Bagless day

A day to sit and reflect on the entire week reminds us how much has happened in just a few days. It has been a heavy and extremely busy week, especially with the senior classes having their examinations. The students were stressed and occupied with a demanding schedule, trying their best to prepare and perform well. As the week came to an end, the school observed a bagless day, bringing a refreshing change for both students and teachers. Instead of regular classes, students engaged in various fun and creative activities.

One of the junior classes had a craft session. Many students brought clay pots and decorated them beautifully, adding bright colours, patterns, and even fresh flowers that made the classroom vibrant. One child crafted a Ferris wheel with great detail, showcasing exceptional creativity. Others decorated bottles, cups, and flower pots, each one unique. The excitement among the students was evident as they helped one another, shared materials, and proudly admired each other’s work.

The higher classes took part in "cooking without fire," which was equally exciting. They prepared a variety of dishes that looked colourful and tasted delicious. The joy on their faces showed how much they enjoyed the experience. After cooking, they shared their dishes with classmates and ate together like a family, turning the activity into a warm and memorable moment.

The younger classes engaged in making Christmas cards and other themed artwork. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to express their creativity and imagination. Days like these remind us how important it is to allow children to explore beyond textbooks. Teachers play a beautiful role in nurturing the hidden creativity within every child. The way a student’s eyes light up when they try something new is truly priceless. Activities like these encourage students to learn joyfully, develop new skills, and discover their talents in a fun and meaningful way.

A social science exhibition

 Again, another week has come to an end. As quickly as it began, it finished, and I hardly realised how fast time had passed. The week felt light yet tiring, but it brought valuable learning. It went by in a blur as students prepared for the upcoming activity scheduled for Saturday. Both students and teachers were busy and excited. As the week drew to a close, the month too was ending, and with only one month left in the year, it felt like time was slipping away. With the year almost over, it feels necessary to reflect on the past months, the achievements, the mistakes, the unfinished tasks, and everything still left to do.

Saturday was eventful, filled with the excitement of the exhibition students had worked hard for throughout the week. The day began with the primary section, whose parents visited the exhibition. They left with happy faces, proud to see the models and artwork created by the students, showcasing their talents.

While the primary parents observed the exhibition, the students of classes four to seven were gathered in the basketball court for a short meditation session to calm their racing minds. It was much needed, as they rarely get a mental break, which often leads to stress and restlessness.

Since they became restless quickly, they were encouraged to do some exercises, which felt refreshing at first. They were enthusiastic, but soon their bodies began to tire, and excuses started. Afterwards, they were taken to the ground, where they spent the remaining time relaxing.

After the break, students visited the exhibition, and I was one of them. Everything was beautifully made, be it rainwater harvesting systems, solar system models, eclipse demonstrations, forest and wildlife displays, volcano eruptions, and even models of the old and new Parliament buildings. The students were incredibly talented, confidently explaining their work. There was also a skit on the Constitution that spread awareness about social issues.

The day ended with new lessons learned from the models and many interesting discoveries.

From illumination to light

 Schools are not just places of learning; they are communities shaped by the people who guide, inspire, and support them every day. While celebrations often highlight students and teachers, it is equally important to recognise the one who stands behind every achievement, every event, and every milestone. Principal’s Day is a reminder to honour the guiding force who leads the school with dedication, compassion, and vision.

This week has been filled with practices, artwork, and many preparations. With Principal’s Day approaching, everyone was busy and active. Every year, we celebrate Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day, Annual Day, and many other events. But we often forget to honour the person who makes all of these celebrations run smoothly and successfully. Principal’s Day is a moment to appreciate the one who guides the entire school family, reminding them that they are cared for and valued. This year, the week was dedicated to them under the theme “From Illumination to Light.”

The hard work of the students and teachers shone brightly on this special day. Their smiles and heartfelt words expressed everything they felt. The decorations and the performances, practised, rehearsed, and re-rehearsed, came together beautifully. Watching the little ones dance joyfully to the music was truly heartwarming. Every small step they learned brought excitement, and the teachers who trained them showed their dedication through the children’s confident performance.

The programme included performances by both the primary section and the high school students. The high school skit introduced the significance of the day in a meaningful way. This was followed by touching speeches from the students and a vibrant Garba dance that filled the hall with festive energy. The celebration concluded with a special choir song, written and composed on the theme “Lighthouse.” The lighthouse represented the Principal, the guiding light who helps others stay on the right path and not lose direction.

