"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Star Citizens

The Vedic Mathemagician : How one teacher is bringing change in India's Math Education

What happens when a child's natural curiosity meets the beauty of mathematics? In Singh's case, it was a perfect match. His mother, Bharathi Bai, introduced him to the world of numbers. But it was his guru, Burra Padmanabha Sharma, who truly ignited his passion, unveiling the wonders of Vedic Mathematics when Singh was just five years old. This early immersion in the world of mathematics sparked a lifelong curiosity and set the stage for his remarkable journey.From Teacher to Vedic Math ExpertHolding a Master's in Commerce and a Bachelor's in Education, Singh initially worked as a Social Studies teacher in private schools. However, his  mathematical skills soon earned him recognition as a Vedic Math expert. A corporate school took notice of his talent and established a department specifically for him, where he trained students in Vedic Mathematics across its branches nationwide.Singh has conducted seminars at universities, including NIT Agartala, where he trained government teachers in advanced calculation techniques. He has also offered free sessions in government schools, introducing economically disadvantaged students to Vedic Mathematics. His contributions have earned him the Swarna Shri Award in 2018.Singh has also been actively working to bring Vedic Mathematics into school curricula. He believes that this ancient Indian method of calculation can help students develop a deeper understanding and love for mathematics. During a recent meeting with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, he explained the significance of Vedic Mathematics and its potential to improve India's mathematical prowess.A Vision for a Math-Literate IndiaSingh's vision is to make India math literate, and he believes that Vedic Mathematics can play an important role in achieving this goal. With his expertise and passion, he is confident that he can make a difference in the lives of millions of students across India. He envisions a future where mathematics is no longer a source of fear but rather a tool for empowerment and problem-solving.Vedic Mathematics has the potential to change  the way mathematics is taught and learned in India. By making  mental calculations and clear understanding, Vedic Mathematics can help students develop a deeper connection with mathematics. Moreover, Vedic Mathematics can also help to promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.Bondili Maruthi Ram Singh's journey is an example  to the power of passion, dedication, and innovation. As we get to know  his achievements, we are reminded that mathematics is not just a subject, but a tool for empowerment and transformation. With Vedic Mathematics, Singh is not only changing the way mathematics is taught, but also inspiring a new generation of math enthusiasts.

6 Feb 2025
Star Citizens

Bhubaneswar Police Unveils Library Oasis, Fostering Futures in Isaneswar Slum

Bhubaneswar Police, in collaboration with Bakul Library, has inaugurated a vibrant community library in Isaneswar slum, aimed at facilitating education and empowerment among school dropouts. The initiative not only strives to reintroduce children to the joy of reading but also serves as a deterrent against negative influences and criminal activities.   The library, established as part of the Bhubaneswar police's 'Basti Ku Chala Abhiyan' (Campaign to Transform Slums), offers a wide range of resources, including storybooks, study materials for competitive exams, and subject-specific books. The objective is to create a conducive learning environment for children and youth residing in the slum, where space for studying is limited.   The inspiration for the community library came from a successful library exposure trip organized by the Commissionerate Police, during which children from slums visited the Bakul Library in Satya Nagar. One incident involving a 15-year-old boy, who developed a keen interest in reading during these visits, further motivated the authorities. Following this positive outcome, the police decided to extend the initiative to slums with high dropout rates and children who have never attended school.   Isaneswar slum is the first community library to be established under this program. Police Mitras will manage the library, and regular activities and engagement sessions will be organized for the children and youth. Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh, who had previously opened three 'Sahi' libraries during his tenure at Cuttack, aims to replicate the success of those facilities in other slums with the support of the local community.   The Bhubaneswar Police's endeavor to promote literacy and education among school dropouts is a commendable step towards empowering marginalized communities and providing equal opportunities for growth and development.  

25 Aug 2023
Star Citizens

How a Young Bureaucrat's Initiative Changed the Face of Gumla District Forever

A district in Jharkhand known for its extreme poverty and Naxalite insurgency has become a case study in Harvard for its ragi revolution. Ragi, a type of millet, is helping to prevent malnutrition in the district, and a new agro-industry has emerged as a result of the initiative of a young bureaucrat, Sushant Gaurav. He aims to make Gumla the Ragi capital of eastern India, and his work in the district has been selected for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration. Ragi cultivation was initiated with the procurement of high-quality seeds through the National Seed Corporation. From an initial cultivation of Ragi in 1,600 acres, it was increased to 3,600 acres with a 300% net output increase. Gumla’s economy was once based on rice, but now, Ragi Laddus, Bhujia snacks, and flour are produced, which are rich in protein, calcium, and iron, and help to battle malnutrition and anaemia. Ragi processing centres, owned and operated by only women, ensure daily production of one tonne of Ragi flour, 300 packets of Ragi Laddus, and 200 packets of Ragi snacks under the brand Johar Ragi. The laddus made of Ragi are being provided to children to fight malnutrition, along with ‘saag and vegetables’ from identified 52 types, mainly moringa powder and curry leaves in mid-day meals to boost nutrition at a very affordable cost. Avinash Kumar, Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow, Ministry of Skill Development, Government of India, presented a case study at Harvard Business School on behalf of the deputy commissioner, and the institute is doing a case study on the Gumla model. It will be circulated among international business schools and will be used for training bureaucrats. The success story of the production, procurement, and processing of Ragi has spread, and more and more people have come forward to cultivate the grain. The district aims to transform from an aspirational district to a transformational and inspirational one. The success of agriculture, from farm to fork, will be the priority, and Gumla is set to become the Ragi capital of the whole eastern India.

25 Apr 2023
Star Citizens

This Vada Pav Vendor May Not Have Big Pockets, but He Definitely Has a Big Heart

Sanjay Gupta and his family had been through trying times in the past and that only strengthened his will to help others as much as he could. He reminisces about the times when his children would come home from school hungry and ask for food. So he would promptly go out and buy a vada pav and distribute it among his children. One day, it dawned on him that there might be many more children out there craving food and he didn’t want them to go to bed hungry. So he opened a vada pav stall at Sion in Mumbai. What sets him apart is that he doesn’t care much about money. All he wishes is to feed the hungry and poor who couldn’t afford even a single meal. He sells vada pav to school students for just Rs 5. Satish himself had studied only till the seventh standard and then had to drop out due to lack of funds. He did many menial jobs to support his family of six. He is extremely grateful to his elder son who had to quit school but helps him in running the stall. His family never questions him as they all know the joy of giving. Sanjay states that he doesn’t mind giving 10-50 vada pavs free as he derives greater joy when people come to his stall and eat to their satisfaction.  

25 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

Chetana Sinha – Her Power of Empathy Made Her the Founder of India’s First Women’s Cooperative Bank

Chetana Sinha, a humble, but strong woman with grit and determination opened India’s first cooperative bank for women. Born and brought up in the throbbing Mumbai city, the spirit of activism and social change were kindled in her early on. It all started way back in the 1990s when some women asked Sinha for assistance. According to Sinha, all they sought was to open a savings account, but due to their "low-savings format," they were turned down. She decided to assist them in establishing a cooperative bank. However, the central bank rejected their idea because the women were illiterate. Not to be let down, these remarkable ladies took it upon themselves to learn to read and write. After six months, the cooperative received approval, and Mann Deshi Bank was established.   This happened to be just the beginning as Sinha went on to launch many more initiatives as a solution to varied problems. As many talented women didn’t know how to market their products, Sinha started a business school for them. She also launched the community radio to provide a platform for women to share their stories of triumph and encourage families to support women. For being a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless women, Sinha has won innumerable recognition and awards including the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India's highest civilian award for women who work in the area of women's empowerment. 

14 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

A Teacher in Tamil Nadu Builds Toilets so That Girls Don’t Have to Skip School

A teacher in a government school in Tamil Nadu was shocked to know that girls don’t use toilets in school as they are in a very poor and unhygienic condition. The girls therefore skip school during their periods and on other days control their bladder as they have no proper toilets. Satheesh Kumar , a teacher at Poovalur Government Higher Secondary school in Tiruchy was very concerned for the hapless girls and decided to help them out. He initially geared up to make repairs and renovations to the existing toilets, but soon found that his efforts are in vain as 135 students had only one toilet with four cubicles. Kumar realized that the girls used toilets at home just before coming to school at 8 am and would relieve themselves only after going home at 4 pm. He decided to build a new toilet with the award money of Rs 50,000 which he had recently won for best teacher. Many people pitched in with funds to help. He resorted to crowdfunding and received donations from people all over in India. Thanks to his dedicated efforts, the school this month inaugurated a swanky new toilet for girls and female staff which was built at a cost of 10.50 lakhs. The construction of the toilet began in January 2019 and it was ready in November. There are 14 toilets for the girls and four toilets for teachers while one toilet is for the differently-abled. The toilet which is built on an 820-sq. ft area is equipped with a washbasin, napkin vending machines and incinerators. The sensitive and compassionate nature of Satheesh Kumar led him to do a noble act. The girls of the government schools are happy beyond measure. One girl exclaimed that the new toilet is a huge relief for them as they no longer have to control their bladder for eight hours and can henceforth, regularly attend school.   

