The Purpose of Schooling: Understanding the Why, What & How of Education

Today's session revolved around a book reading from My Good School by Mr. Sandeep Dutt, published by Rupa Publications India Private Limited. The session featured an engaging discussion by Mr. Dutt, focusing on educational philosophy and practices. He emphasized the importance of reading and continuous professional development, outlining the reading schedule for My Good School. The discussion covered key topics, including

✨ 1. Why Go to School?

This chapter encouraged us to reflect on why a child goes to school. It explored:

✅ The purpose of education beyond academics.

✅ The role of school in shaping character, discipline, and social skills.

✅ How schools provide a platform for experiential learning, values, and overall growth.

It made us think deeply about the 'What' and 'Why' behind schooling, helping us understand that education is not just about marks but holistic development. 🎓

🏫 2. Quality in Education

This chapter shifted the focus to why and how education should be meaningful:

🔹 What makes education quality education?

🔹 The importance of engaging and experiential learning.

🔹 The need for a strong foundation in values, skills, and knowledge rather than just rote learning.

🔹 How schools can create an environment that fosters curiosity and creativity. 

🎥3. The Fabindia School & Future Initiatives

A video showcasing the Fabindia School highlighted how quality education is being made accessible in rural areas. Additionally, upcoming events, such as screenings and retreats, were announced, reinforcing the importance of affordable and impactful education. Watch the school come alive in the video: https://youtu.be/thefabindiaschool.

🤔 Key Takeaway: The 3W & H Approach

During the reading, we found ourselves asking:

❓ What is education?
❓ Why do children go to school?
❓ Who is responsible for ensuring quality education?
❓ How can schools make learning meaningful?

🤔 Reflection & Engagement

Mr. Dutt called upon teachers to actively engage with the reading material, reflect on their teaching practices, and embrace a culture of lifelong learning.

💡 The session gave us deep insights into how schools can create transformative experiences for students, making learning meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring!

This reflective session emphasized that schools must be places of joy, discovery, and lifelong learning, helping students develop skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

💡 The session gave us meaningful insights into how educators can contribute to making schooling a transformative experience for every child!

Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador

Thoughtful Thursdays: 🎶✍️ Voices of War & Peace:

Exploring the Power of Poetry and Music to Heal, Reflect and Inspire. Art has always been the mirror to our emotions — joy, sorrow, love, and the scars of war. Today’s reflective session beautifully captured how poetry and music help us make sense of conflict and inspire peace.

Session Overview
The session focused on the powerful intersection of music, poetry, and theater, exploring how these art forms express the complexities of war and peace. The gathering witnessed a deep, reflective dialogue on poetry and music's emotional impact and societal relevance across cultures and generations.

The Curtain Rises
The session was introduced by Brinda Ghosh, who set the tone by emphasizing the timeless connection between music, poetry, and theater. She highlighted how these mediums have long served as vehicles to convey human emotions, particularly in times of conflict and peace.

In honor of World Theater Day, Brinda Ghosh paid tribute to William Shakespeare, acknowledging his significant contribution as both a dramatist and poet. She recited the iconic passage, "All the World’s a Stage" from As You Like It, beautifully depicting the seven stages of life and prompting participants to reflect on its relevance in the context of war and peace.

Discussion on War Poetry
The conversation then shifted to the subject of war poetry, a poignant reminder of the devastation and emotional turmoil caused by conflicts. Brinda Ghosh introduced renowned war poets such as Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, and Rupert Brooke.

We read and reflected upon Wilfred Owen’s powerful poem, "Dulce et Decorum Est," which vividly illustrates the horrors of war and the deep emotional scars it leaves on soldiers and families.

Brinda Ghosh further enriched the discussion by explaining how war poetry is not confined to English literature but exists across various languages and cultures, including Hindi and Bengali, serving as a universal cry for peacthe and empathy.

Music and Its Emotional Power
The ssession progressed to the exploration Music’s role is to express emotions related to war and peace. Jatin Soni introduced the iconic protest song "Blowin’ in the Wind" by Bob Dylan, discussing its timeless relevance in questioning humanity's approach to conflict and peace.

The group engaged in a thoughtful discussion about how different music genres — including country, blues, and metal — convey diverse emotional experiences, from sorrow and protest to anger and hope. The session also touched upon the unique power of instrumental music, such as symphonies, to evoke deep feelings without the need for words.

Looking Back, Moving Forward
The session concluded with a reflection on how both poetry and music transcend boundaries of language and culture, offering comfort, raising questions, and inspiring action in times of both war and peace. Participants were reminded of the universal appeal and lasting impact of these art forms in addressing societal issues, human emotions, and collective experiences.

Key Takeaway:

Poetry and music are not merely forms of entertainment — they are powerful mediums that unite people, spark reflection, and inspire hope, especially in times of conflict.

💬 We’d love to hear from you!
Is there a poem, song, or piece of art that speaks to you about peace and humanity?
Share your thoughts in the comments. 🌿

Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador