UDGAM MATTERS JULY 2016
2 likes2,154 views
The document discusses various educational topics and personal reflections, emphasizing the importance of positivity, childlike qualities, and the role of teachers in shaping students' lives. It includes perspectives from teachers, students, and the school’s management on diverse subjects such as stress management, language skills, and the significance of cleanliness. Additionally, it features creative contributions from students showcasing their thoughts on books, history, and kindness.
UDGAM MATTERS JULY 2016
- 1. 1 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 matters Exam Stress? Which Colour Are you? The Gods must be Crazy Tips from parents to handle them better Page : 10, 11 Page : 13 Take the personality test Page : 12 Page : 15 You Are Covered In Bacteria JULY 2016
- 2. 2 UDGAM MATTERSMay/June 2016 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Behave yourself…you are not a child anymore! Being positive in the face of all odds is an art and this art needs to be mastered by all of us to be happy and healthy in life. Our mornings begin with a glance at the newspaper or the TV news which highlights mainly the unfortunate events.We shake our heads over our morning cuppa and curse the government and the society at large. As we leave for the day (in a bad temper as we are already late) we are bogged down by further negativity probably from a family member, a neighbour, the security guard, the rickshawala, van driver, bus driver and so on who share their problems to reduce their burden. We carry the load with us to school and workplace where it is further enhanced by negativity from co-workers. At the end of the day we are tired and ready to bite. Probably the term ‘dog-tired’ is a result of ‘barking like a dog’ all day.We spend the rest of the day in a dismal frame of mind, snap at people around, scold the children, find faults with the dinner and go to bed angry for no reason. So what’s the alternative? Watch the children around you, whether at home, at school or in any other place.You will find them totally bereft of any kind of negative emotion.They are open and live life to the full.They live their days like there is no tomorrow.We teach them to give up their carefree spirit.We begin with ‘do not talk to strangers’ and tell them gruesome incidents to seal it.They begin to look askance at the very people who they had befriended earlier.We teach them to be competitive and their best friends become their enemies.We blame the teachers and the school and they lose respect for their gurus and elders. Basically we train them to stop behaving like children and follow our dismal and gloomy behaviour. Of course safety cannot be compromised upon but in our attempt to keep them safe we do more harm than good. Instead we should look at the dear little ones and start adopting their attitude to life. If you need life’s lessons there is no better person to learn it from than a child.Their world is clear and their views are unadulterated.They see things as they are and not as they have been shaped by us.They are innocent but their wisdom is greater than that of sages. Be like a child, Act like a child, Think like a child. Try it…and feel the difference. Mrs. Sagarika Sahana, Content Manager FromThe Director... Speaking In English Page 3 Radiant Reflections Page 4 Preprimary in action Page 5 Primary Section Page 6 Middle Section Page 7 Secondary Section Page 8 Sr. Secondary Section Page 9 How DoYou Handle Exam Stress Page 10 Parents’Talk Page 11 Which Colour AreYou? Page 12 Science And Technology Page 13 General Knowledge Page 14 Book & Movie Review Page 15 Tell Me About Page 16 Life Story Page 17 FaceTo Face With Sanjana Page 18 HowThe School Mobile App Began? Page 19 WHAT’S INSIDE
- 3. 3 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 FROM THE DIRECTOR SPEAKING IN ENGLISH Another academic year has begun! It is time again for us to gear ourselves up to new tasks and challenges. This year we plan to take up one big challenge – make everyone in the school, teachers and students, speak in English. It is a matter of embarrassment to us that, in spite of being an English-medium school, most students and teachers converse in Gujarati or Hindi. Parents have also pointed this out in their feedback. They want their children to speak fluently in English. So, our management has decided to tackle this issue on a war footing. What should be done? Unless all of us make a joint effort, we shall not be able to make our students speak fluently in English. Teachers who know to speak English must always speak in English while conversing with one another. Our students should hear spoken English. Teachers should always speak to students in English, all except teachers of other languages. They should also ensure that they speak correct English. Teachers may display on soft-boards, walls of their classroom short sentences of daily usage. Last year, I conducted an activity ‘Conversations’ in my class to evaluate speaking skill in English. In groups of 3, studentshadto‘discuss’atopic. Ipreparedchitsforthem to choose their topic. I had not only written the topic but also a few lines of conversation. The students could either use the lines and continue with the conversation or take it as a sample. This was helpful to them as it gave them a direction for their discussion. I gave them 5 to 10 minutes for preparation. The topics included Money, Mobile Phones, At a Bus-stop, In a Park, Traffic Police and Students, At a Hotel and so on. Every day I had 3 or 4 groups preparing and performing. There was no paper work. Everything was done orally. After each conversation, I asked the other students to give their feedback. They were only too happy to point out mistakes in the language of the speakers! I found the activity a fruitful one. A simple activity that requires no special facility or space! At the same time, students also enjoyed it and did not take it as an evaluation. In fact, they wanted to do it again. In the process, they learnt certain phrases, expressions to be used while making polite conversations. The activity went beyond the purpose of evaluation! Ms. Radhika Iyer, Director
