The Glowing Sky

26th January, 2022   It's a very significant day.    A day remarking a celebration of 73rd Republic day and also a celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. A day to introspect to take steps towards the progress. A day to rededicate ourselves to be instruments in a manifestation of peace and harmony that the mankind needs. A day to accept and to allow the power of Divine to manifest on Earth.   A day to feel deeper aspects in life such as the unity, joy and freedom; those fundamental elements of life that help us recognise the essence of our life and help us know our 'raison- d'être'.    A day to respect the phenomenal work which has been done by the collaboration and commitment of all to build a living space for all.            

  Realizing the importance of a quality of classroom for a quality of learning. A classroom is complete when it's inclusive. I remarked the other day a special chair at the back for a disabled student. To facilitate a transition from one class to the recreation area or to the canteen, there is a facility of a wheel chair and sometimes also a helper to comfortably move around.   A classroom decorated with paintings, charts and cards made by the ones who attend the classes adds value to their collective learning. They build a unique and a profound relation with the place.   A fairly large classroom with a proper ventilation facility and natural lighting is a necessity just like proper chairs, tables and a board. The presence of a projector in class is magical as it makes the learning 'exciting and colorful' through pictures and videos.   Having a world map, globe and educational games in class would lead to spending the free time productively.    Thus as the ...

  The leading wind that blows, Carries all. The demanding water that flows, Baffles all.   The soothing sky that guides, Helps all. The caring nature that flowers, Nourishes all.   The curving path that writes, Engages all. The coloring pattern life draws, Amazes all.

  Recently received a beautiful surprise for Christmas at 'l'école Les Volènes'. With the joyous mood all around, I took a step back to reflect on several of my realizations and learnings from the year 2021.   1) To learn and to serve are two most satisfying acts. 2) Be curious and 'live in the present moment' like a child. 3) Extract positivity whether from the sunshine or from the cold weather. 4) There's no idealism. There's determination and explorations to carve one's own 'unique' path. 5) Take that one step most needed initially then the rest will take care of itself with time. (I find this the hardest one). 6) To not be too integrated or too separated from the societal issues. (The Sociologist, Durkheim's philosophy) 7) Keep adapting to 'new' changes. This becomes easier when we feel united from within. 8) Just smile!   

I entered the store with a popularly known idea in the locality that this is not an ordinary grocery shop. While on the first glance it seemed like the other ones but when I carefully looked into all that it offers, I started to feel the difference.   Le Cabas solidaire allots a specific card number to each of its beneficiary which allows the needy ones to get a certain amount of discount on their purchase. Besides, there are several events organised on cooking, plants, climate change, films, debates. It almost makes one feel like it's an open platform ready to be set for all activities that would bring solidarity and awareness among people.   While being at the billing section, every time I scanned the barcode, the 'beep' was almost like an alert alarm warning me to verify the item on the computer screen. The fun aspect of all was to finish off the billing of all the items for the client and wish smilingly to him/her 'Thank you and have a good day'.    Just startin...

  The Indian culture is enriching. 'La résidence des Indes', a museum in 'La Rochelle' represents India in France. The museum consists of different artefacts of India such as the ancient furniture, a big book with the pictures of old Indian palaces and of the kings. In fact, one can also find an old barometer in its hall.   One can easily loose oneself in the world of 'Ancient India' while being in the museum 'La résidence des Indes'. It also offers an option of enjoying several types of tea and cakes while the Indian bollywood music is played in the background. A cup of 'chai' in hand while being in the hall full of Indian artefacts and the mind surrounded by the Indian beats; this can be one of the most consciously felt Indian cultural experience.   And there also lies the Indian tastes in La Rochelle. 'Shalimar' restaurant started in 2016 by the people of India and Pakistan bring the Indian flavours for the diverse community of France....

  The roadsides can get noisy but sometimes not noisy enough to distract the young girl balancing on the rope. For some people it was not surprising but there were some who stopped by to notice the talent. This was happening in a city in North-west of India.     It is true that each talent requires a right platform so that one can build upon one's abilities daily and find meaning in this seemingly difficult life. The young girl walked slowly on the rope with some weight on her head and held a wooden stick with her hands. It was an inspiring sight.   The young girl through her balance was as if showing that there's a possibility of harmony in the chaotic environment and that gathering courage to act is not always a choice. Leaving all distractions in the background, the girl dressed in 'Salwar kurta' defined the 'unwavering focus'.    

  Today I happen to look at my old documents and found the report card of my early school days. Having switched later to an alternative education, this marking system felt restrictive. To be able to now view this card from an objective point of view, I feel the need of daily evaluation in the conventional system of education and the need of self assessment by the students who would be encouraged to be descriptive in explaining what one has found interesting and practically implemented the learnings in each subject. Then even years later that same score card would evoke more emotions and show the reflections of one's early self. Just the numbers on the report card are not enough.    The constructive evaluation would be possible when there is one to one consultation with the student and in the process teachers should make the student aware of the small steps he/she can take to improve oneself. The present marking system in the conventional setups is often con...