From the World of Mythology: A story that inspired me!

 

I love telling stories from Indian mythology on my blog, and one of my favourites is about a determined young tribal boy named Ekalavya who dreamt of becoming a skilled archer. Despite facing rejection from his teacher- Guru Dronacharya, due to his background, Ekalavya's perseverance and respect shine through. His tale teaches us about hard work, respect for teachers, and the impactful role they play in our lives.

Instead of giving up, Ekalavya took matters into his own hands. He crafted a statue of his guru and tirelessly practised archery on his own. His dedication paid off, and he became so good that even Guru Dronacharya was impressed. However, when the guru asked Ekalavya how he learned, Ekalavya honestly shared his secret.

Ekalavya's story teaches us an important lesson: with hard work and determination, we can achieve our dreams. It emphasizes the values of putting in effort, showing respect, and being dedicated, especially to our teachers. Ekalavya's deep respect for his guru highlights the crucial role teachers play in shaping our lives. They don't just share knowledge; they also inspire us to be dedicated and resilient in the face of life's challenges.

In simple terms, Ekalavya's tale is a reminder of how teachers can greatly influence our character and help us stay determined in pursuing our dreams. It encourages us to appreciate the guidance and support we receive from our mentors, making the journey toward our goals more meaningful and rewarding.

 

Submitted by:

Vaibhav Khatri

Class VIII

Co-curricular Activities- Learning Beyond the Walls

In the 21st Century, the world is changing fast. Therefore, the conventional education system has paved the way to a system where education and learning are going beyond the four walls of the classroom. The core aim of education and learning is to foster the holistic development of the students. Co-curricular activities along with academics play an important role in achieving this goal. They assist in critical thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, communication, and collaboration.

We, at The Mann School, believe in training our students to lead a successful and comfortable life. They should be ready to face any challenging situation in their life and come out as a winner. We offer our students a wide variety of activities ranging from music to horse riding. Games like football, basketball, volleyball, and cricket teach them techniques and team spirit. Swimming keeps them physically and mentally fit. PT drills and NCC march past teach them coordination of body parts and discipline. Educational tours and treks familiarise the students with the cultures and traditions of different places. They can pursue their interests and hobbies by attending different clubs like photography, culinary, celestial, eco, dramatics, arts and crafts. The school band and music department fill their life with musical notes.

The intellectual development of a student happens to a great extent in the classroom. However, the other aspects of the personality such as emotional and social skill development happen through co-curricular activities. Hence, we cannot deny the role of co-curricular activities in shaping the personality of our future generation.

-Bela Shanker (PRT)

G-20 - Spreading the message of One Earth, One Family

 

India achieved a significant milestone by hosting the 18th G20 summit on September 9th and 10th, 2023. The main theme of the summit, held in Delhi, was "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," a Sanskrit phrase signifying the belief that the world is one family. India's presidency over the G20 summit elevated the country's stature in the global arena. The summit was characterised by its inclusivity and people-centric approach, with a major focus on several key agenda items, including the Russia-Ukraine war, sustainable development, climate and environmental changes, digital transition, and gender equality.

The summit provided a platform to showcase India's diverse and colourful culture, taking place at Bharat Mandapam, inspired by Lord Basavaeshwara's concept of Anubhav Mandapam. Within this "culture corridor," diverse traditions from the participating 29 countries, including India and special invitees to the G20, were exhibited. Upon arrival at the airport, dignitaries were warmly welcomed by British artists who performed traditional folk dances and music. Furthermore, a captivating 3-hour cultural programme took place on September 9th, featuring performances by 78 Indian artists who showcased Hindustani, Folk, and Carnatic musical programmes at Bharat Mandapam.

Prominent leaders from 19 countries, the European Union, 9 guest countries, and several international organisations participated in the G20 Summit. The primary outcome of the Summit was a commitment to promote robust and lasting growth through a concerted focus on sustainable, equitable, balanced, and inclusive growth.

 

Mishthi

VII-C

Unmasking Racism: Eradicating the Scourge of Discrimination

 

Racism, a deeply ingrained social issue, continues to plague our world, leaving scars on individuals and societies alike. Defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed at people of different races, racism thrives on ignorance and fear. Its effects are far-reaching, perpetuating systemic disparities and hindering progress towards a more inclusive society. 

At its core, racism stems from the irrational belief that one race is superior or inferior to another. Such toxic thinking fosters hatred, marginalization, and inequality, sowing the seeds of division and animosity among communities. From microaggressions in everyday interactions to institutional discrimination, racism assumes various forms, chipping away at the unity and harmony we should strive to achieve.

