Peace leads to society’s growth and prosperity. With this intention, the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and is celebrated every year on 21 September. Two decades later, in 2001, this Day was designated as a Day of non-violence and cease-fire.

The International Day of Peace is associated with a ‘dove’ and an ‘olive branch’. The ‘dove’ represents peace and freedom, while the ‘olive branch’ has traditionally been a symbol of peace dating back to ancient times.

The essence of the Day lies in its dual focus on peace and non-violence. Each year, it is celebrated with a specific theme related to peace. The theme for International Day of Peace 2024 is Cultivating a Culture of Peace.

Get the digital edition of the September 2024 issue to read the full article.

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“Literacy is the bridge from misery to hope.”
— Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary General

Literacy is essential for effective communication, personal empowerment and participation in society. It plays a crucial role in education, employment and overall quality of life, enabling individuals to navigate their daily tasks and access knowledge and opportunities. Literacy is a fundamental human right that opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms, and global citizenship.

Why is Literacy Important?

Studies have shown that countries with higher literacy rates tend to have stronger economies and lower poverty rates. Literacy plays a crucial role in promoting health literacy, which is essential for overall well-being. Countries with higher literacy rates often have a more engaged and informed citizenry, capable of participating meaningfully in democratic processes, advocating for their rights, and contributing to societal development. Literacy, therefore, serves as a foundation for active citizenship and democratic governance. Literacy is also essential for achieving many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, gender equality, and improved health.

Meaning of Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read, write, and comprehend written text. It encompasses not only basic skills like reading and writing but also the capacity to critically analyse and engage with information. Education, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses formal and informal learning processes that includes the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, and critical thinking across various subjects.

Get the digital edition of the September 2024 issue to read the full article.

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AMREEN SHAIKH
Our great teachers face several challenges with every coming day but never quit. One of the major challenges for them is to stay up-to-date with the learning technology. With progress in technology, the teaching pattern is constantly changing. Every year, there are new apps, websites and other technology tools created to improve the learning process. It can also be difficult for teachers to manage the behaviour of students along with staying up-to-date with the most recent classroom trends. Teachers have a huge responsibility of shaping the future generation for which they need support and understanding from the students and parents which is lacking today. Parents do not understand the teachers and at times make allegations against them because of the wrong done by their own child or if he/she is unable to reach their expectations. Teachers have to deal with students from different backgrounds and communities and have the daunting task of inculcating good values within them along with imparting knowledge. At times, teachers do not get a response from students, and as a result, it becomes difficult for them to communicate and interact with students. In such cases, they motivate the students and help them to rise up, for which they have to be very patient and understanding. Nowadays, there is an increase in competition, due to which teachers have to face pressure from school administrators to contribute in making their school the best. These are just a few challenges faced by them.

ANISHA HOLKAR
The information boom and the subsequent knowledge explosion have led to tremendous changes in the life of individuals today, and its effect is also witnessed in the field of education. With global connectivity facilitated by ICT, searching for any information today has become a child’s play. In this digital era, the coming generations are quite adept at handling, managing and working with technology. Even young kids and toddlers, probably by way of their genetic inheritance, are able to operate smartphones and other modern gadgets. Thus, these gadgets have been embedded within the daily routine of modern lives. Due to this transformation, there is a contention among some intellectuals about whether teachers can be replaced by computers. One of the most common and pressing classroom challenges for teachers is the fact that some students are not receiving adequate support outside of the classroom. Teachers can work with students only while they’re at school.

MEHAK AJWANI
Teaching is widely considered a noble career because of the role teachers play in shaping the lives of students. Being a teacher can be a very rewarding job. However, teaching is getting more and more complex and challenging these days. Some challenges may include getting parents actively involved. For example, it’s not always an easy task to try to encourage parents to help their children with homework routine, time management, etc. Another challenge is that different students have different learning styles. Yet another challenge is the shortage of teaching resources and increasing classroom sizes. Due to the increase in classroom sizes, teachers are unable to provide individual attention to their students.

Teachers have to upgrade their knowledge and skills to be able to teach effectively. In addition, the ever-changing nature of the education system can make it difficult for teachers to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. A teacher has to always strive to turn a challenge into an opportunity. Another significant challenge that teachers face is the lack of appreciation and respect they receive from society. Teaching requires knowledge of different subjects, and it demands excellent communication, motivation and organizational skills. Being a teacher is a job that requires a high level of dedication, patience and compassion.