17 Dec 2019
Star Citizens

Retired IAS Officer Strives to Bring a Change

V M Manohar Prasad was a regular visitor of Marlawai village in Telangana due to official and unofficial reasons. After his voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Services, he devoted much of his time in the village to set up schools to give quality education to children. The village had anganwadis which were operating as pre-primary schools, but the education imparted to students here was very substandard. The teachers were hardly qualified to teach and a third-grader could barely count numbers. Mothers found this education exercise a futile business and approached Manohar. Manohar realized that there is no concept of pre-primary school under the aegis of the government. Manohar and his wife, Ramadevi soon found great strength among the women in the village who wanted their children to be educated. The retired officers along with the concerned mothers decided to start community governed schools, having seen the futility of government schools.  They collaborated with the Mahila Mandal Samakhya, a women self-help group in the village and entrusted them the task of identifying children between the ages of 3-5 and finding a suitable teacher, preferably woman, for the school. The couple started to work on the whole dynamics of primary education. It was a herculean task to contextualize the subjects for the children in the villages and it took them three years s to put together a proper curriculum. They also made it mandatory for teachers to go through a  16-week foundation course. They didn’t build any concrete schools. Schools were run under a tree, empty cowsheds, community halls or a kind villager would open the doors of his /her home to the children. Sometimes, the Anganwadi workers would allow classes in their premises. After the state of Telangana was formed, Manohar moved to East Godavari and helped set up 54 schools there, the first one being in the Gurtedu region, where he was once held captive by Naxals. Even today, the officer and his wife with the help of donors across the country are able to run the schools which are known as ‘Ma Ooru, Ma Badi’ (My Village, My School).  They now intend to start a residential primary school complex where the students from nearby schools can avail education, as an alternative to government schools. In spite of his tremendous efforts and dedication to set up schools, Manohar modestly asserts that all 54 schools are a result of the efforts of the mothers, women who wanted their children to do something big in life. Image Source: Scroll.in

14 Sep 2019
Star Citizens

A Teacher’s Funfilled and Innovative Teaching Methods Brought Kids Back to This Government School

There was a time when Sonwa school in Lucknow had very thin attendance. The few students who came would wait for lunch-time to have their mid-day meal. A concerned school teacher, Shipra Tiwari noticed the dwindling attendance and decided to do something about it. Shipra decided to make learning fun for them so that they came to school by choice and not by compulsion. She resorted to new and innovative methods of teaching instead of the conventional one. Puppet Show Puppets were among her first teaching tools that sparked an interest in her students. Shipra started taking lessons and conveying important messages through puppets. For instance, with the help of puppets, she taught the children the importance of hygiene. When word spread about the gudda-guddi (puppet) show, students started attending classes and the classroom was full of students. Bottle Garden Session Another activity which garnered a lot of interest among students was the bottle garden activity. In this activity, old bottles were collected and transformed into beautiful planters. The motto here was ‘Best out of Waste’. With this concept, the students went on to decorate the entire school as well as their homes. Apart from the wacky tools which she brings to make learning fun, she also uses modern tools on android apps. Now, her class is chock-o-block with students. Her presence itself fills the class with excitement as she enters cheerfully with a spring in her feet. She is a funky modern teacher who flaunts tattoos and so students call her tattoo-wali teacher. Hats off to this great teacher who went out of the way to awaken interest and passion for learning among her students.

6 Sep 2019
Star Citizens

Positive Reads

Rise of the Robotic Teachers: Transforming Education in Kerala

In the lush green state of Kerala, education is taking a giant leap into the future. Schools are introducing AI-powered humanoid teachers, seamlessly blending tradition with technology. These robotic educators, clad in saris and equipped with advanced AI capabilities, are captivating students with their interactive and innovative teaching methods. From answering complex queries to narrating engaging stories, these humanoid teachers are proving to be more than just novel additions to classrooms—they are reshaping education itself.Meet Nova: The Sari-Clad Tech WonderNova, the humanoid teacher at Government LPGS, Punalur in Kollam district of Kerala, was introduced to an astonished group of students on November 14. Nova is powered by GPT-4o, a cutting-edge AI model, and is revolutionizing education for 74 lower primary students.The AI teacher can converse in four languages—English, Malayalam, Hindi, and Arabic—helping students improve their communication skills while fostering curiosity. Headteacher M.K. Bindu shared, “We’ve uploaded all their textbooks in PDF format, allowing Nova to answer syllabus-related questions. The children are thrilled and ask random queries, which Nova patiently addresses.”Nova's primary focus is language skills enhancement and sparking interest in technology. "By familiarizing children with AI, we are preparing them for a digital future," explained Amesh Lal, PTA president and the IT expert behind Nova’s design. Source: Google ImagesPoopy: The Interactive Classroom StarAt Virakupurakotta Government School in Thiruvananthapuram, another robotic teacher named Poopy is enchanting students. Developed by RedFox Robotics, a startup incubated at Barton Hill Government Engineering College, Poopy was designed to make learning more interactive and fun.Poopy speaks both English and Malayalam fluently, answering a barrage of student questions with ease. Biju E, a teacher, shared, “Students love interacting with Poopy. We also plan to use her to improve their communicative abilities.”What sets Poopy apart is her adaptability to different learning styles. "She customizes lessons to suit each student’s syllabus and simplifies complex concepts," said Vimun A, CEO of RedFox Robotics. Poopy’s introduction was made possible through a corporate group’s CSR initiative, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can drive innovation in education.Source: Google ImagesIris: India's Trailblazing Humanoid TeacherIris made history this year as India’s first humanoid robot introduced into the education system. Created by Makerlabs Edutech in partnership with KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, Iris combines cutting-edge AI technology with a culturally familiar appearance, dressed in a traditional sari, to make learning more relatable and impactful.Unveiled under the 2021 NITI Aayog Atal Tinkering Lab initiative, Iris is designed to deliver interactive, multilingual lessons tailored to individual student needs. Her mobility, enabled by wheels, adds an engaging, dynamic dimension to the classroom. As a trailblazer in the Indian educational landscape, Iris is setting the stage for a transformative learning experience rooted in both tradition and innovation.Source: Google ImagesEffect on EducationThe introduction of robotic teachers in Kerala is addressing a critical challenge: the shortage of human educators. With India’s massive student population of 265 million, AI-powered robots can fill gaps while enhancing the quality of education.By incorporating AI into classrooms, schools are not just improving academic performance but also fostering a deeper understanding of technology. Students are exposed to the latest advancements, equipping them with skills crucial for navigating the modern world.Moreover, these humanoid teachers cater to diverse learning needs, offering personalized, multilingual lessons that make complex subjects more accessible. Their ability to engage students in interactive ways ensures that learning is both effective and enjoyable.Kerala’s experiment with robotic teachers is a glimpse into the future of education. As humanoid robots like Nova, Poopy, and Iris become more advanced, their potential to transform education becomes boundless.From enhancing technological literacy to bridging language barriers, these AI-powered teachers are not just tools but partners in learning. Their impact extends beyond classrooms, inspiring students to dream bigger and embrace innovation.Challenges and OpportunitiesWhile the integration of robotic teachers is a groundbreaking step, challenges remain. Budget constraints, limited accessibility in rural areas, and the need for continuous updates in AI technology are significant hurdles. However, these challenges also present opportunities for public-private partnerships and innovative funding models.As these robots evolve, incorporating advanced features like movement and computer vision, their role in education will only expand. The dream of a classroom where every child receives personalized attention and support might soon become a reality.Kerala’s robotic teachers are more than just technological marvels. By combining AI with a culturally familiar presentation, schools are creating a bridge between tradition and modernity. These humanoid teachers are not replacing human educators but augmenting their efforts, ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive in a rapidly changing world.The future of education is here, and it speaks in many languages, narrates fascinating stories, and wears a sari.