The entire event was a beautiful expression of gratitude, unity, and respect. It reflected how much the school community values the leadership and care of the person who leads them with wisdom and strength.

When teachers became children again

This week was celebrated as Children’s Day, a reminder that we were once children ourselves, completely dependent on our parents and filled with innocence and wonder. Throughout the week, the teachers stayed back after school to practise their performances for the celebration. Watching them rehearse was a delight. For a short while, they let go of their roles as adults and allowed the child within them to come alive. Their faces lit up with excitement as they tried out different dance steps to retro-style music, laughing and enjoying every moment.

I was reminded of my own school days, when I would eagerly watch my teachers perform various programmes for us. This past week, I witnessed the dedication behind those performances. The teachers worked with genuine enthusiasm, wanting to give the students a joyful and memorable Children’s Day. Their hard work reflected how deeply they cared for their students.

On the day of the celebration, my teachers wished me “Happy Children’s Day!”, and for a moment, it took me back to the time when I was the one sitting among the students. Standing there as a teacher in the very same school where I once studied felt surreal. Even though I am here only for a short period, the experience is special and difficult to put into words. It’s a beautiful reminder of how life comes full circle, turning students into teachers and memories into new experiences.

Day 4 of teaching practise

 Day 5 began with the start of a new week, a lazy Monday morning when you simply don’t feel like stepping out after a short weekend. As I stepped outside, I was greeted not by the freshness of a new day but by a thick blanket of smog hanging low in the air. It stung my eyes and made it slightly difficult to breathe. The once-clear morning sky now looked dull and lifeless, as if covered in a grey filter.

Because of the rising pollution levels, the outdoor assembly was cancelled, and we had to gather indoors instead. It felt strange not to stand in the open ground like we usually do, but at the same time, it was a relief to be in a safer environment. During the assembly, the thought for the day was a quote by Jawaharlal Nehru:

“Failure comes only when we forget our ideals, objectives, and principles.” 

The quote stayed with me for a while. It reminded me that true success isn’t measured by fame or achievements, but by the integrity behind them. A person might appear successful to the world, but if that success comes through dishonest means, then it is nothing more than a hidden failure. This message felt especially powerful to start the week with a reminder to stay grounded in values even when the world seems to rush past them.

As the day went on, time moved faster than I expected. The classes went smoothly, and despite the dull weather, there was a quiet sense of peace in the air. It could be because the indoor setting made everything feel more focused and calm. Students seemed as usual, without having the effect of Monday mood that follows after the weekend's freedom.

The environment surely causes a negative effect on people. It’s concerning how each year the situation seems to get worse around this time. The sunlight barely filters through, and the city looks as though it’s lost its brightness under a smoky haze.

Still, there’s always hope, hope that things will get better with time and awareness. Small steps like reducing firecrackers, using public transport, or planting more trees might seem insignificant individually, but together they can bring change.

By the end of the day, even though my eyes still felt irritated and my throat a bit dry, I felt grateful, grateful for health, for shelter, and for another day to experience and learn. As I packed up to head home, I silently wished for clearer skies and cleaner air in the days ahead.

From other side of desk: Day 3 and 4

The third day at school was quite relaxing since I had fewer classes. A short break truly helps to refresh both body and mind before beginning a new day. The morning started, as usual, with the assembly, where the thought for the day was, “Learning happens at all times, so we need to keep our minds open.”

A short break in between classes really helps to regain lost energy, which is much needed for a teacher’s daily routine. It’s quite a busy schedule for teachers who are constantly on the move throughout the day. One of my teachers asked me, “How do you feel about the transition from being a student to becoming a teacher?” That question made me smile; it reminded me of my childhood curiosity about what it would feel like to be on the other side of the classroom. I now realise how challenging it truly is to grab students’ attention and keep them quiet and engaged.

By the end of the day, I felt exhausted, even though I had been energetic throughout. As soon as I reached home, the tiredness caught up with me completely, making me feel lethargic but still looking forward to the next day.

The fourth day began with a chilly morning, the first real touch of winter. The breeze was cold, and my hands and feet felt numb. As soon as I reached the staffroom, the warmth there was a welcome relief. The morning assembly went by smoothly and ended with a quote by Albert Einstein:

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

As the day progressed, it became more engaging and enjoyable. Time seemed to pass quickly when interacting with students, compared to sitting idle. During my free period, I spent most of my time in the library, my favourite spot since my own school days. The library has always been a peaceful place for me. Back then, our librarian used to keep a book ready for me to read, and that’s where my love for reading truly began.

