Learning Forward Saturday

Learning Forward Saturday, to introduce a practical, object-based teaching methodology for language and other subjects.

Key Takeaways

Adopt the LSRW Sequence: Teach language naturally by following the sequence of Listening, Speaking, Reading, then Writing. This builds a strong oral foundation before introducing literacy.

Use Everyday Objects for Multidisciplinary Lessons: A single object (e.g., a soap carton) can serve as a rich teaching aid across multiple subjects (Language, Math, Science, Economics), making lessons engaging and practical.

Integrate Fine Motor Skills with Language: Simple dexterity activities like tearing paper build pencil grip while simultaneously teaching new vocabulary through repetition and context.

Invite a Numeracy Expert: Neelashi will invite a Palampur-based organisation to speak on developing math teaching aids from recycled materials, a key need for early learners.

Topics

The Natural Language Acquisition Sequence (LSRW)

Problem: Traditional teaching often reverses the natural learning sequence, forcing writing before students have a strong oral foundation.

Solution: Follow the natural order of language acquisition:

Listening: The receptive skill provides the necessary input for speaking.

Speaking: The active, reciprocal skill; imitation of what is heard.

Reading: Requires a pre-existing vocabulary bank to be meaningful.

Writing: The final, most complex skill, which should progress from calligraphy to meaningful, independent composition.

Teacher's Role: Teachers are the primary language models; their clear pronunciation and consistent use of the target language are critical for student imitation.

Object-Based, Multidisciplinary Teaching

Method: Use a single, familiar object to create lessons across multiple subjects.

Example: Soap Carton

Language: Comprehension questions (name, colour, shape), vocabulary (germs, bacteria), and creative writing.

Math: Shapes (rectangle), perimeter, area, price comparisons.

Science: Ingredients, chemical combinations, hygiene.

Economics: Manufacturing location, pricing strategies (e.g., "buy one, get one").

Teacher Application Examples:

Air Freshener (Mamata): Describe the object, discuss its purpose, then write an essay.

Tiffin Box (Gulabee): Discuss its importance, then use it as a prompt for creative writing.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste (Lalita): Describe the objects, their function, and the importance of hygiene.

KG Toys (Saroj): Use toys to teach colours, shapes, and comparative language (e.g., "this is bigger").

Integrating Fine Motor Skills with Language

Problem: Students in mixed-age KG groups may have varying levels of writing readiness.

Solution: Use dexterity activities to build pencil grip and vocabulary simultaneously.

Activity Example: Paper Tearing

Action: Tearing paper.

Language: Repeat commands like "Tear the paper," "Apply the glue," "Stick the paper."

Rationale: This method teaches vocabulary through context and repetition, avoiding the need for translation.

Numeracy Development Resources

Need: Effective methods for teaching foundational math concepts (e.g., place value) to early learners.

Resource: A Palampur-based organisation that creates math teaching aids from everyday, discarded materials.

Action: Neelashi will contact the organisation to arrange a session for the teachers, leveraging the program's CSR status to secure a free or low-cost talk.

Next Steps

Brinda: Send Neelashi the contact information for the Palampur-based numeracy organisation.

Neelashi: Contact the organisation to arrange a session on math teaching aids.

Teachers:

• Practice the object-based lesson planning method.
• Post questions and ideas to the WhatsApp group for feedback.

Learning Forward Saturday

The meeting focused on classroom management and lesson planning, with teachers discussing the importance of incorporating relaxation exercises and establishing stable camera positions for effective communication. The group explored storytelling as an educational tool, with discussions about incorporating various activities to enhance language learning and teaching methods for both Hindi and English. Teachers shared experiences and ideas for creating engaging lesson plans, emphasising the importance of planning, collaboration, and incorporating different activities to support students' language development and overall learning experience.

