CBSE Affiliation No. 1031254 Mandatory Public DisclosureJhalaria Campus North Campus
CBSE Affiliation No. 1031254

A Boon in Disguise

Steering back to the nostalgic lane of the past, one punch line from a famous advertisement would often strike me. The line is ‘Everything is possible in Orion Kitchenette’.

During my childhood, I would often contemplate what all things were possible other than cooking in an oven. Despite a lot of head scratching, I floundered attempting to come to a factual solution.

With age and maturity, this punchline has unfurled into deeper meaning to make me realize that nothing is impossible. With the right kind of attitude, you can do anything you want. It’s all about choosing to be positive instead of being negative about things.

This lockdown period which seems to disappoint us by the repeated extension of deadline, can be an opportune period for us to become our best version. If we have the desire to soar high like an eagle, this period can be a boundless inception.

Time which waits for none has extended his hand patiently for us to mend and redesign subdued relationships. Generate energy to your hidden talents as the moment which has blessed you with a chance for optimum utilization may not come again.

There is no rush. A pristine and tranquil atmosphere has been sketched for us by our OMNISCIENT PAINTER to think beyond, to create out of the box and to accomplish the insurmountable.

Nature has already launched us into the race for perfection. The ball is in our court now. Let’s start our race with an honest will and work rigorously to learn new things every day. Remember, neither to surrender nor to use alternative route. Let’s learn everything from everyone and make this lockdown period a synonym for SELF-EXPLORATION, SELF-REFORMATION and SELF- EMBELLISHMENT.

Solemn Orison

Sitting inside my comfortable confinement as I was minutely observing the tiny bird fluttering her wings and the vibrant coloured butterfly dancing with grace on the hanging garden at the rhythmic beat of gentle breeze, I heard a tender tap on the window pane. On keen inspection, I found a milky white night-blooming Jessamine, stretching her limbs as if inviting me to join this splendid august  gathering, as if asking me in satire, “Humans, the strongest creation of Almighty, why are you caged helplessly inside your crafty castle, detached from the serene touch of nature?”

I was speechless as I knew that the present calamity was the follow-up of the brutality of my race only and that the mightiest king -TIME had brought everything back to square one. Covid-19 pandemic is forsooth the best possible example of situational irony.

The star-studded sky is transparently clear. The air around us is no more suffocated with the fumes of carbon dioxide. The roads and streets are absolutely spic and span. Every element of nature is rejoicing and celebrating this heaven like aura except the most intelligent human being, who is sitting in isolation with no goal and zest in life, constantly haunted by an invisible demon which has choked everyone with despair and uncertainty.

With a feel to emerge out of the mundane lockdown and defy the paradoxical comment-This is the beginning of the end, I a simple living being with least understanding about religion and politics, then prayed to GOD to be our SAVIOUR.

GOD then answered, “My child, if you find Disney out of magic, if you find the  Statue of Liberty doesn’t stand anymore, if you find power, beauty and money are worthless, REMEMBER this is an alarm to make you understand that the world continues to be beautiful without you. You are not NECESSARY for nature. You are just the guest and not the master anymore. Ecology works better when the worth of every member of nature is realized, respected and preserved and not endangered. So, first change yourself and then think of changing this universe. “

This shocking message jerked me to my core. Once again, I found myself sitting in my cage, admiring nature but alas! with a load of guilt…

Bonafide Rhapsody

Getting off from the hectic life schedule felt at first like a boon in disguise. So many plans and imaginations flashed in my mind like splurging on quality time, effort for immaculate surrounding, me time and so on.

However, after just one-week, the total lockdown had become excruciatingly unbearable yet I could do nothing but bite the bullet and go on. Despite interminable activities on the wish list, I was losing delight in life. There was neither desire nor interest in any activity. I struggled in every feasible way to engage myself but succumbed to ennui.

Then one fine day, I came across a motivational story titled ‘A Family in Lockdown’ (Noah’s Ark). This short story left a strong impression on me. I not only expressed my indebtedness to my friend for posting such an eloquent picture but also gave my word of honour to stay positive, to buckle down and mould everyday so stupendous that my yesterdays get green with envy.

I peeked into my inner self and knocked at my hobbies. Besides writing, I have a crave for artistic skills and melody. Thus, my fingers assisted by my vocal-chords conjoined to revive the essence of spiritualism.

I understood that the key to exhilaration is to emerge out of the onerous sitch as tough situations only build strong people.

Therefore, my energetic students stay positive, work hard and make it happen. Every weird situation normalises one day. The day will come when we’ll rise and regenerate ourselves from this gloom when our nation will challenge and break the fetters of darkness.

On that account, I wrap up my emotions with a word of prayer:

“O’ my mother India, arise and answer for thy children’s sake

Guide us to face this challenge and revitalise yourself

As the empress of the universe.”

Impulsion

“I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.”

These two efficacious anaphoric lines of the poem INVICTUS by William Ernest Henry deliver a sempiternal and imperishable message to every Homo sapiens in this crucial phase of life. The moment when we are urged to be extra cautious, to maintain social distance and to confine ourselves in quarantine, it’s our inner strength and patience which can bring solace to our panicky soul.

