Neev Times September 2023_Issue 31

ISSUE. 31

2023 SEPTEMBER

Neev Times

Meaning Making Sometimes, we need to take a moment to stop and smell the roses, and appreciate the beauty around us, because that is where we will find true meaning- in the simple yet captivating elegance of the world and the people around us. ~Ananya Malde, Grade 11

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LEADERSHIP SPEAK Dear Neev Community, COVID made me wonder why school matters when digital learning is easy and individualized. A key part of human motivation and learner agency clearly comes from reflection - connecting new information and experiences to prior knowledge, combining ideas to produce unique interpretations, leading to discovery, human creativity and innovation.

But an even deeper driver of motivation is relationships, and not just because nothing really worth doing can be done alone.

Why relationships are so important for purpose is intriguing. Diverse studies from Harvard to National Geographic suggest that strong and steady relationships with people are a common factor in a good life. Anthropologist Robin Dunbar, urges us to think about our relationships in concentric circles, with just five people (loved ones) in the inner circle, followed by 15 (good friends), 50 (friends), 150 (meaningful contacts), 500 (acquaintances) and 1500 (people you can recognise). Our strong ties, 5 - 15 - 50, give us emotional support, love and care. Our weak ties give us new information, get us jobs, and kindle creativity.

Experiences are only meaningful with reflection. Piling up facts is easy (especially digitally) and meaningless. Meaningful existence comes from curating our experiences consciously, controlling our impulses, and being intentional about our goals. But how much do we use these powers? Can we be conscious? Of what we read? What we watch? How we spend our time? Who we spend time with? Recognising which relationships are in which circle? Who we must prioritize and see regularly? Who we are becoming?

Learn. Reflect. Connect. Repeat. Prioritize.

You are on your way with Meaning Making.

Kavita Gupta Sabharwal Director & Head of School

Living Meaningful Lives and Giving Meaningful Lives ~ Aida Sandy Sree, Grade 11 In Michael Steger’s Tedx Talk on “What Makes Life Meaningful?”, he speaks about human existence in relation to the vastness of the universe. He highlights how we are tiny, existing particles surrounded by the unknown. As specks of dust, we’re given lives made up of moments, and it is our duty to make those moments matter, to leave a positive and meaningful impact behind.

A study performed on college students involving them taking pictures of things that added meaning to their lives revealed that a majority of humans find meaning in relation to other people. If other people contribute to making our lives meaningful, don’t we contribute to making the lives of others’ meaningful? Is that not in itself, contributing to our individual purpose? Michael Steger leaves us with another compelling thought by pushing us to pursue not just living meaningful lives, but giving meaningful lives.

In a community such as Neev, giving is an integral part of the spirit that we embody and practice. Students are introduced to service initiatives in primary years through Service Saturdays, instilling core values that only evolve and expand by the time they are required to practice SAA and CAS. As essential elements of the IB programme, SAA and CAS encourages us to look within ourselves for purpose, practice that purpose, and grow holistically through it all. In this way, we are all pushed to search for and fulfill meaning both at Neev and beyond, continuing that quest for the rest of our lives.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS A New World Order - The impact of the BRICS expansion ~ Sahasra Nangineni, Grade 10

“

With BRICS now representing 42% of

the world population, as well as 36% of the world GDP, it now serves as a real

threat to the US-led international order.

On August 24th, 2023, BRICS leaders opened the door to the expansion of their bloc for the first time in thirteen years. Out of the dozens of countries that fought for a spot, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE, Argentina, and Egypt are now all official BRICS (or in its present form, BRICSSIEUAE) members.

”

With BRICS now representing 42% of the world population, as well as 36% of the world GDP, it now serves as a real threat to the US-led international order, and is growing to be the spokesperson of the developing world. Countries are eager to choose the sides they believe will prevail on the geoeconomic battlefield, with claims that our globe is about to erupt into what appears to be a new Cold War.

The Global South has been expressing extreme interest in the bloc, due to it being partially led by China, as well as the fact that the global economy’s centre of gravity has shifted from Europe and USA in 1980 to about 8000 kms away in Turkiye, and is projected to be between India and China by 2050.

The failure which led to success.

Aside from moon rocks, Chandrayaan's achievement is advancing satellite technology and catastrophe preparedness on Earth.

July 14, 2023 will go down in history! India became the first country to reach the lunar south pole region after the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh.