To combat racism, we must confront it head-on through education, dialogue, and empathy. Raising awareness about the historical roots and consequences of racism is essential to dispel misconceptions and challenge deeply held prejudices. Embracing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life can create a fertile ground for mutual understanding and respect.

Individuals, communities, and governments must unite to implement policies that dismantle systemic racism and promote equality. Embracing the richness of our differences and celebrating cultural diversity fosters a more vibrant and cohesive society.

By acknowledging the existence of racism and actively working to eradicate it, we can pave the way for a future built on empathy, compassion, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of race or ethnicity. It is our collective responsibility to unmask racism and build a world where unity and acceptance triumph over hatred and division. Only then can we truly embrace the beauty and strength that arise from our diverse human tapestry.

Aarush Sharma
10A

MOON LANDING!

 

"Learning from today will make us stronger and better, there will be a new dawn and a brighter tomorrow soon."

August 23,2023 was a special day as we were told that we would be witnessing the land of Chandrayaan-3. There was a change in our usual schedule. I became incredibly excited as soon as I heard this statement. Receiving the incredible opportunity to witness the Chandrayaan-3 landing as a student is like being given a front-row ticket in the making of history. When the moment arrived, and the world held its collective breath, my heart pounded with anticipation as the spacecraft descended to make its gentle touch on the lunar surface. The only thing I could hear after that was applause. As I gazed at the screen, I couldn’t help but imagine the amount of dedication of our brilliant scientists and engineers who worked tirelessly to make this mission possible. As I sat there witnessing the landing I felt a swell of national pride and glory. This experience resonates deeply within me, not just as a student but as a young person who believes in the power of science to shape the future. Witnessing the ‘Chandrayaan-3’ landing on the moon was a moment of profound significance for me as an aspiring student. This accomplishment reminded me that the sky is not the limit – it is just the beginning.

It is truly said that “TRY AND TRY TILL YOU SUCCEED” 

“We tried in 2008, we tried in 2019 and we succeeded in 2023” 

JAI HIND!

By- SUKRITI XB

 IN THE UNIFORM

The uniform is an interesting device used by society to convert a person into a role. The uniform is worn as a second skin and serves to usurp one’s original identity. One becomes a soldier, nurse, student, bus conductor, guard or peon by becoming less of what one originally was. Our primary identity becomes defined by the uniform we wear. In that senses the uniform magnifies and advertises to the world not who we are but who we have become. Interestingly, the uniformed often get addressed by their role—a Lt Colonel in the Army gets addressed by his title, as does a doctor, nurse or a priest. In our imagination a colonel is no longer the description of a job, but a summation of everything that a person represents. If fashion is nothing but our insides worn on the outside, the uniform is our outside worn exaggeratedly on the outside.

At a basic level, uniforms play the role of demarcation. A group is visibly identified to the rest of us on the basis of the role they are assigned to play. In a hospital, we instantly know who the nurse is and in a riot, the cop. Further, they carry with them an implicit acknowledgement of the responsibility reposed in their wearers. Uniforms represent commitment and order; they are a form of an undertaking that the wearer emits to all who see her. The uniformed is always on duty; the idea of work is embedded in the attire.

The uniform usually attracts respect for it signifies that the wearer exercises some authority. However, this respect is calibrated on the basis of the profession that the uniform is used to signify. The military scores over the police and the police over the private guard; interestingly their uniforms reveal this on their own. The military uniform is a pampered spoilt pet on which as much spit is lavished as is polish, while the bus conductor wears a self-mocking version of the uniform that seems wrinkled with selfdoubt. The former bristles with the knowledge of its own importance while latter wilts under the weight of its own pretensions. Here, unlike in the case of the Army or the police, the uniform carries no vestige of power—it is instead an admission that one is being marked out as a provider of service, without any significant power.

In many such cases, the uniform is worn with deliberate slovenliness, which is as much a sign as its gleaming spit and polish counterpart. It becomes almost an act of ironic subversion; in wearing a shabby almost-uniform, the underclass shows its refusal to be billeted as being owned by the institutions they represent. It serves as a tetchy sign of independence—a flag of resistance that flies, even if at half-mast. The uniform serves also to signify hierarchy. At a certain level, it equalises all wearers; in fact the argument for school uniforms often comes from its ability to erase differences in status of its wearers. However, most uniforms carry within them an intricate system of hierarchy signalling. The military uniform is of course the best developed on this front with an elaborate system of bands and ribbons that connote seniority and the extent of bravery displayed.