Next steps

• Sunita: Send photos of textbooks to Neelashi after today's session and before the next session
• Sunita: Complete the story by writing on the back of the drawing in pencil, add a title page, and create a storybook
• All teachers: Complete LSRW lesson plan activities based on their stories by 3:30 and post photos to the WhatsApp group
• Sunita: Make corrections to the lesson plan and post an updated photo to the WhatsApp group after incorporating feedback
• Lalita: Contact Neelashi after class to discuss something personal
• All teachers: Bring 1-2 books from the school library for next week's session to use in lesson planning
• All teachers: Post their completed LSRW lesson plans to the WhatsApp group if not already done

Summary

Classroom Management and Mindfulness Training

Neelashi led a meeting with teachers to discuss classroom management and lesson planning. She instructed the teachers to set up their cameras in a stable position, similar to Sunita's setup, to facilitate communication during the session. Neelashi emphasised the importance of relaxation and mindfulness exercises, including deep breathing and focusing on positive thoughts. She encouraged the teachers to share their experiences and contribute to the group's collective goal of supporting each other and making a positive impact on children's lives.

Storytelling in Education Initiatives

The meeting focused on storytelling and its importance in education, with Diana from PYDS introducing the organisation's mission to provide quality education, nutrition, and support to underprivileged children, particularly girls. Sunita emphasised the significance of collaborative work among teachers and introduced a storytelling session, encouraging participants to create lesson plans and storybooks that incorporate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Gulabee highlighted the importance of personal feelings and expressions in children's learning. At the same time, Neelashi emphasised the importance of modelling language skills and incorporating moral lessons into storytelling to enhance children's intelligence and confidence in their abilities.

LSRW Lesson Plan Development

Neelashi guided the group on creating lesson plans for Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (LSRW) activities. She instructed everyone to develop their own stories and use them to plan activities related to each LSRW component. Gulabee and Sakshi confirmed their understanding, while Rahima was asked to create activities based on her story. Neelashi emphasised the importance of planning and set a deadline of 3:30 for submitting the plans, along with photos of the completed work.

Story Writing Activity for Teachers

Neelashi discussed a story-writing activity with teachers, explaining that they should write a story and then have students listen to it. She instructed the teachers to unmute themselves for the discussion and to avoid confusion. Sakshi asked a question about how to proceed with the activity, and Neelashi clarified that they should use the story as a basis for discussion with students in their age group.

Educational Exercises and Hindi Teachers

The meeting focused on planning educational exercises and activities for students, with discussions about incorporating Hindi teachers into the project. Neelashi emphasised the importance of including various activities and suggested that teachers could share their ideas through WhatsApp groups. She also requested participants to turn on their cameras during the session and post updates in the group. Neelashi mentioned that she would select one teacher to summarise the activities related to listening, speaking, reading and writing, and she asked for feedback from participants, such as Lalita, Rahima, and others.

Enhancing Language Learning Through Activities

Neelashi and Sunita discussed the importance of incorporating various activities into the LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) framework to enhance language learning. They emphasised the need for students to understand the context of what they read and to practice speaking by connecting with nature. Sunita suggested using many scripts and listening exercises to help students better comprehend and articulate their thoughts. Neelashi agreed on the importance of speaking and reading skills, emphasising the need for students to grasp the whole meaning of what they read and relate it to their personal experiences.

Enhancing Engaging Lesson Plans

Neelashi and Sunita discussed lesson planning and teaching strategies, focusing on making lessons more engaging and interactive. They explored ideas such as incorporating interesting writing tasks and utilising visual aids to maintain student interest. Neelashi suggested making minor changes to Sunita's lesson plan and emphasised the importance of planning. Sakshi joined the conversation later, sharing her experience of adapting a lesson plan for a school and discussing the challenges faced by teachers.

Enhancing Student Engagement Strategies

The teachers discussed various teaching methods, focusing on activities like drawing, reading, and writing to engage students. Gulabee shared a story about an elderly woman and her relatives to illustrate how children can identify with characters in stories. They discussed how to incorporate speaking and writing exercises into the classroom, encouraging students to express their feelings and develop their language skills. Neelashi emphasised the importance of allowing students to work at their own pace and not focusing too much on perfectionism.

