It’s all about helping teachers, educators, and students access the tools they need to embrace the joy of learning, including reading and critical thinking.
I’m back from the My Good School Retreat (April 2025), and I must say — I’ve returned to the place where it all began. This year’s retreat was a beautiful blend of meaningful impact and timeless fun. Now, as I wander through the beloved landscape of my hometown — a place I’ve returned to for a long, soulful vacation — memories keep flooding in like monsoon rain.
Just the day before yesterday, while we were on our way to the majestic Ranakpur Jain Temple, a friend brought up a hilarious, nostalgic moment. It was from one of the earlier MGS Retreats when they used to be hosted at The Fabindia School. We’d gone to eat at a nearby restaurant — joyfully carefree as students — only to face a minor storm the next day when the school received the bill. Oh, the expressions on everyone’s faces! That single memory brought back an entire season of laughter, learning, and camaraderie.
These retreats have always been more than events. They are gatherings of minds and hearts, places where friendships bloom and ideas travel faster than trains. Back in 2018, we hosted Mayo College Girl's School, Ajmer and MGD (Maharani Gayatri Devi School Girl's School), Jaipur. In 2019, Life Express Unschool Dehradun and The Iconic School, Bhopal joined us. We escorted them through the region — sharing stories, thoughts, food, and moments of pure joy. We didn’t just welcome them; we walked with them, side by side, as learners and leaders. It was leisure with a purpose, fun with depth, and learning in its most joyful form.
Today, as I sit in the quiet of my room and count the editions, I realise I’ve witnessed all five physical retreats:
Two at The Fabindia School,
One at The Doon Girls School,
And now two at Arthur Foot Academy, including the most recent one.
Yes — all five. Even Mr. Dutt (though might playfully protest) he has only been to three. I’m not that old — I just started early.
I’ll never forget 2023 — the year I became the lone ranger. A freshly graduated schoolboy, I boarded a train alone from Falna to Dehradun, heading into the unknown. I had promised Hukam I’d take every precaution. It was an 18-hour journey — and I received calls nearly every hour, with well-wishers showing up at almost every station. My co-passengers were convinced I was some kind of VIP!
But perhaps the most hilarious moment came at the end. Exhausted upon reaching Dehradun, I was escorted to my hotel and fell into such deep sleep that I didn’t hear the EBD staff knocking... for four hours. Eventually, they had to use the master key to open the door — and there I was, snoring away. We still laugh about it. But that retreat taught me so much. It was a hard first step, but one that filled me with confidence. After that, I didn’t just attend retreats — I began managing them (Mr.Dutt must confirm that)
And God had been great in the form of my mentors: Mr. Dutt, Mr. Jugjiv, And the “Master’s Master” — Mr. RP.
From being an escort boy in the early days to now becoming one of the people trusted to manage an entire retreat — it’s been a journey of growing up in the most meaningful way.
It’s not easy being young and being trusted, but I’ve been fortunate to find people who believed in me. This year, at Arthur Foot Academy, it felt like a new chapter — a new playground — a place where old dreams evolved and new ones were born.
And as I galavant through the golden dust and green fields of my hometown, my heart is full. Of memories. Of mentors Love. Of moments that turned into milestones.
Enjoy the Summer and stay hydrated.
Kunal Rajpurohit Fellow & Analyst Learning Forward India Foundation
Every morning at The Fabindia School, as we stood in assembly, our voices rose in unison, singing Hum Honge Kamiyab. It was more than just a song; it was a promise—a hope we carried in our hearts. It felt almost like our school anthem, a close substitute for the official school song.
One day, while walking out of school, I noticed something above the exit gate—a green archway that welcomed students, covered in thick climbers and the ever-flourishing karonda tree. Its deep green leaves remained fresh throughout the year, providing an incredible, shaded pathway. But what made it even more exciting were the small, tangy karonda fruits that ripened at just the right time—perfect for students to pluck and enjoy at the beginning of every new term. The entrance wasn't just a passage; it was a memory, a ritual, a place of shared laughter.
But that day, something else caught my eye. Painted in bold letters above the gate were the words HUM HONGE KAMIYAB.
A gentleman (Mr Sandeep Dutt, then the chairman of the Trust that operates the school) in the assembly, addressing the students, told us, "Every time you pass through this gate," he announced, "say these words in your heart. Carry their meaning forward."
