EUNOIA JUNIOR EDITION #1 - Cultures and Seasons

From the Principal's Desk

If we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it". Johan Huizinga

Culture is produced by those who understand it. Some of our school cultures encourage everyone to speak softly and pleasantly; smile always; Be positive and progressive; Feel good, look good, and do good. You need to have and show confidence, always!

Culture is an integral part of our understanding of the world. It's not something that just happens; it is something that must be actively created and maintained by people who feel a sense of belonging within their group. As a part of the culture, we all want to be the best at what we do. We strive for perfection, but sometimes we fail. But that doesn't mean you should give up on your dreams or let anyone else tell you that it's impossible to reach them. You can always do better, and there are always ways around any obstacle that may stand in your way! If anything, remember that everyone has something they're good at - even me! I hope this post was helpful for anyone who's been feeling down lately and needs some inspiration :)

Culture is the set of values, beliefs, and practices that are shared by a group of people. It's comforting to see all of you working towards this, and it goes to show that you acorns are the trendsetters. This is a tremendous effort to bring in an exceptional, unique magazine all by yourselves, from designing to collecting to presenting in a beautiful book. You are establishing a culture to be followed by your juniors for years to come.

As a head of the school, I am super proud of your commendable achievement and your motivation to inspire your friends, classmates, and juniors to write more often. I am sure that your efforts will inspire the acorns to pen their thoughts into a beautifully written piece. Be the creators, not just the followers. Wishing you the best in everything you do!

Warm Regards, Sailaja Vittaldev

Principal, Silver Oaks International School, Bangalore

Teacher's Teacher's Teacher's

In us traditions, rituals, folklore, and celebrations. We have many festivals in our culture. Festivals have become a very important part and parcel of our lives as it comes as a breather in our mundane lives. India is unique and distinguished for its many vibrant festivals that are observed all year round. Festivals are not only kept for religious or cultural reasons. The people can benefit greatly as they facilitate interaction and foster a feeling of community.

Modern lifestyles and everyday responsibilities leave little to no time for spending time with loved ones. Festivals familiarise children with their own culture, encourage community, and bring people together, strengthening relationships among friends and family members. in the 21st century, we live in nuclear families, in small apartments, and the idea of joint families is largely extinct. Children only get to see their grandparents, cousins, and other family members on special occasions, and if these occasions aren't observed, they won't be able to form lasting relationships with them. Even though humans are sociable animals, most of us have secluded ourselves because we are preoccupied with racing around in the rat race to make money, which has made life uninteresting and routine. Children, therefore, do not relate to their cousins or relatives anymore as much as we did.

This is the biggest reason why festivals are now much more essential to kids because it's the only opportunity they have to spend time with their family and friends. Researching these holidays and making the effort to explain the significance of each one to our children is our obligation as parents and as educators. Each holiday is celebrated for a cause with a long history and justification that goes beyond the rituals we do. Major holidays with significant histories include Dussehra, Eid, Durga Puja, Diwali, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Christmas. Children who are aware of it develop their cultural knowledge, traditional roots, awareness of social traditions, knowledge of epics and mythology, knowledge of role models, and understanding of the meaning of spiritual veneration and religious doctrines. The festivities are in some way culturally oriented and make people grow closer to individuals all over the world as they learns to celebrate them.

There is also an absolute necessity to celebrate these festivals at school, one might wonder why and even some parents might believe that their children would benefit more from spending those significant dates off at home. But if we ponder over it, in a school setting, the majority of the time is spent on academics. Celebrations allow people to engage in extracurricular activities, form bonds, and socialise. It strengthens the bonds between peers and draws the students and faculty closer together, creating a sense of community.

In today's situation, it has become even more important to find these little avenues of togetherness as we live in a world with many close minded people and situations surrounding us that stunt our minds' growth. Teaching students about cultural differences will foster their ability to get along with people from other backgrounds. The student's communication skills will be improved, and they will be able to connect with people much better from other communities due to the festivities celebrated at school. Hence there are many educational institutions like ours which firmly believe that if a child is exposed to several different cultures at a young age, they will quickly learn to adapt and blend in with the world outside and develop a sense of open mindedness from a very young age.

Trina Bhattacharya, HRT, G5 CV Raman

STUDENTS IN ACTION Teacher's Corner

Taking action is one of the five essential elements (Participation, Advocacy, Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship and Lifestyle Choices) of the IB PYP program and an integral process of learning. Students are encouraged to take action based on their learning and develop international-mindedness. Students initiated actions, showcase their extensive understanding and make connections between local and global development issues. Action can be taken by feeling, thinking, doing, saying or spreading awareness. They feel proud and responsible and can make a difference in the world whether it be big or small. It's amazing to witness our Acorns in action through their insightful opinions. We were investigating “Ecosystem” under the theme “Sharing the planet”. Our main idea was “Survival of the fittest” and the inquiry revolves around habitats, adaptation, evolution and extinction. As the inquiry progressed students came up with various data demonstrating their scientific research skills.