Enhancing Language Teaching for Children

The meeting focused on language teaching methods, particularly for teaching Hindi and English to children. Priyanka shared her experience learning the Ramayana and Mahabharata to children, emphasising the importance of connecting characters to natural elements and helping children understand and use vocabulary in everyday language. Neelashi emphasised the importance of teachers developing language skills beyond grammar, encompassing listening, speaking, reading and writing. The group also discussed the importance of libraries in schools and the need for teachers to share lesson plans and ideas with one another.

AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.

MAP Musings: Music, Art and Poetry

Thoughtful Thursdays

To explore the enriching theme of Musings through the lenses of pastoral poetry, visual art, and foundational music theory.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• Pastoral Poetry beautifully weaves the relationship between human emotion and the natural world, often idealizing rural simplicity and serenity.

• Art Appreciation focuses on how to analyze and create compelling artwork by understanding composition, focal points, and spatial balance.

• Music Theory introduces essential elements such as staff notation, clefs, dynamics, and the historical contexts that shape musical interpretation.

Pastoral Poetry

• Traced its origins to ancient Greece and gained prominence during the Renaissance period.

• Poems explored:

  • "The Laburnum Top" by Ted Hughes

  • "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" by W.B. Yeats

  • "After Apple Picking" by Robert Frost

• Central themes: Deep connection with nature, the peaceful charm of countryside life, and the desire to escape urban complexity.

Art Appreciation

• Discussed effective ways to begin a painting and techniques for evaluating visual art.

• Emphasis on key artistic elements:

  • Composition

  • Focal point

  • Effective use of space

• Example shared: A student’s artwork showing children playing beneath a banyan tree.

• Highlighted the importance of balancing filled and empty spaces to enhance visual harmony.

Music Theory Essentials

• Staff Notation: The five-line system used to write music.

• Clefs:

  • Treble Clef – represents higher pitches

  • Bass Clef – represents lower pitches

• Dynamics: Indicate volume variations, such as piano (soft) and forte (loud).

• Historical Context: Understanding the era enriches interpretation—e.g., comparing the styles of Bach and Chopin.

Next Steps

• Continue exploring pastoral poetry themes in future sessions
• Delve deeper into art appreciation techniques
• Further discuss music theory concepts in smaller, more digestible segments

Reflection

Thank you for showing how music, literature, and art beautifully mirror one another.

In music, soft notes like pianissimo and pauses create a mood of calm or reflection. Similarly, in poetry, soft sounds like “shhh” ( Mary Howe's poem) or the use of ellipses slow down the pace and evoke quiet emotion. In painting, empty or negative spaces serve the same purpose...drawing the eye and creating a sense of stillness. All three forms evoke  emotions. 

Wondering how deeply connected the arts truly are!  Even in dance the measured foot movements and eyes and other facial expressions  convey different emotions and expressions .

Thankyou for today's learning.

Meenakshi Bhardwaj 

Gyanshree School Noida

Lifelong Learning - Sandeep's Post via Linkedin

A big thank you to the wonderful people who believed in me and continue to invest their faith in me. Their love and belief are my most considerable earnings, so I thought I would share some beautiful words they have penned for me.

Kunal Rajpurohit with Sandeep at The Fabindia School. The photo is of the steps leading to the principal's office. Kunal is currently a Fellow at The Teacher's Academy.

Photo credit - the official school photographer at The Fabindia School Annual Day celebrations.

One person whose contribution I would particularly like to highlight is Sandeep Dutt, who joined us as Chairman and Executive Director of the Bhadrajan Artisans Trust in 2012. He has facilitated many of the landmark achievements we celebrate today. - William N Bissell, Founder & MD Fabindia

You rarely come across a stand-out talent like Sandeep. He never fails to make a dramatic difference in any role he occupies. He can juggle multiple projects without compromising on the results. He can get teams to work to the highest standards through a strategic and inclusive leadership approach. Sandeep is a committed humanitarian and educationalist who has influenced change in the development and corporate sectors. He is highly recommended as a leader and as a team member.  - Cristal de Saldanha,  Leading Commonwealth Youth Adviser.