India's space programme is renowned for its efficiency of resources. ISRO's budget for this mission was $75 million. While in comparison the movie ‘Interstellar’, was more than double the budget with $165 million production cost. ISRO’s never-ending dedication and perseverance has culminated in this incredible accomplishment and keeps the country's goals for space exploration alive.

~ Aanya Singh, Grade 9

Being in the elite ‘space club’ is a big deal. It means India is now amongst the world's most accomplished nations when considering space exploration, like the United States, Russia, and China. India's space agency, ISRO, has been commended for doing space missions at a low cost budget. But Chandrayaan isn't just about space. It's also helping India's science and technology industry grow, the development of new technologies and the importance of collaborating with other nations on space missions.

04 How Travis Scott Redefines Utopia Through His Latest Album ~Tanish Ray, Grade 10 On 28th July, Houston-born rapper and musician Travis Scott made a comeback after over half a decade of waiting. The 19-song album with 18 guest appearances, called UTOPIA, served as the follow-up to Scott’s third studio album, Astroworld. Although the artist is not usually known for his lyrical abilities, the words and messages in the lyrics have much deeper meanings than expected. When asked about the meaning of the name “UTOPIA”, Scott mentioned, “Utopia is something people feel is so far-fetched and out of reach, while in reality, it could be something simple you create yourself”. The songs of the album convey his definition of the term Utopia, through personal examples from his life.

What impact do we strive to create? ~ Anvit Anand, Grade 12

17-year-old Aditi Swami, of Satara in Maharashtra, demonstrated skill and prowess when she became the youngest-ever senior world champion and the first Indian to win an individual compound gold medal at the Berlin World Archery Championships on August 5th, 2023. In other news, India's men's 4x400m relay team set a new Asian record at the World Athletics Championship 2023, in August and placed 5th in the finals. They are the first Indian team to reach a World Championship finals and have carved their names in the pages of Indian sports history.

What they all have in common is the grit, determination, and resilience they demonstrated to be the best and have individually practised in rudimentary conditions to bring themselves to the world competition arena. Lack of infrastructure or funds didn’t stop them from believing in their talent and aiming to be the best in the world. Did you know that the relay athlete,

Multiple tracks in the album such as “Thank God”, “Telekinesis”, “Circus Maximus”, “Skitzo”, “Meltdown” and “Hyaena” express his mental and emotional challenges even though he achieved immense wealth and fame. Songs such as “My Eyes” and “K-POP” reflect on how love is still the most important factor in his life, and what brings him the most joy. The song “Thank God” portrays his appreciation for living, and simply being able to breathe. Through all of his 19 songs, Travis Scott tries to convey that even with fame, money and success, it is the little things in life such as love, faith and grace that create Utopia. UTOPIA is a brilliant example of how art is used to convey meaningful messages, although they sometimes go unnoticed.

Rajesh Ramesh was stationed as a ticket checker at a Railway Station in Tamil Nadu, in 2020 or that Aditi’s coaching centre is located in the middle of a sugarcane field?

Aditi Swami and the men’s relay team have made India proud and are an inspiration for all of us who wish to elevate our passion for a sport or activity to the next level by showing that it’s possible to achieve great heights even with simple means as long the drive to succeed is strong within.

Spanish Women’s Team Controversy ~ Hana Yenepoya, Grade 10

Following their historic World Cup triumph, the Spanish women's football team's moment of pride was overshadowed by an unanticipated controversy. The team's outstanding on-field performance won over fans.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) President, Luis Rubiales, gave star player Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss after their win. Despite the fact that this act was meant to honour their outstanding accomplishment, it caused a heated debate about the limits of respect and proper behaviour for sports officials.

Eleven members of the coaching staff for the Spanish women's team made the decision to quit in protest of Rubiales' actions. Coach Jorge Vilda, who was not involved in the contentious episode, expressed his disappointment that off-field incidents have eclipsed the excitement of women's football. Vilda's message emphasises the team's dedication to upholding the sport's integrity.

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“

Luis Rubiales, gave star player

Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss after their win

”

Luis Rubiales was immediately suspended from all football-related activities for a term of 90 days, pending further investigation, by FIFA, The Spanish government strongly backed this choice, stressing the wider ramifications of such instances in the world of international sports.

This debate serves as a reminder that it is essential to retain the values of professionalism, respect, and personal limits in the pursuit of win and celebration.

