World Environment Day

 

World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th of June every year-- the biggest annual event in the world organised by the ‘United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’ to spread environmental awareness among the people. Its main aim is to raise awareness to protect nature and to try and resolve various environmental issues that are cropping up day by day.

 

This year’s theme is “Ecosystem Restoration”.

 

Every year World Environment Day is hosted by a different country in which official celebrations take place. Pakistan is the host this year. 

The government of Pakistan plans to expand and restore the country's forest through a campaign known as “10 Billion Tree Tsunami" that is spread over 5 years. The campaign comprises restoration of mangroves, forests and commencement of tree plantation drive in urban settings.

 

Fundamentally, the restoration of ecosystem can be achieved in many ways like growing trees and plants in cities, changing diets and keeping a strong check on harmful human activities and by cleaning up rivers and coasts. This way we can make peace with Nature and bring about a new positive change in the restoration process of the environment.

 

Active plantation of trees and curbing environmental pollution is the key factor for Nature to recover without human intervention.

 

The causes of degradation are many and can have a serious impact on the environment at different scales. As we know, some damages are seriously irreversible and it is impossible for the ecosystem to retain its original state intact forever. We need farmland and infrastructure to sustain the ecosystem.

 

Furthermore, an ecosystem can be restored by preserving forests, farmlands, cities, wetlands and oceans. Restoration initiatives can be launched by almost anyone from governments and development agencies to business communities and individuals.   

 

So, let us begin by volunteering and joining hands together to keep our unique planet safe for life to exist and flourish. Efforts like using an electric vehicle, lessening the use of AC, keeping a habit of ‘Switching off unnecessary appliances' can bring about a big change in this direction.

 

We ought to protect our Environment to 'Save Earth’ and the future of Mankind. 

 

 

AMIT KUMAR

PGT- GEOGRAPHY

THE MANN SCHOOL

ETCH YOUR ETIQUETTE

We are what we routinely do or habitually say. We are observed every minute. So, it becomes imperative to mind our words and actions. They represent a big part of us when we are in the process of being judged. 

What do people think when they see someone slamming the door on someone’s face, interrupting someone off in the middle of a sentence, shout across the room, use foul language, eat with their mouth open, give orders instead of saying "please" and "thank you"… and the list goes on. They probably think that "He lacks in manners" or “What a loser." (Oops!) 

It is essential to know that mere knowing where to place your fork and knife while dining is not sufficient to justify that you incorporate good manners. Good manners refer to your understanding of social skills, communication skills, and demonstrating behaviour that does not embarrass you and does not cause others to feel uncomfortable. 

Good or bad manners say volumes about you and your upbringing. They are the shadows of the virtues you possess. They indicate whether you are dependable, reliable, and selfless. People who are rude, inconsistent, or selfish suffer severe consequences. 

Manners indeed count when you are going for a business deal, interviewing for a job, or meeting someone significant for the first time. However, they also count even when there is no special occasion. Your friends and colleagues may not point you out, but they would surely notice and judge you and make a perception of you. You would know that if you could read their minds. 

Most people know how to put on the best foot forward in a particular situation, but the key is to behave perfectly in all circumstances. Why wait for someone to notice us and remind us. It should be a conscious and continuous effort so that it infuses in our blood and becomes our habit. 

Manners need to be displayed in all spheres of life. It should begin with our getting up early in the morning till going off to sleep at night. 

Usually, we wear smart, walk smart but forget to behave smart and sophisticated. We can begin with using the three powerful magical words; 'Sorry', 'Thank you’ and 'Please' as they make, build and maintain relationships, and solve the hardest of the problems. 

Remember, good manners are cost-effective. They promote a better corporate culture. They not only increase the quality of life at the workplace but also embellish the institution's image. In other words, it is an investment in respect. 

So, do mind your P's and Q's, thereby etching your etiquette as they are essential for building your brand. 