Learning Forward has developed best practices for the world through innovative innovations like the byte-sized PD, which focuses on core values and every individual's personal and social development. - Kalyani Chaudhuri, Principal Billabong High International School Thane

Read more

Freedom and Peace: Arya RPKM

FREEDOM

Q. When you were a student, what were the 3 most critical instances where you felt that more freedom at your disposal would have allowed you to realize your goals /potential in a better way? Do you think any of those circumstances exist even today?

A. 3 instances where I felt that more freedom would have allowed me to achieve my goals in a better way are mentioned below- 

INSTANCE 1 

A few years back when I was in college studying Fashion Designing, I was given an assignment. The assignment was to prepare a range of garments inspired by Jaipur’s heritage. But just cause I couldn’t join my friends on the Jaipur trip as I had to manage secondary data. While others researched everything by visiting the places and meeting the people, I just searched everything on Google and did my assignment. Since I couldn’t go to Jaipur due to some family reasons, my assignment was affected and so were my marks. 

INSTANCE 2 

After completing my post-graduation, I got a job offer from a well-known fashion brand. The only problem was that they wanted me to shift to Mumbai. But I didn’t have the freedom to shift to Mumbai because that was the year 2021 i.e.; my parents didn't allow me due to increasing Covid 11 virus cases. I lost a great job opportunity which could have been my career’s turning point. 

INSTANCE 3 

It was the 2015-16 academic year of my school, I was in class 12th. I was in my school basketball team. There was a state-level tournament in Delhi. Because my preboards were coming next month, my teacher suggested I stay back and work on my academic results rather than attending the tournament. There I had to choose between the two most important one-time opportunities of my life. I still wish I had the freedom to grasp both of them.

Talking about the present, no such instances occur now. Even if in future any such circumstances happen, I am sure to handle the situation more wisely so that I won’t have any regrets later.

PEACE

Q. What is it about human behaviour, according to you, that causes people to give up peace and adopt violence?

Human behaviour leading to the adoption of violence is often influenced by various factors, including socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and personal experiences. Individuals may resort to violence as a means of expressing frustration, asserting power, or dealing with perceived threats.

In classrooms, fostering a peaceful environment involves addressing multiple dimensions. Firstly, educators can incorporate conflict resolution and emotional intelligence training into the curriculum. This equips students with skills to manage conflicts peacefully and empathize with others. 

Moreover, promoting open dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives can reduce misunderstandings that may escalate into violence. Creating a safe space where students feel heard and respected contributes to a positive classroom culture.

Additionally, teaching subjects that emphasize critical thinking and ethical decision-making can empower students to make choices that contribute to a peaceful society. Encouraging collaboration over competition and instilling values of tolerance and empathy can further shape individuals prioritising peace over violence.

In essence, a comprehensive approach within classrooms that combines education on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making can play a crucial role in shaping peace-loving individuals.

From 

Arya @ RPK School Moradabad

Dhiraj Gupta, Naina Soni, Rekha Kapoor, Suman Singh, Sandeep Negi, Naushaba Sami and Isha Sharma.

Courage and Patience - Arya RPKM

A Lesson on Courage and Patience 

Once upon a time, a schoolteacher named Mr Rajesh and a young student named Ishan lived in a small town. Ishan was kind-hearted but had a difficulty that often scared him – he couldn't write as nicely as his classmates did. His letters were often messy, and he struggled to form words properly.

One day, during a writing exercise, Ishaan's frustration peaked. He stared at his paper, tears welling up in his eyes. Mr Rajesh noticed his distress and approached him with a warm smile.