Being physically apart but virtually united, is the sole weapon to crush this contagious disease. God has gifted us infinite robustness and attributes. Let’s reroute our mind towards creativity and explore our potentialities. Let’s accord some time to sanctify our inner core. Let’s renovate our temporal accommodation into an affable and compassionate home where feelings and emotions exist. Let’s allocate some slices of valuable moments to our dear ones. Let’s attempt those things which we have never tried like understanding and appreciating the significance of this beautiful life by praying for others.

We can definitely accomplish everything, provided we channelize our mindset. And then, one sunny day, these gloomy clouds will have to bow before our definitive spirit. There will be a sure shot ray of silver when we will inhale fresh breath in the lap of a healed Mother Earth.

Hence, take a pledge of honour to remain triumphant and taste this experience of life to the utmost, to reach out without fear for newer and richer experiences. Rewind those potent lines of Gurudev in your memory gramophone and interpret as:

Where the mind is without fear, ambiguity or despair,

My Father, take me into that heaven of dare,

Let my country thwack this pandemic to become the rarest of rare.

Amicability

‘A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.’

I, as a keen observer, take bountiful time to open myself in any social gathering, while making friends and in being social. People often comprehend my character as unsocial or introvert. I have never reacted to these comments as I know that one fine day, the Almighty would bless me with his finest creation which he has secured only and only for me.

With this reliance, I grew up and started my career. In the workplace, I met different people of different temperaments. I became friend to all. Some called me ‘R.B.I.’ while others defined me as diplomatic but this time also, I didn’t react. I considered friendship as a quality time spent in the company of those whom I know well.

Then came that eminent phase of life where I aspired to go beyond my capacity at an age when others prefer stability. I was unfamiliar to this life lesson. Hitch and hesitation often obturated my progress. I felt slightly reluctant to communicate with young colleagues. However, with the grace of God, I found a friend, who came as a gentle breeze, as a maiden monsoon shower to drench me with her goodness. We were quite different but we were alike too. The cord of honesty bound both of us. I could discuss my doubts with a comfortable ease. Her words of motivation would infuse energy in my veins to face and crush the challenge.

Gradually, I developed a cordial relationship with all. Some would entice me to taste delicious delicacies. While others would leave no stone unturned in transforming me into a techno-savvy employee. There were a few significant personalities who cracked jokes which rejuvenated me.

After one year of my association, now when I walk through the corridor of my school building, I find every element (from quotes to classes) desperate to evolve an alliance with me.

Hence, dear readers, enjoy the fruit of friendship. Life is too ponderous without this charming bonding. Seek then, an authentic friend who recognizes the song of life in your heart and can sing it back when you have forgotten the words.

Artistry

‘Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.’ -Erica Jong

Gone are the days when the young fledgling of the family had to struggle a lot to secure his place in the society as the proficient one. After minute scrutiny a certificate titled inept was casually awarded and that child had to shoulder this discernment throughout his life with almost faint scope to stretch.

Hailing from a similar background where sibling comparison was a trend practised on a regular basis, I often lamented in solitude, to ask as to how a child can be conferred a title like this when the universal creator has not drawn any line of difference.

Stimulating the imagination and creativity of innumerable students in my class, I find that each floweret has a unique personality, born with conspicuous talent which is yearning to fulgurate.

As an educator, I extend my ardent gratitude to the enduring education system where the curriculum demands to enrich and enhance the talent of every individual, where every child is appreciated for his subject of interest, where every child is considered and evaluated not only on the academic basis but also on the basis of co-curricular skills because we have to welcome this certitude that a fish can’t fly like a bird and an elephant
can never jump like a monkey.

So, my young friends, strengthen your character and competence. Explore your hidden talent to enhance your credence in this world as ‘Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God’.

Arete: The Meaning of Life

You must be cogitating what I mean by the word ‘arete’ when you read the title. How can you relate it with life? The answers to this question do not converge on a single point. Quite literally, it means a sharp mountain ridge. Well, taking it the other way, it means excellence or moral virtue. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not a mere act, but a habit. Let’s make it easy, pick a side – happiness or service?

‘At first, I thought that life was joy. Then I learned that life was duty. Finally, I acted and behold, duty was joy!’ says the bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore. Arete covers an idea that there is excellence in every step. Pursuing that transcendence, whether it creates ecstasy for yourself or service for others, should be your ultimate goal. I see both as being subsets of the larger domain of arete. The viewpoint here is that the ultimate meaning of life is the long-term pursuit of your dreams – bliss.

How can you coalesce the philosophy of arete with your daily life? Deep conversations, loyalty to friends, leaping forward in human thought, constituting hard-core relationships! Arete is a paradisaical algorithm for life and yet not perfect. After all, who would want a life where you are handed all the correct answers in advance? Wherevore, relish challenges!

Quality vs Quantity of Life – 2

Recent advances in science and medicine have resulted in humans living longer than at any other time in history. According to the latest government data, India has reduced its infant mortality by 42% over the last eleven years. But those extra years do not necessarily add up to quality ones. So, the key desideratum in today’s society is to cognize that quality of life is to be prioritized over quantity of life because in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years that matters.

