Empowering Young Minds: My Journey Teaching Unprivileged Students with Behtar Tomorrow By Sakhi Agarwal
Volunteering is a beautiful way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. In this article, I want to share my incredible experience of teaching underprivileged students at Behtar Tomorrow, an inspiring foundation created by two students from Wynberg Allen School, Mussoorie, in 2022. Behtar Tomorrow aims to provide essential facilities, education, and awareness to children who are less fortunate. This heartwarming initiative is run by 50 members, including 15 volunteers, two teachers, and 33 children. As I reflect on my time spent with Behtar Tomorrow, I've come to realize that the act of giving can truly change the world in unexpected ways.
When I first learned about Behtar Tomorrow, there was a notice on the school's bulletin board inviting interested volunteers to join this noble cause. The idea of contributing to the betterment of these children's lives instantly resonated with me. I was eager to learn more about the initiative and meet the children, as well as offer any help I could.
My role within the foundation was to teach various subjects, including English, Hindi, Maths, Science, and Social Studies, to students ranging from U.K.G to 8th grade. Additionally, I had the opportunity to introduce them to broader topics such as global crises and current affairs. One of my fondest memories was teaching them the basics of the French language and Vedic Math. Witnessing their enthusiasm for learning and their willingness to absorb new knowledge was truly heartwarming.
As I began my journey with Behtar Tomorrow, I was filled with a sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these children. What I didn't anticipate, however, was how much I would gain from this experience personally. It became evident to me that the act of giving not only benefits those on the receiving end but also brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment to the giver.
One of the most remarkable lessons I learned through this journey is that giving makes us happier. As I imparted knowledge and provided facilities that these children couldn't access otherwise, I found a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment within myself. It was a reminder that giving doesn't deplete us but rather enriches our own lives. The smiles on the faces of these young learners were a testament to the joy that giving can bring.
Moreover, my experience with Behtar Tomorrow taught me that giving can change the world in unexpected ways. The impact of our actions extends far beyond our immediate interactions. When I taught the children, I discovered that they, in turn, shared their newfound knowledge with others who couldn't attend the initiative. This ripple effect reminded me that small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes in the world. It reinforced the idea that even one person can make a substantial difference in the lives of many.
One of the most touching moments during my time with Behtar Tomorrow was when I decided to donate books to the less privileged students within the program. I purchased these books from a book fair at Wynberg Allen School, and the children's faces lit up with excitement when they received these gifts. This simple gesture not only warmed my heart but also earned me a place in the Honours Book – a prestigious recognition given by the principal to individuals who perform exceptional and intimate acts of kindness.
The Honours Book is not something that is handed out lightly; it's a rare acknowledgment. In 2022, I had the privilege of becoming the first recipient of this honor in the entire school. What made it even more special was that the school shared this achievement on social media platforms, making it a cherished memory that I'll forever hold dear. This experience served as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and be recognized and appreciated by the community.
In conclusion, teaching at Behtar Tomorrow has been a profoundly transformative experience for me. It has reinforced the idea that education and kindness have the power to change lives and, ultimately, the world. I am immensely grateful to have been a part of this remarkable initiative and to have had the opportunity to touch the lives of these inspiring children. Behtar Tomorrow reminds us that by giving a little, we can make a big difference and create a brighter future for all. It is a testament to the fact that, through the act of giving, we not only empower others but also find true fulfillment and happiness within ourselves.
Beneath the Surface of Plastic Pyrolysis: Unveiling the Promise and Pitfalls - By Abhierr Goyal
Image generated u sing DALL-E
"Plastic, Plastic Everywhere" - it's a mantra that's become all too familiar in our modern world. But have you ever stopped to consider the gravity of this issue and taken action to combat it? Plastic pollution isn't just an eyesore; it's a grave threat to our health and the environment. Picture this: animals confusing plastic for food, ingesting it, and suffering internal injuries. Birds, turtles, and marine life ensnared in plastic debris, struggling for survival. And let's not forget about the toxic chemicals leaching from plastic waste, contaminating our soil, water, and ultimately, our bodies.
I vividly remember my first encounter with the dire consequences of plastic pollution. It was during a visit to the serene and sustainable haven of Govardhan Eco Village. Amidst the lush greenery, I was introduced to the concept of plastic pyrolysis—an innovative solution that seemed like a silver bullet at first glance. However, as I delved deeper into the process, I unearthed its inherent flaws.
You see, plastic pyrolysis is touted as a beacon of hope, promising to break down plastic waste into valuable resources like oil and gas through controlled heating. But behind the veil of progress lies a dark truth: the process leaves behind a trail of toxic residue and emits harmful fumes when the derived fuel is burned.
As disillusioned as I was by this revelation, I refused to lose hope. I embarked on a quest to explore alternative solutions, driven by a deep-seated desire to combat plastic pollution. And lo and behold, the journey led me to remarkable discoveries.
One such revelation came from the far reaches of Japan, where a groundbreaking enzyme was discovered. Ideonella Sakaiensis, a bacterial marvel, possesses the extraordinary ability to break down PET plastic—the kind commonly used in bottles and containers—thanks to its PETase enzyme. Witnessing nature's ingenuity firsthand reignited my faith in the power of innovation.
But innovation isn't confined to laboratories; sometimes, it's born out of sheer determination. Inspired by my father, a seasoned builder, I witnessed firsthand his ingenious method of transforming plastic waste into sturdy bricks. Through a process of pulverization and compression under extreme conditions, he breathed new life into discarded plastic, paving the way for a sustainable future.
And then there's Singapore, a beacon of excellence in waste management. Their revolutionary approach to incineration not only eliminates plastic waste but also harnesses its energy to power homes, all while maintaining pristine environments and safeguarding public health.
