Me Too? No Thank You!

A term I first became aware of whilst studying advertising & marketing, decades before its more mainstream interpretation, symbolising sexual harassment in recent parlance. Most marketers invest a lot of time & effort in liberating their brands from the forgettable trap of ‘yet another generic’ and try to cast, or recast, their labels as noticeable, memorable, clutter-breaking icons. Examples that spring to mind include Colgate, Xerox & Maggi, which have dominated collective consciousness to the extent that it has made it almost impossible for other brands to find a place!

 

The analogies we can draw from this realm of ad & marketing, juxtaposed with us human individuals, and the benefits that can be derived are staggering. Which individual wouldn’t want to be as distinctly top-of-mind recall for a critical mass of people in the same way as Colgate!

 

In an age of cloning, sameness, and a desperate need to belong and be accepted, more and more individuals are conforming. Either to family, society, cohorts and peer groups, sometimes compromising certain ideals, at other times, refashioning their beliefs to fit in with the popular majority. 

 

How then is an individual to truly stand out, stand apart, make an impact, and not be entirely swallowed by and lost in the mire of me-tooness? By applying certain marketing fundamentals.

 

On some prior occasions when I have suggested this, and I even use a few of these tools to great effect (If I may say so myself) in my psychological counselling sessions, I have been accused of robbing some of the authenticity from a deep & inward self-reflective excavation to unearth one’s true purpose. I appreciate that concern. My submission however, is that given a scenario in which, for the most part, there is no journey taking place at all, inward, outward, explorative, introspective; at least through what I am suggesting, a young person can build an ‘outward’ differentiated brand-identity for the self – and who knows, through that process, even stumble upon some genuine insights!

 

Which brings me to the simple tool I’d like to share in and through this little write-up. It is essentially a mildly revised version of a fairly standardised and commonplace Marketing Exercise called a SWOT Analysis – adapted by me to better suit a human individual rather than an inanimate brand.

Driveway Devi Life-Guidance Counselling Client SWOT-ANALYSIS

Let us begin with a basic SWOT Analysis of the Self. SWOT, as you might know, elaborates on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats. To help you get started, I am sharing a SWOT analysis of myself in the table below:

Strengths	Communication Skills	Empathy	People’s Skills
Weaknesses	Erratic Mental Health/Moods	Erratic Physical Health	Tendency To Procrastinate
Opprtunities	Social-Emotional Learning Curricula at Schools	Therapeutic Communications Programs at Corporations	Mental Health Content
Threats	Deficit of Will/Time at Schools, Colleges, Corporations	Artificial Intelligence	Established Players

Conclusions:

1. Partnering with a well-regarded, allied organisation that will boost the national profile
2. Tapping into networks of alma mater, clubs and other individuals I’m friendly with
3. Greater focus on steady medication, diet & exercise for longevity & stability of physical & mental health
4. Advocacy of AI-related deficits in the realm of Mental Health & Social Emotional Learning
5. Proprietary Annual Property that becomes synonymous with Mental-Health + DD + Kartik 

You will notice that in the above sample of my own SWOT Analysis, I have written 3 Strengths, 3 Weaknesses, 3 Opportunities and 3 Threats. I have then carefully analysed these findings and written a 5 Point Conclusion, with specific Steps to best capitalise on the Strengths & Opportunities whilst mitigating the negative impact of the Weaknesses & Threats. 

Kartik Bajoria – Founder, Driveway Devi Life Guidance

Member Good Schools Alliance

Turmoil to Triumph: Masterclass Saturday March 15, 2025

Chapter 18  Turmoil to Triumph: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala

Q1. "Education must enable young people to effect what they have recognized to be right, despite hardships, dangers, skepticism, boredom, and mockery from the world." – Kurt Hahn

How can educators empower students to stand by their values and make the right choices, even when faced with hardships, skepticism, or societal pressure?

Q2. Miracles happen when people trust in their abilities. What strategies can educators use to help students develop inner confidence, trust their abilities, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth?

Q3. Setbacks and struggles often pave the way for growth and success. How can educators shift students' mindsets to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than obstacles? What strategies can reinforce the idea that resilience and perseverance lead to long-term success?

Q4. "We were at the right time, in the right place, and in the right field." Was it sheer luck, or were they keen observers? How can educators help students develop the skill of noticing opportunities rather than relying on luck? 