In this sense, the uniform becomes a form of legitimate plumage that we allow some special people to wear. The military is the foremost among these for these are the brave few who actually risk their lives for us. Shiny uniforms with colourful ribbons are our way of saying thank you to these people. We ignore the irony of ‘decorating’ the tough and brave with pretty signs of ornamentation for in the symbolic language we have agreed to conspire upon, this passes as legitimate masculine reward. The uniform is a minor butconcrete reward that seeks to compensate people who are asked to die for the very abstract notion of the country.

Professions that take physical risks are the ones where the mythology of the uniform is particularly magnified. Hindi movies speak of the vardi as if it were an entity with an independent consciousness. It converts one's dharma into one's karma and serves as a reminder to oneself and others of what one is here to do.

The idea of the uniform is to separate the individual from the roles they play. It is to impose a standard of behaviour that corresponds with the institution that the uniform represents. The police officer is meant to serve the public without discriminating between who it is they are serving and to do so without seeking any personal gain. Ditto for nurses, priests or even private security guards. However, in real life, the power it bestows on the wearer, whether large or small is used extractively—to extort a price from the public.

In a larger sense, uniforms are all around us. However much we may believe that we are moving to an age of greater individuality, the truth is that we merely trade one uniform for another. From school uniforms, we move to the uniform of cool, which is as rigid as any other form of regimentation (cap on backwards, for instance), and then to the corporate uniform of suits and ties or the Friday dressing uniform of cotton shirts and khakis.

Attempts to stand apart usually end up creating uniforms of another kind. The jholawala archetype, so common and the ultimate mark of rebellion in an earlier era, was nothing but a uniform that shunned the pomp that usually accompanied it, but retained everything else. It marked one as a member of a defined collective and set it apart from others. It might have been more bedraggled but it was no means less conformist. The hipster look is another uniform that signals its independence by almost slavishly following a dress code. As long as there is uniformity in thought, the uniform is difficult to escape.

JS Mann

Chambers, Mann School

THE BELL JAR

With the rising quality of education paired with a common trend of lethargy in today’s teens, we are left with not just simple branches but also a wide spectrum of multiple job options. The question is, does it truly benefit us? There is no specific answer but also instead multiple and varying answers to this question.

Sylvia Plath in ‘The Bell Jar’ wrote, “I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story.”, where she talks about when left with too many choices, she found it hard to settle for one when the possibility of a better choice exists.

How can you settle for a 9 to 5 job when you can start a small business doing what you love? How can you settle for being a small business owner when a 9 to 5 job offers a better and more stable income?

Numerous and endless possibilities leave us with indecisive and unhappy lives but that is not the same for everyone. This also results in inclusive and accessible jobs for people with mental or physical disabilities. You can be a couch potato earning enough to pay your bills just by answering surveys online! You can be any type of influencer, earning sponsorships left and right just by having a video go viral!

Not every time in life can you shout and preach carpe diem when such a vast and diverse set of jobs exists. The only true conclusion I can provide isn’t whether excessive job options and opportunities bring pain or joy. It is instead the fact that we only have one life to live and enough time to give a chance to different fields before we eventually kick the bucket.

So go and give a try to all those jobs that seem enticing to you even if it’s being a professional ice cream taster. I really do not care what you do with your life. Just go live it to the fullest!

By: Malsawmzuali (XII)

HEAD OF EDITORIAL BOARD

The Benefits of Living in a Boarding School for Students: Cultural Exchange and Language Learning

 Boarding life is a great event that teaches us about the difficulties of life. Living in a hostel as astudent can be an incredibly rewarding experience, providing many benefits that can help you grow both personally and academically. One of the most significant advantages of living in a hostel is the opportunity for cultural exchange and language learning. 

Meeting people from different cultures is one of the best things about living in a hostel. Hostels attract travellers from all over the world, which means you'll have the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives on life. You'll learn about their customs and traditions, try new foods, and broaden your worldview. This can be an excellent opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. 

Living in a Hostel also provides ample opportunity for language learning. When you're living with people having different nationalities, you'll have plenty of opportunities to practise your language skills. Whether you're a native English speaker looking to improve your Spanish or a Mandarin speaker looking to practice your English, there will always be someone around who can help you. Conversations with people who speak different languages will help you develop your communication skills, vocabulary, and confidence.

 Quite often, children who attend boarding school are far more disciplined, creative, and well-rounded individuals. In this type of school setting, children are encouraged to develop their social skills and leadership abilities. Most boarding schools have a student-teacher ratio of only 1:12 or less. Also, the smaller class sizes allow children to receive personalized attention from the teacher. 