Students connected their learning with the UN sustainable development goals 'Life on Land' Goal 14 & Life below water' Goal 15. The main objective of their actions was to communicate about the human impact on living organisms on land and below water. This showcased their participation and advocacy towards the environment. They applied their creative thoughts and ideas to spread awareness around their learning community to save endangered species. Their posters on types of biomes, poems and the talk show & thinking hats responses were alarming for the people around to stop, think and act immediately. Each act can change and cause an impact. So, let's all take a step towards a positive impact for a peaceful future & make the world a better place to live. This showcased their extensive understanding by connecting local and global development issues.

Is

WordedWoods

this what freedom feels like?

As she walked across the beach, she could see the beautiful sea, the winds caressed her wavy hair which was styled with elegance and flair. Is this what freedom feels like? She asked herself, as she felt the cool breeze. She felt the raindrops on her face, her sorrow disappeared without a trace, the rain intensified as if it were a race Is this what freedom feels like? She asked herself, as she stared into the sky: endless like a maze. She felt the sun ' s warm presence in the air, She looked up at the sunny sky as if it were a dare, and oh did the sky cut her some slack, as the sunny sky changed into the wind with just a crack. Is this what freedom feels like? She asked herself as she kept walking and walking, the wind pushing her back.

My Azadi Anthem

Saffron is brave and strong, White is peaceful, If I’m not wrong, Green is successful, Blue is prideful, These are the colors of our flag, In confidence we Indians do not lag, In bravery we excel, And advice to neighbors we do tell, This is India,my country and pride, When I see our land I feel happiness on the inside, To India we Indians are a protective leather, Me and my country we grow together

Aditi Raman - G7, Nikola Tesla

Nethra S Ram G3 Hamilton

Kill the Raavana inside you

By Siya Sreenivas, Grade 2 Grand Canyon

There was once a girl named Lyra who was very rude. Whenever her family asked her for any help, she would snap back at them therefore she did not have any friends to play with. She used to feel angry, agitated and cranky all the time. On Sunday, her grandmother used to call her and speak to her at length. Lyra’s granny loved telling her stories. Granny asked Lyra, “Do you know that Dussehra is coming?” Lyra replied “Yes” and asked her grandmother to tell her the story of Dussehra. Granny told her the whole story of how Ram and Sita were sent to exile, how Ravana disguised himself into a sage and captured Sita, and how Hanuman and his troop of monkeys helped Ram kill Ravana and free Sita.

After listening to the story, Lyra asked Granny, “ What do the ten heads of Raavana do?” Granny answered “They represent Raavana, the first head is anger, second is jealousy, third is greed, fourth rudeness, etc and so every head represents evils inside you. ’’ Lyra was shocked to hear this. That night she had a dream. She saw herself as Raavana with so many evil heads that were her moods. She was appalled and upset but she remembered the kind words of her Granny “ Good always wins over evil”. In a flash she reincarnated into Ram and with his bow and arrow, he killed Raavana. Lyra felt glad and relieved . When she woke up in the morning, she went and apologized to all the people with whom she had behaved in a bad way. She realized her mistakes and thanked her Granny and Lord Ram. Afterwards, Lyra had a large group of friends in both her school and society. She always remained happy and cheerful thereafter.

Moral of the story: Good always triumphs over evil. So kill the Raavana inside you this Dussehra.

Diwali Delights

Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights Celebrated on a moonless night Tonight is when the diyas burn bright, Ridding the world of shadows with light

Today is when we burst crackers at night Fireworks against the moonlit sky Fountains, sparklers, and many more Today is the day when crackers fly!

Culture to live

There is a reason why we celebrate each season, It’s our tradition, the culture to live and make life a celebration.

Holi in summers & Diwali in winters, We celebrate each with sweets and fritters

Family and friends all get together, Without worrying so much about the weather.

Culture to live is culture to be happy, In every small bit, from a smile to a toffee.

We learn culture to live at Silver Oaks, To go back home and tell family & folks.

By Jisha Nirav - G4, Stephen Hawking

By Anusha Raizada-Grade 5 Euclid

Bee yourself!

Daisy was a worker bee who collected nectar for her hive. She was rather small for her age - 6 weeks. But there was something unusual. She had a small blue mark on her head, but she thought nothing of it.

It was a sunny day - perfect for finding some flowers. Daisy and her group of nectar collectors buzzed around in search of flowers. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally found a perfect flower. But since she had taken so long, the other bees were about done with their work. They flew past Daisy smirking and snickering.

