A group discussion in your classroom evolves into a debate about a current social issue. How would you guide students to analyse the diverse perspectives while respecting others' opinions critically?

Choice

6. Your students feel overwhelmed by multiple projects and assignments. How would you teach them to make informed choices about managing their time and resources effectively?

Communication

7. Reflect on how you foster effective communication in your classroom. What role does active listening play in your interactions with students?
8. Some students hesitate to participate in discussions or group work due to language barriers or shyness. What strategies can you use to ensure inclusive communication? How do you model clear and empathetic communication in your teaching?

Candor and Courage

9. How do you encourage students to be honest and brave in sharing their thoughts and taking risks in their learning journey?

Collaboration

10. You are planning a cross-disciplinary project with teachers from other subjects, but there are disagreements about goals and responsibilities. How would you collaborate effectively to align goals and divide responsibilities?
11. How do you teach students the value of teamwork and the skills required for successful collaboration?

Competition

12. How do you promote healthy competition to motivate students without fostering stress or negative feelings?
13. A class competition creates tension among students. How can you redesign the competition to focus on personal growth and team spirit rather than just winning?

 Citizenship

14. What practices do you implement to instil a sense of responsible citizenship and community service in your students?
15. Your school is organising a community outreach program. How would you teach students the value of active citizenship through this initiative? How can you connect citizenship lessons to everyday classroom activities?

Compassion

16. A student in your class struggles with personal issues that affect their performance and behaviours. How would you show compassion while maintaining classroom discipline? How can you embed lessons of empathy and compassion into your curriculum to help students develop these traits?

Please email your Reflections to Gurdeep Kaur at GK@LearningForward.org.in. For assistance, you may contact her on WhatsApp (only for teachers who have registered for the masterclass and are on a paid plan through the school or self).

Copy vs Not to Copy: A Moral Lesson

In a thought-provoking and engaging scene enacted by three teachers, students are taught the importance of integrity and the consequences of dishonesty during examinations. The short play "The Choice is Yours" explores the dilemma of copying versus honest effort and leaves a lasting impact on everyone who watches it.

The scene is set in a classroom during an examination. Teacher 1, known for strict but fair demeanour, reminded the students about the importance of honesty, urging them to rely on their preparation and trust in their abilities. Shortly the teacher stepped out, leaving the students under the supervision of Teacher 2, a lighthearted and mischievous character. Teacher 2, pretending to represent the tempting voice of shortcuts, humorously encouraged the idea of peeking at a friend’s answers, suggesting it was a harmless and quick solution.

However, Teacher 3, the calm observer, questioned this mindset, and pointed out the deeper implications of such actions, asking whether copying truly helped in the long run or merely set students up for failure when no one was there to assist them.

The turning point came when Teacher 1 returned and caught a student (imagined) red-handed in the act of copying. They sternly explained the consequences, underscoring that dishonesty leads to failure and regret. Teacher 2, acting as the enabler, tried to defend the action, suggesting that it was common and insignificant. Teacher 3, in a composed manner, delivered the moral of the story, stating that true growth comes from hard work and honest effort, not shortcuts.

The scene concluded with a powerful message from all three teachers. They highlighted the importance of choosing integrity over dishonesty, even when it feels challenging. The enactment ended with a meaningful quote:

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis

The impactful performance a reminder to the students that while the path of honesty may be difficult, it is the only one that leads to true success and self-respect. It encouraged everyone to embrace integrity as a core value in their academic journey and beyond.

Reeta Tiwari, Sneha Singh and Sanyogita Dubey 
Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur, Varanasi

Brewing Knowledge Club - September Reflections

Reflections for September 2021

We are reading...My Good School Where Passion Meets Education

Price Rs 295.00 Published The English Book Depot (www.ebdbooks.com)

25th September 2021 - last Sunday of the month.