Chat messages:

17:31:00 From Isha Kashyap to Host and panelists:

Good evening sir

18:04:43 From Priyanka Soni to Host and panelists:

Wow, that's an excellent msg, sir

18:05:57 From ila gautam to Host and panelists:

Today, education has turned out to be a business, leaving true educationists with struggles

18:08:53 From Anita Dhar to Host and panelists:

Business gives a lead when it has ethics or pure intentions along with profits.

18:20:44 From Asham Patil to Host and panelists:

Great session

18:21:00 From Ritu Agrawal to Host and panelists:

Good 👍

18:21:11 From Lakhwinder Kaur to the Host and panelists:

👍

18:21:15 From Rajwinder Kaur to Host and panelists:

Thank u sir

18:21:27 From Vidyotma Singh to Host and panelists:

thankyou

18:21:27 From Lakhwinder Kaur to the Host and panelists:

Thanks sir👍👍👍

18:22:36 From Vidyotma Singh to Host and panelists:

Thankyou Sir

Next week on Saturday, we will read Chapter 19, The Education Lab.

Podcast : Tom and Jerry by Reeta Tiwari, Sanyogita Dubey and Sneha Singh

Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur  

       Life is all about Tom and Jerry tales 

Life is often compared to many things, but today, I see it as Tom and our challenges as Jerry. Just like Tom tirelessly chases Jerry, we too face challenges that test our patience, creativity, and determination. Yet, it’s in this chase that we grow stronger and wiser. Let’s delve deeper into this interesting perspective together."

Yes, challenges are a part of life and can be an opportunity to grow and learn.

However, challenges can be difficult to deal with and can be demotivating. It can take physical, mental, and emotional strength to accept, work around, and overcome challenges. 

Overcoming obstacles and challenges is a fundamental part of life. Without adversity, we would never learn or grow as individuals. Every time we face a difficult situation, we have the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and develop our resilience.

Now I would like to conclude with a famous quote

Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” 

This is all from Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur side.

 Thank you and Jai Hind

Reeta Tiwari 
Sanyogita Dubey
Sneha Singh

Courage and Patience - Shalini Solanki

A Fearful Student

I had an experience with a fearful student in my class during this session. This student was new in the school and was struggling to settle in the classroom. He would not speak or respond to anyone in the class. I had to remind him to submit his things to me or eat during the lunch break. He would never share anything in circle time or enjoy any co-curricular activities. I observed him for a few days and thought of speaking to his mother to know about him. I gave a routine call to his mother. To my surprise, I got to know different attitudes of this child from his mother. I got an idea about his discomfort and challenges in the class.

The next day I went to my class and started speaking to him about my personal life, likes and dislikes. Some other students also started discussing with their friends and family members. He then said about his friends and teachers from his previous school. I asked him to sit with his peers and try to make friends. I sensitized other students by taking a story about ‘The first day in my new school’ and discussed the difficulties that can be faced by any child who joins a new school. I asked the new child about him not getting involved with other students and activities. He told me that he is scared of the new environment and teachers. He thought his teachers would scold him if he was going to ask anything in the class or give wrong answers. He observed the happy faces of his teachers and peers and how comfortable everybody seemed to be with one another. He started taking the initiative, laughing, sharing and discussing in the school. He made many friends. I saw a totally different personality in this child. He was intelligent, attentive, and expressive, and his writing was praiseworthy. Everybody in the class helped this new child to overcome his fear. He was ultimately settled and happy.

My advice to educators:

1. Try to identify the problem of a child.
2. Speak to him/ her and try to solve the problem.
3. Sensitize students and create an environment of acceptance.
4. Give time and help the new child overcome his/ her fear
5. Make the classroom environment happy and welcoming.
6. Don’t jump to any conclusion.

An Impatient Student

There are many reasons for an impatient behaviour social, emotional, physical and mental. I experienced such behaviour in my class a few years ago. A student was always in a hurry to complete every task. He would never wait for his turn and always used to leave his written work incomplete. Even after regular reminders, he continued with the same attitude. He was an intelligent child, but the quality of work was impacted because he was in a hurry and did not complete it with patience. Once, during the circle time discussion, he shared that he doesn’t want to wait or write for whatever he knows already. He was impatient because he wished to challenge his work. He would want to wait to answer the questions unknown to him and write his own ideas rather than writing something discussed in the class. He was always excited to help others in their work. So I asked him to help his peers with their problems but only after finishing his work neatly. That way, his work was completed, and his curiosity was cared for. He was more than happy to help others and find ways to explain things to his peers.

My advice to educators:

1. Try to identify the problem of a child.

2. Some children need challenges. Teachers must give them opportunities.

3. Keep motivating your students.

Shalini Solanki

Gyanshree School
JOL Cohort 2022

Be Your Own Motivation - Monika Vaishnav

Do not give up in any situation,

Fight with it and be your own motivation.

Accept the truth, accept what you are,

Then you will gain confidence every hour.

Life is always full of opportunities,

Start your day with little activities.

Do not bother about what people say,

Do something that makes your day.

Value the life and make it meaningful,

Spread love and make it colourful.

Think positive, and you'll find something new,

Your view will be changed for what you already knew.

Live the life the way you want to live,

Give happiness how much you can give.

There will be sorrows, there will be frustration,

Handle things the way you could become an illustration.

Forget the past, forget what have you lost,

Or else your future has to pay the cost.

If you try, you will definitely see a ray of hope,

God never gives troubles without giving a scope.

Break the mental walls and do what you want,

It's your life; you can write it in any font.

Work on making the best version of yours,

It's only your willpower, no other cures.

Live the way, you can be an inspiration,

Listen to your heart and be your own motivation

- Monika Vaishnav

The Fabindia School

mvv@fabindiaschools.in

Hope and Friendship - Achievers JMMS

Jones Salk said, "Hope lies in the dreams, in imagination and in the courage of those who dare to make their dreams into reality".

Hope is expecting something to happen. It is the feeling of trust. 

Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It is not something you learn in school. A true friend is the one who is with you in your tough situations and time. 

This story about hope and friendship shows the understanding of the teacher towards the child. The teacher puts effort into not making the child feel lonely and upset in the class.

                                 

Achievers JMMS at the John Martyn Memorial School, Salangaon, Dehradun  - Sweta Thapli, Meena Kukreti, Dolly Pharasi, Jyoti Joshi and Nisha Pundir

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

Believe in Yourself - Swabhi Parmar

Courtesy: https://images.app.goo.gl/JGZJPT1j8pXNKRDN9

We could all do with a little more self-belief. Well, that is because: Nothing can be done without believing in yourself first.

True, they are a lot of factors that will contribute to your success but the biggest factor that will determine whether you achieve something significant or not is self-belief.

How much of what you will achieve will mostly depend on how much you believe in your abilities. And yet most of us, me included, often lack self-belief during the times when we need it the most.

We could all do with a little more self-belief. Well, that is because: Nothing can be done without believing in yourself first. True, they are a lot of factors that will contribute to your success but the biggest factor that will determine whether you achieve something significant or not is self-belief. How much of what you will achieve will mostly depend on how much you believe in your abilities. And yet most of us, me included, often lack self-belief during the times when we need it the most. Rather than having unshakable confidence, we often allow doubt and insecurities to easily shake our resolve and make us believe that we are not capable of achieving whatever it is we have set out to do.

I can clearly understand why that is the case, we all do something wrong quite a number of times in our life span and this will make us question our abilities. We know it and we have been told so on numerous occasions. But then again, we also do a lot of things right too. And this is a fact that we often forget. We all have shortcomings and strengths but most times on our journey in life, our brain will choose to believe the negative, the shortcomings, and the anxiety and so on instead of choosing to believe in our natural ability to overcome all our obstacles. And because they may have failed or are currently struggling to succeed, people will often point out your faults and constantly remind you of your failures. Couple all that with jealousy, it will be very hard for you to find someone who genuinely believes in you especially if you do not have any record of public success.

It is no wonder why most of us are lacking in self-belief. But, as stated earlier if you won't achieve anything worthwhile: You have to believe in yourself first before anyone else ever does. And you have to do it more than anyone else ever will. A lack of belief in yourself will limit you no matter how great the ideas or opportunities are that you are exposed to.

Fortunately for us, believing in yourself is a skill that can be learned. The only catch is that ‘it takes time’.

Here are a few other reasons why you should believe in yourself first. It is the first step to success. How else will you take the first step towards your goals if you don’t even believe you will do it? The biggest most important questions that you will have to answer at the beginning of your journey are mostly about self-belief.

