Celebrating Diwali @ School

Advika and Sanmukhi fully focused on painting their diyas.

What a colourful array

Prashant with his Kandeel (Lantern)

Suvarna and Manali hard at work.

Mrs. Meena Sharma tells us the stories of how Diwali came to be...

Sayuja plays the interpreter to Meena's stories.

Hariet and Elizabeth prepping the floor for the Rangoli.

This Rangoli is a community effort.

Look Ma... I've got colour on my hands... : )

Pass me some purple, would you?

Laddoos... Yummy...!!!

Bandhs : A Bane or A Boon ?

The recent Bandhs called in the state by different political parties,to gain popularity among the masses to increase their vote banks,has thrown normal life throughout the state out of gear.These bandhs have left a negative image on children as they seem to assume that these disturbances have become a part of their chaotic lives and they have no other option but to live with it. Children are not only disturbed academically but also mentally and psychologically.

"There is a total disturbance in the school calendar and the routines we usually follow. Examinations, cultural activities and events get delayed as a result of these bandhs. But, we (staff) did not want to bring up the issue anytime in front of the children so as to avoid any kind of bias on the issue.

Though some children might not be aware of the cause of these bandhs, they feel that the holidays get boring. Some had the time to prepare for their examinations due to these bandhs. But, most of the students missed school and wanted to get back to school to play and study. These bandhs kill the enthusiasm of going to school,especially for the students appearing for their Board Examinations also have problems with these bandhs because their syllabus is left incomplete.

Many children feel that they have to be guided regularly by their teachers to fare well in academics. But due to these blockades and bandhs, they are not able to cope with their academics and it might affect their grades.

Some students feel that these bandhs will not bring quality education or better society while some feel that they do not have to worry about copying notes.

It is a Boon for corrupt politicians & anti-social elements who take full advantage of these bandhs in destroying public property & forcefully shutting down commercial,educational & industrial activity,which force the state backwards in all sectors.

They misguide & instigate young students to participate in these bandhs,due to which the students become wayward selfish & become puppets in the hands of political leaders,due to which they cannot pursue their education & loose their careers.

Sarah Farooq

A singing moment in the French class

While the girls were making the weather wheel chart in French class they broke into song L'arraignée Gypsy (Spider Gypsy) and sang while continuing their work. They surprised me because i did not expect them to already know the whole song by heart. I missed the very beginning of the song because as i said it was a spontaneous singing but i thought i will share the lovely moment anyway...

Singing in the French class has become a regular routine and children love it!