Reflection - Masterclass 2024 - Kapila Yadav

 Affection vs Rejection

From a child's perspective, affection manifests as warmth, attention, and consistent care, drawing them in with a sense of security and belonging. Children are attracted to positive reinforcement, gentle touch, and genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, rejection, characterized by neglect, harsh criticism, or emotional unavailability, creates confusion and distress, pushing them away. This disconnect can lead to behavioural issues and a sense of inadequacy. Love, therefore, acts as the best medicine, fostering healthy emotional development and resilience. By nurturing a child's need for affection, we lay the foundation for their overall well-being and future relationships.
From a child's perspective, affection is a powerful force that nurtures their emotional and psychological growth. When parents or caregivers provide consistent love, attention, and positive reinforcement, children feel valued and secure. Simple acts such as hugs, listening actively, and showing genuine interest in their activities and feelings make a significant impact. These gestures attract children, encouraging them to open up and develop trust.

Conversely, rejection, whether through neglect, harsh words, or emotional absence, can be deeply unsettling for a child. Such negative experiences distract them from forming healthy attachments and can lead to feelings of worthlessness and anxiety. Rejection disrupts their sense of safety and can hinder their ability to form trusting relationships in the future.
Ultimately, love is the best medicine for a child's well-being. It fosters a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively. By prioritizing affectionate interactions, we support their development and help them build a foundation of confidence and empathy that benefits them throughout their lives.

What makes a Good School?

A good school is more than just a place of learning; it's a sanctuary where dreams take flight. Beyond children's laughter, it's the nurturing embrace of dedicated teachers who sow seeds of knowledge and compassion. It's the echo of encouragement in every corridor, reminding students of their potential and worth. A good school resonates with empathy, understanding the struggles of each child and offering support without judgement. It's a haven where diversity is celebrated, fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusion. In every classroom, there's a symphony of curiosity and discovery, where minds are ignited and imaginations soar. A good school is a tapestry woven with the threads of perseverance and resilience, teaching students to rise above challenges and embrace growth. It's a place where failures are seen as opportunities for growth, and success is measured not only in grades but in character development. Within its walls, friendships blossom, forming bonds that last a lifetime. It's where mentors inspire greatness and instil values that extend far beyond academic achievement. In the heart of a good school, kindness reigns supreme, cultivating a culture of respect and empathy. It's a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream, providing the tools and guidance needed to turn aspirations into reality. A good school is a sanctuary of safety and security, where every child feels valued and protected. It's a cornerstone of the community, bridging gaps and fostering unity among diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, a good school is a sanctuary where hearts are nourished, minds are enriched, and futures are transformed with love and dedication.

Why Relationship Matters?

Relationships with parents, caregivers, siblings, and peers provide children with the emotional support and security essential for healthy development.
Secure attachments formed in early childhood serve as a foundation for building trust, empathy, and resilience. Through interactions with others, children learn to regulate their emotions, express themselves, and develop a sense of belonging.

Meaningful relationships stimulate cognitive growth by providing opportunities for language development, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Collaborative activities and play encourage creativity, imagination, and the exploration of new ideas. This is majorly observed when kids begin schooling.
Positive relationships serve as models for prosocial behavior, teaching children empathy, kindness, and cooperation.

By observing and interacting with others, children learn appropriate ways to express themselves, resolve conflicts, and navigate social situations. 
On the other hand, Broken relationships can disrupt the sense of security and stability that children rely on for healthy development. Changes in living arrangements, routines, and family dynamics can leave children feeling uncertain about their future and their place in the world.The stress and upheaval caused by broken relationships can interfere with children's academic performance and social interactions. They may struggle to concentrate in school, form trusting relationships with peers, or participate in extracurricular activities due to emotional distress or instability at home.

In conclusion, relationships are the cornerstone of children's development, providing them with the love, support, and guidance they need to thrive. By nurturing meaningful connections with family members, peers, and other caregivers, we can empower children to reach their full potential emotionally, socially, and intellectually. As Teachers, we have a profound responsibility to cultivate environments where every child can experience the transformative power of positive relationships.

Fire In The Mountain, Run… Run… Run…

As a teacher, I can't help but feel a sense of concern and responsibility amidst the rising tide of new diseases and health challenges. It's disheartening to see how quickly we can move from one crisis to another, barely catching our breath before another threat emerges. However, amidst this turmoil, I also find solace in my role as a guide and educator. I believe that education is key to combating these issues. By raising awareness about diseases and promoting preventive measures, we can empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce the burden of these illnesses.