"Hey there, Ishaan! Don't worry. Writing takes time and practice. I'm here to help you," Mr Rajesh said gently.

"But it's so hard, Mr Rajesh," Ishaan replied, his voice filled with disappointment.

Mr Rajesh placed a reassuring hand on Ishaan's shoulder. "I understand, Ishaan. But remember, everyone learns at their own pace. Let's take it one step at a time."

And so, Mr Rajesh patiently began to guide Ishaan through the process of writing. They practised forming letters, spelling words, and crafting sentences. It wasn't always easy for Ishaan, but Mr Rajesh always kept his patience. He offered encouragement and praised Ishaan's efforts, no matter how small.

As weeks passed, Ishaan's writing began to improve gradually. The lines on his paper became neater, and he felt more confident in expressing himself through words. His classmates noticed the positive change, too and praised his progress.

One day, the school held a writing competition. Ishaan was nervous, but Mr Rajesh believed in him. "You've come so far, Ishaan. Just do your best," he said.

Ishaan poured his heart into his writing. He didn't worry about winning; he simply wanted to express himself. When the results were announced, it turned out that Ishaan had won the competition! He couldn't believe it.

"I won, Mr. Rajesh! I won!" Ishaan exclaimed, beaming with joy.

Mr Rajesh congratulated him with a warm smile. "I knew you could do it, Ishaan. You've worked hard, and your patience paid off."

From that day on, Ishaan continued to improve his writing skills, but more importantly, he learned the value of patience, courage and perseverance. He realised he could overcome any difficulty with patience, courage, support, and a determined spirit.

How to develop courage and patience: 

1. Never give up easily.

2. Take challenges. 

3. Set your priorities.

4. Understand that Fear is just in your mind.

5. Only Courage, Patience and dedication can take you to the top of the world.

Prakriti @ RPK School Moradabad
Dhiraj Gupta, Naina Soni, Rekha Kapoor, Suman Singh, Sandeep Negi, Naushaba Sami and Isha Sharma.

Joy Of Learning

 

Joy Of Learning blossomed once I discovered the idea of the Heart Tree, thanks to my Coach and colleague, Venus Upadhayaya.

Life is learning, and learning is life! Every day and every minute counts, and the experiences shape us. Have you ever wondered what this joy of learning is?

Talking about schools, schooling and what goes into making a good school, the rise of liberal arts education, the learning process has to evolve to keep up with the times. Over three decades of working with schools and travelling worldwide to understand how we learn have been my life's key driver for happiness.

After visiting countries from the east to west, including Singapore, Finland and the USA, looking at the way children learn and what makes the joy of learning come alive at schools, I thought it all begins with reading. It is not about print or digital, as the art of reading alone helps children pick up skills for life. They experience values and virtues working with mentors and peers, adding value to the school curriculum.

The 6 C's:  Critical thinking; Creativity; Collaboration; Communication; Character; and Citizenship. When you read, your imagination makes you think; this is step one for any action. Today, with fleeting attention and the lack of retention, we must focus on the mind, consciousness and thought. Our thought must govern our actions, and we are in times of knee-jerk reactions, which leads to a lack of trust and questioning relationships.

How do we move from critical thinking to good Citizenship? The answer lies in spreading the joy of learning and focusing on reading, writing and speaking. You will say this happens at school, and I disagree. Many first-generation schoolgoers, our young people, have yet to have the privilege of listening and learning from family members as in the last century. There is a need for good mentorship and role models. It is not easy to find an adult who will be a voracious reader, our teachers at schools are all from the school systems where they have relied only on rote learning, and the need for reading beyond the text and sharing stories seems alien to most.

With over thirty years of working with schools and focusing more on schooling, my experience reaffirms that we must empower every individual with personal and social development. It is only possible if they experience the joy of learning and are good at reading, writing and speaking. To prepare a child to face the world, we must first read as a family, community, and nation. It is essential to be with a book and delve deeper within. The power of reading will shape our speaking in turn.