“She’s such a slowpoke!”, Daisy heard a bee say. “Look at that mark on her head..”, said another bee.

Daisy felt insecure about herself. She flew away when no bee was looking. She wanted to get as far away as possible, when- OUCH! She had bumped into a butterfly.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Daisy apologised. “No, it’s fine!” said the butterfly. “I’m Oliver by the way. I was just about to collect some nectar.”

“I’m Daisy.”

Daisy had so many questions, but before she could speak, her gaze went to Oliver’s bright blue wings. “Woah, those are some cool wings! They look beautiful!”

“Thanks,” Oliver replied, smiling warmly. “What’s that on your head? That blue thing..” Daisy quickly tried to hide her blue mark. She thought Oliver was going to tease her. “Don’t worry, Daisy. There’s nothing to feel ashamed about. I used to get judged by my wings too.”

“But how did you know?” Daisy asked. “I saw everything that happened back there, so I feel like what I’ll say now is important. Answer this question - do you love yourself?”

“Yes,” said Daisy.

“Then why would you let others change that answer? Everyone is worthy of love and respect.” Daisy beamed. The next time a bee ever tried to discourage her, she knew there was nothing that could change how lucky she felt to be a bee.

Anika Maulin Bhagat, G6 Pythagoras

By Riya Pradeep Grade 6 Shakuntala Devi

FallFestivities!

What is Dussehra?

Ganga Dussehra 2022: The auspicious day is here. Every year, Ganga Dussehra is observed in India to celebrate Ganga’s descent into the earth. The day is celebrated with a whole lot of grandeur and pomp all over the country. This year, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on June 9. Also known as Ganga avataran day, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated one day before Nirjala Ekadashi, however, some years, both days fall together.

History-

According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Brahma to purify the soul of his ancestors and allow them to attain salvation. But Lord Brahma replied that the King needs to pray to Lord Shiva as it is difficult for him to bring Ganga to the earth because of the rage flow. Then, king Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva, content with his prayers, controlled the flow of Ganga and brought her to the earth so that destruction was not done, and people could thrive around it. Dussehra is celebrated on the day Ganga was brought to the Earth.

By :Rashmita G-6 RAMANUJAN

Good Habits Festival

Dussehra is one of the biggest Indian festivals. It is annually commemorated with zeal. It is celebrated by the Hindu community. The Dussehra festival is incomplete without fairs. On this day, large models of Demon King Ravana and his brothers Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burnt. It symbolizes the victory of good over bad. As per The Epic Ramayana, Lord Rama killed the demon king Ravana, and his triumph of good over evil is celebrated as Dussehra. Dussehra also symbolizes the event called “Vijayadashami”. The tenth day of Navratri is celebrated as Vijayadashami. The epic battle between Lord Rama and Ravana is portrayed in Ramlila. There are many rituals performed by people on Dussehra. On the eve of Dussehra, celebration events are observed in various parts of the country.

As we know, on the day of Dussehra Lord Ram killed Ravan and rescued his wife Sita. The legend goes that Ravan had 10 heads, each symbolizing bad habits and attitudes toward life.

Across India, this day is celebrated in many different ways, and in our school, we started a tradition that on the day of Dussehra we burn away our not-so-good habits and make room for more good practices in the future.

Every year the art teachers make a life-size model of Ravan. All students receive a card to note down their good and not-so-good habits and the not-so-good habits are later burned along with it.

You may think that burning the Ravan is harmful to the environment but in our school, we use neem leaves that do not harm the environment as much as regular wood.

Adwita Dinavahi and Anusia - G6 Pythagoras

Teachers Day

Teachers Day in India is celebrated on 5th September every year to thank the teachers for their contribution and effort. It is celebrated enthusiastically in every school by the students to thank their teachers.

In our school also, Teachers Day is celebrated with extreme joy and fun. The preparations for the main day begin a month secretly in advance. Students rehearse for performances and other events, taking all necessary precautions, so the teachers don’t get a clue about the events. This is done perhaps to surprise the teachers with unexpected performances. A couple of days before Teachers Day, after school, students could be seen rehearsing for several performances in their respective classes or the assembly hall. Speech rehearsals are also very common during Teacher’s Day, as students memorise and rehearse speeches on their favourite teachers.

In my school, Teacher’s Day is celebrated like a school fest, and the students have the liberty to choose and call a distinguished personality the Chief Guest.

On Teachers Day, the celebration is inaugurated by the Chief Guest and the principal together. The inaugural ceremony is followed by a number of dance, singing, and speech performances by the students dedicated to their loving teachers.

Once the performances get over, the host calls the teachers on stage and hands them the card, or flower from their students. The Teachers Day celebration is one of the most significant celebrations in my school.