Furthermore, addressing the underlying social determinants of health, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to healthcare, is essential for creating a healthier and more equitable world. By tackling these root causes, we can create conditions that support overall well-being and resilience in the face of health challenges.
In my role as a teacher, I will continue to educate and empower my students to become advocates for health and agents of change in their communities. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Love Learning vs Hate Learning

In the context of school, love and hate can manifest in various ways. Love might be seen in the bonds formed between friends, supportive relationships with teachers, or a passion for learning. Conversely, hate could arise from conflicts with peers, dislike for certain subjects, or frustration with the educational system. Both emotions can significantly impact a student's experience and academic performance. In school, love can be evident in the camaraderie among classmates, the admiration for inspiring educators, or the joy of discovering new interests and talents. Love can also encompass the sense of belonging, acceptance, and encouragement that students receive from their peers, teachers, and mentors.

On the other hand, hate in the school context may stem from bullying, discrimination, or exclusion experienced by students. It can also arise from struggles with certain subjects, academic pressure, or dissatisfaction with school policies and practices. Negative experiences in school can lead to resentment, frustration, and disengagement among students.
Ultimately, fostering a positive and supportive school environment can help cultivate love, while addressing issues such as bullying and academic challenges can mitigate feelings of hate and dissatisfaction.

To Copy or Not to Copy

Facebook, Instagram, X and to top it all we have been in a whirlwind of Shorts and Reels. In today’s hyperconnected world, teenagers are constantly exposed to influences—from social media trends and peer pressures to unrealistic academic expectations. The urge to “copy” has never been stronger. Whether it’s mimicking fashion styles, adopting online personas, or even cheating in exams, adolescents often find themselves in a whirlwind of comparison and conformity. But is copying always harmless?

The need to fit in is a natural part of adolescence. Social acceptance feels like survival, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can push teens to imitate influencers, celebrities, or even their high-achieving classmates. Academic pressure, too, plays a crucial role. Many students, overwhelmed by expectations, resort to dishonest means—plagiarizing assignments, copying during exams, or even faking achievements on college applications. They justify it as a shortcut to success, unaware of the long-term consequences.

However, this relentless need to copy can have damaging effects. When teenagers fail to meet the unrealistic standards they set for themselves, it breeds anxiety, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, depression. The inability to “be like others” or “achieve perfection” can create feelings of worthlessness. Social media, with its curated images of success and happiness, only worsens the situation. Some teens, trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, take extreme steps, leading to a tragic rise in suicide rates.

It is crucial to instill self-awareness and critical thinking in young minds. They must learn that originality and self-acceptance hold more value than blind imitation. Schools, parents, and society need to foster environments where failure is seen as a learning experience, not a disgrace. After all, true success comes from authenticity—not from being a copy of someone else.

Affection vs. Rejection

Affection and rejection—two contrasting forces—play a defining role in shaping a child’s emotional and psychological growth. A child who receives warmth, encouragement, and support from parents and teachers grows with a sense of security and confidence. On the other hand, rejection, whether in the form of neglect, criticism, or lack of emotional connection, can leave deep scars, sometimes leading to antisocial behavior and emotional instability.

Affection acts as a positive reinforcement in a child’s life. When parents express love through words, gestures, or simply by being present, children feel valued. This sense of belonging fosters resilience, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence. Similarly, a teacher’s encouragement—be it a pat on the back, words of appreciation, or patient guidance—motivates students to excel. A child who feels loved and supported is more likely to develop healthy relationships, face challenges with confidence, and make ethical choices.

I have seen this firsthand in my own classroom. A few years ago, I had a student named Rohan who was struggling with academics and often isolated himself. He had faced constant criticism at home, making him believe he was not good enough. Instead of reprimanding him for his poor performance, I chose to acknowledge his efforts, no matter how small. I encouraged him, told him I believed in him, and helped him set realistic goals. Slowly, he started participating in class, seeking help without fear, and even making friends. By the end of the year, he had not only improved academically but also found confidence in himself.

Conversely, children who experience rejection—whether through emotional neglect, harsh criticism, or lack of positive reinforcement—often struggle with self-worth. They may seek validation from the wrong sources, leading to a range of issues, from low academic performance to aggressive or withdrawn behavior. Many troubled youth share a common history of emotional rejection, reinforcing the idea that childhood affection is not just a luxury but a necessity.