25 Nov 2024
Positive Reads

Himachal Pradesh Launches ‘My School-My Pride’ Campaign to Transform Government Education System

In a significant move towards transforming the quality of education in government schools, Himachal Pradesh has launched the 'My School-My Pride' campaign. With an aim to align with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, this initiative seeks to encourage active participation from individuals and organizations to bring about a positive change in the education system. Revolutionizing Education in Government Schools Under the 'My School-My Pride' campaign, stakeholders will be urged to adopt schools and contribute to various aspects of students' growth. This includes providing career counseling, offering remedial teaching, coaching students for examinations, and engaging in community support services. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of monetary contributions for infrastructure development, event sponsorship, scholarships, and support for the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program. Active Participation from the Society One of the key features of the campaign is the 'Giving back to society' initiative, which encourages retired teachers, professionals, housewives, or any other member of the society to become part of the academic support team. These individuals will teach students without any payment or honorarium, ensuring continuous academic support during teacher shortages or leaves. Non-academic teams will also contribute to sports, co-curricular activities, skill training, arts, and more. Adoption by Dignitaries and Government Officers To further enhance the campaign's impact, dignitaries, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and government officers are encouraged to adopt at least one government school as patrons. By doing so, they can suggest improvements, stay informed about students' progress, and actively participate in the school's development. Additionally, officers from the education department will act as mentors for specific schools, providing guidance and support. Transparent Monitoring and Accountability To ensure transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of activities, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will launch an online portal dedicated to the 'Apna Vidyalaya' program. This portal will serve as a platform for stakeholders to track and monitor their contributions and activities related to the adopted schools. Such transparency will help in maintaining the campaign's integrity and effectiveness. Holistic Approach towards Education The 'My School-My Pride' campaign aims to bring about a holistic transformation in the education system. In addition to academic support, it includes the 'systematic adolescent management and value addition dialogue' (SAMVAD) component. This component focuses on educating school-going adolescents on moral values, drug awareness, nutrition, legal knowledge, and empowerment schemes. By addressing these crucial aspects, the campaign strives to create a sustainable model for educational improvement. A Ray of Hope for Government Schools The launch of the 'My School-My Pride' campaign is a significant step towards revitalizing the public education system in Himachal Pradesh. As government schools cater to over 55% of students in the state, this initiative holds the promise of bringing about a positive transformation in their educational experience. By emphasizing community engagement, mentoring, and active participation from various stakeholders, the campaign aims to uplift the quality of education and create a conducive learning environment. The 'My School-My Pride' campaign launched by Himachal Pradesh is a commendable effort to transform the government education system. By promoting active involvement from individuals and organizations, encouraging transparent monitoring, and adopting a holistic approach towards education, this campaign has the potential to bring about a positive and sustainable change in the quality of education in government schools. With the support of the society, government officials, and the education department, Himachal Pradesh is paving the way for a brighter future for its students.

17 Jan 2024
Positive Reads

School in Puducherry Provides Hope and Education for Children with Disabilities

Carunnai School, founded by C Ganeshan in Puducherry, is transforming the lives of children with disabilities by providing them with education and a nurturing environment. The school, which started as a non-formal education institution, has now become a haven for special children, addressing their unique needs and challenges. Ganeshan, inspired by his visit to a camp for children with disabilities, dedicated himself to becoming an educator for them. With his own earnings and support from organizations like Rotary Club of Cosmos and Integra Software Services, he established Carunnai School. His wife, Revathi, also joined the mission, specializing in audiology and speech therapy. Carunnai School focuses on the happiness of its students, encouraging their interests and talents. The educators work closely with parents and support staff, developing personalized teaching plans that cater to each child's strengths and needs. Through this holistic approach, the students acquire essential skills such as reading, writing, and financial literacy. Currently, Carunnai School accommodates over 85 students, including eight orphans. Daily activities range from domestic skills training to academics and social skills development. The school also offers various therapies based on individual requirements, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, visual stimulation, and psychiatric therapy. In addition to education, Carunnai School serves as a home and refuge for children with disabilities who have been abandoned by their relatives. The school has witnessed remarkable success, with 10 students completing secondary education through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and now undergoing vocational training. While Carunnai School faces challenges when working with children who arrive later in life, the dedicated team ensures their safety and progress. Recognizing their efforts, the school has received the Best Institution Award on World Disabled Day from the Department of Social Welfare, Puducherry government.

12 Oct 2023
Positive Reads

Majestic Marvel in the Desert: This Girl's School Redefines Architectural Brilliance

In the enchanting Thar Desert, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School stands as an amazing creation, seamlessly blending with its arid surroundings. Designed by Diana Kellogg Architects, this awe-inspiring structure symbolizes a beacon of knowledge and education in the remote Kanori community near Jaisalmer. At the heart of this architectural masterpiece lies a sanctuary for young girls to pursue their dreams. In a province like Rajasthan, where the literacy rate barely reaches 32%, this school aims to empower young girls and their mothers, providing them with a brighter future while promoting sustainability. The visionary behind this exclusive initiative is Michael Daube, the founder of CITTA, who recognized the importance of granting the girls of rural Jaisalmer their fundamental right to education. Collaborating with the iconic architect Diana Kellogg, based in the United States, Daube embarked on this challenging project, overseeing its inception and completion. Crafted to withstand the extreme desert temperatures, the school incorporates innovative technologies that automatically regulate overheating, enabling it to endure scorching temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, while keeping the premises cool. Kellogg conceived a stunning oval arcade which symbolizes the universal emblem of femininity, representing an infinity sign giving birth to an egg-like form. Covering an area of almost 9,000 square feet, the school features a curved design crafted by local craftsmen, who happen to be the fathers of the girls themselves. The entire structure, along with its architectural elements, has been carved from locally sourced yellow sandstone. With a focus on sustainability, rainwater harvesting techniques were implemented, and a rooftop solar canopy provides electricity for the building, further enhancing its sustainability. The fort-like structure of the school amidst the barren desert encompasses three impressive elliptical elements. The massive outer wall forms the backbone of the building, while an inner wall surrounds the classrooms and other areas, enclosing a central courtyard. Perforated sandstone walls protect the school premises from the scorching sun and desert dust, creating a shaded and clean courtyard where the girls can play even during the hot summer months. The interior of the classrooms exude warmth, with beige wooden doors, chocolate brown boards, and furniture that perfectly complements the overall design. Recessed circular spaces within the walls serve as artistic architectural elements, doubling as seating areas and leisure nooks for the girls. To add a touch of elegance to the school uniforms, renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee drew inspiration from the intricate and enigmatic patterns of Ajrakh woodblock prints. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School represents a promising future for underprivileged girls and women in rural Jaisalmer. It serves as an architectural splendor in rural India, inspiring future projects aimed at empowering communities through education. 

26 Jun 2023
Positive Reads

The Bright Idea That Saves Lives: The Science Behind Why School Buses Are Yellow

School buses have become a familiar sight on roads around the world, and it's hard not to notice their bright yellow color. But have you ever wondered why school buses are yellow? The answer lies in safety. In the 1930s, a man named Frank Cyr was tasked with developing a standard color for school buses in the United States. At the time, school buses came in a variety of colors, making them difficult to spot on the road and posing a safety risk for children. Cyr worked with several paint companies to develop a bright, eye-catching color that would be easily visible from a distance. The result was the iconic shade of yellow that we associate with school buses today. The specific shade of yellow used on school buses is known as National School Bus Glossy Yellow, and it's not just for aesthetics. Studies have shown that the color yellow is the most visible color from a distance and in low light conditions. This makes school buses easier to spot on the road, reducing the risk of accidents and helping to keep children safe. In addition to their color, school buses are also designed with safety in mind. They are built with reinforced steel frames and are required to meet strict safety standards, including features like high-backed seats and emergency exits. School bus drivers are also required to undergo extensive training to ensure that they can operate the vehicles safely.

