Unity and Caring - Laxmi Kant Bhatt

Unity is a state of mind which keeps a group bound with each other keeping their significant differences aside by compromising. It means staying together in the worst situations without stabbing each other in the back. If people understand the meaning of unity, they can withstand any condition.

In our everyday world, through struggles and hardships, caring can help us overcome many problems. Caring is a feeling or showing concern for or kindness to others. It can create a beautiful environment and help people feel happy and memorable.

In our school, the principal arranged an interclass competition for the students in which they had to decorate their classes according to the theme assigned to them. The theme decided was caring about the endangered species of the world. The time set for the competition was one week. The next day I got some important work and took three days off. I could not inform my class regarding the interclass competitions and be already behind.

On returning from my leave of absence, I informed the students about the competition and discussed the plan I had come up with them. The students improvised the idea, and they made certain groups for different purposes. The first group would do research, the Second would do the art and craft work, the Third group would do the writing work, and the fourth would do the presentation. As the time and resources were limited, I offered my maths lessons, and the students offered their personal stationery. The students used their time wisely, and within two days, they were done with their class decoration. The next day the judges visited every class, and the students in my class gave informative and formal presentations. During this period, the kids learned to work in a team without putting their differences in between. As the theme was about caring, they learned a lot about how caring can evolve a person's personality. They also discussed the issue with the judges and told them all the things they got to know and experience while working on this assignment.  

Therefore unity is a great thing which can make things possible over a short period, and how caring can help lift up people's moods and evolve people's personalities.

L K Bhatt
The Doon Girls' School

Unity and Caring - Shalini Solanki

Unity brings power, and caring gives the power of being in the company of people who love, care, understand, and stand with you in good and bad times. We must have heard the quote, ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall’. Such a short quote has a powerful meaning and feeling. I still remember the award-winning song on the Doordarshan channel, ‘Ek chidiya, anek chidiya’. No matter how small or weak we are together, nothing is impossible.

I got to experience ‘Unity and Caring’ with my students outside the classroom.

All Grade 2 sections went for an excursion to Zoological Park, New Delhi, under the theme ‘Animals Around Us’. I started discussing the trip with my class two days before the departure date to get their ideas and expectations. We decided to make groups of 2 students each in a queue. The partners were accepted on the approval of each student as per the requirements. 23 students were present on the final day, so I made a queue of 11 groups + 01 with me (He needed special care☺). I was surprised to see their unity and caring for each other here. They sat in groups on the bus and counted each other. Students were even concerned about each other’s bags and water bottles. I was so happy to see their belongingness and care for each other.

We finally reached the zoo, and before I counted till 11 to ensure that every group was present after getting off the bus, they counted themselves and told me they were all with me. Each one has taken responsibility. Even if one child had to go to the washroom, the whole class would wait without complaint. We went to see different categories of animals, and I observed that my students wanted to experience everything with their entire group. They were holding hands, walking and enjoying together, sharing caps and giving places to their peers to stand and see the animals. Children made space for the entire class to see the ‘Malaysian Bird’ and ‘Jaguar’ together. They also ensured the shorter ones could get in front and experience the complete view.

What else could a teacher desire? This is itself an achievement to see our children reflecting the behaviour desired by us. Sometimes I feel powerful as I have little contribution to shaping the lives of our future leaders. This feeling is beyond anything that exists.

           

Shalini Solanki
Gyanshree School, Noida