Stories Today, Ideas Tomorrow - Manisha Khanna

"Jodi tor daak shune keu na ashe, tobe ekla cholo re.” — Rabindranath Tagore

There was a time when mornings in school felt unhurried — a quiet assembly of thoughts, curiosity gently waking with the day. Today, our mornings have turned chaotic, rushed by schedules, expectations, and performance. In this haste, somewhere along the way, our learners have begun to resemble careful machines — efficient, instructed, measurable — yet distanced from wonder. The joy of learning has slowly thinned, replaced by the urgency to complete, score, and move ahead.

I often ask myself: when did learning become mechanical? When did knowledge become synonymous with marks, and thinking give way to repetition? Our students are bright, capable, and exposed to vast information, yet their inner dialogue — the questioning, imagining, connecting mind — is rarely invited to speak. Stories, once a natural pedagogy of childhood and adolescence, have receded behind worksheets and assessments.

And yet, joy has a way back. Reading carries us into other worlds without leaving our own. A story opens emotional landscapes, invites empathy, and quietly provokes reflection. When a learner reflects on a story, curiosity awakens; when curiosity awakens, connection begins — with ideas, with self, and with others. It is through this gentle cycle that relationships with knowledge, language, and humanity are built. Reading and writing are not academic acts alone; they are relational acts that shape how we understand life and each other.

At a time when most systems are occupied with outcomes and achievement, Mr Sandeep Dutt paused to think of students — not as performers, but as thinkers and feelers. He recognised that when stories disappear from pedagogy, thinking gradually narrows, and learning risks becoming rote. To restore the joy of learning and the habit of reflection, he initiated the Sunday Joy of Learning sessions — an innovative space where stories return, voices are heard, and ideas are allowed to grow.

These Sundays are not extra classes; they are invitations — to listen, to read, to write, to question, and to connect. They remind us that education is not only preparation for exams, but preparation for meaning.

Come and join us every Sunday to rediscover how stories today can become ideas tomorrow — and how reading, writing, and relationships together shape thoughtful, humane learners.

Manisha Khanna
Where thinking begins with a story, inviting minds back to meaning

Wanted Back-bencher Last-ranker Teachers Chapter 1 - Sunbeam School Ballia

Learning Forward Saturday with Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt on February 14, 2026.

The session was insightful and well-structured, focusing on continuous learning and self-reflection as educators. It encouraged us to adopt innovative strategies and remain learner-centric in our approach. The learnings will be thoughtfully implemented in classroom practices.

- Pooja Chauhan 

I learned how to maintain discipline in class and to make a good seating arrangement so that no student can see the board or hear the teacher, which helps students understand the lesson properly. The session also taught me that we should be patient and keep working hard to achieve any goal we set.

I also learned that it is not important that giving punishment to any child or student creates fear in them; rather, the punishment could lead them down a path where they do not repeat the same mistake, as in the future they will be thankful to those Teachers who scolded or knocked them for their mistakes.

- Monika 

The session was successful and meaningful. We reflected on changing student mindsets, especially the idea that backbenchers are equal learners. We discussed maintaining classroom decorum before teachers enter, building respect, fostering interaction, and cultivating an eagerness to learn. The session highlighted that today’s classrooms thrive on rotation, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

- Ada Singh

The session reminded me that backbenchers are not behind — they are simply waiting to be discovered. With encouragement and belief, they rise with confidence and shine brightly. Every child has hidden greatness; as teachers, it is our duty to bring it forward.

- Sunita Gupta

The session was very affirming for me as a teacher. This session changed our thinking for backbenchers. Many of them created new things, which we never thought of 🤔, and we recognised the hidden potential of those students.

- Shivangi Gupta

The Learning Forward Saturday session was very informative and inspiring. It helped me understand the importance of continuous learning and reflection in teaching. The session encouraged me to think about improving my daily classroom practices. I learned that small changes in teaching methods can make learning more effective. The ideas shared were practical and easy to apply. Overall, the session motivated me to grow professionally and support my students better.

- Kajol Chauhan

The session motivated me and was inspiring. As a teacher, I see our backbenchers as confident, creative, and full of potential. They bring energy and a unique perspective to the classroom. With proper guidance and encouragement, they actively participate and show wonderful improvement. Their growth reminds me that every child shines in their own special way, no matter where they sit.

- Ritu Rai

The session changed my thoughts about benchwarmers. Backbenchers are frequently labeled as inattentive or less capable, but such assumptions can be misleading. Many of them possess creativity and original thinking that enrich the learning environment. This session reinforced my belief that intelligence and ability are not determined by seating position. As teachers, it is our responsibility to look beyond stereotypes, encourage participation, and recognise the hidden potential in every learner. 🌟

- Abhi Singh

The session truly touched my heart. It gave my thinking a new direction and helped me understand that a child’s value is not determined by where they sit, but by their thoughts and qualities.

I realised I must encourage every child, listen to them, and help them grow with confidence. I will support each student and make them feel special in my class.

 🌟

Gauri Singh

In the session, I loved how intelligence isn't about where you sit but about the ideas you bring to the table. As teachers, we have a huge responsibility to nurture and bring out the best in every child, regardless of their position in the class. 🙌

All words have changed my perspective, and I'll make sure to keep an open mind and give every student a chance to shine! 🌟

- Ekata

The session was equally impactful and inspiring for me. It gave my thinking a new direction and helped me understand that every student is unique. Often, we underestimate some children, even though they may possess remarkable talent and creativity.

As a teacher, this session motivated me to provide equal opportunities to every student and to make a conscious effort to recognise and nurture their hidden potential.

- Neha Pandey

It was an insightful session that changed my perspective on backbenchers. They are often underestimated, but many of them think creatively and have unique, out-of-the-box ideas. This session reminded me that intelligence is not defined by where a student sits, and as teachers, we should recognise every child’s hidden potential.

- Jyoti Pandey

The session was a powerful reminder that a classroom is not defined by its front rows, but by the potential in every corner. It has deeply motivated me to look beyond academic labels and connect with " backbenchers " who often carry the most creative sparks. I am committed to making my classroom a space where every child, regardless of where they sit, feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead.”

- Jyoti Mishra