Am I capable of achieving this? Can I really do it? Can my idea really work? Once you really believe that you can do it, you will find a way to make it work. You will navigate through all the problems and get up when you fail. No idea will work for every person on the planet, but many ideas can work for most people … if you believe that you can make them work. You have to be willing to not just think differently, but to also to experiment with new ideas and trust that you’ll discover a way to make them work.

Believing in yourself is the first step to success.

Courtesy Source: https://medium.com/@cshikati/why-you-need-to-believe-in-yourself-more-than-anyone-else-does-d64e78fc25ec

Swabhi Parmar

The Fabindia School

spr@fabindiaschools.in

Technology - Shivani Rao

Courtesy: comstar.com pk

Technology in education and the right devices in students’ hands helps prepare them with the career and technical skills they need to be successful today and in tomorrow’s workforce. Relevant learning experiences in STEAM can inspire creativity, help students apply meaning to their learning, and prepare them for future career opportunities and jobs that haven’t even been created yet. 

Specific skills in coding, programming, physical computing, and computational thinking have become common requirements in the workforce. Though making, students can gain these skills and hone their problem solving and critical thinking skills for the 21st century. Learning by doing with maker mindsets and environments can be very engaging when designed and integrated with the right technology. 

https://www.intel.in/content/www/in/en/education/technology-in-education-for-learning-and teaching.html 

Shivani Rao
sro@fabindiaschools.in
The Fabindia School

World Cities Day - Kusum Sharma

The 31st of October is celebrated as World Cities Day. The aim is to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, enhance cooperation among countries and cities in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contribute to sustainable urban development. The overall World Cities Day theme is Better City, Better Life.   However, every year a different sub-theme is selected. The sub-theme is in such a way to either promote the success of urbanization or address specific challenges from urbanization. 

Significance

The theme is selected to discuss how urbanization can be used to achieve sustainable development. It aims at implementing the New Urban Agenda.

New Urban Agenda

The New Urban Agenda was adopted in Quito, Ecuador at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in 2016. The conference is also known as the Habitat Conference. The Agenda set global standards for the way the cities are to be built, managed and inhabited. Also, it aims at implementing SDG 11 which deals with making human cities and towns inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

The Habitat conferences happen once in every 20 years. The habitat I was organized in Vancouver in 1976, Habitat II in Istanbul in 1996 and Habitat III in Quito in 2016.

Need

Over half of the world populations now live in cities. The number is to double by 2050. It possesses great challenges related to the environment, housing, infrastructure, climate change, basic services, infrastructure, food security, jobs, education, safety and natural resources. 

Courtesy- https://www.unenvironment.org/events/un-day/world-cities-day

Kusum Sharma

The Fabindia School

ksa@fabindiaschools.in

National Wildlife Day - Rahul Kumar Thakur

National Wildlife Day on September 4th encourages improved awareness of the species around us and in the broader world. This National Day focuses on endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.

No matter where you live, opportunities abound to learn and participate in the day. Wildlife doesn’t only exist in the forest or outside the city limits. Look closely. The creatures and animals sharing our world live under our feet and in the sky above us. Our rivers, lakes and oceans are teeming with wildlife of all sizes. It’s essential to understand how we impact the habitats that animals need to survive. Their homes supply their food and shelter.

The animals and plants that live in the wild have an intrinsic value and contribute to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of human well-being and to sustainable development.

The year 2020, known as “biodiversity super year,” will host several major global events that place biodiversity at the forefront. It provides a unique opportunity to deliver transformation progress for the conservation and sustainable use of the species of wild animals and plants.

Rahul Kumar Thakur
The Fabindia School, Bali
rtr@fabindiaschools.in

Small Scale Industry Day - Bharti Rao

India is a land of festivals where several events, important days are celebrated with full enthusiasm. All the days have their own importance. Small Industry Day is celebrated every year on 30th August. This day is celebrated with the aim of promoting Small Industry and providing employment opportunities to the unemployed. A small industry has an important role in economic development in a developing country like India. Keeping in mind the strategic importance in the overall economic development of India, special emphasis has been given to the need for the development of small scale sector.

The civilization and culture of the country are protected through Small Industry. Art and traditional goods are mostly produced by small industries and mostly these industries are based on labour-intensive technology, which reinforces the spirit of mutual goodwill, equality and fraternity in the industries.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a game-changer for the majority of small scale industries.. It has changed the way they behave and perceive things. Many of their habits have changed. They are experiencing a new world altogether. This unexpected and adverse shift in habits and mindset has impacted the economies heavily. Many have taken a bad hit. But in some cases, the results are exponentially positive. So the adaptability and creative decision making will play a key role in the sustainability of the enterprises.