The day ended quickly, leaving little time for other activities, and it grew dark earlier because of the approaching winter. As the weekend drew near, the first week of my teaching practice came to an end, a week full of learning, experiences, and small moments to remember, while awaiting a fresh start filled with new activities in the coming week.  

Day 2 of teaching practise

 

The second day was not easy at all. The first day had been all about getting to know the place, even though my assigned task was mistakenly given to someone else. But the next day, I was given substitution classes, my first real experience handling a large number of students. It was stressful and quite challenging.

The day began with the usual assembly, which was longer than the previous day because there was a prize distribution that took quite some time. After the assembly, I went to the staffroom, as I had the day before, and there I received my first class assignment.

It was the first period, so I had to take attendance as well. The class was Grade Seven, which meant the students were a bit older and more energetic. As soon as I entered, they were excited to see a new teacher and immediately asked for a free period. Convincing them wasn’t easy, but somehow, I managed to make a deal with them, and they quietened down for a while. It was difficult to grab their attention, but I’d say I handled it fairly well.

Later, I was asked to take another class with a younger group, and it turned out to be even more challenging. The students were restless throughout the period, and it took all my patience to manage them. At some point, I felt completely exhausted and kept waiting for the bell to ring. When it finally did, I let out a sigh of relief.

I also received a substitute for the games period, which was much easier since the students were outside playing. After a lot of walking around the school, the day finally came to an end. I was truly tired and could feel the fatigue in every part of my body.

It was, however, an eventful day. I had the chance to talk with other teachers, and they shared some valuable tips and tricks for managing a class. I hope the coming days will be different as I slowly adapt to my new role as a teacher.

Day 1 of back to school

 

School has always been an emotion for me. I often find myself missing my days as a student there. I have a vivid picture of how my school used to look because I spent fourteen years within its walls, a long and unforgettable time. The corridors, library, playground, classrooms, and every corner have a clear route in my mind.

After returning to school after many years, everything seemed to have changed. When my brother mentioned it earlier, I didn’t believe him. I assumed it would just be a small, barely noticeable change. However, as I walked inside the school premises, I realised how wrong I had been. The transformation was huge, almost unrecognisable. It made me miss the old surroundings even more, yet I felt genuinely happy seeing how beautifully things had evolved.

Stepping into my school again, this time as an intern teacher, brought a rush of mixed emotions. I had always wished to teach in the very same school where I once studied, though I never imagined it would actually happen. On my first day as an intern, the school felt completely new to me. I met several of my former teachers, to my surprise, many of them still remembered me, and some even recalled my name. Their warm smiles and encouraging words made me feel truly welcome.

Though I missed seeing a few teachers who had retired, meeting the ones who were still there filled me with immense joy. They had been a significant part of my journey, and seeing them again brought back many memories. This journey has been long and meaningful, and as it now nears its end, I feel both a quiet sense of loss and the excitement of stepping into a new beginning.

The Craving For Biriyani

Food is something we all enjoy, irrespective of our different choices and favourites. Everyone prefers different kinds of food, and our tastes often vary from person to person. Sometimes, food is deeply connected with memories, a craving can suddenly crawl out from a hidden corner of our mind and linger until the flavour once again dances on our taste buds.

I recently missed the Chennai biryani I used to eat while staying on campus. The memory came rushing back while I was talking to my brother. Soon after, I found myself searching for biryani recipes online. There were so many cooking videos that choosing one became difficult, mostly because, apart from the craving, I didn’t really have the motivation to cook.

Today, since my mom was also at home and wanted to taste the biryani, I finally decided to make it. The beginning was a bit chaotic and messy, but I eventually managed to get all the ingredients right.

Here’s how I made it:
First, I sliced some onions and tomatoes. I heated oil with a bit of ghee in a pan and sautéed the onions until they turned golden brown. Then, I added ginger–garlic paste and cooked it for a few minutes until the raw smell disappeared. Next, I added khade masala, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to enhance the flavour. After that, I mixed in some chilli powder and a spoonful of curd, followed by the chicken pieces, blending everything well with the masala.

Once the chicken was cooked slightly, I added the soaked rice and poured in water. For the final touch, I squeezed some lemon juice and closed the lid to let it cook.

After a few minutes, I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten to add salt! I quickly opened the lid and sprinkled some in before it was fully cooked. Then came the waiting, and soon, the air filled with the rich aroma of biryani, making both my mom and me even hungrier.

After what felt like forever, we finally opened the lid, served ourselves a bit, and enjoyed the meal together. It wasn’t just delicious, it was a plate full of nostalgia and satisfaction.

An Evening Walk

 

An evening walk is always refreshing, so today, after a long time, I decided to take a short walk in the nearby park, which sounds quite fancy for a lazy person like me. It was a bit late, and winter was approaching, so the sky darkened faster than usual, leaving the park almost empty before eight.

Before stepping out, I was in a bit of a dilemma, half-hearted and unsure, but eventually, I made up my mind and went for a walk. The park was nearly deserted, and the cool breeze felt completely opposite to the warmth of my cosy home. The first few minutes were fine, but the silence soon felt overwhelming, so I decided to listen to The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. The story was so engaging that it helped me keep my mind off unwanted thoughts.

After a while, my eyes began to wander. I noticed how unusually bright the park looked despite having only two streetlights. Usually, only parts of it are dimly lit, but tonight it seemed brighter, perhaps because many houses still hadn’t taken down their Diwali lights, which continued to twinkle in the distance.

Halfway through my walk, a few children entered the park with badminton rackets. They first sat on the swings, chatting and laughing, before finally deciding to play. A little later, a dog arrived with his owner, wagging his tail and excitedly pulling at the leash. His enthusiasm eventually faded after a few rounds, and he tugged his owner out of the park.

I kept walking until my eyes began to sting, and I felt a bit breathless, probably because of the lingering pollution from the crackers. I silently wished for rain to clear the sky. Feeling tired, I decided to sit on the swing and rest for a while. It was peaceful, even with people around. I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment, before finally deciding to head home, thus ending my short evening walk.

DIWALI : colours, crackers and quite reflections

 Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of those days when the entire city seems to come alive. Every street glows with a thousand colors, every home radiates warmth, and every heart feels a little lighter. As I look outside tonight, the streets shimmer with diyas and fairy lights, each one adding to the grand mosaic of brightness that defines this day. It’s as though the darkness itself has stepped back to let light take over.

Yet, beneath this radiant celebration, the world feels different to each of us. From my home, which faces an open ground, I can hear the laughter of children as they burst crackers under the watchful eyes of their parents. Their joy echoes through the night innocent, pure, and contagious. It’s heartwarming to hear their giggles rise above the noise of fireworks. Moments like these remind me what festivals are truly about togetherness and joy shared among loved ones.

Yesterday evening, on my way to the shop, I noticed how Diwali transforms even the most ordinary corners of the community. Houses were decked with strings of golden lights that glowed softly against the night sky, casting a comforting warmth that reached even the quietest alleys. Today, I saw a young girl outside her house, carefully creating a rangoli. Her hands moved gracefully as she filled the patterns with vibrant colors, her face glowing with satisfaction. Nearby, others were lighting diyas around their doorsteps, ensuring that no shadow remained.

But amid all this beauty, one thing continues to trouble me the sound and smoke of firecrackers. They come in so many kinds some dazzling, some deafening. While the colorful bursts in the sky are undeniably mesmerizing, the loud ones often drown out the peaceful side of the celebration. As each firework fades, it leaves behind a thick cloud of smoke that lingers in the air, dulling the brightness that once felt pure.

Yesterday, the noise was mild, almost tolerable. But today, the sound of crackers seems endless. It’s constant and overwhelming, making the air heavy and the head ache slightly. Now, when I open the door, the smell of burnt powder mixes with the fog, making it hard to breathe. The once-clear night sky now seems veiled by a smoky haze a reminder that joy, when uncontrolled, often leaves a trace of sorrow behind.

And yet, despite it all, Diwali remains a time of beauty, joy, and reflection. It’s a celebration that teaches us contrasts light and dark, noise and silence, excitement and peace. Perhaps, as we enjoy this festival each year, we should also remember the quieter side of Diwali the calm after the lights are dimmed, the serenity after the last spark fades.

The festival’s true spirit lies not just in lighting diyas or bursting crackers but in illuminating our hearts with kindness, compassion, and hope. As the lights fade and the night deepens, I’m left thinking that the most beautiful glow of Diwali is not on our streets, but within us.