SALONI WAGHCHOURE
A teacher is a multi-tasking, educational rockstar who lives to inspire and loves to encourage. Teachers are the epitome of the word ‘all-rounder’, but we also need to acknowledge all the challenges that teachers face today. One of the biggest challenges in a teacher’s life is to get to know each student and the different learning needs of students. Some students are quick learners, whereas most of the students take time to grasp the concepts. Teachers try to help the students with personalised teaching strategies, but it is difficult to manage time in an already packed, time-bound curriculum. Catering to the needs of every student individually is a big burden for teachers because it affects their lesson plans. Apart from correcting exam papers, teachers have to do a lot of paperwork and keep track of the details of each student. It is very hectic for them. Teachers do not have a self-care routine, and they never make time for themselves, which may lead to burnout.

TANAYA GURAV
After the Covid pandemic, there has been a drastic change in the education system. Due to this, the teachers had to adapt to the increasing technology and upgrade themselves. The students are now less communicative than before, and their academic progress, in some cases, has slowed down too. The teachers are trying their best to cope with all of this along with handling their personal lives. School administrations are putting pressure on teachers for their best performance, as competition has increased in all areas. According to a survey done among school teachers, it was revealed that 9 out of 10 teachers have seen a significant increase in their workload during and after the pandemic. Parental support is an important factor in a teacher’s life so as to develop the young minds. Since the pandemic, parental expectations have increased significantly. Teachers have been faced with the challenge of meeting these elevated expectations while they navigate the complexities of virtual instruction and dealing with the impacts of the pandemic on their students’ learning. In spite of all of these challenges, teachers work effortlessly towards the betterment of children and shape their future. May God bless them in all their endeavours.

Through candid responses and heartfelt reflections, the students of St Charles School provide a poignant and insightful look into the realities faced by their teachers. They recognize the immense dedication, creativity, and resilience required to foster a supportive and effective learning environment amidst these challenges. Hats off to our dear Teachers! Happy Teachers’ Day!

Get the digital edition of the September 2024 issue to read the full article.

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Imagine this: you’re lying back on a cool night, gazing up at the stars, when suddenly, a streak of light zooms across the sky! But wait, it’s not just any shooting star, it’s a UFO! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey into the mysterious world of Unidentified Flying Objects.

So what exactly is a UFO? It’s anything up there in the sky that leaves you scratching your head. From bizarre lights flickering in the darkness to saucer-shaped spacecraft whizzing past, UFOs have fascinated us for eons, raising the age-old question: Are we truly alone in the vast cosmos?

In 2020, the Pentagon dropped a bombshell, releasing three Navy videos showcasing unidentified aerial phenomena. These jaw-dropping clips set tongues wagging, hinting at something beyond our comprehension.

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Every heart has a song
Every soul, a melody
A yearning so long
To find true serenity.
And one fine day
After the longest wait
Comes knocking along
An Angel with a harp
Turning their lives
Into a beautiful song.

The word ‘music’ originates from the Greek term Mousikē, which also includes drama, dance and poetry. Singing has been scientifically proven to soothe and raise your mood. However, singing in a group is even more beneficial because it releases hormones like oxytocin that make you feel good and also reduces stress hormones like cortisol.

Dopamine being the key, studies show that if you listen to music you enjoy, while getting your heart rate up, you can achieve more with less effort. The pain sensitivity can decrease in the aftermath of exercising with music, so when you’re done, you may not feel as exhausted as you would have otherwise. Listening to music before you do something can put you in the right frame of mind for the task at hand.

Listening to 5-10 songs daily helps improve memory and strength and boosts the immune system by 80%. Song lyrics are believed to have a stronger impact on human minds when an individual is sad. Though it can affect your mood, it turns out that it can also have a significant effect on your perception of the world. That is why the type of music you listen to plays a vital role in how you feel, what kind of thoughts you invite and your response to the situations around you!

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Have you ever imagined a world without oceans? Hard to picture, right? Our beautiful blue oceans cover over 70% of the Earth and are home to the most amazing creatures and ecosystems. That’s why World Oceans Day, celebrated every year on 8 June, is so important. In 2024, the theme is Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. It’s all about encouraging everyone, especially young people like you, to take action that helps our oceans thrive while tackling climate change.

Why Should We Care about the Oceans?