The workers have turned digitalized and they have adapted themselves to new skills and have upgraded themselves. The most important factor is that they have taken a step to be self-reliant and increase their growth by establishing small scale cottage industries. The trend of policy support from the government for the small industry will be helpful and favourable for the development of small enterprise-class.

Bharti Rao

The Fabindia School

bro@fabindiaschools.in

Technology and Education - Jitendra Suthar

Technology education is the study of technology, in which our students "learn about the processes and knowledge related to technology”. As a field of study, it covers one’s ability to meet all the needs, by manipulating materials and tools with techniques. It shows the disconnected relation between wide usage and the lack of knowledge about the technical components of technologies used and how to fix them.

Technology can deliver new educational opportunities for everyone. It offers great opportunities to transform global education at any age level. Technology is continuously developing at a rapid pace and access to technologies such as mobile phones and the internet is increased.

In schools around the world, computers, tablets, smart whiteboards, and other technological devices are being used as part of the learning process. Technology provides a window to the world and access to thousands of learning resources. Learning to stay connected with technologies and using computer coding gives children the skills and confidence to help them get good jobs when they leave school - and in turn, come up with more new technologies.

The number of children around the world using handheld devices, like mobile phones and mini-tablets, is growing. Agencies and organizations are taking advantage of the technology to deliver education where it is most needed.

Technology can be used as a tool for delivering education where it is most needed, especial in humanitarian emergencies such as war or natural disasters.

Students need to be learning the skills necessary for the jobs that have yet to be created Technology can deliver education in places other than a traditional classroom - particularly during humanitarian emergencies such as conflict, natural disasters or epidemics like COVID19.

Jitendra Suthar

The Fabindia School

jsr@fabindiaschools.in

Making Thinking Visible - Bharti Rao

Life as a teacher begins when we realize that we are learners. Learning is a lifelong process

which continues until the end. The period of COVID -19 has given ample opportunities to the Educators to enrich themselves in many ways through webinars, workshops, personal development programs and training. This experiential learning has brought a great change in them and also helped them to bring in a transition in their kids too. 

  

Transition in Kids from ‘I can’t do it!’ to be proactive that ‘I can do !’ is necessary. For this it is necessary for students to think why they are stuck and what should they do to get out of this? For this, they need to learn to think about their own thinking. This can only be possible with the proper guidance from elders. Teaching reading to students will help to make thinking visible. 

How can students’ thinking be made visible? This can be made visible by reflecting on our thoughts. Reflecting and thinking are a powerful tool which helps a student to overcome obstacles, be more resilient and successful. Educators should organize activities and give a text to them to read. After reading the text the student needs to relate it with any instance similar to it. 

Then he needs to think and answer the questions so the best ways to think is by reading, listening, questioning and documenting. This helps a student to make his thinking visible and understand his learning. Some examples of to think visible are field trips, learning through theatre,   engaging activities, exploring etc. 

Courtesy:  Re-Orienting English Curriculum by U Catapult

Bharti Rao

The Fabindia School

bro@fabindiaschools.in

Freedom and Peace - Monika Vaishnav

Freedom means the absence of restrictions. Freedom is where you can think what you want, you can do what you want without harming others, you can go where you want to without stopping others, you can speak what you feel and you can live the way you want.  Freedom makes us fearless and confident in life. It gives satisfaction and peace to mind. 

Freedom in life makes it cheerful. Freedom gives wings to our thoughts which are in our minds. But we all must respect the freedom we have and we should never take advantage of it to take away others freedom or rights. As we must remember that our rights end where other people's rights begin. Freedom should be within ourselves. It should be in mind and soul. 

Without freedom, our life will be like a puppet. If you want to be yourself and explore things, you must think freely.  We should never misuse the freedom we have. Freedom should be to make people live their lives happily and spread peace.  Freedom should be taken in a positive way which helps people to explore themselves and create new opportunities in life.  It never gives us any right to create noise or disturbance in other's life. 

Peace is essential to living a happy and healthy life. Peace is the state of relaxation or lack of anxiety. We must have patience and tolerance to spread peace. Without peace, our life will be restless. Our desires have no end, so we should learn to be happy with whatever we have and keep trying to fulfil our wishes with patience. 