I was in Class 6 then, and while the message was inspiring, something about it unsettled me.
A Question That Wouldn't Leave Me
Why just Hum Honge Kamiyab? Where was the rest of the song? And more importantly—why Hum and not Main?
That evening, at home, I shared my thoughts with MaaSa. “Why do we say Hum Honge Kamiyab instead of Main Hounga Kamiyab?” I asked, my young mind wrestling with the thought: Does saying "Hum" make us sound like royalty, speaking in plural like the kings of old?
And then, something else bothered me. The sign above the gate had Honge instead of Hoga. As a typical Rajasthani, I naturally tended to replace "we" with "I," I wondered if the painter had done the same, making a grammatical mistake. A small part of me wished my Hindi teacher, Ms. Rajeshwari, had noticed it. With her red pen, I imagined her circling the words and making us write them correctly ten times over. But then, I realized—maybe she hadn't spotted it because she didn't have a tall ladder to reach the sign! And I certainly didn't dare to point it out to her.
Days passed, but the question remained unanswered.
The Answer That Changed My Perspective
Then, one day, I found my chance. During a Student Council and Editorial Board meeting, I sat across from Ms. Deepika Tandon, our principal. I finally asked her:
"Ma'am, why do we say Hum Honge Kamiyab instead of Main Hounga Kamiyab?"
She leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful smile on her lips. She simply observed me momentarily as if deciding how best to answer. Then she said:
"Kunal, when you become successful, it's never just about you. Your success is tied to the people around you—your teachers, your friends, the driver bhaiya who picks you up daily, the Bai Ji who cleans the school, the librarian who helps you find books and even the gatekeeper who watches over the school. When you succeed, all of them succeed in some way, too. Your journey is never yours alone. That's why it's Hum Honge Kamiyab—because success is a collective effort, not an individual one."
That day, something shifted within me. Schools, education, and life are not shaped by a single person. It takes a community. The teachers in the classroom, the staff in the background, even the smallest contributions—each one plays a role in shaping a student.
From Main to Hum, my perspective changed.
Now, I remember those words whenever I walk through a school gate. Success is never alone. It belongs to everyone who walks the journey with us.
And I hope, one day, I will make the same journey.
My Good School: Where Passion Meets Education, by Sandeep Dutt and published by Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd. Read with us every Friday afternoon.
Quick recap
Sandeep led a discussion on the importance of continuous learning and leadership in education, emphasizing the role of principals and teachers as chief learning leaders. He highlighted essential qualities for educators, including integrity, empathy, and the ability to inspire, while stressing the need for a balanced approach to teaching and administrative responsibilities. The session also covered the significance of mentorship, effective communication, and relationship-building in creating a positive learning environment, with Sandeep encouraging participants to engage in regular reading, reflection, and professional development activities.
Next steps
• Minakshi will note down and remind Sandeep about discussing the book "Schools That Learn" in a future session.
• All participants are encouraged to subscribe to the GSI (Good Schools of India) Journal at gsi. in for weekly updates and session recaps.
• Vidyotma will share the registration information for the Friday session with teachers in her school.
• All participants are to plan to attend the Friday sessions at 5:30 PM for reading and reflection.
• All participants are to look out for the addition of art sessions on Fridays in the future.
Summary
Teacher Proficiencies and Life Purpose
Sandeep discusses the importance of teachers developing proficiencies in reading, art, poetry, and music to become better educators. He emphasizes the need for teachers to continually learn and reflect, comparing it to a daily necessity like eating. Sandeep also shared a passage about the importance of understanding one's purpose in life and the value of the human soul, encouraging the participants to consider why they were present at the session.
Principal's Role in School Leadership
Sandeep discussed the role of a principal as the chief learning leader in schools. He emphasized that the principal should lead by example, motivate, coach, inspire, teach, mentor, be a visionary, ensure teamwork, and lead by example. Sandeep also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and the need for a systems approach. He mentioned the book "Schools that Learn" by Peter Senge, which they plan to read after finishing "My Good School". Sandeep also discussed the limitations of the current schooling system, which Sandeep believes has commoditized education. He suggested that education should be viewed as an intangible wealth rather than a commodity.