11 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

This Online School is Transforming Education and Uniting Students Worldwide

Enter the world of Agastya Gurukulam, an online school like no other. A place where language appreciation, critical thinking, and ancient Indian knowledge systems are not just taught, but revered. Founded by three individuals with a shared ideology, this non-profit institution has grown to over 400 students from ten different countries, all eager to learn and expand their understanding of the world. But this is no ordinary school. Agastya Gurukulam teaches entirely in Sanskrit, a language that few have mastered and many have forgotten. Yet, the founders hold that a thorough command of Sanskrit is a prerequisite for a deep understanding of India's ancient knowledge systems. Through the study of Sanskrit, students are able to decipher historical mysteries and apply them to their areas of specialization. For parents around the world, Agastya Gurukulam has become a beacon of hope. Take the case of Supriya Shastry, who pulled her daughter out of regular school to homeschool her and due to lack of exposure to Indian culture,  turned to Agastya Gurukulam. And it was there that her daughter, Shriya Ashwin, began to learn about India in a spiritual way, connecting with her heritage in a way that she never thought possible. And now, with a brick-and-mortar structure in Bengaluru, India, and plans for another school in Houston, Texas by the year's end, Agastya Gurukulam is well on its way to spreading its message to students around the globe. Agastya Gurukulam is more than just a school. It is a place where ancient wisdom meets modern learning, where language is revered, and where critical thinking is celebrated. For those seeking a spiritual way of learning and a deeper understanding of India's rich cultural heritage, there is no better place than Agastya Gurukulam.

28 Feb 2023
Positive Reads

This School Is in Tune With Gandhian Values Even After a Century!

The Vidyodaya Girls’ Higher Secondary School in T Nagar Chennai has an old charm as it stays rooted in Gandhian values even as it celebrates its centenary in the coming year. What sets this school apart is that the students here are imparted training to spin the charkha twice in a week. The students here are steeped in Gandhian values which help them to be good academicians and sportspersons. The school has maintained its old-world charm with huge playgrounds, an abundance of trees, and few buildings. Students from faraway places seek admission to this reputed school which was founded in 1924 by Elizabeth Sornam Appasamy. It was founded with a donation of Rs 10,000 which was collected from the public. Initially, the school had only three boarders and threeday scholars. Today it has expanded to a group of schools - Vidyodaya Girls Higher Secondary School, Vidyodaya Matriculation School and Vidyodaya Nursery School- comprising 2500 girls. The students here on every Thursday start the Sarvodaya prayer with a few lines about Mahatma Gandhi, passages from Gita, Bible and Quran. The session concludes with a rendition of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajans. No donations are collected from the students in this school. If there is surplus income, it is set aside to buy sports kits or other necessary items for the students. The school will be celebrating its centenary from February 24th next year.

24 Dec 2022
Positive Reads

How the Ban on Mobile Phones Brought About an Unexpected Change in This US HIgh School

Post the Covid-19 pandemic, the faculty at Buxton School, a high school in northwest Massachusetts, observed that smartphone usage has increased considerably and students no longer interacted with each other. According to a New York Post report, they had trouble communicating with one another, and their ability to be with or sit with other individuals was utterly gone. Head of School Peter Beck felt something amiss and after discussion with faculty, decided to ban mobile phones (both iPhones and Androids) on the school’s 114-acre campus. The prohibition was implemented this September and it has been a huge success, reported the Outlet. Mr.Beck stated that some students expressed fear after hearing the announcement as they were unable to imagine how their lives would be without their most indispensable gadget. However, it was heartening to see the students adapting to the change and gradually transforming themselves. They were devoting more time to academic pursuits, artistic expression, interpersonal interaction, and self-discovery. The students are not entirely cut off from the outside world, though. According to The Post, each student received a Light Phone, a stylish device with minimal features possessing the ability to send and receive basic SMS and calls.

6 Dec 2022
Positive Reads

How Water Bell Helps Students to Stay Hydrated and Healthy

I remember when I was in school, we had this silence bell which was in the second last period of the day. As soon as the silence bell rang, we students were supposed to stop all activity and just remain silent for two minutes. It helped us to calm down and gather ourselves because as kids we were all very restless and active. A new concept - the water bell has been introduced in Indraprastha Vidyalaya in Mangaluru. The motive behind this water bell is to ensure that students drank adequate water during the day.  Health issues Of Students There have been many cases of students being afflicted with urinary tract infections and kidney stones which are usually triggered by dehydration. Hence there is a need for students to stay hydrated. However, it was found that many students return home with full water bottles as they just forget to drink water. This led to a rise in headaches, dehydration and other health issues in children. The management, therefore, decided to introduce the water bell to remind students to drink water. How Water Bell Works The water bell rings thrice in a day at 10.35 am, 12 pm and 2 pm. When the bell rings, the students are prompted to drink water. The kids are also taught the benefits of adequate consumption of water. It is imperative for schools to provide safe drinking water to their students. However, there is no facility or mechanism that will ensure that children drink water. The unique water bell will act as an alarm for students to drink water and help them stay hydrated and healthy. This wonderful initiative by the Karnataka school needs to be emulated by all schools in India for the good health of the future generation. Offices and workplaces may also take a cue from this school and introduce the water bell as employees also tend to forget to drink water and endure dehydration related health problems.

20 Nov 2019
Positive Reads

Mid-Day Meals- an Effective Way to Alleviate Malnutrition Among Kids

Malnutrition is a persistent problem in India which proves to be fatal many times as it puts children at a greater risk of dying from infections, increases the severity of infections and delays recovery. Various initiatives have been introduced by the government and NGOs across India to address this issue. One such effort was made by former Air Force pilot Captain Rajesh Sharan and his wife, Shanta Sharan who founded the Diksha School in Gurugram that provides a well-balanced meal to its students right from its inception in 2008. Diksha Provides All-Round Development Diksha started with only 13 students and currently, the strength of the school is 410. Most of the students are children of migrant workers. The couple noticed that the children were very weak as their parents couldn’t care for them much as they had to leave early to earn their living and would return only in the evening. Most of the parents were construction workers, domestic helps and rickshaw pullers. The couple decided that along with education, the students of their school should also be given proper nutrition. A Well Balanced Meal Speaking to NDTV, Principal of Diksha, Vandana Aneja said that two full-time cooks have been employed to prepare meals that have been designed in such a way that it meets the nutritional requirements of the children. The lunch comprises of legumes, sambhar, rice, kichdi and vegetables.  Funds are raised with the help of volunteers, neighbors and corporate to financially support the institution. The school also conducts one yoga class and has a game period and physical training period every week for the overall development of the student. They are also taught about alcohol and substance abuse through workshops. The parents of children are happy and relieved that their children are getting at least one full meal in a day. We require more people like Rajesh and Shanta Sharan who went out of their way to tackle the issue of malnutrition among children.

20 Sep 2019
Positive Reads

Good News

Bigger Than the Olympics? Kerala’s School Sports Meet is Raising the Bar!

There are 24,000 young athletes participating in 39 sporting events at 17 locations as part of Kerala's Department of General Education in the Ernakulam district. The Kerala School Sports Meet is made even more unique by the Inclusive Sports category, which aims to integrate children with special needs into the general population. The involvement of students from eight different schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another feature of the sporting event.Heavy Feel of The Event Up Ahead~ Source: Google imagesEveryone is in awe of people working behind the scenes for organizing and running such a huge event, which, if one looks at the magnitude, is even bigger than the Olympics. "Just look at the magnitude," a General Education department official said. But with the assistance of the department's massive workers, everything had been meticulously planned and arranged, he continues.In an interview with The New Indian Express, General Education Minister V Sivankutty emphasized that "this event has truly transformed the landscape of school sports in our state." The steadfast dedication to diversity is what really sets this year's Olympic model sports meet apart. We have set a strong example for the rest of the globe by planning this event as if it were a little Olympics. We have demonstrated that every child deserves the chance to participate and succeed, regardless of their abilities.He adds, "The Department of General Education has worked tirelessly to ensure that no child is left behind. We've provided the necessary resources, training, and support to nurture young talent. The sight of children with diverse abilities, competing in a meet, fills my heart with hope."Selecting the last 24,000 pupils out of a total of 6 lakh ~Source: Google imagesAccording to the official, "If you look at the student strength, our general education department is huge," explaining how the 24,000 participants were lined up. There are 47 lakh pupils enrolled in the department's schools. The initial aim in preparing for the Kerala School Sports Meet was to host sub-district sporting events. "Approximately six lakh students participated in the sub-district competitions. There were almost 1.6 lakh winners from these competitions. Following that, these winners participated in the revenue district meets, which were conducted in each of the state's 14 districts. According to the official, 24,000 champions from various competitions are currently participating at the Kerala School Sports Meet in Ernakulam.The Vision is Enormous~ Source: Google imagesThe fact that all 39 events are being held in six categories—U-14, 17, and 19 for both genders—is another aspect of the meet. Approximately 10,500 participants compete in two divisions at the Olympics, which are regarded as the largest athletic event in the world. There are just 33 events there. Here, though, things are different. It's enormous! At every level, we are holding over 10,000 competitions. But we needed a plan since we wanted all the kids to be involved," he says. It appeared to be a difficult task for the General Education Department.Following talks with the district's MPs and MLAs, the department established 15 subcommittees, each of which included the mayor and the president of the district panchayat. Additionally, an organizing committee was established, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan serving as its patron. It should be mentioned that although the state government has contributed money to the sports meet, sponsorship has given the majority of the funding. "We have individuals and companies coming forward to sponsor various things needed for the conduct of the meet," he continues. Through this sporting event, the state government hopes to achieve its goal of fostering a culture of athletics.Eyes On Passionate Future Players ~ Source: Google imagesThis Kerala Model Sports Meet is expected to continue annually, according to officials. "We have created a Kerala Model in school sports too and if this model is followed in the coming years, we can say that after five years, sports will become a part of our children's lives and they will shine not only at the national level but also on the international stage," he continues. The minister declares that the state government is dedicated to make the Kerala School Sports Meet an even bigger success, reaffirming the goal of helping Kerala shine in the sports industry as well. “The state government will keep funding inclusive policies, training initiatives, and sporting facilities. By working together, we can provide our kids a better future.”Kerala's School Sports Meet sets a new standard in inclusivity and scale, inspiring a future where every child can compete and thrive on the world stage.