Kamini S Haldhar

HOD English 

The Mann School

खुशियों के रंग, होली के संग

 

जब भी हम होली का नाम सुनते हैं तो हमारे मन में आनंद भर जाता है और हो भी क्यों ना? यह त्योहार है ही इतना अधिक मनभावन । भाई को भाई से मिलाने के लिए, बिछड़ों को आपस में खेलने पर विवश करने के लिए और कुछ हँसी-ठिठोली इत्यादि करने के लिए भारतवर्ष में यह त्योहार अत्यधिक उपयुक्त माना जाता है। परंतु हमें यह नहीं भूलना चाहिए कि होली का त्योहार वास्तव में क्या है? होली को हम कभी होलिका या होलाका इत्यादि के नामों से पुकारते हैं। हम यह भी जानते हैं कि मुख्यतः यह उत्तर भारत में मनाई जाती है | लेकिन हमें यह नहीं भूलना चाहिए कि होली का वास्तविक अर्थ या वास्तविक उद्देश्य क्या है ?

वेदों और पुराणों में इसके लिए उचित ही कहा गया है कि-

''सर्वदुष्टापहो    होम:   सर्व       रोगोपशान्तये ।

 क्रियतेऽस्यां द्विजै: पार्थ तेन सा होलिका स्मृता ।।''

अर्थात् सभी प्रकार के दोषों रोगों इत्यादि की शांति के लिए किया जाने वाला यज्ञ ही 'होलिका' के नाम से जाना जाता है।

हम सभी जानते हैं कि होली जिस दिन मनाई जाती है, उससे एक दिन पहले हम रात्रि के समय बहुत सारी लकड़ियों को इकट्ठा करके उसके अंदर विभिन्न तरह की वस्तुओं को डालकर होली जलाते हैं परंतु वर्तमान समय की यह होली मनाई जाने की विधि प्राचीन समय में मनाए जाने वाली होली से ही संबंधित है, जो यज्ञ से जुड़ी हुई है । अंतर केवल इतना है कि उस समय हमें अपने उद्देश्यों का पता होता था और इस समय नहीं । वास्तव में होली का जो पर्व है वह प्रकृति में फैलने वाले विभिन्न तरह के हानिकारक तत्वों को नष्ट करने के लिए और सभी तरह के रोग नष्ट हो जाए इसलिए मनाया जाता था।

यह पर्व वसंतोत्सव के आगमन पर भी मनाया जाता है इसलिए इसे वसंतोत्सव के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। आज के समय में हम जानते हैं कि होली रंगों के त्योहार के अतिरिक्त और कुछ नहीं रह गई है। प्राचीन समय में इस उत्सव का उद्देश्य प्रकृति की शुद्धि था न कि रंगों का अधिकाधिक उपयोग। प्रकृति से सीधा-सीधा जुड़ने के कारण इसका असर व्यक्ति के शारीरिक और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर पड़ता है। ‌यदि पुराणों को देखें तो पुराणों में हिरण्यकश्यप और नरसिंह अवतार की कथा या श्री कृष्ण से संबंधित कथा और इस प्रकार अनेक कथाएँ होली पर आधारित हैं, जो कि हमें पुराणों में मिलती हैं। आज हमारा यह समझना बहुत अधिक आवश्यक है कि होली जो कि प्रकृति से संबंधित थी, वह सिर्फ एक आकर्षण का केंद्र, केवल रंगों का त्योहार बनकर रह गया है, अपने वास्तविक अर्थ से कोसों दूर।

      इसलिए हमारा यह कर्तव्य बनता है कि हम लोगों को बताएँ कि यह त्योहार सिर्फ भारतवर्ष के किसी एक खास वर्ग का नहीं अपितु प्रकृति के लिए किया हुआ संपूर्ण भारत का त्योहार है।

 

  "आनंद, प्यार,  खुशी,  सेहत और धन की बौछार के साथ आपकी होली रंगारंग हो !

प्रवीण शर्मा

सहायक अध्यापक

द मान स्कूल

WORLD WATER DAY

 

World Water Day is an international observance day, marked on March 22 every year, to highlight freshwater's importance for everyone.

Water is vital for all forms of life and the attraction of existence. It is an essential nutrient; if there is no water, there would be no life on earth. Water is a valuable and indispensable resource; it plays a vital role in the human body.

This is a day to raise awareness and inspire people worldwide in the face of water crises and take action to manage freshwater resources.

World Water Day supports the achievement of the SDG-6, which calls for water and sanitation for all by targeting universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Today, the climate is changing at an alarming rate, becoming the greatest urgency for humanity worldwide. The response to it has been inadequate, with a significant rise in carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) over the past decade.

