2025 January Open Minds Kankarbagh Newsletter

OPEN MINDS

January 2025

AARN

Dear Readers,

To serve the sacred realm of education is not merely a profession; it is a
pilgrimage of the soul, a ceaseless offering of oneself to the temple of
knowledge. It is a privilege beyond measure that the Almighty has
entrusted me with the noble task of shaping young minds, guiding them
toward the light of wisdom, and nurturing their boundless potential.

Over the year, numerous opportunities have allowed me to make a
meaningful impact. This academic year, our school has ourished under
the Annual Theme: Cultivating Communicative Prociency. The
condence our students have exhibited in public speaking engagements
has been a testament to the enduring spirit of Open Minds.

Mahatma Gandhi, the saintly beacon of truth, once said, "The best way to
nd yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Inspired by this

wisdom, our students have imbibed the virtues of service and humility.
On the solemn occasion of his death anniversary, we gathered in
reverence, reecting upon his teachings—those eternal ames that
continue to illuminate our paths in an age shrouded in haste and discord.

As we approach the grand nale of the current academic session, we
reect with pride on the myriad accomplishments and eagerly anticipate
adding more laurels to our institution's cap. Our students are well-
prepared for the nal examinations, and the atmosphere of enthusiasm is
palpable throughout the school.

When the hibernus winds, compelled us to retreat behind screens, our
thirst for knowledge remained undiminished. The transition to virtual
learning was met not with reluctance but with the resilience of minds
eager to embrace the unknown. The students of grades 10 and 12 have
valiantly completed their second pre-board examinations, their
unwavering dedication shining through like the rst light of dawn. To
lift their spirits and rekindle the re of inspiration, we set about a journey
to Nalanda—the ancient sanctum of wisdom—where echoes of forgotten
scholars whispered encouragement to our young seekers and their
mentors.

Now, as the students of grades 9 and 11 weave together a farewell rich in
warmth and goodwill for their seniors, the halls of our institution hum
with a bittersweet melody—a song of endings and new beginnings. We
seek your blessings, dear well-wishers, as our young scholars step forth
into the world, carrying with them the luminous torch of Open Minds,
forever aame with knowledge, integrity, and hope.

Warm regards,

A. Awasthi

Principal’s Desk

Dear Reader,

An eventful December led to a January lled
with the promise of much more to come – from a
truly unforgettable excursion to the SOF
examinations and many other things in between.

While the exam warriors of grade 10 and 12 were
preparing for their boards, the school bustled in the
preparations for a memorable farewell.

This newsletter is painted with the vibrant hues of this
tremendous month lled with anticipation for lasting
memories to be made that will leave their imprints on the
minds of the students as well as teachers.

We would like to thank all the hands that have contributed
in the making of all that you now read. We extend big
thanks also to our readers for their continued interest and
support.

We hope this newsletter gives you vivid glimpses of the
events that took place this month giving us all a vibrant
and eventful start.

Yours truly,

The Student Editorial Team

Deepankar Sudhanshu -

8 Zeta

Aditi Dwivedi -

9 Omega

Arryona Mishra -

8 Omicron

Soumya Narayan -

9 Sigma

Adya Jha -

11 Delta

Chief Editor

Associate Editor

Editors Speak

Republic Day, celebrated every year on 26th of January, holds a great signicance for
all Indians. It's the when the Constitution being enforced, India turned into a Republic.
This signicant day honors the vision and the tireless efforts of our freedom ghters.
We celebrate this day with immense pride and joy across the country, with a variety of
activities and ceremonies highlighting the nation's rich culture, history and progress.

The major function is held in New Delhi, the capital of India with a grand parade held
on the Rajpath. This grand celebration attracts people from all over the world. The
President of India hoists the national ag.