Sports celebrations are essential, but they should never be at the expense of someone's comfort or dignity.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Birth of New India

From 1757-1947 (India’s DeIndustrialisation)

Having completed 76 Years of Independence, and embarking on our 77th year of freedom, it's time we look back on the choices that led to where we stand today. Our country, has risen from the ashes, from the era of a drained, divided and desperate nation to being the world’s major economic player, from slavery to presidency on world forum, India has emerged.

Mr.Manish gave us an in-depth analysis of how we were pushed to become an agrarian colony with the intention of fueling supply of raw materials for the British Industries. Limited rights and Exploitation was the norm.

~ Vihaan Agarwal, Grade 5

To grasp this pivotal moment in Indian history, we had an enlightening opportunity to meet and discuss India’s Journey from ruins to heroics with Mr.Manish Sabharwal.

Handicrafts, Textile Industries, Fine Arts Craftsman, Pottery almost all lost their livelihood. Dependence on imports skyrocketed. Manufacturing was completely decimated, and exports of finished goods found no markets with heavy export duties.

From 1947-2023 (Impoverished to Developed Economy) A lot has changed since then…We have paced up with the changing times and where we stand today is evidence of how our policies were made and implemented.

06 India though relied on imports for a long time, our policies, Constitution and Bureaucrats ensured balance of power and a continuous pace of development. These policies built a strong Neev on which we stand today, leading the service sectors and an emerging manufacturing workplace. From providing literacy to world’s largest population, to exploration in Space sector, from importer to becoming exporter of goods and services, India has ticked in the right boxes to usher in a new era of development.

As we look ahead… 2023 and beyond From Purna Swaraj to Purna AtmaNirbhar, from Ghulami to UNSC high chair, from illiteracy to completely eradicating poverty in an educated INDIA, our decisions today will determine our Future tomorrow.

We thank Mr.Manish Sabharwal to touch upon the important Roles and Responsibilities of a Citizen towards Nation Building and asked us to be the Change Makers.

Happy Independence Day to “We – The Change Makers”

Independence Day Jhankhi ~ Shereen Bhattacharjee, Grade 7

On August 15th, we all celebrated our Independence Day through a spectacular celebration where each one of our houses: Kaveri, Narmada, Brahmaputra and Ganges all put up impressive and captivating performances filled with singing, dancing and skits. Besides the performance, each house also created stations filled with creativity as each one of the artworks spoke loudly.

Each house had a different thought process and idea which was portrayed beautifully and left a lasting impression on everyone who watched.

Each house was given time to prepare in the morning but other than dances and skits being created, a lot of new bonds also blossomed as kids all the way from grade four to grade twelve were bonding and learning more about one another. During the time we were given to prepare, the air was filled with laughter, joy and every room was filled with smiles and giggles. No matter the age of the individual, everyone was included and given a part to play.

During the performances many new talents were shown whether it was the surprising amount of gymnasts we have in our school or the new and blossoming artists we have. who were able to create inspiring and vibrant pieces of artwork to showcase at the stations. There was absolutely no judgement in the performances whether you had danced for five years before performing or if it was your first time dancing in front of a crowd with a dance you had learned an hour or two before.

The Jhankis, was an event that brought kids and teachers together as they created new bonds and now are able to say hi to each other in the hallways of the school or go to each other for advice, never thinking earlier that they could be friends. Everyone learned something new on that day whether it was how to paint Jawaharlal Nehru's face or how to sing in a higher octave. The Jhanki celebration was a new, memorable and enchanting experience.

07 Inter-House Competitions ~ Myra Nigam, Grade 5

NeevMUN

~ Sunav Bajaj, Grade 12 As of January 2023, NeevMUN was merely an idea. Just 9 months later, NeevMUN became a reality!

On the 9th and 10th of September, we welcomed 200 plus delegates from other schools, along with approximately 50 volunteers and 14 Executive Board members. Throughout the two days of NeevMUN, the school brimmed with enthusiasm and ambition in debate, collaboration, and diplomacy.

The theme of this conference was "Simulating the UN, Emulating the change”. In an attempt to address the increasing number of calls for the reform of the UN, at NeevMUN we endeavoured to explore potential reform through one of our committees - ‘SpecPol B’. In this committee, countries were allocated votes in proportion to their population. The effect of this procedural change is currently being researched and analysed.