Water can help fight climate change. Efficient water usage can help tackle the different impacts of climate change itself. In recent years, extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense across the country. The consistent seasonal cycle and reliability of the annual monsoons have been disturbed.

Furthermore, the steady combination of rain and sun has altered long periods of inadequate rainfall, followed by heavy rain causing droughts and floods. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are therefore needed to cope with the climate crisis.

We can survive up to several weeks without food, but only a few days without water.

It is about taking action to tackle it. Therefore, let’s save it to save the planet.  

 

MRS. SUDESH CHAUDHARY

ASSISTANT TEACHER

THE MANN SCHOOL

'International Day of Happiness'

“There are many reasons to be happy, but sometimes being happy without any reason is far more beautiful”.

‘The International Day of Happiness’ is celebrated throughout the world on 20^th March. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012.

The theme of 2021 campaign is ‘Happiness for All, Together’.

This day identifies the significance of happiness as being a vital part of universal goals and aspirations.

Happiness isn’t about getting what you want all the time, rather, it’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it - be it people in your life, work you do, things you cherish, food you eat, clothes you wear etc.

Certainly, happiness comes from within by making peace with the past and looking forward to the best opportunities in future.

Let's celebrate the ‘International Day of Happiness’ by being happy for what we have received, staying calm and composed, making as many people smile as you can, showing gratitude even for the smallest good thing that has happened to you and showering unconditional kindness on others.

Let’s spread the joy of happiness all around with a magical smile while keeping our arms open since it is the most encouraging gesture that no one can resist however grim the situation may be.

May we all have much deserved happiness in the days to come!

DIPIKA CHADHA

ASSISTANT TEACHER

THE MANN SCHOOL 

 

LASTING FIRST IMPRESSION

 

It takes meagre seven seconds to make the first impression. People thin-slice others based on how they look and sound, more than explicit verbal statements. Someone's first impression is often influenced by implicit attitudes that they are unaware of, which explains impulsive actions like giving particular preference to those with physical beauty or more easily trusting a person who has a baby-face. The things that we say, how we act, and everything that indicates our personality lay the foundation for the other person to build an idea about our character or personality.  

Once the foundation is laid, it becomes challenging to change it. Thus, the first impression is significant because it creates a granite foundation for how people perceive us. Precisely this is why people should make every effort to create a good first impression. 

The reason is simple that the first impression is the best impression that is lasting. It is critical. No matter how many times we meet the same people, we are usually associated with the first impression.

It is the first impression that sets the ball rolling, and every subsequent meeting or image is most likely an extension of that.

Resultantly, considering the first impression the last impression, we must not miss out on making an excellent opening impression as it can often be the decisive factor in determining a second meeting.

The first impression to be impressive and lasting requires confidence, so walk-in confidently with head held high. Be polite yet audible. Maintain a positive outlook and smile. What a person says reflects his way of thinking and the opinion he has on things. The words we utter are a mirror of our personality. Thus, we must take time and think twice before saying something that comes across as totally foolish or wrong.

Outfits should be in sync with the occasion. Also, they should be spotlessly clean and crispy looking. The colours should not be dominating or too intense in case of formal or business meeting. In a nutshell, dress up as confident, comfortable, and smart as the first impression is never created the second time.

So, go and stamp your impression confidently!

Kamini Haldhar

HOD English

The Mann School, Delhi

‘BE SOPHISTICATED’

Sophistication broadly means to be cultured, knowledgeable and worldly-wise. A sophisticated individual carries good taste. He can handle any complicated situation with ease.

Sophistication is an integral part of human behaviour and personality. A person is considered sophisticated when he knows what is he doing and performs all his acts flawlessly. He has profound knowledge and understanding of things. He carries himself gracefully and is very optimistic in his approach.  

Sophistication is an integral part of human behaviour and personality. The young learners should be taught the basic mannerisms to realise the value and importance of being sophisticated from the right age. The consolidation of sophisticated behaviour in individuals since childhood helps to polish their civic sense and makes them stand tall in the crowd.

So, be sophisticated privately, publically and personally.

PREHLAD SINGH

PRO

THE MANN SCHOOL