The Glowing Sky

  Rarely we know that it’s rare!   Those raindrops are rare!   When the feet walk the muddy road, Slowly step by step. Look back and you would know, Those footprints are rare!   When the tree shelters the explorer, For minutes and hours. Walk ahead and you would know, Those moments are rare!   When the sky paints the sunset, Stroke by stroke. Look away and you would realise. That was rare!              

Being an admirer of the innovative policies in the education arena, I recently enjoyed reading ‘Divasvapna’, the book I received as a gift.   Some points have made me reflect deeper in terms of the education system.   1)      The hero of the book is the teacher who conducts experiment to bring ‘LIFE’ into learning – to do so he adopts storytelling.   2)     The end goal of covering the syllabus is the PROCESS that is to be deciphered with the understandings between the students and the teacher.   3)      The teacher demonstrates to the guests the activities which are performed on the daily basis rather than putting up a special program; this gives time to the play artists to get to LIVE their roles.   4)     Towards the end, the teacher points out for some of his students –   “It is not that they are unfit for the school. Rather, this school is unfit for them. The school is unable to teach them what they hav...

In the busy world, when there's so much information is easily  available, when there's so much to talk about -  it's the silence that's does the magic .   The silence or calmness can be driven or inspired by the places of worship, a piece of music, some moments in nature ...   In silence,  when the intuitive thoughts carve themselves , is it then we hear our faint inner voices? Is the  faith in the silent moments an assuring path  towards peace? Does silence hold the answer to the baffling questions?    But certain is in silence lies the power of patience.                        

  Chez Les Volènes       On a ensemble appris en faisant des activités dehors. Pas très sûre qui était l'enseignant!   La nature? Les grands ou les petits?   Tout le monde contribuait avec tout le cœur aux poèmes sans se stresser sur l'accent et surtout sans avoir la peur de faire des erreurs. C'était la spontanéité merveilleuse. On apprenait de l'un l'autre pendant que le ciel tout bleu et les grands arbres nous regardaient.    Est- ce que notre cercle symbolise l'unité, l'inclusivité ou la ronde imparfaite? Pas très sûre quelle sera une bonne perspective!   Mais je suis sûre que plus on a des cercles comme ça dehors 'des quatre murs', plus on aura des liens signifiants pour former un village global.    

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!