The purpose of this conference was to establish a lasting legacy of an activity that students can use to develop critical thinking, knowledge of current affairs, communication, public speaking skills, and other valuable skills.

On behalf of Rithwik, Director General of NeevMUN, 2023 and myself, Secretary-General of NeevMUN, 2023 it was our honor to host everyone present, and we would like to sincerely thank everyone involved.

Neev conducts many platforms for us to showcase our talent, build on our interests, and opportunities for healthy competition. One such is the Inter house competitions where events that bring the whole school together are conducted. The 4 strong houses, Kaveri, Brahmaputra, Narmada, and Ganges, compete against each other. The latest competition was the swimming competition for 4th and 5th graders.

I represented Kaveri, and competed in 25 meter Freestyle, 25 meter Backstroke, and Freestyle Relay.

Through this competition, I learnt a lot about team spirit and collaboration. Team spirit taught me that without the support of my team I will not be able to achieve my goal. For example during the relay, the entire Kaveri swimming team was cheering out loud for each one of us who dived… even those who just finished their round.

I could hear my name being screamed loud when I was swimming and that made me put in all the effort and energy and swim faster. I cannot express the feeling in words.

I also learnt that collaboration is key to winning a relay.

Meaning, it doesn’t matter if just one of us did well or if one of us fell behind… It is what we did together as a team that made all the difference.

Finally, I understood that although swimming is known as an individual sport, the power of teamwork can be learnt through swimming.

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STUDENT VOICE What did the G20 2023 Summit in India mean for us? ~ Abeer, Grade 3

The G20 Summit in India was a proud moment for all Indians as it further strengthens our place in the world and is a step towards India becoming a developed nation.

The G20 or Group of 20, established in 1999 to promote international financial strength and growth, is an international group for governments from 19 countries & the E.U. Representing a large portion of the world's economy & population, they meet annually to discuss global issues, trade, development, climate change, etc.

They interact & cooperate to address common challenges & promote financial stability. G20 meetings are held annually, with different members hosting each summit. The World Bank & IMF participate as well.

G20 2023 was hosted by India in New Delhi, at Bharat Mandapam from 8th to 10th September. The theme was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-One Earth, One Family, One Future. The capital was beautified for the summit with the logo being changed from the past summit (in Bali), to the tricolored earth in a lotus. Visiting Country Heads were greeted by Indian Ministers & traditional dance performances from different states. Vegetarian food, with focus on millets, were served at the President's Dinner.

There were quite a few promising outcomes of this conference.

1. The African Union joined the G20 as a permanent member, increasing the much required African representation.

2. The Global Biofuel Alliance was launched to promote development & adoption of biofuels.

3. The New Delhi Leaders Declaration was adopted with agreement.

4. India, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Jordan, Israel & the EU jointly agreed to build a rail & shipping passage linking India with the Middle East & Europe (IndiaMiddle East-Europe Economic Corridor).

This is very inspiring – I can hardly imagine the increase in trade & success this will bring. The summit has been promising as we look forward to the changes taking place.

09 What does ‘Meaning Making’ mean to me? ~ Kyra Mittal, Grade 7

Meaning-making is the process of assigning meaning to experiences and events. It is a way of understanding the world around us and our place in it. Meaning-making can be done through a variety of activities, such as storytelling, art, and music. It can also be done through reflection and conversation.

Meaning-making is an important part of human development and well-being. It helps us to make sense of the world and to find our place in it. It also helps us to cope with difficult experiences and to grow as individuals. I have learned how to do this by expressing meaning through singing and dancing. I believe everyone has a talent or hobby that they can express through various activities, they just need to look for that talent within them and believe in themselves.

As Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I learned what this quote means throughout my experience in the spirit of the week. I believe just like me everyone has a rare and unique talent through which they make meaning.

Is re-introducing cheetahs in the Indian ecosystem a viable idea? ~ Shenaya Bhattacharjee, Grade 9

Asiatic cheetahs have been extinct for 70 years now, this is because of the mass hunting & loss of habitat in the continent. The government led “Project Cheetah”, has cultivated a plan to reintroduce them into the Indian ecosystem. South Africa signed an agreement to relocate a batch of 12 Cheetahs in February 2023. Though how sustainable is this idea? Yes, the cheetahs are part of the Indian culture, it even got its name from the Hindi word “chita” which means ‘spots’. However the country has modernized gravely since that time period.