1. Choice Of Curriculum
2. Building Schools With Quality
3. Fun In Learning, Learning Is Fun
4. Life Is Parenting. 

The warm voices of Ms Brinda Ghosh, Ms Sunita Mehta, Ms Divya Agnihotri, Ms Deepti Sharma and our lovable Mr Sandeep Dutt make the reading with learning experience better. When we commenced the first chapter, 'Choice Of Curriculum', what struck us was the solutions, or we can say holistic look at which/how/when the school must be chosen for a child and how we can help parents choose a better learning experience for the child. 

Another chapter, 'Building Schools With Quality', comes up with three elements for quality delivery in a good school. First, a teacher development program because teachers must also get an update, and for healthy learning, teachers are the most critical asset. The second element is the effective use of technology; learning can be made more and with fun or more accessible and with enthusiasm. The third and the very best part that came with a pop-up during reading was The Scholarship Programme that takes out the heart with its lines that " When in uniform, all children may look the same, but a school must accept children not only on the ability to pay the fee but with a larger motive of laying the foundation of a great nation" And then We jumped into the next ' Fun in learning, Learning is Fun'  When we read this chapter we could correlate with the heading where the highlights, why fun is necessary for the excellent learning. We can pull in anyone by "fun to learn". It can work as a key to excite the mind to learn and enquire freely.

The fourth chapter- 'Life Is Parenting', shows the role of both parents and teachers and how parents also play an essential role in making better possibilities for the child's learning experience. 

Good listeners are part of our club, and they have shared their reflections: 

Ms Veena Solanki 

Fun in learning; learning is fun!!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Learning and fun, I'm sure, have a symbiotic relationship. With fun, learning becomes effective, and since learning automatically happens with fun as the brain is less stressed, FUN perhaps shouldn't be barred from entering our classrooms. A fun-filled experience tends to stay longer and certainly keeps the learners curious and hungry for more.

Learning thus can be equated to a lasting, limpid, lucrative earning (L + earning = learning).

Fun means different things to different people. One way of having fun can be a lot of laughter. Hardwiring a deeper connection between learning and laughter has been proved beneficial many times and more so recently. A hearty chuckle, a suppressed giggle or perhaps ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing) or LOL (laughing out loud), all these definitely lessens and lowers the load of stress.

A bit of fun can make all the difference in effective learning. So teaching methodologies must give a little space to fun to foster an environment of inclusion, diversity and long-lasting learning. Without a bit of fun in class, kids become dull and are often uninspired, and teachers surely lose the connection. That's where the teacher's creativity takes a back seat, and the student's creativity eventually suffers.

The latest learning technologies come to the rescue here for teachers. Gamification of modules can undoubtedly make things exciting but engaging each child in the learning process is the only key to fun-filled long-lasting learning.

Ms Deepti Sharma

*Life is Parenting* 

Young minds are like sponges that absorb what their parents are doing.

Parenting is a lifetime project for an individual. He needs to be aware of his role and responsibilities. Teachers at school can be the catalyst in unfolding the hidden potential of a child. But the parents at home are the first teachers. The individual of this generation needs to realise it. 

Creating a nurturing environment filled with love, care, empathy, kindness, and discipline will help them build a happy individual instilled with values. 

It is rightly said by Mr Sandeep Dutt that parenting is infinite, and parents grow up with their children. It is a process of promoting and supporting a child's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development from infancy to adulthood. It's an aspect of raising aside from a biological relationship. 

In this period when most of the parents are working, they cannot give the best gift to their little ones-"the time, i.e. their presence".They should plan a schedule and maintain consistency to help children cope with daily life challenges. 

They need to help build healthy habits to make them self reliant example - pack their bags and keep the school uniform ready before going to bed, waking up on time with the sound of the alarm, making their bed, getting dressed for school, eating their breakfast besides learning to pitch in keeping the house neat and clean. The parents can do so much for the child's confidence, like helping them know themselves through art, needlework, cooking and reading.

Besides channelling their energy and thought process, a beautiful bond will emerge, building trust and mutual respect.

The connection thus made will help them to be honest with themselves and their parents. This individual will be the best parent then.

A checklist prioritising the important ones can help to keep track of and easy transactions of plans.