Our school also celebrates this festival with joy and fervor. The entire school turns this
opportunity into a show of piety and grandeur. This year too, the decked up ground of
OMK witnessed a mesmerizing ceremony that incorporated hoisting the tricolor
followed by songs, speeches and other colourful presentations. A few glimpses…

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious,

they have more need of masters.” - Benjamin Franklin

When

Became a

Sovereign

Nation

When

Became a

Sovereign

Nation

“Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.” - Gerald R. Ford

“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty,

character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.” - Zig Ziglar

EBS Foundation Day Celebrations...

How strongly an institution stands against the tides of time

depends upon the kind of foundation it has, and how far it will

go depends upon what kind of leadership it has built to propel

itself into the innite sky of possibilities. 18 January secures a
signicant day in the history of OMK as it was the day when

the school got its new Principal and Vice-Principal, two

young and energetic and innovative leaders who have been working

devotedly for the institution in different capacities.

This year on the successful completion of a year in their current positions,

the teaching fraternity assembled in Maa Sharda auditorium to greet and

fete them on this happy occasion. The stage witnessed many power-

packed performances by the grateful staff for their the above said

leaders' uninching support and comraderie.

The honorable principal, Mr. Anshu Awasthi and the Vice-Principal,
Ms. Anshu Rani also addressed the gathering and thanked the

audience for the faith they display in them. A few glimpses…

Thank You, Mr Principal and Madam Vice Principal

Assemblies...

“I was allowed to ring the bell for ve minutes until everyone was in assembly.

It was the beginning of power.” - Jeffrey Archer

into an active and attentive listener. It
boosts our morale and sets us on the
path to success and achievements.

This  January,  the  middle  school
students of OMK gathered to celebrate
their  togetherness  every  morning.
Having  conquered  their  stage  fright,
they ran the shows like experts. Here are
a few visuals to enjoy…

Education is not conned to the four walls
of a classroom. It dawns upon us through
wise interactions taking shape in the form of
assemblies. Students learn the rigors and
benets of presentation skills in these
interactions. The biggest gain is honing the
ability to produce thoughts on the spur of
the moment. Doing up one's listening skills
is a bonus as attending assemblies one turns

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” - Abigail Adams

......

CBSE

training programs

in schools play a vital role

in  enhancing  the  skills  and
c o m p e t e n c i e s   o f   e d u c a t o r s ,
ensuring  the  delivery  of  quality
education.  These  workshops  and
training  sessions  are  designed  to
familiarize teachers with modern
pedagogical  techniques,

.........

curriculum updates,
and effective

classroom

m a n a g e m e n t

..............

strategies. By

incorporating innovative

teaching practices, such as

activity-based learning and

digital tools, CBSE training

equips educators to engage

students more effectively and

foster a love for learning. It

also emphasizes the

importance

continuous

.............

professional

d e v e l o p m e n t , e n a b l i n g

teachers to stay updated with the

evolving educational landscape.

By participating in interactive

activities, group discussions, and

real-life case studies, teachers gain

practical insights and solutions to

everyday classroom challenges.

Empowering Educators through CBSE Training...

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln

The Pre-Board 2 examinations came as a crucial milestone in the academic calender, offering students an
opportunity to gauge their preparedness for the upcoming Board Exams 2025. Held in a structured and
disciplined manner, these exams replicated the Board examination environment to help students adapt to its
rigour and expectations.

The examinations spanned over multiple days, covering all major subjects. Each session was meticulously
organized, ensuring a seamless experience among both students and the faculty. The invigilators upheld a strict
code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity during the assessments.

Students arrived well-prepared with some displaying a nervous energy and determination. The question papers
were thoughtfully designed to challenge critical thinking and test conceptual understanding. From writing
lengthy essays to solving intricate numerical problems, students showcased their perseverance and time
management skills under pressure. For many students, this was not only a test of knowledge but also a chance to
identify areas needing improvement before the nal Board Exams.

With Pre-Board 2 behind them, the students are now looking forward to rening their strategies and stepping
condently into their nal challenge. Here's a glimpse…

Pre-Board 2 Exam...