Is the environment of the country ready to take on the task of conserving cheetahs and protecting its people & already existing biodiversity from probable threats in the areas where the animal will be introduced?

The current issue faced by The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been protecting its dense forests, and cheetah habitats are the opposite; they are drier spaces (grasslands & thorn forests). These habitats have been burnt/cleared out for industrialization purposes, hence the ideal living conditions for cheetahs is not met. Re-constructing these habitats, and introducing a grassland policy is necessary before reintroducing them, which means destroying certain pre-existing landscapes in the country.

Ensuring peaceful co-existence between the country's wildlife and cheetahs is also an integral part of the plan.

The relatively small population at first wont pose direct threat to the people - although if the re-introduction is successful in 2-3 decades the population might be large enough to do so - they can eat livestock, or create conflict with existing species such as the Indian wolf since the ideal habitat spaces (eg - Nauradehi sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh or the Shahgarh landscape near Jaisalmer) for cheetahs are also shared by these species.

In conclusion, yes, cheetahs are a part of Indian culture, however in India's current socio-economic state introducing such a species should not be considered in the near future, India needs to focus on the endangered species it does have, along with its people and ensure economic stability for them instead of introducing aspects that could harm their livelihoods. Once these problems are taken care of then diversifying the country's ecosystem can be taken into consideration.

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~ Neyamukil K M, Grade 4 "What is a meaningful life?"

You may suggest one, I may suggest one, A billion people, a billion views

For me, it is Cuddle my mom during sleep, Playing with my friends,

And I think, "What is a more meaningful life?"

As I age, I shall think the same Of a deeper meaning in life.

STUDENT STORIES ~ K Veda Ponnappa, Grade 3 I recently launched my ‘Tie & Dye’ clothing concept, "Flowing Colours," and had the exciting opportunity to sell my products at an event called "Merchants of Happiness."

This creative venture was born during my school vacations, where I offer customers the chance to breathe new life into their old clothes by infusing them with vibrant tie-dye colours using cold fabric dyes. The range of items I work with includes t-shirts, socks, kurtis, and more.

My Tie & Dye creations showcase various techniques like "rumple silt skin," "spill the tea spiral," and "ombré all day." These techniques dictate how the items should be tied before undergoing the dyeing process. Each item in the collection requires a meticulous 2-3 day process to complete. Our inventory consisted of 15 t-shirts, 20 scrunchies, 30 hair ties, 10 crop tops, 6 pouches, and 12 pairs of socks.

I poured my heart and soul into crafting these one-of-akind pieces, and the result was truly gratifying. At the "Merchants of Happiness" event, we achieved a remarkable feat by selling out our entire inventory in just two hours!

~ Ira Singh Kapany, Grade 4 I always thought the things that mattered most were size, age, weight, strength and speed. So, when I embarked on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, surrounded by adults twice my size, I was a bundle of nerves. This challenging 4-day trek demanded 5 to 8 hours of walking daily, with nights spent in cramped sleeping bags and tiny tents. Our journey took us through Asia's largest meadows, culminating at a daunting summit, 12,550 feet high. While climbing the summit, I needed to stop, I felt like giving up, and the trek leader didn’t think I could do it either. Just when I was about to give up, a voice in me said “Ira, don’t give up, you’ve come so far.

All that matters is your mindset. Remember: The hardest mountain to climb is the one within.” With renewed determination, I drew a deep breath and pressed on.

I reached the summit with a big smile on my face, and while wheezing hard I softly said: “The hardest mountain to climb is the one within!

11 ~ Dhruv Ramu & Akhilesh Balaji, Grade 11 Nicholas Negroponte once said, "Computing is not about computers any more. It is about living." In today's society, it’s important to note that we refer to computer literacy, and not necessarily to computer science.

“Computer literacy” encapsulates understanding of concepts such as how to interact with an operating system, the relevance of internet and media, cybersecurity, and so forth. Through ℂ𝕆𝕄ℙ², we teach children how to use computers and apply them in the real world, which helps them develop their creativity, open-mindedness, problem-solving ability and information/media literacy skills.

~ Shaurya Max Havinahal, Grade 5 During this year’s summer break, I was one among the 4 students representing India to visit Iceland for 28 days through the CISV Village Program. It took a lot of courage for me since this was my first trip out of home without my family.