Parenting is a lifetime investment that rewards with peace and a sense of accomplishment of a job done right.

Our train of the Brewing Knowledge Club stopped at the stations: Choice Of Curriculum, Building Schools With Quality, Fun In Learning Learning Is Fun, and Life is Parenting; this month and our journey is a continuous learning experience. And hang on! The train just stops for a while to fill the fuel, the trip will continue the following month with exciting stations (chapters- An Eager Child Or Enthusiastic Teacher, Why Teachers Are Averse To Change...).

- Sukhpreet Kaur Ambassador Brewing Knowledge & Kunal Student Intern The Fabindia School

Responsibility and Cooperation - Innovators BHIS

Taking responsibility for oneself is by definition an act of kindness.  -Sharon Salzberg 

Vraj, a student of grade 7, was the most active child in the class. He could not contain his energy and was simply unable to sit anywhere, at a stretch, even for a little while. The teachers were at their wit’s end, as they attempted to make Vraj focus in classwork. It seemed there was nothing that could calm him down during the class hours. The class monitors always had his name in the trouble makers’ list. Despite the warnings, nothing made him behave well in class.

His peer, Rahul, was a complete contrast.

     

Rahul, a specially challenged child was timid, quiet and sat in one corner of the class, the whole day. Other students, including Vraj, often bullied him. Some were not even willing to go near Rahul, leave alone help him cope with the class. A unique idea struck the class teacher and she announced in the class that she knew Vraj to be a responsible child, who could be trusted upon to help Rahul study in class. Saying this, she changed Vraj’s place and made him sit beside Rahul. She gave Vraj the responsibility of helping his buddy Rahul with all the class notes and finishing his work on time. Vraj felt very strange at this decision of the teacher as he had never thought that any teacher could ever find him capable of shouldering responsibility! 

Vraj was determined to put his heart and soul to prove that the teacher had made the right decision! He realised that in order to help Rahul, he too had to focus on the classes. He became very serious about school, dutifully sat beside Rahul every day, and ensured that he had completed his own work before he could begin to help his buddy. Rahul too started co-operating with Vraj and tried his best to grasp how he could work in class. All the teachers noticed the sea change that had come over the boys and appreciated them a lot. This further encouraged them to work harder! On seeing that both Vraj and Rahul were being appreciated for taking up responsibility and co-operating with each other, their classmates unconsciously co-operated with them to do better. The bond between the classmates was enhanced. The teachers were proud of the huge change that they noticed in the class. Responsibility successfully changed the personality of a child for the better and they also learn co-operated with each other in the process.

Innovators @ Billabong High International School, Thane
 - Bhumi Punjabi, Vaishali Phatak, Krishnakshi RaviShankor, Smita Bhobate

Happiness and Tolerance: Sharmila Vijayvargi

Many times in class, students without having a choice, are forced to study and learn

everything. While they may want to go out and play in the games period, they are made to sit in class and study. Happiness comes to them when the bell rings and they go out and play. This happiness is unprecedented at this level. 

Further, they also demonstrate a lot of tolerance while being calmly and patiently waiting for the period they want.  This is a simple example of how in daily situations students demonstrate happiness and tolerance. 

Likewise, one should also be tolerant. Being tolerant means to accept things or others opinions,  without being aggressive, rude or reacting in a bad manner. Tolerance is a trait which sometimes is difficult to find and is different from patience. But, everyone needs to be tolerant as things don’t come easy. One has to be respectful towards the  opinions and wishes of others.

If you are tolerant, you won't have difficulty in adjusting with people around you, which will ultimately lead to a happier environment around us. One would stop nagging about things around him and will be comfortable in its surroundings. Thus, both qualities are a cause and consequence of each other. Tolerance will lead to inner happiness which in turn will help to spread happiness around yourself. Whenever we smile, we spread love, happiness and positive vibes around. Remember, everyone likes a happy smiling person and not someone who bursts out at everything. 

Sharmila Vijayvargi

The Fabindia School