The solution lies in creating nurturing environments at home and school. A simple “I believe in you” or “You did great today” can work wonders. A child who is nurtured with love becomes a responsible, compassionate adult, while a child who faces rejection often struggles to find their place in the world. The choice is ours—affection or rejection, growth or destruction.

Kapila Yadav

Sunbeam International School

Be A Dreamer - Prerna Rathod

A dream is a series of thoughts, images, or sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. It can also be said that a dream means a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal of a person.

Dreams are nothing but our goals or aims of life. Each person has their dream. They want to fulfil their dreams, but only a few are successful. It is not easy to accomplish all dreams. It takes great courage and determination to make our dreams a reality. One has to work hard and make it real. When we were small, our life goals kept changing, but as we grew up, we have one or two goals in life. These goals are nothing but part of our dreams. 

Each child must be given the liberty to dream, and just his goal of life starts forming. If parents and educators can help and support the child in achieving their dream, the path becomes easier. 

Dreams can motivate a person to invent new things, leading to new inventions and discoveries. All great men were, in fact, dreamers. If you have the courage, you can fulfil your dreams at any age in life. I would end with a quote from Walt Disney "If you can dream it, you can do it."

Prerna Rathod 
prd@fabindiaschools.in 
The Fabindia School

Hope and Friendship - Visionary JMMS

Hope is that value in life that never lets you stop believing.

When the journey of life is going through the dark tunnel, hope is that spark of light at the end, which keeps you moving forward despite the hardships. It helps you to believe that there is a new morning after a dark night.

Friendship is a quite strong bond. It is a beautiful relationship that you have chosen. Friends are the ones who help, correct, encourage, motivate, inspire, influence and guide you. They have the magic to fill happiness in the darkest of times.

"A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails ".
- Donna Roberts

This is a true story of a teacher. Her friends came into her life when she had lost all hopes; they believed in her and helped her in her dream journey. The friends became the light of hope in her life's dark phase and remained by her side. She eventually became what she always wanted to be. The story tells us, let your hopes and not your hurts shape your future.

Visionary JMMS at the John Martyn Memorial School, Salangaon, Dehradun 

- Neelam Bhardwaj, Pareenita Negi, Manmohan Kaur, Ambica Gurung and  Bharti Dangwal

Hope and Friendship - Magnets DGS

"A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity." Robert Hall

Everyone hopes for friendship. Hope comes with faith that the friend will be loyal, honest and trustworthy.
As children, we wish to possess certain material things- toys, chocolates or even good marks. As adults, our wishes may change to more materialistic things like cars, houses, etc. A wish may push you to work aggressively towards it.

Hope is a dream, a desire, a belief that helps you stay calm and peaceful. Hope is accompanied by faith. You hope for a happy and peaceful life, good health, family and friends. You enjoy the company of your friends. The friendship that develops during school days lasts forever. You may not meet each other regularly after leaving school, but the bond is always there. The various alumni associations are proof. There is no age bar in friendship, an eight-year-old and an eight-year-old may get along well. A strong bond of friendship and understanding may be witnessed even with a pet. Good friends are honest and loyal; they stay with you, accept you, regardless of the circumstances. True friends give you honest advice and correct you when you are in the wrong. Mutual respect and admiration strengthen the bond of friendship between friends. Hope and friendship are important for mental health.

दोस्त शब्द में गूढ़ अर्थ छिपा है ,
जो दोस्तों के दोषों को अस्त कर देता है ,
वही सच्चा मित्र बन अपना धर्म निभाता है |
न कोई शिकवा न कोई आशा होती है ,
बस स्वेच्छा से त्याग की भावना होती है |        
                   दोस्ती में हर रोज़ मिलना जरूरी होता नहीं ,
                   बस एकबार दिल से रिश्ता जुड़ जाए
                   तो दोस्त कभी जुदा होता नहीं  |
                   एक सच्चा दोस्त कभी अपने दोस्त के
                   रास्ते में आता नहीं  ,
                   अगर एक गलत हो तो दूसरा हाथ पकड़
                   कभी छोड़ता नहीं |  
प्रेम और त्याग की डोर से जुड़ी एक “ विश्वास ” है दोस्ती ,
क्योंकि दुनियाँ के सभी रिश्तों में बड़ी “ खास ” है दोस्ती |
इतिहास गवाह है इस बात का कि...................
मित्रता में कोई जात-पात या ऊँच-नीच नहीं है होता ,
बस प्रेम , त्याग और विश्वास निभाया है जाता |
श्री कृष्ण –सुदामा के रिश्तों को कौन भुला है पाया  ?
बिन आशा और शर्तों के , राज-पाट मित्र सुदामा पर लुटाया  |
                  महाभारत के धर्म युद्ध में , कर्ण - दुर्योधन से
                  नि:स्वार्थ मित्रता देख ,सबने मान लिया लोहा उसका | 
बस अंत में इतना कहना है कि मित्रता में आशा रखना स्वाभाविक होता है और एक मित्र का दूसरे मित्र की आशा को पूरा करना उसका दायित्व होता है ||

