An active, young enthusiast of class VIII A in Vidyanjali whose interests range from classical dance to cycling. Ms. Bhanu’s academic achievements leave little to be desired. What else motivates her to be positive and lively? Read on...Vidyanjali Academy for Learning, Cholanayakanahalli, R T Nagar, Bangalore

Questionnaire for Student Spotlight

Ms. Bhanu’s altruism led her to donate 12 inches of her thick, lustrous locks towards making wigs for cancer patients. That’s just one part of her lovable nature. We asked her a few questions to learn more.

1. Describe yourself in a few words.

I am a person who would like to learn new things and actively participate in all the possible things I can. I am also passionate about classical dance and love to explore its possibilities.

2. What do you like most about your school?

I like field trips because they are educational and motivate me to learn many new things.

3. What is your favorite Vidyanjali memory?

There are lots of memories in Vidyanjali which I can cherish. One of the best memories is of the day I received the “Best Student” award in the year 2019-20.

4. What is one thing about Vidyanjali you would like others to know?

Vidyanjali provides opportunities and encourages each and every child to bring out their skills and showcase their talents.

5. What is your favorite place to go?

France.

6. What are your favorite things to do?

Cycling, Singing and Dancing (Classical)

7. Do you have a life lesson you would like to share with others?

All of us have ups and downs in life. It is pointless to spend time worrying about it. There is always a chance that every situation will change for the better. I believe that “A positive mindset brings positive things”, so be positive, think positive and believe in hard work.

8. What was your experience in helping a cancer patient?

I was proud of myself and felt happy as I could make someone smile because of the small initiative I had taken. The credit goes to my mother who educated and supported me in this. I’m growing my hair so I can donate and share that joy again.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share or let others know?

Believe in yourself and move on confidently.

A teacher is the one who not only incorporates all his beliefs in his everyday life but sees that his students are inspired to do that too. One such teacher is Mr Ramesh. Read on to find out more about him.

1. How would you describe yourself?

I am a dedicated, sportive and virtuous person. I like to be engaged in various activities. I am also a quick learner and adapt to situations, ready to lend my hand in need and always care for nature.

2. How would your friends and family describe you?

My friends say that I am a talented all-rounder and good social worker. My family members say that I am hardworking, intelligent and god’s gift to Saval’s Family.

3. Where is your favourite place to visit?

I wish to visit Switzerland. It has been my dream since childhood, when our teacher first taught geographical features of Switzerland. I was so impressed with it that I would like to see this place once in my lifetime.

4. What are your favorite activities?

I like nature walks, spending time on the farm, web surfing, gymming & playing outdoor games.

5. Who has made the biggest impact in your life?

My Parents, Teachers & Students have all made a huge impact in my life. Even though my father had a major surgery on his thigh bone, he works like a youngster on our farmland. He is an inspiration & motivation to me. I learnt to trust people, be honest and work hard from him. My mother taught me to manage money.

My brother & sister sacrificed their education to nurture me, and I learnt a lot of life lessons watching them work hard day and night till our economic conditions improved.

My Gurus gave a proper shape to a highly energetic, adventurous child and moulded me into a model student.

6. What is your approach to teaching or interacting with your students?

Science is not a subject to be taught within the four walls of the classroom. A teacher should provide space for them to think and explore. Hence, most of the time I take children around the campus to study relevant topics, and the laboratory to perform various experiments.

More interactive, technology and activity based classroom teaching can be expected in my class and also individual attention to the child who requires it.

I create a positive atmosphere in the class that keeps the child active and engaged in studies.

7. What is your favorite memory in Vidyanjali?

I liked the experience of naming all the plants and trees as per my love and care for Botany.

Few of my favorite memories are of being rewarded with The Best Class Teacher, The Best Teacher & The Head Teacher.

Another memorable event was when I made short movies on Election campaigns along with the students.

8. Is there anything else you would like to share or let others know?

I strongly opine “Planting saplings and Educating the Young Minds will contribute to the development of our Nation”.

I always believe that I can shape my destiny with perseverance and hard work. I follow the motto - ‘Work is worship’. It is one of the principles of my parents.

Talent and conscientiousness is a rare combination in an individual. Ms Prateksha Mariappan of class X is a humble embodiment of that. Read more about her abilities and achievements.

1. Describe yourself in a few words.

I am always energetic and eager to learn new skills. I am a 2nd Dan Karate Black belt, 1st dan Nunchaku Black belt, pursuing Nanchak (weapon) and Classical Bharathanatyam dance. I am hardworking and have a positive behaviour towards everyone. My father is no more with us. But my mother, sister and grandparents are very supportive and are the core reason for what I am today.