14 Nov 2024
Good News

Power Play: What Telangana’s New School Initiative Means for Education

The Telangana administration resolved on Thursday to give government-run schools free power in order to deliver high-quality education. The Government Order announcing the scheme's immediate implementation was released just hours after Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka made the announcement at a Teachers' Day celebration.An Effective Push To the Education Sector ~ (Source: Google Images) The people's administration, according to Vikramarka, who oversees finance and energy, will give free electricity to 27,862 educational facilities throughout the state . He declared that the government would pay back the costs that the electrical department would incur in carrying out the plan.The GO contains an outline of the scheme's modalities. The power distribution companies will set up an internet site, to which the corresponding departments of all government-run schools would have login credentials.  The final list of institutions to be covered by the scheme will be added to the Internet portal by the secretaries of the relevant departments. Each institution will receive monthly billing, which will be visible through the department login. The relevant institution in charge will receive a hard copy of the bill that displays consumption in units and the billed amount.All departments will have access to the site, which will also allow reports to be generated regarding usage, bill amounts, past consumption, billing, payments, and balances, among other topics, at the institution, mandal, and district levels. To allow the departments to use the budgetary allocation to pay the bills to TG DISCOMS, the portal will be integrated with the Finance Department.

6 Sep 2024
Good News

India's First All-Girl Sainik School Paves the Way for Women in Defence

In a historic moment for women empowerment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated India’s first all-girl Sainik School in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district. This milestone marks a significant step forward for aspiring female cadets aiming to serve the nation through the armed forces. Named the Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, the institution, with an impressive enrollment of around 870 students, is part of a larger initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across states and union territories.  The CBSE-affiliated school, equipped to provide top-notch education, will be helmed by ex-servicemen, offering 120 coveted seats for aspiring cadets. The Minister highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision has rightfully placed women within the armed forces, acknowledging their pivotal role in safeguarding the nation. This groundbreaking decision to admit girls to Sainik Schools follows the successful pilot project at Sainik School, Chhingchhip, Mizoram, initiated by the Defence Ministry. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also highlighted his earlier initiative to enroll girl students in Sainik School, Lucknow, in 2018, further emphasizing the commitment to gender-inclusive opportunities in defence education. The objective behind establishing these schools aligns with the National Education Policy, aiming to provide quality education and promising career prospects for students, thereby propelling India towards a future of inclusive and robust defence preparedness.

2 Jan 2024
Good News

From Slum to School: Delhi Police Officers Provide a Ray of Hope for Children in Need

In a Delhi slum, police officers are making a difference by providing education to children who would otherwise be living on the streets. The officers have established a free school within the slum, which has been a lifeline for many students. The initiative was started by police officer Rajesh Kumar, who saw the plight of children in the slum and wanted to do something to help them. He and his colleagues set up a small school within the slum, providing free education and a safe space for children to learn. The school has been a huge success, with many children attending regularly and showing great progress in their studies. The officers have also been able to provide basic health care and nutrition to the students, ensuring that they are healthy and able to learn. The impact of the school has been felt not just by the children, but by the entire community. Parents are grateful for the opportunity their children have been given, and the officers have been able to build trust and goodwill within the community. This initiative is a testament to the power of education and the positive impact that police officers can have on their communities. It is an inspiring example of how small actions can make a big difference in the lives of those in need.

11 Jul 2023
Good News

This Man Ensured That the Tribal Kids Residing Atop a Hill Get Proper Ambience for Education

T Giridharan, a freelance VFX professional went the extra mile to provide better education to kids in a tribal hamlet atop the Alleri hills. While he realized that much could be done to improve the conditions residing in the village, one particular scene caught his attention. Numerous kids were sitting around a tree listening to a teacher. The young children were seated on rough, flat rocks, and the teacher's instructions were frequently obscured by stray winds or background noise. Later, he came to know that the nearest government school was very difficult to access, an NGO had set up those classes for the tribal children. His heart moved and he decided to build a school for the children. Building a school atop a hill was a Herculean task and many tried to dissuade him, yet Giridharan was not one to be deterred. Giridharan put together a team of friends, volunteers, and college students using all of the connections which he had developed over seven years of volunteer work in the community. Giridharan said that they started the work of constructing the school in 2019 and received assistance from over 400 people in the form of cash, labor, bricks, cement, steel, and other building supplies. Thanks to all those good people, the work is almost finished after three years, added Giridharan. The villagers are extremely happy and grateful as now their kids can go to school and they are no longer worried about their kid’s education.  

26 Nov 2022
Good News

Know More About the Education Minister Who Gave Government Students a Time of Their Life by Taking Them Abroad

Around 68 students of Tamil Nadu government schools got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go abroad after excelling in an online state-level quiz competition. The lucky students were taken to Sharjah, Dubai, on an educational tour. The students were accompanied by the state school education minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, along with five teachers and three officials from the education department. The trip spanned four days from November 10 to 13 and they visited the International Book Fair, schools and libraries. Addressing the students at the book fair,  emphasized the value and usefulness of reading. Additionally, he extended an invitation to Sharjah's representatives to attend the Chennai International Book Festival, which is scheduled to take place the following year. The students were also taken to the royal family's palace in Abu Dhabi where they learned about United Arab Emirates' history and growth. They also went to the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, where they learned more interesting things about the forward-thinking city. The expenses of the knowledge tour were covered by funds for corporate social responsibility. The tour was scheduled for last year but got postponed due to the pandemic.  

21 Nov 2022
Good News

This Revolutionary Device Keeps Fishermen Safe and Guides Them Towards Their Catch

Fishermen can soon use technology to their advantage as GEMINI(Gagan Enabled Mariners Instrument for Navigation and Information) was launched in Mumbai by the Hyderabad based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services(INCOIS) along with the Airports Authority of India. The device will facilitate safer and easier expeditions for the fishermen. The fishermen will have to download the Gagan app on their mobile phones and it will be connected to GEMINI via Bluetooth. Its inbuilt rechargeable battery lasts for 3-4 days and it covers the entire Indian Ocean for transmission to fishermen at sea. Revolutionary Device GEMINI provides information to fishermen on potential fishing zones and gives alerts on high waves and strong winds. It gives warning about cyclones and tsunamis as well as provides information on search and rescue.  Fishermen can also know the maximum current speed, depth of the sea, distance and direction with the help of the device. In case of any emergency, fishermen can bank on GEMINI as it suggests the nearest land points. Technology GEMINI uses surface temperature and water’s chlorophyll content to locate fish schools. It detects weather conditions and sends the information to the app. Fishermen can use their phones to see the forecast of fishing zones which is sent three days in advance. They can also see the weather alerts that are sent in an hour. The Ockhi cyclone of 2017 brought to fore the limitations of the marine information systems as fishermen in deep-sea couldn’t be reached and therefore, they weren’t warned about the cyclone. The low cost, soapbox sized smart receiver device GEMINI will ensure safe expeditions for our fisherfolk.

18 Nov 2019
Good News

Know More About This ‘Free’ School in Kerala

A state-of-art school has been set up in Kerala for special children and classes are slated to begin next month. The school which also includes a 350-bed hospital looks after the overall health of disabled children. According to a report in India Today, the premier school has been set up by NIMS at a cost of Rs 3 crore. The highlight of this school is that fees are optional and only those who can afford to pay can make the payment of the fees. NIMS Spectrum The managing director of NIMS Hospital, Faizal Khan informed that their state of the art NIMS Spectrum will commence on December 3. It will provide rehabilitation services to differently-abled children. The comprehensive services will include therapies in child development, behaviour, speech, audiology, occupational, autistic, to name a few. Fourteen different departments will cater to the well being of these special children. Trained Staff The differently-abled children will be cared for by around 100 professionally trained staff. An area of 7000 square feet of space at the ground floor has been set aside to accommodate 80 children for various therapies. Khan said that while all will be handed a bill, payment of the charges is not mandatory. One can pay either in full or in installments and if one doesn’t pay, there is no issue. He further added that the facility will be run by the revenue generated from their other establishments. The rehabilitation centre comprising of the school and hospital will open on December 3 which is the International Day of Disabled Persons.  

18 Nov 2019
Good News

This Young Boy’s Generosity Will Amaze You

One cannot but admire the beautiful mind of 16-year-old K N Tejas who offered the prize money of six lakhs that he won in a reality show, to his school so that a compound could be built around it to stave off the cattle who damage the newly planted saplings in the school. Tejas, class X, is a student of Government High School in Kattaya. His father is a farmer and his mother works as a cook in a government school. A few days ago, a crew of a TV reality show visited the school to select students for an episode. Tejas was fortunate to make the cut because, in the show, he was able to answer 11 of the 15 questions entitling him to prize money of 6.4 lakhs. Tejas was always annoyed at the cattle that ate away the newly planted saplings in his school. He therefore, offered his prize money to the school to build a compound wall around it. As media reports about the boy’s success and his decision on the prize money became viral, education minister S Suresh Kumar on Tuesday directed the Hassan Zilla Parishad chief executive officer and deputy director of public instruction to take up the compound work of the school. The minister praised Tejas for his generosity and asked authorities to meet his family at his residence. Tejas who aspires to become a doctor had said that if any amount is left of the prize money, he would want to spend it on his sister’s marriage. The authorities visited Tejas at his residence and told him to utilize the prize money for his further studies and sister’s marriage. The Zilla Panchayat assured that a Rs 20 lakh grant would be released to build a compound for the school. Image Source: India Today

8 Nov 2019
Good News

Students Imbibe Lessons in Honesty With This Out of the Box Initiative

A government school in Tamil Nadu has come up with a novel way of imparting lessons in honesty to students. The initiative has not only transformed children but has also thought them the value of money. Some lessons are best taught to children in a practical way. The Stationary Shop The stationary shop opened at Union Middle School in Pudukkottai sets forth lessons in honesty. A shop has been opened in the school that contains stationary books, pens, pencils etc. which are labeled with price tags, but there is no vendor. Students can take whatever items they want and deposit the appropriate amount of money in a box kept for that purpose. There will be no one at the shop to monitor their transactions. Life Lessons Learnt This initiative is the brainchild of Mekala, a Mathematics teacher who said that the idea is to teach children life-oriented lessons. When they do not have the exact amount for a product, then they learn to get balance amount for it. Thus they also apply what they learn in class at the store. If there is demand for a particular book or any other item, teachers ensure that they keep a stock of it. Every month, there is a sale of Rs 1,000-Rs 1,200 at the store. Parents are happy about the honesty store as it inculcates in their children valuable lessons of truth and honesty. One parent even said that such lessons will help shape their career drastically.  

5 Nov 2019
Good News

Know Why School Children of Dindori Are So Excited to Go to School Every Day

School children in Dindori, a tribal-dominated district in Madhya Pradesh have a reason to go to school every day. Their school building is built in the shape of a train which is the source of excitement among the students. The place being underdeveloped, lacks rail connectivity and that explains the reason why children are so eager to go to their school which is in the form of a train. The Unique School Building The government school has been built keeping in mind the attraction of a train among the children. The building is shaped like a train and has been painted with the colors of an actual train, that is in shades of blue and yellow. The entrance to the rooms as well as the windows is exactly like that of a train compartment. If that was not enough, the front part of the school is completely built like a train engine. Enthusiastic School Children Children who earlier didn’t like going to school have been attending their classes regularly now, thanks to the train makeover. The school situated in Khajri has an interesting name- “Education Express MS Khajri”. It also houses a mid-day dining hall which is termed as ‘Annapurna Room’. According to the school headmistress, Santosh Uikey the children seem to be much happier to find their classrooms in the form of train bogies and parents are also very curious about the school building. The teachers also contributed a part of their salaries towards the school building which has now become the talk of the town and a source of elation among the villagers. Image Source: Kalinga TV

11 Oct 2019
Good News

This Unique Class Is Making a Spectacular Impact on Students

During a conversation between the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and the education minister Manish Sisodia, the topic of student’ well being emerged. They pondered that they have taken many steps to renovate school buildings, reinvigorate teachers and improve exam results, but nothing is being done to make children better human beings. This thought stayed with Manish Sisodia for a long time and it finally culminated into the commencement of happiness class in Delhi’s government schools. This model is having a great impact and is attended by almost 8 lakh students for one period every day. What Is The Happiness Class The inspiration of happiness class came from Vipassana courses and coexistence-based Jeevan Vidya workshop, which looks at all the aspects of education and life very critically and discusses it very scientifically. The content of happiness class was built by a joint team of twenty Delhi government teachers, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) lecturers and principals, some reputed individuals and organizations working in the area of child psychology. The course is based on Indian thought and education which is thought in a scientific way. The happiness class is conducted through the medium of mindfulness meditation, inspirational stories to make children responsible and mature and activity-oriented discussions where children study their own thoughts and reactions scientifically. Impact On Children It has been only one year since the happiness class has been introduced, but parents and teachers have noticed a considerable change in the behavior of children. Teachers stated that some students who were aggressive have become calm. The level of concentration of students has also increased. They have become more caring and sensitive to others and show a lot of love and respect. It has helped in the development of a mindset in the students to be positive and creative. Education should not be about turning children into bookworms, rather it should be able to bring out the best in every child and improve their well being. The happiness class is certainly making a positive impact and should be adopted by all schools across India.

18 Sep 2019
Good News

Thoughtful Initiatives Taken by Rajasthan Government to Reduce the Weight of School Bags

How often we have seen children trudging to their school with heavy school bags on their back. Now, children of Rajasthan can hope to carry lighter bags to school as the Rajasthan Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasara on Wednesday initiated a state-wide pilot project with the aim of reducing the weight of children's school bags. Measures To Decrease The Weight The minister while addressing a gathering at a government school asserted that it would take steps to lighten the weight of school bags so that children won’t be burdened to carry heavy bags. Some measures to realize this aim include carrying one book instead of several ones of the same subject. The textbooks’ weight will also be reduced to two-thirds. Dostara said that the old books of students of class 1 weighed900 grams which has now been brought down to 400 gm. Similarly, the weight of books of class I to V has been reduced from almost 6 kg to just over 2 kg. Implementation Dostara said that Rajasthan is the first state in the country to take up this initiative to reduce the burden of students. He further said that this project will first be carried on an experimental basis by selecting one school each in 33 districts of the state. The outcome of this project will be subject to constant reviews and if the result is positive, then the project will be implemented in the entire state for all classes from one to 12. This is an excellent initiative launched by the Rajasthan government which should also be taken up by private schools and all schools of other states so that it would ease the burden of school children.

5 Sep 2019
Good News

City Students Donate Their Pocket Money To Repair Government School

When Nidhi Shankar Reddy came to know about the pathetic condition of the school in which her maid’s son was studying, she decided to help. She saved her pocket money and urged her two brothers and sister to do the same. Together, the four students of a city school saved around Rs 1.5 lakh and spent it on development work of a government primary school near Kalyan Nagar in Bengaluru. Thanks to them, the government primary school now has a good toilet facility after it got repaired. The benches and walls of the classrooms have also been painted. The parents came to know about their kind gesture only when the school teachers informed them about it.