Living longer does not mean living jocular. The occurence of disease is on the rise. Living a life that consists of visiting doctors frequently certainly doesn’t sound an exciting idea, does it? Living with a dozen diseases robs us of our creativity and ability to contribute to work, society and the world. It transforms how people experience us, relate to us and most importantly, remember us. You will apprehend the eminence of quality of life when you marshal a blitheness instead of whimpering about impediments in the way of viability.

So, how can you ameliorate the quality of your life? Did you know that even austere habits can help in changing your life? Developing optimistic and positive thinking is the first habit you need to inculcate as negative thoughts only end your plans in a debacle. The habit of performing simple exercise along with some meditation can help taper stress. Distinguishing your priorities is another bonzer habit that can help you set aside non-essential things and pay more attention to the things that matter to you. Try to read motivational quotes as they help in uplifting one’s mind. Remember, the quality of your life is determined through your habits and thoughts and is measured by your breaths – so make each breath count!

Quality vs Quantity of Life – 1

We humans have arrived on this planet with a a sole purpose – it is our duty to serve mankind relentlessly and perform social and selfless action. We all are gifted beings and we can surely utilise our brain to make the right decision for ourselves. As members of the human race, our existence is vital for the smooth working of the globe. Besides working for the planet, it is also indispensable for us to look after our own entity.

We often get attracted to the materialistic aspect of the world. We humans tend to be jealous. We always wish for more and we are not grateful to have what already has been provided to us by the Almighty. In this materialistic world, we have forgotten our true selves and we are completely lost in the worldly items that his world offers. We compare our status in the society with others. we are constantly diverted by the consumeristic world and tend to forget the purpose of our arrival on this planet.

We need to revive our memory and think about the pleasant and tension-free moments that we spent in our childhood as an innocent child. But, as we grew, we lost our innocence and gained arrogance. A true human in one who can maintain modesty and purity in life. There is an immense need for every human to look forward to living a life of decency and morality. We need to perform good deeds for others and make their life blissful. We need to be sensitive to others’ feelings and must respect their thoughts.

It is obligatory to maintain a balance between materialism and our real aim of existence. We must not mix the two ideologies and should keep a gap between them. The human who applies this in life has lived a divine life in true terms. We must always keep the following motto in mind:

Be Remembered For Good!

The Path Ahead

Career plays an enormous role in our life. We are all fascinated by the profession of various people. A correct choice of career gives a sense of direction to our lives. A person in the appropriate career is admired in the society. We also enhance our learning and skills by selecting the suitable career for us. While operating to achieve our path in life, we get a chance to improve upon our shortcomings and correct our mistakes. In this world, every person wants to be ahead in his/her field and having a perfect career gives us opportunities in life.

Having said all this, now, I would like to focus on some excellent career choices that shall make an impact in future. Some leading career options are as follows:

ROBOTICS: Humanity has a long-cherished dream to make smart machines which can reduce wastage and ensure precision. Robotics has made this come true. Robots are being used in fields such as military, industries, etc. We also have home-use and disaster-relief robots. Prominent space agencies like ISRO have made use of robots in various space programme. Robot scientists are in great demands. Many well-known institutes conduct courses in this field. With the help of artificial intelligence, we shall soon be able to see immense development in this field.

AERONAUTICS: Humankind has always been amused by flight. Aeronautic science helps to improve flight safety, fuel efficiency and speed. The aviation market is increasing at a fast pace. The big flight giants such as Boeing, Airbus and HAL are in a need of aeronautical researchers, consultants and designers. Institutes like IIT Kanpur offers courses in this field. With the growing world of aeronautic science, we shall soon fly at supersonic speed and reach other parts of the world in minutes.

PATHOLOGIST: Pathology is a very diverse stream of science as there are thousands of microbes to study. It has been very helpful in medicine as it can be used to make vaccines and antibiotics. Institutes like AIIMS offer master’s degree in pathology. Research is being done in order to develop vaccines that can prevent multiple diseases. The aim of a pathologist is to develop medicines to treat people at affordable cost.

SPACE SCIENTIEST The future of space science is very vibrant. Space science has led to ground-breaking discoveries that have changed the course of human life. Astrophysics, Astronautics and Astronomy have an unending horizon in future. Indian Institute of Space Sciences and Technology offers programmes in this field and most graduates find a place in ISRO. With growth in this field, we shall soon be able to set up colonies on other planets!

NEUROSCIENTIEST: Neuroscience is a very extensive field and depends on what specific aspect one wants to work with. It can cover dimensions of medical science, engineering and psychology. In future, neuroscience can help to understand our brain and can help to treat neural disorders. Neuroscientists are in demand at hospitals and research institutions across the world. AIIMS offers substantial courses in neurology.

Dedication, Determination and Consistency are the keys to success. Be it in any field or career you want to excel in, if you have these three qualities no one can block you.

So gear up my friends because ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ – Abraham Lincoln