Children's Day!

We children have dreams, These are part of our mischives and schemes! Nobody can make our sky their ceiling, They cannot make us compress our feelings! We'll grow up to be independent and strong, But that journey isn't easy, it's a little long!

So we'll toil hard and make our dreams come true, We will change the world to become the deserving few!

Happy Children's Day!

Varnika Sarna G6 Ramanujan

How to prepare the batter

1. Wash the raw rice thoroughly and soak it in enough water for at least 3 hours

2. Drain the water from the rice and add it to a mixer grinder with jackfruit, crushed cardamom, and salt and grind to a smooth batter

3. Let the batter rest for a couple of hours. To use immediately, you can skip this step and add baking soda

4. For improved flavour and texture, add grated coconut and dry ginger or nutmeg powder and mix well

How to make the Paniyaram

1. To make the Paniyaram you need a special vessel called the Paniyarakal or Apple pan with multiple small holes. It is traditionally made in cast iron, however, non stick versions of the same are readily available nowadays

2. Heat the pan with some coconut oil or ghee to a moderate temperature

3. Pour the batter into the holes and add a generous amount of ghee onto the batter while it cooks, especially if you want a crispy texture

4. To make it extra special, you can add toppings like roasted cashews or coconut pieces in each of the holes before pouring the batter

5. Cook until both sides of the paniyaram are golden and server hot!

Food cultures of Kerala

By Devnarayan Praveen, Grade 5 Grace Hopper

In this article, I am going to share some of the tasty delicacies from God’s own country. There are many interesting foods from Kerala like Puttu, Idiyappam, Appam, Sadya, Meen curry etc.

Now I will start with my favourite item which is ‘Idiyappam’. Idiyappam looks very much like a sister of noodles. It is made of rice flour and there is a special tool to make it. ‘Puttu’. Puttu is cylindrical in shape. In the olden days, they used a bamboo stem which is hollow and gives it a cylindrical shape.

It is steam cooked and paired with ‘kadala curry ’ (chana). Kerala is a coastal region and there are many backwaters. Hence fish are available in plenty. So it is not a surprise that fish is one of the most eaten dishes in Kerala. There is a special tamarind called ‘kudam puli’ which adds lots of flavor. ‘Meen pollichathu’ is one of the items, which is fried fish and masala gravy wrapped in banana leaf and steamed or b k d

‘Sadya’ is a meal served in banana leaf and there are a lot of items like aviyal, toran, kichadi, pickles, pappadam, parippu, sambar etc. It looks so colorful, bright and full of rich and tasty delicacies. It is labeled as one of the most balanced meals in the world. If you want to try this, you can visit Kerala during Onam or Vishu. The best part of the sadya food is payasam called ada pradhanam. Next one is my favorite ‘Appam’. It is a type of pancake which is a traditional dish of Kerala. I eat it with coconut milk, egg curry, stew or even without any curry! It is also made from rice and coconut. So, don’t forget to try these items when you visit Kerala and I am sure it will be an unforgettable

By Akshaj Deshpande,Grade 4 Galileo

Indian

Yes, you read it right. It's called the Rat Temple or the Karni Mata Temple. This temple was built in the 15th Century and is in Rajasthan. The main deity is Goddess Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

This temple has more than 25,000 rats and they are revered. The rats are considered their ancestors. When someone dies, it is believed that they would be born as a rat and when the rat dies, they would be born a human again. Hence all the rats are considered family members of the humans. The prasad here is usually milk or grains. They are first offered to the rats which nibble them and then served to the devotees. Surprisingly, none of the devotees has fallen sick after eating this prasad.

Did you know that there is a Temple In India that is filled with Rats?

Adventure

A City with no Locks

Do you ever step out of your home without locking it? Well, we don’t. However, I recently was amazed to know that there is a temple town in Maharashtra called Shani Shingnapur, where the villagers do not look at their homes at all. It is believed that their deity Lord Shani would protect them and if anyone tried to attempt theft, they would be bestowed with seven years of bad luck. These homes are not only left unlocked, but they don’t have even doors. There has been no theft in this village ever.

Isn't this amazing?

Despande, G4 Galileo

Ramayana Crossword

Across

1.The place where Rama was born.

3.Name of Ravan’s kingdom.

4. Another name for Sita.

By Chinmayeevibha Vepa - G5 Nicholas Copernicus

7.The forest where Rama spent some of his time during his exile (vanavasa).

8. Rama’s son literally means a blade of grass.

Down

1. Rama’s father’s name upside down.

2.Great devotee of Rama who fought Lanka.

4. A Great sage who tries to convince Rama to give up his exile.

5.Rama’s mother’s name

6. Adikavi the sage who composed Ramayana

Stay tuned for the answers in the next edition of the magaine