A few other salient features of a Boarding School: 

● More working days than a normal Public School 

● Working Saturdays 

● A finite number of Govt. prescribed holidays 

● Morning, Evening and Post Dinner Self-Study hours 

● To pay individual attention, special classes for slow learners after normal school 

● Co-curricular or Special Activities on Sundays, to save a normal working day

 ● Short Winter Breaks and Special Winter coaching camp for Senior (Board) classes 

● Approx. 40-45 days of Summer Break 

● Minimal Festive Breaks

 ● Additional classes for boarding students after exams on preparatory holidays 

● Above all,

 The Boarding student saves approximately one hour of daily travelling to school as compared to a Day Scholar student. The boarding life can also help you build a network of international connections. This can be useful for future travels, job opportunities, or just staying in touch with friends from around the world. When you return to your home country, you'll have a network of friends and contacts from different parts of the world that can help you in the future. 

The friendships and experiences you make while living in a hostel can last for a lifetime. You may explore a new city together, try new foods, or just spend time talking with fellow travellers. Living in a hostel can create some of the most memorable moments of your life. These shared experiences can create lifelong bonds and friendships that may last long after you leave the hostel.

Living in a boarding school can also be a great way to save money. Hostels are often cheaper than other accommodation options, making them ideal for students on a budget. By staying in a hostel, you may have more money to spend on other things, such as travel, food, or experiences. 

In a nutshell, living in a hostel as a student provides many benefits, including cultural exchange and language learning opportunities. By embracing these opportunities, you can gain a new perspective on the world, create lifelong connections and friendships, and develop essential skills that will serve you well throughout your life. Whether you're studying abroad or just looking for a new adventure, living in a hostel can be an enriching and rewarding experience that you'll never forget.

CHILDREN ARE KEEN OBSERVERS

 

This is a fact hidden to no one that our children are very keen observers. They observe every act of ours and then they decide theirs in absolute accordance with their meticulous observation.  The way we dress up, the way we talk, the way we behave, the way we sit or stand or anything else for that matter is minutely observed by the children that ultimately shapes the personality of the children. The parents and teachers need to be really very careful in this regard. The generation of today will be the future of tomorrow. If they are guided/ misguided by our own conduct/ misconduct or behaviour/ misbehaviour, the onus is completely on us-as parents, teachers and elders. The teachers play the most important role in the holistic development of the students. We must groom our own personality to perfection so as to see visible results among our children/students. The same goes with parents; if they really want to see their children develop holistically. They say, “Charity begins at home.”

Dheeraj Kumar

What is The Mann School Finishing School?

Finishing Schools are institutions that provide an education in various social graces and cultural refinements. These schools typically focus on character development, manners, and personal development. The development of skills, employment, and good personality among the people of the nation is the main responsibility of the government and the medium of education is a major deciding factor in achieving this goal. With this objective in mind, the Finishing School Initiative was launched in the year 2016 by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, the Department of Education, and the Government of Gujarat. The objective of the Finishing School is to impart Soft Skills Training and Spoken English Training to the students of India and increase their employability.

History:

 Finishing schools have a long history of preparing young men & women for entry into elite society and improving their chances of a successful life.

Purpose:

 The primary purpose of finishing school is to provide education in various social graces and cultural refinements such as etiquette, fashion, dance, and other skills deemed important in polite society.

A total of 80 hours of training is given to the students under Finishing School which have been divided into a total of 4 components.

 

1. Focus:

 Finishing Schools typically focus on character development, manners, and personal development.

 

2. Evolution:

 Modern Finishing Schools have evolved to include a wider range of subjects and training for both men and women. Finishing Schools in the present day focus on holistic grooming of any individual that also prepares them to be street smart and flexible for the ever-changing world.

3. Outcome:

 The goal of Finishing School is to produce individuals who are well-rounded, well-mannered, and poised for success in society.

As a co-educational day and boarding school, The Mann School plays a role as a modern finishing school, providing education in a wider range of subjects than traditional Finishing Schools while still incorporating some of the traditional elements such as character development, manners, and personal development. Being co-educational and offering boarding options, The Mann School offers a more comprehensive and diverse education compared to traditional Finishing Schools that only served young women. The Mann School aims to produce well-rounded, confident, and cultured individuals who are prepared for success in various aspects of their lives.

Main features of Finishing School:

Character Development: Finishing Schools place a strong emphasis on character development and personal growth, skills such as manners, etiquette, and social graces.

Cultural Refinement: Finishing Schools aim to impart knowledge and skills in various cultural refinements, such as fashion, dance, art, and literature.

Social Skills: These schools also focus on teaching social skills and etiquette, preparing students for success in social and professional interactions.

