The Bridge of Diligence

 The villagers had always wanted a bridge.

During the rainy season, boatmen either didn’t come or didn't dare to ferry passengers.

School students suffered.

Some diligent students, who didn't want to miss school, used to swim to attend school.

The villagers had communicated during meetings with politicians.

All letters to leaders had been in vain.

Governments came and went; the river had no bridge…

-x-

Photo Prompt- Sandra Crook

The Art Project

The teacher announced "The Art Project".  

Students were free to choose any medium and topic.

Every student was to present their creation after a week.

Ira knew that her canvas and creation would be unique and special.

She started preparing.

 

It was "Art Project Day" at school.

Holistic Education For The Next Generation

Yet another child has committed suicide. Few may feel that a few marks less in a paper doesn't matter. But, for many, unfortunately, it's the end of the world. They decide to end their life while their parents and friends may not be even aware of such a far-fetched reality...

Seeing the spurt in the suicide rates, I am convinced that our system is flawed and needs to be fixed. Just IQ (Intelligence Quotient)  is not enough, EQ (Emotional Quotient) is needed too. Schools & parents must ensure a child's holistic education.

Education should be much more than gamy rote-learning and bookish knowledge. However, our schools focus on 'marks' more, rather than stressing on 'understanding'. Many students are enrolled in private tuition, mostly conducted by teachers of their school, so as to score more marks. It is believed that such teachers would share the sure-shot questions that are probable to be asked in the examinations. 

TOI, Children's Day 2016*

What's My Crime? #PeshawarAttack

16th December 2014 morning,
I was snug under my blanket,
Peacefully sleeping and dreaming.
Mom woke me up saying we'll get late...

The first day at school for me- a 5-year-old!
Mom made me wear my new dress.
Also my warm clothes lest I feel cold.
Papa said his little princess looked fresh!

The entrance of the Army Public School in Peshawar. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images; Source