Diyas 18th Birthday

 

Dr. Madhusoodana Sunnambala: Shaping The Academic Landscape & Inspiring Future Generations

 

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A child who reads will be an adult who thinks

The COVID-19 lockdown has taught me to reconnect with family and friends.

‘Not having time’ was an excuse for many things but COVID-19 heard millions of people's requests and gave us time. What we do during this time is our choice. 

When I recollect the discussion of many of my calls with friend’s family members and colleagues, the majority of them are concerned with their children's education and how to spend this time. When I asked one of my friends today morning about his son in the 8^th grade in a slight tone of worry he replied "he is sleeping, no school, no homework no play so no need to get up early in the morning. He sounded helpless about guiding the child.

I was shocked for a moment thinking- Is the COVID virus making us lazy?

We, humans, find several reasons to be indolent, and given a chance majority of us will make use of it to the utmost capacity. Laziness will never lead us to success. There are many incidents and stories in our past history of how laziness always leads to failure.

One such Tibetan tale is about a hundred people starting on a journey to reach their destination halfway down fifty people looking at the distance ahead dropped out another forty-nine stopped their journey for good only one continued with commitment and reached his destination.

The situation we are in right now won't ever occur again in this lifetime. It is an opportunity for us to make use of this situation in the best possible way.  We need to reiterate this message to our kids and help them to optimize this situation by focussing on being more productive and creative.

Quoting Kahlil Gibran

There was once a poor farmer who lived in a village. While digging in his field, he found a beautiful silver statue.  He thought to himself, “what can I do with this statue as it is of no use to me. There is a rich man in town, who is an ascetic as well”. The farmer decided to sell it to the ascetic. He walked into the rich man’s house. When the ascetic saw the statue, he was attracted to it and asked for the price. The farmer quoted a price and sold it to him. The rich man was very happy.

On his way back home, the farmer laughed to himself and said “this rich man is crazy to buy that statue. It was buried in mud what will he do with it? Good, I sold it I can use this money to buy many useful things.

The rich man on the other side was thinking about the farmer, “he is such a moron who does not know the value of the statue and its beauty. He sold it for such a petty price. I was able to buy this valuable and beautiful statue. The farmer is really a fool”. 

The moral of the story is: how two people perceive the same opportunity differently. So, it is always our choice to use the situation to our advantage. Similarly, this COVID-19 is also an opportunity to be optimized. It is our responsibility to give meaning to it and use it diligently. 

No school and no homework doesn’t mean learning should stop and the learner will do nothing. ‘Boredom makes one creative’. Philosophers for time immemorial have  intuited this for centuries; Kierkegaard described boredom as a prequel to creation: "The gods were bored; therefore, they created human beings.”

The Psychoanalyst Martin Wangh described boredom as an “inhibition of fantasy”.A number of studies have indicated that those who are bored are more creative. author J.R.R. Tolkien created "The Hobbit" when he was a professor bored of grading papers.

Due to school, homework, assignment children kept aside their books which they had bought to read. But now it’s the right time to read those books. So this is the right time to fall into the habit of reading.  “Children who read will be adults who thinks” There's no place in the world where we don't see an adult with an electronic device in their hand. And since the example is a very powerful tool, we are transmitting this habit to our children, unconsciously. Therefore, starting from our own home, we should aim to mitigate that effect as much as possible, while reinstating the habit of reading and involving our children. As  Canadian communication thinker Marshall McLuhan in his book “Understanding media the extensions of Man” published in 1964 coined a phrase  The Medium is the message If parents start reading with children the medium becomes the message. Children are not allowed to play with friends outdoors, shouldn't stop them from exercising inside the house. If children are screen dependent on TV and smartphones it will damage their imagination and creativity.

Therefore let us all work towards the Medium becoming the message!

Madhusoodana Sunnambala

Social Distance and Dyad Proximity- Madhusoodana Sunnambala

COVID- 19 is a crucible experience for the current generation and it is a good lesson for future generations as well. This pandemic has given an opportunity for everyone to introspect and connect with oneself.  Though a number of negative impacts are discussed about the lockdown and social distancing, I feel it brought many opportunities and positives to our life and personality.

Soon after the history online lesson, my daughter came to me to discuss the advantages of the first world war on medicine. In 8^th grade, they are studying health and medicine under the concept of systems. Their Teacher gave a self-directed learning task in which she posted a question Was world war first is good for medicine? The teacher sent a documentary to watch and make points for the next class. I felt one of the apt topics to be discussed during this enforced social distance.  