Leading by Example in Education
Sandeep emphasized the importance of a chief learning leader being a learner, having good governance, and having active participation from all stakeholders. He highlighted the need for a leader to lead by example for teachers, students, and the community. Minakshi shared her teacher experience and the importance of leading by example, emphasizing the need for virtues and humility. Sandeep also mentioned the need for a leader to fulfill their purpose, otherwise they have done nothing.
Teacher's Role in School Leadership
Sandeep discussed the role of a teacher and principal in a school setting, emphasizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and creating a positive learning environment. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach encompassing teaching and administrative responsibilities. Sandeep also stressed the significance of effective communication and relationship-building with parents and the community. He concluded by encouraging continuous learning and setting higher standards for oneself, which he believes is essential for a successful learning leader.
Choosing the Right Mentor for Success
Sandeep discussed the importance of choosing a mentor rather than a monitor for a class. He emphasized that a mentor should be someone who can inspire, value their position, and commit to being disciplined. Sandeep also highlighted the challenges of finding the right mentor, such as peer pressure, physical strength, and academic performance. He suggested that a compassionate and loving individual would make the best mentor. Minakshi agreed, emphasizing the importance of empathy in a mentor. Sandeep concluded by mentioning a trophy for love and compassion at his school, suggesting that this quality is crucial for a good mentor.
School Leader Qualities and Student Mentors
Sandeep discussed the essential qualities of a school leader, emphasizing integrity, autonomy, group dynamics, human relations, positioning, and task effectiveness. He highlighted the importance of self-direction, trust, and valuing all individuals in creating a positive organizational environment. Sandeep also mentioned the role of student mentors in promoting a safer school environment and advancing the school's mission.
Introducing Right Side Story and Taurian World School
Sandeep introduced a new partner, Right Side Story, and welcomed Taurian World School. He encouraged participants to subscribe to the weekly newsletter featuring news, reflections, and relationship-building opportunities. He also mentioned that the newsletter will include links to the chapters they've read and the blog where these chapters come from. Sandeep emphasized the importance of reading, reflection, and relationship-building for teachers. He also mentioned that they will start doing art on Fridays and focus on becoming a teacher. Vidyotma agreed to share the session with her teachers and expressed her appreciation for the session.
AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading, so please use your discretion to authenticate it and connect with Sandeep Dutt by email at LF@ebd.in for further assistance.
Institutions are created with a bigger purpose and must serve a transformative purpose. But how? They should follow a comprehensive approach: Merging Forward and Backward Thinking in Education.
Backward Thinking: Start with the Nation, End with the Child
Start with Nation: What Citizens Do We Want?
The first step is to envision the kind of citizens the nation needs. What skills, values, and character traits should they possess to contribute to the nation's goals—economic growth, technological advancement, social harmony, or sustainability?
Move to Society: What Role Will Citizens Play?
Once we have a clear vision of the ideal citizen, we consider how these individuals will serve society. Education must equip students with academic knowledge, social responsibility, community service, and civic engagement.
Design the School: How Will Education Foster These Goals?
The next step is to design an educational system that supports these larger societal and national visions. Schools must foster an environment that nurtures intellectual, emotional, and social development.
End with the Child: Tailoring Education to the Individual
Finally, backward thinking brings the focus to the child. The educational system should be designed to cater to students' diverse needs, ensuring that each child receives the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to thrive in the world.
Forward Thinking: Start with the Child, End with the Nation
Start with the Child: Equip for Real-World Challenges
Schools must prepare students academically and for the challenges they will face in society. This includes developing critical skills like adaptability, communication, and collaboration.
Move to the School: Implementing the Framework
Once students have the right mindset and skills, schools must adapt the curriculum to future needs, embrace innovative teaching practices, and ensure that students thrive in an inclusive environment.
Focus on Society: Preparing Students to Contribute
Schools must engage students in community service, global citizenship, and projects that address local and international challenges, ensuring they are ready to succeed and make meaningful contributions to the world.
End with the Nation: Building a Workforce for the Future
The final goal of forward-thinking is to ensure that students are prepared to contribute to the nation's future success.
To conclude, an institution must adopt an integrated approach that combines backward thinking (planning) and forward-thinking (implementation), keeping the child at the centre. As Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow, said, the meaning of education can be summed up in five words: the child at the center—whether you look backward or forward.
Gurdeep Kaur The Teacher's Centre Learning Forward India Foundation
Now, think of 2 more aspects that can be drawn from this picture.