Monika Vaishnav

The Fabindia School

mvv4fab@gmail.com

Simplicity and Trust - Swabhi Parmar

Living simply entails stripping away the nonessential and focusing your time and energy on the things that matter the most. When you simplify, you’re left with a life filled with meaning, a life that is lived on your own terms. You have the time and space to pursue your interests and to create the life you truly desire. If you are simple in your life then you tend to have more opportunities in life. You can make your life simpler when you have the ability to make simple decisions. A simple person usually wins the trust of any person in any situation. A simple individual can be a trustworthy person. So these two values have a special meaning in life. 

It is often in the most simple things that we find true happiness. Living a simple lifestyle allows you to see the reality of the situation more easily. Your mind is less stressed because it has less to worry about. It is easier to make a wise decision when you know your principles in life. You only say yes when you can and firmly say no when you can’t or don’t want to. It’s easier to focus on the other person when your life is simpler.

The interaction is also sincerer since you’re free of the need to impress them. Choose people in your life whom you can really trust. If the level of trust is low in a relationship or organization, people limit their involvement and what they are willing to do or share. They might think to themselves, “This is all you deserve,” or, “This is as all I am willing to give.” In contrast, when the trust level is high, people reward it by giving more. But, more often than not, people feel that their distrust is not safe to share. So a leader or loved one may be slow to discover that they have lost a person’s trust. 

To be effective, a leader must earn the trust of his or her constituents to ensure their participation and allegiance. Indeed, any successful relationship — whether it’s the leader to follower, consultant or coach to the client or the relationship between spouses, siblings and friends — relies on a level of trust that must be earned. Yet even trust that is earned can be quickly lost and cannot be quickly regained. If members of a team or relationship lose trust in each other, it takes a great deal of work to restore it. People are not quick to reinvest in a relationship where trust has been broken. They generally move on. So yes, trust can be blended with simplicity. If you have simple desires and choices in life then you have the power of controlling your lifestyle, expenses etc and you can be a great partner in a relationship with anybody in the course of life.

- Swabhi Parmar, The Fabindia School

Happiness and Tolerance - Kusum Sharma

Values are very important for everyone because they help us to live a respectful life and play a key role in our overall development. Happiness is a sense of well-being and joy and helps in leading a satisfying life. Happiness for me is being surrounded in a positive and joyous environment. For example, if all the students near me are enjoying and happy, I feel happy.

If happiness is all around us than educators are better connected with children and as a result learning process becomes easier. Nowadays students are pressurized by the parents to excel in academics, leaving behind all other important things like sports, skills etc. which ultimately led them to live pressurized life at a very young age.

Educators can be a game-changer in this scenario by connecting with each student personally and create a healthy competitive environment as well as most importantly help them to find their passion. There are more ways to reduce their pressure like engaging them in skill, service and sports activities. If a person is happy then it's easier for him to be tolerant and can accept everything with patience. If a person is tolerant he will be respecting others opinion in spite of quickly judging them. There are a few ways to foster tolerance in students. Children should be felt special, safe and loved, and also by creating learning opportunities about a new place, people and culture will make them tolerant.

To create happiness and Tolerance in The Fabindia School, we teachers are connected with the students individually, respect their opinion and have given them to choose any skill activities through clubs and societies. And also lots of sports events are organised to foster tolerance in them.

Kusum Sharma

The Fabindia School

Sharmila Vijayvargi: LET’S WRITE

Writing is about communication. Being able to share one’s ideas through words, drawing or written expressions is writing. Writing is powerful and motivating and is an amazing experience for children and adults alike. 

Writing is a developmental process that children become more proficient at over time and with practice. Children’s initial attempts are often through drawings but in time they progress to include words and sentences. It is important for children’s over all academic as well holistic growth and development and also boosts an individual’s self esteem. 

Children need opportunities to express themselves through writing every day from the first day of school to the last. It is thus pertinent to provide children with a variety of writing experiences to support the following stages and help scaffold their learning:

1. Communication through their drawing 

2. Addition of scribbles to imitate writing they see

3. Extension of scribbles into characters like and  letter like formations

4. Creation of letter strings

5. Use of developing knowledge of sound symbol correspondence to label their drawings

6.Writing that can be recognized by others.  

Writing also helps groom oneself as an effective communicator. Writing equips us with communication and thinking skills. Writing expresses who we are as people. Writing makes our thinking and learning visible and permanent.