Magnets DGS: Kiran Juyal, Manju Srivastava, Mezhu Chopra, Pooja Sharma and Renu Sundriyal

The Doon Girls' School, Dehradun

HOPE FOR THE BEST - Byju Joseph

Being human beings there are lots of dreams which we want to fulfil in our life. We want them to fulfil at the earliest. But in reality, sometimes we fail to achieve them yet there are so many opportunities. It is because of lack of attention and hard work. Former President of our country APJ Abdul Kalam says, “Dream, Dream Dream, Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” We are thinking beings. So think more and then all possible ways will surely open for us and do work hard accordingly. Napoleon Bonaparte says, “Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.”

The very first thing is to believe and have patience for it. Everything has a perfect timing to happen. But before that we lose our hope, we doubt on ourselves and that is what it kills our belief at first hand. Never underestimate ourselves. We are always more than what we think. Everything lies within us, first we need to seek it within ourselves and we will find everything which is needed for us whether it is the strength, love, motivation, courage or the power. No one else could ever give us like we give it to ourselves.

There is nothing wrong in having high ambitions, along with that we must have a strong faith to achieve them. The power is always within us. We just have to realise and make use of it. It is true that our thinking makes our reality. So always try to find something positive in everything, we need to focus on the brighter side and then the negativity will blur out. Hope for the best and work for the best.

BYJU JOSEPH

The Fabindia School

bjh@fabindiaschools.in

It's never too late - Kusum Dangi

Courtesy Source: croninsta.com

It is said that there is no age to dream, it takes just a little time to achieve them.

By the age of 15 -17 years, it seems that it is still small, focus on studies. It seems to be 21, think about the career of 30-32, it seems that dreams are being left behind and they are getting 45 years old. Now, there is no age to dream nor to fulfil them.  But the truth is that there is no age to fulfil dreams. Where one more of the example of Barack Obama who retires at the age of 55, while the other is Donald Trump is 70 years old at the age, as he started his term as the President of America, it is most important to have faith in yourself. If we believe in ourselves, then we can fulfil our dreams at any time, just be encouraged yourself that yes I can do it.

Kusum Dangi

The Fabindia School

kdi@fabindiaschools.in

Hope: Essence of Life - Jitendra Suthar

quotemaster.org

Hope is the essence of life. Several folks couldn't even live a life of peace while not having hope deep within the centre. Life is unpredictable, exhausting and quite disreputable from time to time. Things withdraw of hand and on the far side of our management persistently. Hope helps our country keep the fight on and improves the possibilities of creating our life higher. Hope – the essence of life keeps our eyes wide open for associate degree improved future. 

I do know it’s terribly exhausting maintaining with the inner religion throughout the foremost important times, but, those that ne'er leave hope, truly create it until the top. No doubt, life may be a solid combat zone. However, it’s not regrettable either. Attempt to keep your eyes filled with dreams. Hope not solely offers you the strength to beat pain. However, it conjointly makes the journey for the longer-term easier. Let’s not worry regarding the actual fact that nowadays it is dangerous. Hope keeps us telling that tomorrow are higher than this. 

Hope is optimism. Once I’m anticipating something, I think that sorrow and issue of nowadays can shortly finish. Hope keeps us stay positive. As you recognize, our mind has legion effects on our actions. If your mind tells you to remain sturdy on a path and to not lose courageousness, you'll do, therefore. So, hope offers a positive mind power. It generates associate degree aura around you which of them protects you from the negatives. This is often why; hope can perpetually be the essence of life. As currently, you perceive, the essence of hope is usually terribly sweet. 

It’s a plan to measure life the simplest means we will. Therefore create your hope sturdy. Hope can provide you with the courageousness and inspiration to stay to your dream as long as you breathe. If you have got a robust aspiration, hope and religion, nothing will bring you down. It allows you to aim at the only real purpose of your life.