Personal Development: Finishing Schools strive to promote personal growth, self-confidence, and independence in their students.

Career Preparation: While traditionally focused on preparing students for entry into elite society, modern Finishing Schools also provide training and education relevant to specific careers or industries.

Holistic Approach: Finishing Schools aim to provide a holistic education that encompasses a range of subjects and skills, not just academic subjects.

Evolved Curriculum: The curriculum of modern Finishing Schools has evolved to include subjects beyond traditional finishing school courses, and has included aspects such as leadership, communication, and financial management, to better prepare students for success in the 21st century.

 MSFS:

MSFS with the motto ‘ELEGANCE IS AN ATTITUDE’ believes in the notion of ‘SAVOIR VIVRE’ and is centred around personality development initiatives for the holistic & overall development of the students. Formerly referred to as ‘Finishing Institutions’, Finishing Schools are places where students learn morals, discipline, etc. focusing on teaching social graces and upper-class-cultural rites as a preparation for entry into society. To become well-groomed, one must go beyond high school graduation and aim to make a name.

What age should one attend Finishing School?

Attending Finishing Schools does not have a standard age range. But then, it is mainly attended by young boys and girls preparing for life, even young adults. A year or two is often required to complete a finishing program. It also serves as a bridge between the conclusion of school and the beginning of professional life.

 

What is the Significance of Finishing School?

Finishing Institutions are essential for every child and are an excellent resource for teaching young men & women the proper manners, behaviour, and demeanour expected in society and the skills which are important to balance professional as well as personal life.

What does Finishing School teach?

MSFS teaches you all the aspects that you may need to know to become a well-groomed individual. From teaching how to dress appropriately, to dining, good housekeeping, greetings, and other social etiquette and demeanour, professional & social skills, personality development, etc. It makes a gentleman out of a boy and a lady out of a girl.

 

Why is Finishing School needed in today's time?

Social grace and Etiquette can never be out of fashion. With the rapid speed at which the world is transforming it is essential for everyone to be upbeat with the mannerisms required to survive and excel while dealing with different people. Finishing School polishes one's skills and ensures that you are ready for the challenges of life.

 

How is MS Finishing School (MSFS) different?

MSFS is one of the few finishing schools in India to have self-transformational residential teachings for both boys and girls. The Hon’ble Chairman of the school has specially curated the literature for it which supports both the teachers & students to go through a life-altering transformation during their tenure at The Mann School. Teachings of MSFS go a long with them and help them learn the intricacies of leading a successful and happy life.

Three of the major areas taught in a Finishing School are:

1. Personal Image 2. Soft Skills 3. Social Grace

Research shows that people establish their first opinion of a person based on their looks & personality in less than 5 minutes. Among the many topics covered in Personal Image are:

Elocution and Communication Skills

Body language

Sense of style and grace

Dressing elegantly

Grooming for one's self

Facial expressions & gestures

Management of social media

Dining Etiquette

These are only a few of the many features that MSFS has in store for you. MSFS aims to groom a child in every way possible to prepare a well-mannered individual who may succeed in both professional and personal areas of his/her life in the future.  

 The Secret of Success- Discipline

“You cannot change your future but you can change your habits and surely your habits…. will change your future.”

The single most important attribute to becoming successful is self-discipline. It helps you stay focused on reaching your goals, gives you the gumption to stick with difficult tasks, and allows you to overcome obstacles and discomfort as you push yourself to newer heights.

•  To remember what you need to do each day to accomplish your goals, make a “to-do’’ list. Try using internet tools to create checklists to organize and prioritize your everyday tasks. Checking the small boxes after completing a task makes you feel good, and it might even inspire you to accomplish one more item on your list at the end of the day just for the joy of crossing it off your list. To keep on track, make sure your discipline list and your “to-do” list are both same.
• Figure out what your barriers to success are.
•   Tell others about your objectives. When you’ve publicly committed to something, it's simpler to stick with it; the fear of failing in front of others can serve as reinforcement. These people can also assist in holding you responsible.
•  Stop blaming others. Don’t put it off until tomorrow, Don’t hold others accountable for your situation. Making excuses destroys self-discipline. Develop an attitude of “I can do this” to accomplish more.
  
  
  

The daily routine of The Mann School helps students to develop self-discipline and achieve success in their life. This schedule includes everything from studying to playing, and it also teaches them to complete every task with care and precision. On top of that, someone once remarked that if you complete any task consistently for 21 days, you adapt to it.

It is accurately stated in the book “Let's Pray Before Our Meal”, Life in a Boarding School.

                                                                                       Authored by JS Mann