In the face of plastic pollution, we stand at a crossroads. Will we succumb to despair, or will we rise to the occasion, armed with innovation and determination? The choice is ours to make. So let's dare to dream of a world where "Plastic, Plastic Everywhere" is but a distant memory, replaced by a future where sustainability reigns supreme.
Report on the plight of Women Domestic Workers in India and the ray of hope in recent government schemes - by Arushi Goyal
Image Generated using DALL-E
India is known to have one of the lowest divorce rates in the world of a mere 1%. This often shocks people, as the rates of infidelity, domestic violence, and addiction, which are thought to be the main causes of divorce, are extremely high. When researchers looked more closely, they were shocked to find that most divorces in the West are caused not by infidelity or domestic violence but by the unequal distribution of household chores.
It has been hypothesized that the unequal distribution of chores is never a cause of divorce in India because women either conform to traditional gender roles and do all the housework, or domestic help cushions some of the impact of this disproportionate burden on women.
This means that domestic help not only cooks our food and cleans our homes but also keeps our marriages intact. So, if domestic workers are so essential to Indian households, why are they treated so poorly?
Around India, millions of young girls are forced to work in households. They are employed to cook, clean, and provide essential care for 14 to 18 hours a day on a salary less than minimum wage. They are often physically and mentally abused with no resources to escape their terrible situations.
Activists and NGOs around the world have been fighting with governments to create laws that help protect domestic workers; however, they do not qualify for any government benefits, lack protection against exploitation and abuse, and aren't guaranteed the minimum wage. Even when schemes are created for domestic help, there needs to be more awareness, and an insufficient support structure prevents them from being useful.
Domestic helpers are more vulnerable to harassment and abuse for a large number of reasons. Women in this sector are often poor, immigrants, illiterate, have low bargaining power and belong to a lower caste like SC or ST.
Over the past few decades, the Indian government has been working towards making this country a safer place for domestic workers through different schemes. The most prominent ones include the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PMSYM) scheme, which provides social security benefits to unorganized sector workers, including domestic help, through voluntary pension contributions; the Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act of 2008 aims to extend welfare measures, such as health insurance, maternity benefits, and life insurance; and the National Domestic Workers Policy, which seeks to regulate employment conditions and establish minimum wages, further protecting the rights of domestic workers.
These initiatives represent crucial steps toward formalizing and improving the working conditions of domestic workers in India; however, the long-term impacts of these schemes are yet to be seen.
Over the last five years, especially during COVID-19, the rates of abuse towards domestic workers have shot up drastically. The mistreatment of domestic workers in India is a grave social injustice that needs immediate attention and action. Recognizing their roles in society and providing them with legal protections, fair wages, and social security benefits is not only about keeping domestic workers safe but also about ensuring that every citizen in this country has access to their fundamental human rights. It is imperative that India takes substantial steps to eradicate the mistreatment of domestic workers and ensure their rights and dignity are upheld because if they don't, there will be unforeseen consequences.
Report on Self-Esteem and its Ripple Effects on Mental Health in Youth - by Kishhit Garg
Introduction:
As an intern for the School for the Heart, a pioneering youth movement focused on fostering self-development and elevating the spiritual quotient in young individuals, I undertook a project to explore the unintelligent design principles by which many young people navigate their lives. One of the standout areas of concern was self-esteem, and its potential negative ripple effects on one's life.
Methodology:
A video response survey was conducted to gain a personal perspective on this topic. Respondents were asked about their personal experiences and insights related to self-esteem, and how they felt it influenced various aspects of their lives
Responses:
Three friends generously shared their insights and personal narratives. The common thread across all responses was the palpable impact (either from low or unreasonably high self-esteem) on their mental health, interpersonal relationships, and life decisions.
Video Link 1
https://youtube.com/shorts/M4ZL2i4Hyj8?feature=shared
"Discovering Self: A Journey Through Highs and Lows"
Video Link 2
https://youtube.com/shorts/lK2F3uXYeYc?feature=shared
"Balancing the Scale: Understanding the Weight of Self-worth"
Video Link 3
https://youtube.com/shorts/pJ66O_ezswU?feature=shared
"Mirror Reflections: How Self-Esteem Shapes Our Worldview"
Conclusions:
The narratives shared by the respondents shed light on the complex nuances of self-esteem and its pervasive influence on life's multiple dimensions. From decisions about personal relationships to mental health struggles and even career choices, the ripple effects of self-esteem are far-reaching.
As a community, understanding these narratives is essential, not just for empathy but to devise informed strategies to foster a healthy self-concept in our youth. This initiative serves as a preliminary step in that direction.
Teach problem solving skills Seva Bharati’s enrichment center in New Delhi - Sachit Gupta
Igniting curiosity by intertwining puzzles with math lessons
During my summer of 2021 at the Seva Bharati’s enrichment center in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, I was more than just a math instructor. I was a bridge, connecting to children of construction workers and understanding their unique perspectives. I took a hands-on approach, combining traditional teaching methods with puzzle-based learning. This not only taught math but also fostered problem-solving skills. Organizing the Julia Robinson Math Festival was a highlight, turning abstract math into relatable concepts for my 18 middle-schoolers.
The next summer threw a curveball: reignite the love for math in five high schoolers. By intertwining captivating video lessons from Numberphile and 3Blue1Brown with direct problem-solving sessions, I didn't just teach; I connected. I saw their eyes light up, curiosity reborn, as they engaged deeply with math again.
Reflecting on my journey at Seva Bharati, it wasn’t just about mathematical principles but human connections. By integrating innovative techniques with a dash of personal touch, I believe I've enriched their academic journey and formed meaningful bonds that will last a lifetime.
Feel free to contact me at sachit.gupta17@gmail.com