2. What is your favourite Vidyanjali memory?

Vidyanjali itself is a memory that will last till my last breath. Two special moments were when I received the ‘Best Student’ award in the year 2017-18 and when I was elected as the School Pupil leader for the year 2021-22.

3. What is one thing about Vidyanjali you would like others to know?

Vidyanjali provides opportunities to excel in various fields. For example, I got to travel to Hyderabad for a CREYA Ignited Minds Challenge on a National level platform, which helped in expanding my imagination and way of approach towards diverse fields.

4. What is your favourite place to go?

God’s Own Country, KERALA.

5. What is your favourite thing to do?

Karate and Dance (Classical and Western)

6. What is your favourite book?

I am a total stranger to books. But I found one book written by Sudha Murthy, ‘How I taught my grandmother to Read and other stories’, very interesting.

7. Do you have a life lesson you would like to share with others?

Never judge a book by its cover and never assume things without knowing what the truth is. This might lead to unwanted and uninvited misunderstanding which is not healthy for a normal human being.

8. Is there anything else you’d like to share or let others know?

Be selfless and also think about people around you which will in turn help you in a positive way. Be confident and have a healthy competition between you and only you.

9. What did you learn being a SPL?

Managing your team is the core aspect of being a leader. This is possible only with the co-operation and support of all the people who are on the same path to reach success. And time management is essential in leadership, as tasks can be completed only one after the other.

10. What did you like the most about your school days?

I loved having people around me who comforted me always and who were there with me no matter what.

A teacher who encapsulates so many qualities that it’s hard to pick just one. Learn more about what drives Mrs Parveen to be the best in her chosen field of education.

1. How would you describe yourself?

I am organised & trustworthy. I always try to keep a clear workspace. I am also committed, disciplined, balanced, positive, diplomatic and respectful.

2. How would your friends and family describe you?

My friends describe me as a pleasant, helpful and understanding person. They appreciate my behaviour as a friend and as a leader with my colleagues and also with non- teaching staff as well as my supervisors. They say I motivate my peers to work very politely, and am very creative.

The Director once said that I spread happiness all around and am an inspiration to others.

Principal says I’m dedicated. VP says I’m loving. Academic supervisor says I’m proactive and hard working.

My family says I’m very loving. I try to keep everyone happy. But they say I love school more than my family as I don’t listen to anyone till, I finish my duty.

3. Where is your favourite place to go?

My parents’ house. To talk to them for at least half an hour every day.

4. What are your favourite things to do?

Cooking, chatting with friends, shopping and embroidery work.

5. What is a little-known fact about you?

I know it's crazy, but I’m scared of dogs and cats. I’m scared to stay alone even at home.

6. Who has made the biggest impact in your life?

My father is the most influential person in my life. He has always guided me to give my best wherever I go and whatever I do with honesty.

My supportive family, especially my husband, who always makes me feel he is always with me.

The schools that I worked for in the last 20 years always appreciated my work and motivated me to continue the same which keeps me going.

7. What is your favourite quote?

‘When you wish good for others, good things come back to you.’

AND

Never think hard about the past, it brings tears.

Don’t think about the future, it brings fears.

Live this moment with a smile, it brings cheers.

8. Tell us your favourite movie.

I hardly watch movies. Even if I sit for some time with family - either I miss the beginning or the end.

9. What is your approach to teaching or interacting with your students?

I believe in preparing for the class, keeping students interactive and communicative, encouraging all the students to share or give their opinion, love and respect each child, involve them in discussions without judging right or wrong, making the concepts simple by giving examples related to real life situations.

10. What is your favourite Vidyanjali memory?

First year when I joined: Working with Ramesh sir for the Science exhibition and implementing a creative idea with planets.

Receiving best teacher award 2018-19.

Principal announcing my name as a head teacher for middle school.

The Director’s inspiring speeches and receiving tokens of appreciation from her.

When I was affected by Covid, the Director messaged ‘Parveen get well soon you have a lot to achieve’ made me stronger. And my other colleague’s best wishes to get well soon always remain in my heart.

11. Can you share with us your happiest moment?

One is about my 2006-2007 batch of 12th std students of Progressive English School in Sharjah, UAE.

On a Wednesday morning, at 5am, after 8 years of my leaving a school in Sharjah, I heard the doorbell ring. I was shocked to see 4 students had come to see me all the way from Dubai. On their way to Makkah, they saw the sign board of Dammam and remembered that I had shifted there. Immediately they took a deviation despite the extra 800 km they had to drive.

They had called my husband, taken the location and requested him to keep it a secret. Wow!