Jitendra Suthar

The Fabindia School

jsr@fabindiaschools.in

Hope and Friendship - Swabhi Parmar

Hope is essential in life because it not only gives you the strength to overcome the pain but also makes the journey for the future easier. Let’s not worry about the fact that today is bad. Hope keeps us telling that tomorrow will be better than this. When I’m hopeful for anything, I feel the sorrows and difficulties of today will soon end. Hope keeps us positive.

As you know, our mind has lots of effects on our actions. If your mind tells you to stay strong on a path and not to lose courage, you will do so. So, Hope gives a positive mind power.

Hope helps us to ignore the sufferings of the present. When we stay positive about our future and feel that we have to fight to win the problems, our capacity to succeed increases. Hope is a belief, so if you believe then definitely something good will happen. The intensity of this feeling can really change your present and future. 

Hope has the tendency to change negative into positive. If we understand that essence of Hope, it is always very sweet. It’s an inspiration to live life the best way we can. So make your Hope strong. Hope will give you the courage and inspiration to stick to your dream as long as you breathe. If you have a strong aspiration, Hope and faith, nothing can bring you down. It lets you aim at the sole purpose of your life. 

“Hope is a match in a dark tunnel, a moment of light, just enough to reveal the path ahead and ultimately the way out and on the other hand, friendship actually doesn’t fit into any definition. It’s a relationship that cannot be described in words. Friends are those who make you feel good about yourself, who will laugh with you and make you feel lighter. They are the ones who will be there for you during happiness and at times when you need them most. When the world turns back at you they will be there right by your side. 

The importance of friendship in our life is beyond any description. Everybody goes through some difficult phases in life. During those times you need a shoulder to cry on. Friends can give exactly that. They will be there to listen to your nonsense talks and still acknowledge whatever you are saying to lighten your heart. With friends, you laugh out loud which makes you energetic and healthy. It can help you to overcome depression and so helps in improving your mental health as well. Sometimes we are in doubt about our abilities and decisions. But friends will never doubt you. They will be there to encourage you to move forward in life. 

No matter how difficult a task may be to achieve, they will push you to overcome all the obstacles and accomplish that task. Our family loves us because we share blood. But friends love us without any such condition. They give us unconditional love without expecting anything in return. Whenever you need them they will be with you no matter what the situation is. They will always be there to support you. You will only get this type of love from your family. We share the most amazing relationship with our friends and the times spent with them become the most memorable ones in our lives. Friends are one of the valuable assets of life.

Friendship helps you build one another and can aid you in overcoming your fears and achieving the goals of your life. Many times, in life, there are some fears that stop people from striving for what they desire. Friends push you out of your comfort zone so you can learn new things. I personally feel that Hope and friendship are the two most eternal parts of every human being. These are not mere values but these are the reasons for which any person lives. Friendship and Hope are interconnected. When Hope pushes you forward from within then a friend also pushes you from outside and helps you to fight all the odds and come back as a winner.

Swabhi Parmar

The Fabindia School

spr4fab@gmail.com

Simplicity and Trust - Bloom BHIS

                            Simplicity and Trust

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”― Corrie ten Boom

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, lived a man who had complete faith in God. One night as he slept soundly,  a loud noise woke him up. When he opened his eyes, he saw that his room was filled with light. Just then God appeared before him, showed him a large rock outside his house and told him to push it with all his might. 

Next morning when the man woke up, he remembered his dream. He went outside and was surprised to find the rock outside his door. Obedient as he was, he pushed it with all his might; but was not able to move it. However, the man did not give up; instead every day he would push the rock with all his might.

For many years he toiled from sun up to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of that large rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin, sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain as the rock did not seem to have moved the tiniest bit after so many years. Not seeing any progress, the man started to feel discouraged. Just then devil showed up in his dream and said, “ You have been pushing that rock for a long time but it hasn’t moved! Why do you go through all that pain? It’s impossible to move that gigantic rock. It is better to leave it at this and live an easy life", saying this the devil disappeared.

  

The man was disheartened but did not turn away from his beliefs. He decided to pray to God and tell Him about his troubled thoughts. He prayed, “I have laboured long and hard in your service, putting in all of my strength in what you have asked me to do. Yet, after all this time, I have not even made the rock budge by millimetre. What am I doing wrong?? Why am I failing?” 