4 Jan 2018
Good News

School Radio To Improve Childrens’ Communication Skills

School Radio Programme is an initiative by Digital School that has been launched in many schools in Vishakapatnam to provide opportunities to children to improve their communication skills. Each school where the programme is launched forms a radio club consisting of 50 children (from class V to X) and five teachers. Then, school radio experts organise a three-day workshop for them in which students and teachers get trained in content development, presentation skills, recording and editing of voices. Later on, every month, students and teachers of respective schools speak on a selected topic of their choice such as segregation of waste, personal hygiene, etc. Their voices are recorded, basic editing is done on Audacity, which is a free open source digital audio editor, then the files are converted into MP3 and sent to school radio for webcasting. Aruna Gali, founder of School Radio, said that after the files are received from each school, it is webcasted in an online platform called www.schoolradio.in. This enables all students from various schools to have access to voices of other students online. Thus,  School Radio helps young minds grow from being just passive listeners to taking more active roles as producers and broadcasters.

28 Nov 2017
Good News

Supreme Court Proposes Special School for Special Children

The Supreme Court has deemed it impossible for children with autism, blindness and deafness to be taught with normal children. It has emphasized the need for special schools for special children where they will be taught by specially trained teachers. The SC has questioned the lack of special schools for such children affected by blindness, deafness and autism. It opines that children who suffer from any kind of disability or are mentally challenged, cannot be imparted education in mainstream schools along with normal children. According to the Bench which comprised of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud,  access to education is a fundamental right under Article 21A and there was a statutory obligation on the States to provide education under the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The Bench decided that children with special needs have to be imparted education not only by special teachers but there have to be special schools for them. It was hearing a plea filed by Rajneesh Kumar Pandey through advocate Prashant Shukla, claiming lack of a sufficient number of special educators in Uttar Pradesh and other States to teach the children with special needs. The Bench concluded that students who suffer from blindness, deafness and autism or such types of a disorder may be required to have separate schools with distinctly trained teachers.  

30 Oct 2017
Good News

A Transformation through Persistent Efforts

The Government Higher Secondary School at Panjal near Wadakanchery in Kerala was a mediocre school with dwindling admissions and lack of proper facilities. It took the consistent and dedicated efforts of teachers, parents and social activists together to bring the 85-year-old school back on track and make it one of the best government schools in Kerala. In 2000, the school had only 651 students. Admission rate was falling and the SSLC pass percentage was only 20. Now, after a decade of launching an academic improvement programme by teachers, parents and social activists in 2007,  the SSLC pass percentage has been 100 for the past two years. Student population also increased to 2,232 out of which 1,356 belong to BPL category. T I Yousaff, who won the best teacher award for his role in transforming the school, said that in the months preceding exams, classes begin at 7.30am and end by 6 pm. The school also began a screening process to identify poor performers and train them separately. The infrastructure of the school has increased to a great extent. It has got funds for the construction of a new building. The school now has an excellent library that houses 30,000 books. It also provides newspapers each day and at a time 65 students can read the different papers that have been subscribed.  Teachers themselves purchased 400 chairs for the school. There is a need to replace the tin sheet roofs over some classes as well as secure bus service for the school. With the speed at which transformation is taking place, the principal is confident that these issues will also be resolved without delay.  

6 Oct 2017
Good News

Weight norms for school bags

Children in Telangana will no longer have to trudge to school under a load of heavy school bags as the Telangana government has issued a directive to lay down stringent guidelines to considerably lighten the school bag load of kids in primary, upper primary and high schools under the state board. It will be hard to believe that the school bag of an average Class X student currently weighs about 17 kg. With the new weight norms, the bag will weigh not more than 5kg. The GO issued by the department of school education on Tuesday, directs  that the school bag, including textbooks, notebooks should not exceed 1.5 kg for class I and II students, must be less than 3 kg for classes III to V, less than 4 kg for VI and VII classes, not more than 4.5kg for students of classes VIII and IX and a maximum of 5kg for Class X students. It was stated in the GO that the children carry textbooks, guides, homework notebooks, rough work notebooks etc., to the classroom every day which is the reason for the heavy weight of the bags. It mentions that a survey should be conducted to arrive at the proper load of school bags and a policy of homework and assignments should be there so that students carry only the required and limited number of books. In some districts, the weight of the bags was found to be about 6 to 12 kg at the primary level and 12 to 17 kg at the high school level. The Order stated that such excess weight leads to severe, the adverse physical effect on growing children. It can damage their vertebral column, knees and can also cause anxiety disorders. Water bottles also contribute to the weight of the school bags and therefore, the GO has urged schools to provide safe drinking water in order to unburden the students of their heavy bags.

18 Jul 2017
Good News

A dying school is restored back to life

The Nawli Zilla Parishad school in Risod taluka of Maharashtra’s Washim district was till last year in a dilapidated state. Students had gradually begun to drop out from this village school and traveled 30 km to a private school even though they had to pay high fees. In June 2016, the school with classes from 1 to 8 had only 4 teachers for 145 students. Headmaster Narayan Garde feared many more would drop out as he struggled to keep the school open. That's when Garde and four other teachers decided to revamp the school and bring it back to life. A protest by villagers at the district office led to the appointment of five teachers by the education department. Garde and his team then started pooling in money to improve the school’s infrastructure. They collected Rs 1.5 lakh which was used to paint walls and install water purifiers. With the villagers’ help who contributed Rs 3 lakh, the worn down school transformed into a colourful, green campus with seven classrooms, a computer lab, toilets and a steady supply of drinking water. Now, there is a steady inflow of students. It has also attracted students from 10 other villages. Washim district collector Rahul Dwivedi said that the team of teachers and villagers have established a model that other villages and towns can follow.  

17 Jul 2017
Good News

Good Samaritan donates land to school playground

The students of a government school in Sikar district of Rajasthan will soon have a playground to play, thanks to a humble jeep driver who donated five bighas of land to the school. 30-year-old Major Ali, a father of two, who barely earns a few thousand rupees a month was generous enough to donate five out of 14 bighas of his ancestral land for the playground of a government secondary school in Lawanda village in Sikar. Ali could donate his land to the school after he was able to convince his five brothers for this noble cause. From this academic session, students can avail of the playground facility. Last year, the school was upgraded from upper primary to secondary level. A retired school principal, Heeralal Meghwal donated 3.75 bighas of land which is near the playground for the construction of a new building. At a state-level function, Ali was felicitated by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with 109 donors for their contribution to the society. Ali said that he could have used the donated land which is worth 30 lakhs for farming, but he feels proud that he could donate the land to the school. He is making ends meet with the paltry Rs 7-8,000 a month that he earns as a driver, yet he wasted no time to donate the land when he was motivated by the school headmaster.  

30 Jun 2017
Good News

Kerala school arranges for school bag pickup facility

GM Upper Primary School in Kattampally, Kerala has come up with a novel initiative of arranging a special van to pick up bags from designated points in the neighbourhood so that students can walk freely without the burden of heavy school bags. Earlier many students who couldn’t afford the bus facility of school due to financial constraints had to walk to school with their bags. Due to this facility, the students no longer have to trudge to school. Without the bags, the walking routine has become very enjoyable for the happy children. This measure has been initiated by the school to encourage walking among students and reducing dependence on vehicles. Headmistress Gangabai N. said that over 300 students have availed this facility. This initiative is the brainchild of teacher N M Ravi, who is also the transport in charge. He said that the facility was introduced last year as many students have found it difficult to carry heavy bags to school. As of now, the service is free, but the school plans to charge a minimal amount to meet the expenses. However, while returning home, students will have to carry their own bags as there is no option of dropping bags after school because of confusion regarding delivery to the collection points without error.

17 Jun 2017
Good News

 More parents support through missed call to curb fee hike 

As the state and the neighbouring state of Gujarat fight for the abrupt fee hike done by many schools, many parents have started a protest against the same. In Mumbai, as parents supported the fight against fee hike a parents group has received 3,800 missed calls for the campaign. This fight was started by Fairness in Education (FFE), a parents group that has started an agitation against unjustified fee hikes. Jayant Jain, president of the forum said, "Several parents are fighting with the schools' managements. There is a need to unite all the parents so a permanent solution can be worked out."  To take this fight ahead and deal with the school that hikes the fees abruptly the forum has also organised a protest at Azad Maidan. For the same, parents are urging as many parents in the city through bulk messages.  "Just the way parents have responded to the missed call campaign, we are hoping they turn out in large numbers for the protest too," said Jain.  Anubha Sahai of India Wide Parents Association said, "We are hoping that parents step out to intensify the fight against errant school managements."  Parents have also asked the state education department to support them in this protest. They have demanded that parents should have more representation in PTA executive committee, a check on fee hike and deposit fee among others.  