The flight was about a 20 hour journey- it took 2 flights to reach Reykjavík , The capital of Iceland. I had read about the Icelandic weather a bit before taking the flight but never imagined it would be freezing cold.

CISV Camps are aimed at making kids learn about different cultures and nationalities of different countries all over the world. We called our room “The Changos,” which means ‘Monkeys’ in Spanish as we knew we were going to swing from one room to another making new friends. There were fun activities which were a mix of both indoor and outdoor, focused on teaching us a lot about team building, cooperation and communication.

The most exciting part of my trip was definitely the Geysir! We visited the infamous Icelandic Geysir called “The Great Geysir“ which threw its magical show every 10 minutes. ‘National Night’, is another activity that will never fade from my memories where each delegate from a different country presented souvenirs and food delicacies from their home country.

It was a great opportunity for me to meet kids from different countries and see how and what they are learning in their home countries. With this trip, I learned how to manage my expenses & savings and make new friends which is a lesson for life.

Underprivileged children in most government schools have no access nor exposure to computers. Teaching these children how to use computers and apply them in the real world will help them develop their creativity, open-mindedness, problem-solving ability, and information/media literacy skills. By giving them exposure to the world of computers, the prospects for their future are also broadened.

Our journey began in April 2022, when the idea of conducting workshops, classes, and hands-on sessions for underprivileged students in government schools was first conceived. We partnered with an NGO in Bengaluru, called ‘Youth For Seva’, and tried to connect with government schools in the city that had a requirement for effective computer literacy classes.

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Over the past twelve months (since September 2022), we have been regularly conducting structured lessons on computer science at a government school on Saturdays, with a duration of one hour. Since then, more than twenty sessions have been conducted, and we can see a significant improvement in the 7th graders that we have taught over the past year. With the goal of increasing our impact, we were able to bring together 7 volunteers across Grade 9 and 10. We now aim to teach in 3–4 government secondary schools across Bengaluru.

Service has been an excellent opportunity for us to hone our own skills and understand the barriers a disenfranchised student may face. We have seen firsthand, that apart from factual and conceptual knowledge, we have instilled a sense of purpose as they realise their potential to shape their futures through the world of programming. By expanding their horizons and offering opportunities for growth, we aim to empower them to create meaning in both their educational journey and future careers.

~ Kaahinee Agarwal, Grade 10 My name is Kaahinee, and I lead Macha’s Bakery, a nonprofit organisation. We've become a familiar presence at school events. Our unique bakery specialises in crafting chocolate chip cookies, each as large as a pizza.

Apart from our delectable cookies, we also contribute to the betterment of society. For every cookie we sell, we set aside a share of the profits and contribute them towards funding underprivileged girls’ college scholarships.

I started this venture when I was in the 6th grade, back in 2020, driven by my mission to help those in need. For the past three years, we have been actively working towards this mission by raising funds through cookie sales. Our impactful journey includes donating 200 masks to an orphanage, distributing food packages to migrant workers, providing 90 snack boxes to a government school that teaches underprivileged children after regular hours, and offering more than 40,000 rupees worth of rations to an old age home.

As a testament to the impact that a single person initiative can achieve, Macha’s Bakery not only impacts people through our delightful cookies but also through our commitment to social responsibility. With each cookie purchased, our customers are investing not just in a delightful treat but in a brighter future for the less fortunate.

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS Dune, Frank Herbert Reyahn, Grade 8 Dune is a science fiction novel which was written by Frank Herbert, in 1965. The book traces the story of a 15 year old boy, Paul Atreides. The story is set in a futuristic world, thousands of years after a war between humans and robots. Nowadays, the major political houses are split up into their own home planet, somewhere in the galaxy. The book starts off with Paul's house (House Atreides) being given control of the spice, the most valuable asset in the universe. The book brilliantly shows the journey of Paul and his mother's journey after they are thrown into a religious and political war involving many different types of people.

When I read this book (not very long ago), the world-building stood out to me the most. I loved the amount of detail and description that Frank Herbert put into creating the world of Dune. Also, the pacing of the book was amazing. Giving vivid descriptions can feel slow to a reader, but there are a lot of action packed scenes which greatly helped with the pacing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is okay with reading something slightly heavy. It is a long time classic, and one of the best science fiction books I have ever read.