Just then God appeared and said, “My child, I asked you to serve me and you accepted it unquestioningly. I told you to push the rock but I never said that I expected you to move it! Your task was to push and after all these years, you think you have failed. But is it really so? Look at yourself, your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Facing opposition you have grown and your abilities now surpass those you had before. You haven’t moved the rock, but your calling was to be obedient and to push, to Exercise your Faith and Trust in My Wisdom. This you have done.”

Moral: At times when we face difficulties in life, we should just trust in God and Push. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains but know that it is still God who moves mountains.

- BLOOM BHIS@ Billabong High International School, Thane. 
Priya Wagle, Manisha Joshi, Rinku Lapasia, Savita Rane, Ranjana Solanki, Sharanjeet Kaur, Manjit Kaur. 

Dream comes true

This is my life's wonderful experience of learning to drive a Scooty at the age of thirty. I was just eight years old when I first learned to ride a bicycle. For three years continuously I and my cousins went to a cycle shop and brought cycles on rent of fifty paise per hour every Saturday and Sunday. These were the only days when we were allowed for cycling. We always enjoyed this because it gave us so much joy that we used to forget all our stress, sadness and other stuff. This really made our weekend.

My family is an orthodox family. One day my father said that now you are in class Eight and you should have the responsibility for your studies and also help your mother in the kitchen. For that, you will have to stop going for cycling on the weekends and learn some household work with the help of your mother. For me, it was really very difficult to agree that. But I couldn't deny my father's order and I had to leave cycling. This really made me feel so unhappy that I didn't perform well during my Eighth Exams. Anyhow, I passed my Tenth Board Exams with only sixty-two percentage. Later on, my father said that till Tenth you have studied and this is enough and no need to pursue further studies because in our family no girl child was allowed for higher education.

At the age of nineteen I got married and settled well but one of my pending dream was to ride a Scooty. I told my husband that I often see in my dreams that I am riding a Scooty. He said you should fulfill your dreams and he really helped in pursuing studies further and also he bought me a new Scooty. For me, it was really a dream come true. But at that time I thought that I had left cycling long back and how will I be able to balance the Scooty. Then my husband really supported me and he just taught me to drive within a week. It made me so happy. I am not dependent on anyone, now my aim is to learn a four wheeler. So learning can happen in any age.

Kavitha Devda
Educator at The Fabindia School

Email kda4fab@gmail.com

My Vision, My Dream – By Girja Koul

“Children have the ability to take ownership of their learning and develop and explore their curiosity.”

My vision as a person is to contribute towards the society for positive things, positive change. As a person, I want to experience a change in the society through education, culture and values. My vision is that we must understand the child’s potentialities, his abilities, his aptitude and many other things. My vision is that I wish to dedicate my life towards this work for society, particularly through education.

My experience of my life’s vision has been amazing for the last few years. I have been focussing on my goals. Changes are happening in my school DBN, and it’s amazing to learn new things about my profession and find new clarity to achieve my goals. It’s an incredible period of my life.

As a teacher, over the years, I have practiced every day to learn one new word, one new thought from my students. This practice has changed my life’s vision for good! I started to practice this because of a student in my class – every day this child used to come to me with a new question, new thought or idea. He would ask me, “Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? (Why does this happen this way?)” That child’s habit became my habit! I’m very thankful to my school for giving me the opportunity for this learning.

It’s important for me to achieve my vision because I feel if I don’t make an effort towards it I’ll not grow. How our life process moves on. So to complete my mission, I feel I need to focus on my goal, in my profession as a teacher. I want to be dedicated towards my mission and keep striving towards success. I have gained clarity about my vision, and so I believe I’ll achieve my goal.

I’m a teacher in Jammu – a region with not many sources of quality education and not many opportunities for learning for teachers. We need better educational resources in Jammu because of its unique socio-political context. It’s possible to pass on my vision to my students through the subjects I teach. I believe that my view will help my students to realize their visions and find a purpose for themselves in the world. I want to continue being an honest, dedicated and good learner.

At DBN Amarvilla, there are days when resource persons, trainers get to converse with teachers on their vision and dreams. Our series titled ‘My Vision, My Dream’ is all about the aspirations of our teachers ever ready to embark on a journey of learning, exploration and self-discovery.

Girja Koul is a senior teacher with decades of experience at DBN Amarvilla School in Jammu; you can contact her by email av@dbntrust.in, please.