She gave me a list of advantages of the world war on The health care and medical systems, This gives us reassurance, that even for the most devastating incidents in human history there are always key takeaways that must be appreciated.

Due to the negative perception of COVID-19 people are facing many challenges and this pandemic is affecting each one of us. From leading business to corporate, schools to families all are facing one or other issues as we all aware of it.

People, social media, prediction agencies are spreading news and several studies that claims the negative impact of COVID-19 which obviously affecting normal life and the mental health of the people.

Schools are shut, working from home, updating on new technology, starting a new schedule in life has created certain imbalances to the regular lifestyle.  

For this generation Corona is a crucible experience, history reminds us that crucible experiences had led to the rise of several opportunities and innovation.

Similarly, this pandemic will give rise to new perspectives in work, relationship, and attitude of people.   

There are several discussions on how this lockdown is affecting the relationship between couples and children. I would say lockdown made the relationship stronger. There is a simple reason for this, people are becoming less self-centered and more considerate they have a shared perception for a common goal, and such group dynamics leading collective cohesiveness. As uncertainty tear us apart the bond between people is becoming stronger.

Due to the anxiety, stress, insecurity, and worry from COVID-19, I think it has brought a relationship closer and stronger than before. This proximity brought a bond between partners, family, and children. There could be exceptions although the majority would have made it a little better than before. Due to the slow phase of life, family members are spending time together. Each member is getting time to rediscover themselves. As it is said isolation leads to reconnecting with oneself.

This enforced social distance has helped the family members to get time to do the house chores as there is no maid, no helper so all the household matters need to be looked after by themselves making them more interdependent which brings the relationships closer and stronger. Each one is connecting with their distant relatives having a video call and chat which again helps one to build a strong bond as communication is the sole of strengthens the relationship.  

Therefore this crucible experience has brought our relationship a bit more closure and people are becoming more altruistic. Life throws challenges it is we who decide to take it the way we want it.                                             Madhusoodana. Sunnambala 

Happy Birthday TEEN

Our daughter turned thirTEEN! We are now parents of a TEEN!

Wish you very happy Birthday dear Angel DIYA.

You are now a TEEN girl, till your NineTEEN you remain TEEN.

Like many parents, we are also parenting a TEEN for the first time. Thanks for that opportunity dear.

We are well read about adolescents, we taught our adolescent students the changes and crisis which they undergo in this transition period. We both had enough opportunity to address many parents of adolescence in our career, be it behavioural issues, attitude, future career or handling them. Most importantly we lived your age so we can get into your shoes. Remember you still must go a long way to reach our age!

While having a piece of cake of your 13^th Birthday we both sat in the balcony to exchange those thoughts for a prospective change in the parenting role.

We would like to share those thoughts with you…………

Fall in Love with something

Your teenage years are a time for experimentation and self-discovery, cultivate and work more on your aptitude. We know you are a good artist and you love music continue to do it. This will give you self and social identity.

Be a good reader

As you are a good reader you love books keep that habit as your top priority. In this age, there may be many feelings thoughts which you don’t feel like sharing with best buddies and more specifically with parent’s book will help you to find ways to be resilient, assertive and self-motivated.

Keep a diary

One thing we both as a parent liked and proud of you is your journal writing habit. Sometimes it’s written feedback for us on our parenting and its effectiveness on you. It also helped us to get into your real self and ideal self. Keep a journal for the

best catharsis.

Letter writing

Your parents are the best role models for you on letter writing which we shared with you about how we used to enjoy writing letters and how your dad developed his handwriting skills and imagination! We suggest you develop this habit since relationships being one of your developmental characteristics. You can strengthen your relationship with your friends and family members. Do not forget to write to your teachers who are helping you to grow by sacrificing their time and life. Keep some unposted letters to yourself to remember you in your later stage’s life.

Get connected with the world

Read newspaper and magazines to understand the current affairs and happening in the society and world at large. Don’t always subscribe only the magazines which talk about makeup clothing or sex. Read about poverty, discrimination, bias etc. on what you can do to save the world.

Be Empathetic

Just feeling empathy for others is not what you are expected to you need to go one step ahead in getting into action to help others who need it the most. Money is not the solution for everything you must learn how to save money. There are many people who need help to develop hope in their life. If you can bring a smile in others and make a rainbow within glooms, you will give meaning to your life.   

Develop the attitude of gratitude

This is an age where you like to be independent but be thankful to everyone who helped you to learn in life. A well thought out “THANK YOU” often leaves people feeling good perhaps there is a moment you can reflect on. Gratitude will function as reciprocity which will strengthen your relationships.

Respect even if you don’t accept

Though this is the last dialogue we had in our conversation but its one thing which will help you to respect others perspective. We don’t expect you to accept everything if, so you don’t grow but, don’t forget to respect others point of view. 6 can be a 9 for the person who stand the opposite side of it to be open to others’ viewpoints.

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

  

Lessons from Ducks to a Teacher

In our school we have some ducks and geese who constantly parade in the pond and on campus, so I was quite eager to know what might be the purpose of putting these geese in the school. It was Friday, quite a tiring day; I sat on one of the benches near the pond in the evening. It was relaxing to watch the children playing and listen to the birds singing. In the pond there were few ducks. 

As I observed these beautiful aquatic birds, I thought of a few principles that I think even teacher a needs to learn from them. I would like to share those with my young teaching fraternity who have to manage their students’ learning while keeping their own sanity intact. So here are some lessons that I have gathered from the ducks.  Teaching may be an intimidating profession even for experienced hands. For new faculty, it can be a daily battle just to keep their heads above the water.

Smooth on top, paddling energetically underneath

If you watch a duck, it looks as though it is sailing smoothly on the surface of the water with little difficulty. But on closer observation, you realize that they are paddling very hard under the water to reach their destination. Likewise, a teacher should put all his or her effort to ensure the class is going smoothly. Teachers need to work hard to make teaching appear smooth.  Such a disposition requires empathy and emotional intelligence. A teacher can be stressed and frustrated but on the surface s/he should show a positive disposition to achieve her/his aim.  The teacher should try to unlock the potential of the child.

Young teachers, your colleagues are your best resources. Do not be afraid to ask for help. They have many experiences, stories, strategies and innovative teaching methods that they can share with you. If you want to learn from them, feel free to ask and open yourself to new experiences. You need to create a culture of sharing and collaborating for your personal success and for the success of the student you teach. 

Duck feathers - as resilient as they come

Duck feathers are renowned for their resilience to water. Teachers should have similar levels of resilience. If you are overwhelmed by issues such as managing classes and controlling your students’ behavioral problems, try not to conclude that you are incapable of handling them. Here is some sound advice on how to maintain your equilibrium: 

o   Do not get involved with any arguments with the students.

o   Do not give incorrect information. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is okay to say so, or ask the class if anyone knows the answer.  If not, tell them that you will check and get back with the answer in next class.

                                                                                          

This will create a good image and help you improve your personality.

Heads down…

Ducks, in order to survive; need to put their heads down below the surface of the water to reach for food sources.  Likewise, teachers need to update themselves with new technology in teaching and different strategies of learning.  Do participate in every professional development programme available in the school. Professional development not only improves your teaching skills and practice, it helps you to develop bonds with other faculty members who are more experienced.  Further, you will acquire good knowledge of different strategies and skills of effective teaching.  It is also of paramount importance that teachers respect their students and also understand that the Z generation is more technology oriented than we are. Each student is capable of being an achiever - if you are willing to help her or him unravel his or her potential and skills - and facilitate the student’s journey to achieving excellence in the course of his or her learning. 

Ducklings always follow others

I always notice that the little ones follow an adult duck, that may be its mother or an older duck. I read somewhere that once the duckling is hatched, it invariably follows the first thing it sees and remains attached to it. This is called imprinting. Similarly, teachers should develop a personality which your students can role model. Your one-day absence from class should be felt by the students.  In order to create such an impact, you need to be approachable and accessible; welcoming teacher-student interaction.  An approachable teacher with a sense of humor is a trait that young ones would prefer to someone who is unapproachable and dour.  Such an approach goes a long way in increasing students’ efficiency and good grade points.

                                                                                      Madhusoodana. Sunnambala

Farewell Letter to the 2016-17 Batch of Psychology IB Students

Dear Students,
Here is a letter from the heart of your Psych Teacher. As you all are in the final touch of your IB journey.
One more battle is remaining that is the Final  Examination Do well in the exam and bring honor to the alma mater