Freedom and Peace - Saumya RPKM

Freedom 

Freedom is the state of independence where one can do whatever one likes without any restriction by anyone. They have the right and are free to do what they can think of (ethically). Freedom has a different meaning. because everyone has a different opinion about freedom. So, it can be called a state of mind where you have the right and freedom to do what you think.

There are three instances where we felt that more freedom at our disposal would have allowed us to realise the potential better. (experience of Mrs. N . Narula)

Instance 1- When I was in class 9th. My teacher always explained every topic in English. Because of my hesitation at that time, I was unable to ask my queries or problems from the teacher. I feel now that if I were free to ask questions from the teacher, I'd have secured better marks in class 9th.

Instance 2- As a girl, I was not allowed to wear Western dresses and go outside. I feel that, if I were permitted for the same, I would have been more confident.

Instance 3- I was not very good at Art as my art teacher never encouraged my artistic skills. So I lost interest and still couldn't draw anything confidently. I feel that If I were encouraged by my teacher, I would have gained at least some interest in Art.

We do not believe any of these issues are faced by students at the current time or these issues are sparse. Women have become more empowered and our education system has grown a lot,  promoting every student's potential.

Peace 

Peace means a state of quiet or an absence of disturbance or agitation. It can also describe a relationship between people characterized by respect, justice and goodwill. Peace can describe calmness serenity and silence.

Violence - It's the act of purposefully hurting someone. Many different factors cause violent behaviour. The more these factors are present in life, the more likely we are to commit an act of violence. 

Causes people to give up peace and adopt violence -

The most common motivation for violence can be inappropriate attempts to handle emotions. Often, violence is the medium used by an individual to openly express their feelings such as anger, frustration or sadness. Other times, violence can be considered as a form of manipulation for individuals to try and get what they want or need. 

Aggressive behaviour can also be used as a form of retaliation. A means by which one uses to even the score. Other factors which can be the cause of violence -

1. - The influence of one's peers
2. - Having a lack of attention or respect
3. - Having low self-worth
4. - Experiencing abuse or neglect 
5. - Witnessing violence in the home or community

Classrooms can be used to shape peace-loving individuals -

Students learn the skills and information necessary to resolve a conflict without resorting to violence through Peace education. Peace education is centred on the concept of social justice and non-violence. It advocates for a fair and inclusive society where people can coexist peacefully without encountering discrimination.

Ways to use the classroom to shape peace-loving individuals - 

Storytelling, role-playing games and other activities that provide children with the chance to practice interacting with one another are just a few approaches to teaching empathy. To inculcate empathy among students, you can promote social-emotional learning in the classroom. 

Teachers should prioritise peace education in their classrooms since it is a skill that can be mastered. Through peace education, you can teach students the origins of conflicts and critical thinking skills. It enables them to comprehend potential causes of conflicts which may stop them from engaging in such conflicts (violence) in the future.

Saumya @ RPK Moradabad 

Rashmi Wright (G. Leader), Ekta Sharma, Nidhi Narula, Rajni Gupta, Beena Singh, Shaifali Johri, Asha Singh 

Freedom & Peace- Ashtalakshmi RPKM

Human behaviour is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and the shift towards violence often stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental elements. Factors like frustration, fear, inequality, and a lack of effective communication can contribute to the abandonment of peace in favour of violence.

In the context of classrooms, fostering a peaceful environment involves several strategies. Firstly, educators can emphasize conflict resolution and emotional intelligence, teaching students effective ways to manage their emotions and peacefully resolve disputes. Additionally, incorporating lessons on empathy and understanding different perspectives can promote a culture of tolerance.

Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment is crucial. This can be achieved by addressing bullying, and discrimination, and promoting respectful communication. Teachers can also integrate mindfulness practices, encouraging students to reflect on their actions and promoting self-awareness.

Ultimately, shaping peace-loving individuals in classrooms requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of violence and cultivates essential skills for conflict resolution and understanding.

As a child, I was given the freedom to learn, explore, and challenge ideas while building and sharing my own opinions. This freedom gave me a platform to learn, explore, and challenge ideas while building and sharing my own opinions. I was free to take “reasoned exception” to concepts and theories presented in the classes and to disagree with opinions I would hear from my instructors. 

Our  “views, beliefs, and political opinions” shared with a teacher during professional interactions were kept confidential and were not shared by the teacher with others but it was made sure that we respect other students by listening to those with whom we disagree and respond with our own ideas and opinions respectfully.

This has helped me to respect the opinions of others and if I disagree on something to show it respectfully to others.

Ashtalakshmi @RPK Moradabad

Poonam, Sonia, Tabinda, Charu, Ritu, Meenakshi, Krishangi

CSR and the need of the hour

NEW DELHI: Amid the debate over making it mandatory for companies to spend at least 2 per cent of profits on CSR activities, RIL Chairman and India's wealthiest person Mukesh Ambani today suggested improving corporate social responsibility to Continuous Social Business.

"The purpose of any business cannot be only profit. Profit for the shareholders is important. But unless entrepreneurs have a larger purpose and businesses that change lives of millions of people, a sustainable business cannot be created," he said at FICCI's Annual General Meeting here.

"We will have to move from a model of Corporate Social Responsibility to a model of Continuous Social Business through enterprise and entrepreneurship," he said. "For that, we will have to create world class institutions with a soul."

"It is important to get the business of businesses right," he said, adding that the primary responsibility of business is social improvement.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has proposed that companies should spend at least 2 per cent of their annual profits on CSR activities, but the industry has opposed the proposal.

Calling for increased spends from the government in healthcare and education, Ambani said that outlays in healthcare formed only 1 per cent of India's GDP, which he said needs to grow at least five-folds.

"Our demographic dividend, the youth and the young, are largely unprotected and uncared for. We will need to radically transform healthcare delivery to all our people," he said.

"Current food prices justify heavy investment and job creation has to be through agriculture and rural economic growth," Ambani said. He foresees an additional $ 500 billion opportunity for India in agriculture output.

The opportunity in Indian agriculture is as big as it is in energy, he said, adding that the country needs more policies like the liberalisation policy of 1991.

Stating that a large untapped opportunity existed for India to boost its under-leveraged consumer class, Ambani said the country's per capita income is less than $ 1000, one-third of China, while its per capita energy consumption is minuscule.

"Less than 1 per cent of our population uses credit cards for transactions and consumer loans are about 10 per cent of the total loan disbursals, representing an under-leveraged consumer class," Ambani said.

He said that India has grossly under-performed both in expanding access and improving the quality of education.

"In a fast moving world, we have not managed to make our education system contemporary," he said.

From The Economic Times

Matrix of Youth Development (MoYD)- The Award is fully inclusive

A research project on major youth development organisations or programmes operating in the region has been undertaken for the regional office by Garry Chamberlain from Consultgroup. The Information was compiled in the form of a Matrix of Youth Development “MoYD” with 17 focus areas. The research has highlighted that the International Award for Young People is clearly the only fully inclusive programme. It further found that all organisations identified as examples under the 17 categories would readily be markets for the Award. International Award research objectives and plans will also be discussed at the RBM 2011. View the Matrix online now for further information.
- Asia Pacific Region e-newsletter December 2010 issue