.
.
.
By now, you must have come up with various versions of your views. This is the power of observation. When we observe anything closely, we come up with many new findings.
Well, some of the one-liners which came to my mind are:
Observation is an integral act every living being does. It is the fundamental requirement and a gift embedded by nature with the primary motive for the “survival “of all living beings. But in the case of humans, we go one step ahead beyond survival – “SUCCEED.”
To make observation worthwhile, you can keep in mind the following points:
Sachetan (सचेतन): Be mindful, means become “conscious”. A state where you are conscious of your acts, thoughts and observations. To initiate the mind consciously, one needs to live in the present. Which requires decluttering your brain every day through conscious efforts. Most of the time, we remain engaged in what others think of us, how have I spoken in the meeting, have I been able to impress others etc. this way, we spend a major quantum of our energy on ourselves. As an observer, you need to consciously notice the world around you and not just the world within you.
Purpose (उद्देश्य): A piece of note-sheet lying on the floor of a class could very well be overlooked by the teacher, but if it is an examination hall, the note sheet will get immediate attention. We observe better when we have a purpose behind it. If you wish to retain any observation for a longer period of time, try to attach a purpose with it. This works.
Brainstorming: (मंथन ): Observations would be meaningful only if we ask questions like, why, what, how, when, etc. Sherlock Holms mesmerized people with these questions and could catch the culprit. His main skill was observation. The mind churns the inputs given to it with the churning rod of logic and past experience. Repeated churning helps to infer the true nature of things. Due to this nature of ‘churning’ minds, we are called manushya in Hindi, which means someone who continuously evolves to create something new (solutions, discoveries, etc.).
The missing piece: (अनुपस्थिति): Power of seeing what is absent is another aspect of observation. For example, if a fire extinguisher is not present where crackers are made, it tells a story. Observe a situation for a period of time and set a baseline of what is normal. And then, you can compare the future events back to the normal event. This helps you in finding the changes. A conscious observer can quickly pick the missing things.
As a class teacher, I happen to spend my zero periods with the same class every day. It’s a wonderful opportunity to closely observe the behaviour of the children and know them better. Only because of the observations I make through the year could I identify behavioural changes in my students, find reasons behind them, and devise solutions to manage them better.
Try and observe every child of your class, derive inferences and dig out ways to help them. And the only investment is your “TIME”.
To give a kick-start to fine-tune your observation skill, leaving you with another picture.
Try to observe it and drop a one-line story in the comment box.
Nibbrati Rathore is an educator at the Gyanshree School, Noida
She is a Life Members and volunteer on the National Training Team of Learning Forward India.
Join Learning Forward, find out more at www.SchoolEducation.com.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). WHO has been co-sponsor of the day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.
The ongoing pandemic has created a world environment that is harsh and seriously detrimental for mental health, making this the most imperative time to focus on suicide prevention.
Problems in love life, problems in academic life, problems in professional life, whatever the problem might be, committing suicides is never the solution.
●What are the warning signs and symptoms of suicide?
Of course, prevention starts with recognizing the early warning signs, taking them seriously and acting upon them. Following are some of the common signs and symptoms that indicate someone may be thinking about suicide:
●Drastic changes in mood and behaviour
●Major changes to sleeping patterns – such as sleeping too much or too little
●Loss of energy
●Threatening to kill oneself
●Saying things like ‘no-one will miss me when I am gone’
●Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as seeking access to pesticides, firearms or medication, or browsing the internet for means of taking one’s own life
●Self-harming behaviours like bodily harm, cuts, etc.
●Saying goodbye to close family members and friends, giving away of valued possessions, or writing a will
●What you can do if you think someone has suicidal tendencies?
Suicide is a complex issue, however, it is preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. Here are a few things you can do if someone you know is showing warning signs for suicide, as per WHO:
●Find an appropriate time and a quiet place to talk about suicide with the person you are worried about.
●Let your loved one or the concerned person know that you are there to listen.
●Encourage the person to seek professional help, such as of a doctor, mental health professional, counsellor or social worker. Offer to accompany them to an appointment.
●Do not leave the person alone if you think he/she is in immediate danger.
●Don't hesitate to ask if he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide. Instead, seek professional help from the emergency services, a crisis line, or a health-care professional, or turn to family members.
●Make sure that you stay in touch to check how the person is doing.
●If the person you are worried about lives with you, ensure that he or she does not have access to means of suicide - such as pesticides, firearms or medication in the home.
If you think someone you know is considering suicide, talk to them about it and listen with an open mind while offering your support.
So on this day, let us take a pledge to help each other in times of crisis so that nobody has to deal with suicidal thoughts. Let's be there to support and help each other. Let's drop the 'log kya kahengey' approach and talk about suicide awareness.
Nikita Rajpurohit, The Fabindia School <nra@fabindiaschools.in>
At the age of 6, Jason had an experience that triggered his anxiety and as time went on this worsened for many reasons. The bullying began when he was 10, they would call him, especially Kenneth with horrible names and put him down.
This was just the beginning of it all. In senior school, it all started again. He was purposely left out and had comments made about him. He remembered when one boy said to his friend, 'You're not friends with that freak are you?' and my friend said 'no' even though he was.
Any confidence he had in himself was destroyed, his friends were too embarrassed to admit they were friends with him. When the bullying began his social anxiety worsened. Everything he said got knocked down so he stopped saying anything.
He couldn't get himself involved in activities. He didn't leave the house and he did not want to speak to anyone. At 14, all the comments triggered his eating disorder. Not eating was the one thing that he was able to have control over that no one else could comment on.
As time went on Jason then began feeling very depressed. He found it difficult to go school, he had no motivation and he didn't want to leave his bed as he felt worthless to everyone.
This time he was also getting blackmailed as they would say 'Your friends and teachers hate you, everyone will be better without you'. Jason felt useless, stupid and hated which then made him self-harm and depressed.
He felt like he had no future and no one wanted him, but eventually got the courage to go to the ring leader, Kenneth and revolt against him and his bullying group. He had kept everything bottled up for months. Jason was able to chat with Kenneth and his group and express with more comfort and less nervousness about his bullying nature. After that, he felt like a weight had lifted from his shoulders.
The whole school raised their hats off to Jason for having the courage to revolt against the bullies.
Patience
Laloo, a 10-year-old child was enjoying a mango in warm June afternoon. He relished each and every part of the mango except the stone, he threw the stone somewhat 10 yards away. They had a small plot of land where stood the old mango tree. He never thought about the tree at all. Every year he enjoyed the fruit but never questioned about the origin of the tree.
Time went by and Laloo grew up to be a young man. He was quite intelligent and got through the state competitive examinations and became an officer. His father was getting old. Now Laloo desired to extend his house and wanted to cut down the mango tree. He had forgotten the joy the tree had given to him in his childhood days.
His father was against his idea to cut down the tree. He explained that his grandfather while planting the tree was quite old and never got the chance to taste the fruit. The son that is, the boy's father too waited for a couple of years for the tree to bear fruit and he never lost his patience.
He never thought of cutting down the tree. He explained to his son that had he never the virtue of being patient then he too would have never enjoyed the fruit in his childhood days. The father explained to his son that he too might have grand children and they too must enjoy the fruit from the same mango tree which the grandfather had patiently waited to bear fruit.
Patience wins and gives joyful results.
- Prakash Yonzon <yonzonprakash1@gmail.com> for Spectrum at Sacred Heart School Siliguri
Every individual in the universe has multiple experiences of life. Each experience leads to great learning. The learning for life, The learning for the future should always be carried forward positively. When an educator enters to the learning centre he has to face varied behaviours. Somehow he can relate himself with those behaviours. If an educator can relate the incidences happening in his learning centre with his past experiences he can surely bring about all positivity in the minds of young learners. Always be ready to face the various characteristics that vary from child to child of your learning circle.
There should be a reflex arc mechanism to build a human from an individual. The impulse should be imparted in such a manner so that it can stimulate all the characteristics to give a response.
An educator has to be empathetic, affectionate, a good planner, bring liveliness, encouraging, confidence builder to create an environment where there is love for learning and leave behind all the hatred for learning.
Give your child a purpose for life wherein he will decide his priorities and likings. Let him explore the world with his open wings. Give him space to fly, a learner can never be imprisoned, we can never impose our thinking’s to their minds.
Don’t wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good, try to use ordinary situations.
- CURIOUS ICONS, The Iconic School Inspiration from Kavita Bhupta Ghosh, author Wanted backbencher last ranker teacher