Our oceans do a lot more than just make our planet look pretty from space. They produce half of the oxygen we breathe, help feed millions of people, and regulate our climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. Plus, they’re the playground for dolphins, whales, and millions of other fascinating species! But our oceans are in trouble — from pollution, overfishing, and the effects of climate change like rising temperatures and acidifying waters. That’s why taking care of them isn’t just important — it’s essential.

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International Labour Day, marked every 1st May, is more than a nod to the past; it’s a vivid reminder of the enduring struggles and triumphs of workers worldwide. Known as May Day or Workers’ Day in some regions, it’s a day to celebrate the economic and social milestones achieved by workers.

The story of International Labour Day begins in the late 19th century, an era of swift industrial growth that brought prosperity at a steep price for the working class. Workers grappled with brutal conditions — endless hours, scant wages, and perilous workplaces, with child labour widespread and weekends non-existent. In response, labour unions emerged as the voice of the oppressed, pushing for humane conditions, fair compensation, and the freedom to organize.

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She is a woman, she is a mother
She is a wife, a sweet daughter
She is strong, ambitious and patient
An earnest listener, wise and confident
Her kindness has melted the world
Her embrace has brought it to life
Above all, she is a beautiful flower
And she has her secret superpower!

Having met some mysteriously incredible doctors of a well-known ‘Blossom Clinic’, I decided to observe them closely. But there was something peculiar about them that instantly drew my attention.

The queen of love and beauty, Dr Rosie was full of love and passion and could express genuine affection and appreciation towards all around her.

Dr Sunflower Tower Bell was optimistic, strong, and resilient. She smiled in the light keeping calm and stood tall when confronted with challenging visitors.

Ms Poppy, the receptionist, empathized with the gloomy families. I overheard the nurse, Mrs Carnation, sincerely encouraging the young ones to express affection and appreciation for their loved ones. And Mrs Statice, full of sympathy and compassion, fostered a sense of understanding and connection among them.

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I feel good that the absolute backwardness of the farmers notwithstanding, India is one among the few nations that have dedicated a day to farmers!

Farmer’s Day (Kisan Diwas) is observed on the birthday of the former Prime Minister of India, Chowdhary Charan Singh (1902-87). Referred to as the Champion of India’s Peasants, he is one of the few politicians who stood unambiguously for the cause of the farmers. In pre- and post-independence time, he proposed several measures in favour of the farmers; notably, radical land reforms intended for the benefit of the farming community, during his tenure as the revenue minister and chief minister of U.P. He has the distinction of having founded a political party with farmers as the focus — Dalit Mazdoor Kisan Party, later renamed as Lok Dal.

However, the most striking slogan India ever put forward in favour of the farmers was Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, a call by the second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, stressing that equal importance be given to food security as to border security. Slogans apart, the truth today is that while the efforts in line of budget, benefits and perks for border security are well in place, that of the food producer (annadata) is languishing in papers and files. While India has become food secure as per the statistics, the status of the kisan has become very vulnerable and insecure, to which thousands of farmer suicides in the past three decades of development bear witness.

Agriculture as the Basis of Annual Calendar

It is interesting to note that agricultural cycles are one of the crucial factors that lead to the formulation of a calendar (others being vegetational changes — leafing of trees, migration of birds, and the changes in the sky — sun, moon or stars). The early Roman calendar is said to be indicative of the predominant role agriculture had in determining human activities. It had just ten months, and the rest of the time, a little more or less than two months were considered off — the winter months which did not permit any productive (agricultural) activities.

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National Mathematics Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of the magical world of numbers and their significance in our lives. As teenagers, you might wonder why we celebrate this day, but let me assure you that understanding and appreciating math is not only crucial but can also be a life-changing experience.

Why Do We Celebrate National Mathematics Day?

National Mathematics Day, celebrated on 22 December, commemorates the birth anniversary of the renowned Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. His extraordinary contributions to the field of mathematics are a testament to the power of this subject. Celebrating this day is a reminder of his brilliance and an opportunity to inspire and encourage budding mathematicians.

The Importance of Mathematics in Real Life

Mathematics isn’t just about numbers and formulas; it’s an essential skill for everyday life. From budgeting and personal finance to cooking, building, and even playing video games, math is present in every aspect of our lives. The problem-solving skills developed through math are invaluable for tackling various challenges, not only in your academic journey but also in your future career.

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