I even got permission from the principal of the school that I was working with to take the day off without deduction in the salary because it was such a proud moment for me. I will always cherish and feel happy.

12. What is the biggest life lesson you would like to share with others?

Nobody is free from tensions in life. When you enter the world of kids, drop your suitcase of tension near the school gate and shower all your love and knowledge on students. Whatever work comes to you, take it positively and think it’s your job, anyway I have to do it.

If you, do it happily, you will enjoy that work. Please remember ‘God does not burden any soul with more than it can bear, you have potential to use it to the maximum you will definitely enjoy the completion of work.

13. Is there anything else you would like to share or let others know?

I believe in not wasting even a single minute of my time at school. Love all students irrespective of their grades. Never make them feel you are partial to anyone.

I thank all my teammates and teachers in Vidyanjali for always supporting me to complete my work, and being my strength.

Introducing India Book record holder and all-around great gal Ms. Dishi Makhija – 1st std Primary Montessori.

She is the daughter of a state-level chess champion mother and a math enthusiast father. Dishi prepares and follows a very structured schedule which includes 6 hours of practicing chess, either by playing with her father or by playing online. She loves to solve chess puzzles. She rewards herself with a bedtime story or a sweet delicacy when she completes her target. These attributes put her right in line to achieve great things.

Achievements of Dishi Makhija:

• .She made it to the India Book of records for solving the 6-ring Tower of Hanoi blindfolded within 1 min 24 seconds
• .Winner in the Under-7 Girls chess championship “Bandhavya” organised by Innovators Chess Academy
• .Winner in the Under-7 Girls chess tournament organised by Brilliant Chess Academy
• .Scored 34/35 in the I std Math Olympiad at just 5 years of age
• .First place as Moana in Fancy dress competition at RSI (Rajendra Singhji institute) club

In addition to this Dishi has received recognition at various chess tournaments in Karnataka.

Read about her favorites.

Dishi’s favourites:

What is your favourite place?

Maldives because of the beach and crab races.

What is your favourite subject?

Mathematics.

What is your favourite book?

Akbar and Birbal.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Chess grandmaster.

What do you like the most at Vidyanjali?

My friends, my teachers and the Montessori environment.

The most experienced teacher at Vidyanjali, an epitome of loyalty, personification of hard work and sincerity! That’s Mrs Munawar Begum.

She is an energetic planner whose commitment towards the task at hand is unmatched. Challenges and obstacles do not hinder her from achieving her objectives. Her attitude ‘Learning never stops’ – is infused into her students, their parents and colleagues.

Learn more about Mrs Munawar’s passions and inspirations!

Know your teacher!

1. What is your favourite quote?

“Throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack”

2. How would you describe yourself?

I motivate my friends, students and people around me. I am loyal in every action of mine, to my superiors and to the Institution where I render my service.

3. Which is your favourite place to visit?

A brisk nature-walk around the Gaganachukki Waterfall.

4. What is a little-known fact about you?

I love gardening - taking care of saplings and nurturing plants. I also love watching English and Kannada movies.

5. Who has made the biggest impact in your life?

The biggest impact on my life is my husband. He inspires hope and positivity in me.

6. What is your favourite book?

The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins

7. Tell us about your favourite movie.

“The Karate Kid 2010 directed by Harald Zwart”. In this movie, a wimpy kid is trained to defend himself by an old Japanese man. What I always take from this movie is the unconventional ways that Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel. Sometimes the unconventional is the way to go.

8. What is your approach to teaching or interacting with your students?

I create a welcoming learning environment, make students feel comfortable, make presentations lively, involve the students in the presentations, take their concerns seriously, encourage follow ups creatively and facilitate students who need my help.

9. Why did you become a Montessori teacher?

When I joined Vidyanjali as a traditional teacher, I used to visit Montessori classes to take materials. There, I observed the specially designed environment, amazing presentations given by teachers and Montessori kids working with materials independently. Students were exploring with timelines, doing experiments and older children were helping younger children. Their remarkable work attracted me to become a Montessori adult.

10. What is your favourite memory at Vidyanjali?

In the year 2011, I received the Persona award for best teacher where our beloved director Dr Shashi Rekha appreciated my handwriting, commitment and dedication in front of staff and parents.

11. Share with us your happiest moment.

One afternoon, I received a call from Mangalore Radio city 91.1 FM to answer a few questions about RJ Vishwas Kamath, one of the students I had taught in his 4th std. He was the main performer for a jungle dance which I had taught for the Annual day event. His performance earned him an award of Rs.5000 and a chance to act in a movie directed by that program’s Chief Guest B. Saroja Devi. I was happy to share some anecdotes from my days as his teacher.