22 May 2017
Good News

Now, NGO trying to have equal fees in schools

Here’s a sigh of relief for all those parents who worry about their children’s constant fee hikes every year. A Non government organisation (NGO) from Pune has come with the new parameters which will decide fees from kindergarten to class 12 and the draft will be soon submitted to state education department. Even while Maharashtra state has a fee regulation act it failed badly and parent continued complaining about regular fee hikes in the school.This draft made by state education department will decide the fees taking into consideration all the parameters of the school. According to a report published in Hindustan Times,“We studied the balance sheets of different schools across Maharashtra to decide a reasonable amount,” said Vaishali Bafna, member of Pune-based Syscom, which had filed a petition against the haphazard first-year junior college (FYJC) admissions in the Bombay high court last year. Agreeing that the amount can’t be the same in all schools, Bafna said the NGO is trying to fix the parameters to raise the fees.“While in some schools, the fees are exorbitant, the quality of education or facilities are poor,” said Bafna. “This will stop only if the government compels schools to follow a prescribed format to fix the fees.” In this wake of haphazard fee hikes, parent in Mumbai are planning to go on an indefinite hunger strike from to protest against the fee hikes. In a recent survey, 55% of parents from Maharashtra admitted that schools have hiked fees in the range of 11% to 20%.Parents believe that there should be some limit on schools from the government for fee hikes. According to the Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Regulation of collection of fees) Act, 2011, effective since December, 2015, the school management must put forth the proposed fees for the approval of the PTA executive panel. If there is more than 15% difference in the fees proposed by the management and those approved by the PTA, then they can approach divisional fee regulatory committees or state-level revision committee.  

18 Apr 2017
Good News

From results to tracking buses, schools switch over to mobile apps

Many schools in Kochi have replaced the humble school diary with mobile apps to communicate and interact with parents and students. Susanna Sunil, vice principal of Global Public School said that last year, school examination results were available for students via mobile applications and they have continued to do the same this year as well. Fr Antony M, principal, Sacred Heart School in Thevara said that the school had made the marks available on mobile app and the number of parents and students using this app is increasing day by day. The app can also be used to post lots of other relevant information regarding the next academic year, the class and division of the students in the new section and so on. Parents are finding this app very useful as all school circulars are made available and would stay there for reference. They can always keep themselves updated about the matters relating to their child's school with this app. The school mobile application allows students keep track of their library book lending details and also allows them to browse the catalogue of books available in the library facility. Parents can also take a look at the fee structure. Parents can keep track of the location of children while they are travelling to school and back home. Due to traffic, quite often school buses get delayed and parents get worried. This app will relieve them of this tension as it helps them to keep track of their wards. 

17 Apr 2017
Good News

Training students to tackle accidents

In a bid to make students prepared to tackle any unfortunate situation, Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is planning to start a demonstration and training program for school students travelling by bus. In case the school bus meets an accident or catches fire or in any other emergencies, the RTO will train them with few Do’s and Don’ts while they travel. Usually the drivers and the helpers have no idea about how to behave during emergencies and what steps are  to be taken for quick evacuation.  Even while all the buses have emergency exits but even drivers do not know how to open it and how one can easily evacuate the bus in emergency. All these small tips will be a part of the training program. The RTO has previously set up the rules and regulation which are to be followed by the transporters, this additional training will surely prove as a boon to the students and the transporters to be ready for any emergencies.  As we are aware of the protocols followed in the flight, similarly this training program will also give details of protocol to be followed on road travel. With more than 600 schools in the city affiliated to Pune Division, RTO will also take help of other agencies like police, fire-safety, and parent-teachers associations to reach each and every school in the city. Videos of the demonstration will also be sent to the school so that the school officials can show students this video on regular basis.  Many times, during any emergency situations, it is observed that because of the lack of knowledge, there is a chaotic situation and chances of injuries are higher in this case.  Therefore, such demonstrations will surely help students to understand the norms to be followed.   

18 Mar 2017
Good News

35 vernacular schools in Mumbai to restart in English

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to revive 35 vernacular schools in Mumbai that were shut down due to poor attendance by converting them into English medium schools. It will take help from philanthropists and corporate funding to achieve this aim. The BMC has promised superior education to convince the parents to send their children back to schools. It plans to induct professional management groups to run the institutes. If everything goes well according to plan, then the schools can start in the coming academic year. There are about 3.39 lakh students studying in hundreds of BMC schools across the city. The civic authority incurs an expenditure of Rs 110 crore every year to provide educational material and midday meals. Yet many parents don't wish to send their children to vernacular schools thus leading to the closure of such schools. A couple of industrialists are eager to help the BMC in improving the quality of education in municipal schools through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund.  Additional municipal commissioner IA Kundan said that they are also inviting philanthropists associated with educational institution to manage the schools. In order to revive the 35 schools, they will be allowed to manage, provide teachers and teaching material and adopt their own methodologies while the BMC will appoint the principals to monitor the activities.

17 Mar 2017
Good News

Global Inspirations

In a World’s First, Italy to Make Climate Classes Mandatory

Climate change will be on test for students in Italy as the country’s education minister Lorenzo Fioramonti has planned to introduce climate change classes in schools of Italy which will be a first in the world. According to Fioramonti, the lessons will initially be taught as part of a student’s civic education and gradually it will be integrated throughout a variety of subjects. Many environmental advocates have supported and welcomed this decision while some said that the responsibility should not be passed on to children. A Welcome Step According to Fioramonti, students will be taught lessons in climate change and environmental sustainability. Not only will the students be studying place names and locations in geography class, but they will also learn the impact of human actions on different parts of the planet. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Harvard Institute for International Development, and Kate Raworth of Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute along with a group of experts will act as “peer reviewers” for ministry staff preparing the curriculum which is expected to be ready by September 2020. The Curriculum The experts plan to use a fairy tale model for children from ages 6 to 11. There will be stories from different cultures that would emphasize a connection to the environment. Middle schoolers would be expected to learn more technical information, and high school students would explore the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in depth. The introduction of climate classes will make children sensitive towards their environment and help them to become responsible citizens who will consciously take steps to conserve and protect the planet.

18 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

This Thoughtful Act of a Classmate Inspires to Help Those in Need

Michael Todd, a freshman at a high school in Memphis, Tennessee was overwhelmed by his classmates’ kind gesture. When he started the school year three weeks ago, he was constantly bullied for wearing the same clothes daily to school. Todd told WHBQ-TV that he really didn’t have clothes at home. His mom couldn’t buy clothes for him as he was growing too fast. So he wore the same clothes and other kids made fun of his attire. Two students from Todd’s class- Kristopher Graham and Antwan Garrett- noticed this and decided to step in to help. They handed over a bag filled with shirts, shorts and shoes to the freshman. Todd was very touched by their act of kindness and said that their generous act was simply "awesome." Todd, who was always a victim of bullying was so overwhelmed by this gesture of kindness that he said that it was the best day of his life. Graham said that he felt the need to help Todd when he saw people laugh and bully him. So he selected a bunch of clothes from his closet to be given to Todd. Garett also did the same for him. Garrett said that Todd’s reaction on receiving the gift was priceless. In an environment of hostility, these two high school boys stood out for their act of kindness and generosity and inspires others to help those in need. Image Source: ChristianHeadlines

13 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

School playgrounds transformed into vegetable gardens

It is always children who are worst affected by the ravages of war. Children in Syria whose diets have been devastated by six years of war have something to look forward to – their school playgrounds are being transformed into vegetable gardens where they can learn to grow and then eat  - aubergines, lettuces, peppers, cabbages and cucumbers. Vegetables constitute an important part of traditional Syrian cuisine. Their food includes hummus, beautiful and varied salads, stews made with green beans, okra or courgettes and tomatoes, stuffed cabbage leaves and artichoke hearts. However, things have changed now due to many years of war and much of the population lives mainly on bread or food aid. It is unfortunate that nearly 70 percent of the population is living in extreme poverty. Adam Yao, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) acting representative in Syria said that the crisis in Syria was having a devastating effect on the health and nutrition of an entire generation of children. It can have serious and long-lasting effects on their growth and future development. Therefore, FAO is helping some 17 primary schools in both government and opposition-controlled areas to plant fruits and vegetables in  500 metre-square plots in war-torn areas including Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Idlib and the outskirts of Damascus. The project is a big success as the primary schools, which began planting in May, have produced 12 tonnes of fruit and vegetables. Another 35 schools are expected to transform their playgrounds into gardens.  

30 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

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