Fish in a Tree, Lynda Mullaly Hunt Mira Bantia, Grade 4 Ally Nickerson, is always getting in trouble - She is always creating clever yet disruptive distractions to hide her disability. She doesn’t want to ask for help - not from anyone. After all, there’s no cure for foolishness - isn’t there? In this enthralling novel, Ally’s newest teacher sees the potential and bright, creative kid in her, and she starts to radiate self confidence. Watch as Ally grows to a bright, happy kid - and a person whom there is much more to than a label.

I enjoyed this book because it shows that a mere disability can’t stop anyone… and that great minds don’t always think alike. I especially enjoyed how the story was a page-turnerIt’s hard to stop once you start, and in spite of one clear plot, you don’t really know what’s going to happen, but the message of the story was my favourite part, and it’s quite inspiring.

I would recommend this book specially for fans of ‘Wonder’ by RJ Palacio, though this is a great read for right about anyone. Happy reading!

14 Betty Before X, Ilysah Shabazz and Renee Watson Abhay Reddy Vutukuru, Grade 5 In the book, Betty before X, the author describes the early life of her mother and late activist, Dr. Betty Shabazz. The story takes you back to the times in Detroit, USA in the 1940s. Betty, is a 11 year old girl from the african american community. She feels unwanted by her mother and family and finds peace in friends and the church. She experiences how black people from her community struggled, they were given no jobs, were not allowed to go to school, clubs and public places due to their skin colour and race. Separate churches were created only for white people. It disturbs Betty how her community was impacted by police brutality and inequality. She is inspired by leaders such as Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson coming to her church. Betty and her friends are inspired by this movement for justice and volunteer for the Housewives league, a group that encourages giving money and support to black owned employers. Betty and her friends go to different places to get more people to join this cause. This injustice increases the anger in her as she struggles to find her own place in this community. This growing awareness of racial discrimination drives the early activism in her. She wants to make sure all in her community are treated the same and not considered less worthy or less deserving because of their colour.

I would not like to be treated differently based on my colour. It is sad that this still happens in our world. Even in India, people are still discriminated based on race and religion. I really like the quote “ Just because you have a bad season doesn’t mean you stop planting” from this book. The story teaches youngsters not to allow injustice, but, to be involved in their communities and never give up on their efforts. Helping others and making this a world a better place gives a new meaning to our life.

COMING SOON!

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MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS Finding Ohana Rated 7+

Aarav Mohonot, Grade 4 This movie is about a family from Hawaii, who had shifted to New York because of their fathers death. But then their grandfather had gotten sick so the family came back to Hawaii and the kids then had to set out on an adventure to find treasure. I really liked watching this movie because of how much effort they put into making it adventure-filled. I also like how the plot twists around and around (like making their dad the "Night Watcher"), and reuniting the family even if it was just for a minute. Hope you enjoy this entertaining movie.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Rated 13+

Sitara Rishikesh, Grade 10 Based on the beloved book by Judy Blume, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (released in April 2023) follows 11-year-old Margaret Simon, as she moves with her parents from New York to New Jersey in the summer of 1970. Throughout the movie Margaret faces the trials of growing up, connecting and reconnecting with family, and finding what defines her. The movie is subtle in terms of the colors, music, and composition of the shots, giving us what seems like a very authentic glimpse into the decade in which it is set. But it is also impactful, gentle and “feel-good”, a simple yet thought-provoking and emotional narrative of coming-of-age, family and kindness.

Nimona Rated 7+

Sitara Rishikesh, Grade 10 An adaptation of the graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, ‘Nimona’ is a quirky, action-packed animated movie about a shapeshifter and a knight-turned-supervillain who team up to prove the knight's innocence. Through the ups-and-downs of their schemes (including jailbreaks, cereal dragons and freestyle jazz), they find comfort in each other’s friendship.

This movie is full of artistically stylized animation and witty dialogue, and through its narrative, lays a balance between fast-paced, fun adventure and finding one’s identity and family.

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JUNKYARD

Add a splash of colour & bring this to life!

Dance form of Rajasthan

~ Omkar Brahmadesam, Grade 6

Chief Editor: Aida Sandy Sree, Grade 11 Supporting Editor: Ananya Malde, Grade 11 Books and Opinion Editor: Sitara Rishikesh, Grade 10 Design and Production Editor: Nihaal Singh, Sehgal Grade 9 Chief Reporter Senior School: Aditi Garg, Grade 10 Chief Reporter PYP: Myra Nigam, Grade 5

~ Aaryaan Devaiah, Grade 6