Today we must look at reading, writing and speaking as skills for life. Please understand the medium and language; read what you enjoy and with leisure. Reading newspapers and magazines adds to our knowledge of society and gives us information. The application of knowledge is crucial for us to be better educated. Talking about education and learning, we need to grow as a nation of righteous citizens, and this will make India a nation of thinkers and doers.

The New Education Policy focuses on learning beyond needing marks or merit. Happy teachers will alone help transform the education system. The teachers first need to experience the joy of learning - reading, writing and speaking, which will empower them with their personal and social development and help them become the role models we need for our young people. Literacy and numeracy are not the best measures for learning. The passion for reading, writing and speaking should be the way forward.

As an author and a practitioner of experiential learning, reading is necessary and part of my everyday life. Parents and adults request me for the success mantra for children. They even ask for tuition and remedial beyond the school system. My only answer is that every child must read to lead. It begins with the people the child lives with and unconditionally accepts as role models. Anyone who reads will be able to write and speak. They will experience the joy of learning. 

The last few months have been full of literary festivals and book fairs. Seeing young people throng the stalls at literary events has been an absolute pleasure. Speaking with young people and looking at how we publish quality books in our country has given me tremendous hope for the future of reading and the joy within.

"Don't just teach your children to read…Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything". George Carlin

The joy of learning is an extensive and profound learning experience that immerses us in a model of inquiry and problem-based learning. Looking back at the story of India, a civilisation rich with literature and how we learnt for generations, you will find that reading alone is at the core of the joy of learning. Read-aloud sessions begin education and form a narrative for a life full of knowledge.

- Sandeep Dutt focuses on school transformation, emphasising culture as a service. Over 30 years of experience have empowered thousands of teachers and touched the lives of nearly a million children.

Image courtesy Venus Upadhayaya, from her training session at the DBN Schools in Jammu, India.

The Print published this post

https://theprint.in/yourturn/subscriberwrites-liberal-arts-education-has-to-continuously-update-itself-for-better-impact/1435203/

Importance of Education - Prakash Dangi

Education is very important and highly valued in today’s society. It teaches the ability to read and write.

Reading and writing is the first step in Education. Most information is done by writing. Hence, the lack of writing skill means missing out on a lot of information.

It is also necessary for success in life. Education is supposed to provide students with the necessary skills that prepare them for the world of work later in life. The education system also serves to teach individuals the values and morals of society.

Education is important to live with happiness and prosperity. It empowers minds that will be able to conceive good thoughts and ideas. Education enables students to do the analysis while making life decisions. Life gives various survival challenges for humans. But education guide human to fight with failure and get success in life. Education is only one thing that can remove corruption, unemployment, and environmental problems. 

Education is not about doing a degree it is about how you can live with your own feet. Education makes an individual a better use of technology. It certainly provides the technical skills necessary for using technology. Hence, without Education, it would probably be difficult to handle modern machines.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Nelson Mandela.

Prakash Dangi

The Fabindia School

pdi@fabindiaschools.in

Helping Schools Deliver Better

My Good School - Personal and social development of every individual.

Listed on HundrED.Org as an innovation
#MyGoodSchool #HappyTeachers #SchoolsCanChange

• 2019 LFIN Retreat, 10-13 Oct Bali
• Annual Conference 7-11 Dec 2019
• Brewing Knowledge
• Guide To Good Schools Of India
• Happy Teachers
• Internship Opportunity
• Learning Forward India Weekly
• Partner Learning Forward
• School Improvement Coach
• The English Book Depot
• The Fabindia School
• The Iconic School
• Twitter @MyGoodSchool

Find out more https://www.schooleducation.com/

Our Focus

Transforming professional learning, increasing educator capacity, and improving student achievement. We focus on school transformation with an emphasis on culture as a service. We'll design a plan that meets your unique needs and improves teaching and learning in your system.