“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain

Competition helps us recognize our talents and grooms us to face the challenges the world offers. SOF let the
students be aware of the importance of academic excellence, boosting their condence and helping them
identify their skills and interests. This year too, the young geniuses participated eagerly in SOF exams
registering remarkable performances in their respective subjects, their brilliance shining bright. It was
soothing to see how condently these children take on these challenges. It shows they are ready to stride with
the times and the challenges they offer.

SOF- Road to Academic Excellence

Online Classes...

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

“As we navigate the unexplored

frontiers of technology, we unleash a

plethora of groundbreaking innovations,

eradicating geographical barriers and

bringing ourselves closer.”

The lines above exemplify the transformation being brought to students' lives through online classes. With the
digitalization of our studies, we have attained a dimension of opportunities to showcase our skills from
anywhere in the world.

Online classes have proven to be one of the most effective solutions in the most disastrous situations of life –
yes, we are talking about the pandemic.

Without the slightest whisper of doubt, Open Minds A Birla School Kankarbagh has successfully conducted
an orchestra of online sessions in the month of January, giving rise to an ocean of learning opportunities. This
tide of change has allowed students to grasp the essentials of learning from their homes and diversify their
educational experiences. Particularly, administrative tasks have been reduced to a tremendous extent as the
entire school can share progress on a single platform named 'Eduletics'.

This radical advancement in the virtual world has brought us closer to conquering a vivacious and
technologically-driven future.

The Grade 10 and 12 excursion to Bodh Gaya was an unforgettable experience that combined education,
spirituality, and adventure. Known as the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred
Bodhi Tree Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a unique glimpse into history and
religion. During this visit, students explored the magnicent Mahabodhi temple, learning about its
architectural beauty and cultural signicance.

Beyond the historical and spiritual aspects, the trip to Bodh Gaya was a perfect opportunity for students to
bond and create cherished memories. Group discussions, interactive sessions with local guides and team
activities enhanced their social and interpersonal skills. The serene environment provided a much-needed
break after their pre-boards examination, allowing students to rejuvenate and reect on their journey. For the
Grade 10 & 12 students, this excursion held a special place as it symbolized a meaningful closure to their
school years. The trip to Bodh Gaya left everyone inspired, enlightened, and enriched, making it a truly
transformative learning experience.

“A great way to learn about your country is to leave it.” -Henry Rollins

People come and go, but there are

a few who leave their footprints on

the sands of time. Netaji Subhash

Chandra Bose was one such Indian

nationalist whose presence on the horizon of

pre-Independence India illuminated the entire

freedom movement. Born on 23 January, 1897, his

journey from Indian National Congress to the Indian

National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) awakened the hunger

for liberty in the masses. He led an armed force comprising

of former Indian prisoners of war and volunteers from Indian

expatriate group. His exhortation, “Friends! My comrades in

the war of liberation…, it is blood alone that can pay the price of

freedom. Give me blood, and I promise you freedom!” still gives

us goosebumps.

On 23 January, the school fraternity remembered Netaji fondly

and paid a rich tribute to him on his birth anniversary. A

glimpse…

Netaji –

the Gem of Mother India

"Victory or defeat is not important, but the ght itself is everything." – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Gandhi

“Hey Raam!”

One of the greatest mathematicians of modern times, Albert Einstein, once
said about Mahatma Gandhi, “Generations to come would hardly believe
that such a man in esh and blood had ever walked on the earth.” The entire
nation is indebted to his immaculate and enormous role in winning freedom
from the British. He earned numerous great followers like Martin Luther
King Junior and Nelson Mandela
because of his two unique weapons he

used against the British during the freedom struggle.

Every year, his death anniversary (30 January) is observed as the
'Martyrs day' across the nation. This year too, the students and the
faculty got together to pay a heartfelt homage to the Mahatma and
remembered him as everybody's fond 'Bapu'.

January 2025

Congratulations to all our awardees!

Your dedication and hard work have

made a signicant impact on our students

and school community.

We are delighted to announce our “Teachers of the Month” for their

outstanding contributions to student learning and development!

Anirudh Kumar

Vivek Yadav

School Youtube Channel

Ashwin Singh