• My Good School - We help our partner schools to work for the personal and social development of an individual by offering an environment where experiential learning is made possible through activities beyond just study. The program helps measure the improvement in student learning at school. #MyGoodSchool
• Happy Teachers - The Learning Forward India Professional Learning Program focuses on building professional learning communities. The program leverages the best in adult learning, research on organisational change, and practical experience to create capacity for sustained improvements in educators. #HappyTeachers
• Schools Can Change -  Upgrading or setting up a school, we closely work with the client organisation, to further the vision and mission of the promoters. We assist the school in finding and mentoring the right people to help build a good leadership team. #SchoolsCanChange

Is Your Child Ready To Face The World?, The Value Of Values, and other programs. Please visit our website  www.BrewingKnowledge.com.

Better teaching |  Stronger leadership | Improved systems

The Booknerds Brewing Knowledge @ Book Cafe!

In the summer afternoon of 28th April, The Booknerds hosted legendary travel writer Bill Aitken at Dehradun’s oldest bookstore The English Book Depot. 

Bill Aitken who was born in Scotland shifted to India in 1959 with the aim of travelling across the country. He has written a number of books like Seven Sacred Rivers, The Nanda Devi Affair, Mountain Delight and many more accounting his observations. The event also featured travel blogger Surbhi Sabharwal as the lead moderator who is a weekend traveller inspiring people with jobs to travel more.

Rohan Raj, the co-founder, The Booknerds, kickstarted the event with a round of introductions of the attendees which included a host of future writers, readers and travel enthusiasts. Devika, from The Booknerds Team, talked about The Booknerds story, the most prolific literary community of India. Followed by which an activity was planned that included the audience to share their travel stories by writing a short journal.

The conversation started with Bill Aitken talking about his younger days in Calcutta and his love for the city. He also talked about his obsession with Nanda Devi. He shared with the audience his travel stories, riding a bike through difficult terrains and growing old in Mussoorie. Surbhi shared her experiences as a solo woman traveller in India, her bike trip to Ladakh and the scenario of travel writing in the digital age. The audience was mesmerized with the accounts of both the panellist, who although belonging from different generations talked and bonded over travelling. The conversation moved to many interesting topics like spirituality and perspective of travelling and some dangerous encounters in the mountains. Bill Aiken also narrated his paranormal encounters especially a chance to meet up with a 'chudail'.

The event concluded with a book signing with Bill Aitken’s fans excited to get a picture with him. Signed copies of Mountain Delight by Bill Aitken are available at The English Book Depot for those who could not make it to the event.

Neha Raj, the co-founder of The Booknerds, handed mementoes to Bill Aitken and Surbhi Sabharwal, thus concluding the event on a high note. The Booknerds will be meeting next at Cafe Lychee Tree for the launch of Nupur Sandhu's book 'Numi'.

The Booknerds
http://www.thebooknerds.in/home

Krishan Gopal Dave: Brewing Knowledge Presentation at the LFIN Retreat on 10th Oct 2018

सुरेश सिंह नेगी: क्या लिखूँ

क्या लिखूँ

निर्दोष शिशु की जिज्ञासा

या बालक की खेल लालसा

प्रौढों का अथक प्रयास लिखूँ

या वृद्धों की आस लिखूँ

सबका अपना-अपना लक्ष्य लिखूँ

या भविष्य का नक्श लिखूँ

बुद्ध का मौन या महावीर का केवल्य लिखूँ

राम का आदर्श या कृष्ण का कर्मयोग लिखूँ

इस ब्रहमाण्ड का शून्य लिखूँ

या कुछ अन्य लिखूँ

मैं लिखूँगा अवश्य

लिखूँगा, मैं एक कक्षा की पौध लिखूँगा

जो लिखेगी भविष्य का इतिहास

समय की रेत पर छुयेगी मेरे हर विषय को

क्योंकि मै एक शिक्षक हूँ।

Suresh Singh Negi

The Fabindia School

www.fabindiaschools.org