- 4. UDGAM MATTERS God, Give Me... Mrs. Priti Sakhadeo, Supervisor – Middle School DearAdults, I am any Saurabh, Suleiman or Samantha of age 12. ‘Please lend me your ears.’Today, I want to pour out the turmoil within me. God, give me voice. You must be wondering how I know this quote from Shakespeare ‘Please lend me your ears.’ My English teacher told about it. She told us the story of Julius Caesar. We really like her classes. She is a very senior person with a clear wit. Her explanations and connections are so apt that we adore her! God, give me such good teachers. I am fat. My friends tease me. My science teacher says the term is obese. The textbook says I must eat balanced food and take a lot of exercise. Let me share the truth. I cannot get away from the TV! There is sheer laziness to get out of the couch and go play or bicycle around the town. I cannot resist the large chocolate bar, that premium ice cream and those potato chips. I know they are doing more harm than good. I need to do right things! God, give me strength. My friend gets bullied. He has those thick glasses and he stutters. He shares his things with me, including the delicious lunch his mother cooks. I want to stand up for him. Once, only once, I want to stand up and shout at the top of my voice, ‘Stop the nonsense you do to him, he is a fine boy. So what if you find him different?’ In the heart of my hearts I know I will not do it. The reason? Simple, my friends will laugh at me; they will single me out like him! Shut up me! God, give me courage. I see every one around me is eating wrong, defying traffic rules, spitting on the roads and not turning off the water taps. I have seen this from the age of say two, three; as long as I can remember. I have not seen many people around me paying taxes regularly. I have not witnessed those who read voraciously. I know very few adults not using the cell phones while driving. I know only as many people not littering the public places, as the fingers on my hands.I have picked all things from you, the adult world!How can I shift + delete all that has gone deep into my system for over a decade?God, give me virtues. I went swimming the other day of my vacation. A small child, almost my younger brother’s age, came running towards the pool. The guard-on-duty asked the child not to run but walk. The child’s mother felt insulted. ‘Only I can tell my child what to do; who are you to say that?’ argued she. God! O adults around me, please do not restrict yourselffromtellingusrightandwrong. If you don’t do it, who will guide me? O society, I request you to let me see those dangers in advance.Tell me when I put my feet on the dining table; tell me when I avoid my chores; correct me when I shy away from helping a friend in need. Do admonish me when I go crazy. You have a right. If you don’t correct me now, how will I be an upstanding citizen making a healthy contribution to society? Do rebuke me so that I will not have unrealistic expectations of the world in my later life. Show me Good so that I can be Good. Pray for me, teach me, direct me; you all adults, I promise to be a worthy citizen when I grow up. God, give me life. Yours ever, Saurabh, Suleiman or Samantha Being a Teacher -Dr. Simi Mathew, Teacher- Senior Secondary Being a teacher is being a student for a lifetime, You have to answer questions all the time. Being a teacher is being evolved every year, New batch, new kids, new challenges can be faced without fear. Being a teacher is to evaluate few times in a month and punish when needed, Punish to correct but never to destroy the child who never heeded. Being a teacher is being accountable every hour of the day, Little eyes are watching and learning all our ways. Being a teacher is being productive every 40 mins and always on the run, Have to teach more in less time with more fun. Being a teacher is being silent for a few minutes, Being silent when you can’t say it without screaming, Being silent when your words could nip the bud that’s growing. Being a teacher is to be in sync with the almighty every moment everywhere, For we know when we shower our blessings miracles unfold anywhere. RADIANT REFLECTIONS 4 July 2016 Mrs. Smita Jadhav Teacher, - Primary Section
- 5. 5 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 PREPRIMARY IN ACTION Anshul Sharma - SR KG - J
- 6. 6 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 I LOVE BOOKS Books, Books they are very nice,They give us knowledge and make us wise, Books, Books they have many themes, andWhen we go to book store and read about schemes. Books, Books on literature,WOW!They have so many pictures Books, Books gives information on Sun, Books, Books they are so much fun. LAVANYA PALIWAL - V C DHRUVI GOR -V C UNIQUETALENT BY AARAV PATEL -V A RAJVI SHAH - I E DEVINATANDON - IV A KHUSHI SHAH -V B PRIMARY SECTION
- 7. 7 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 Rain and the Sun had a conflict The rain and the sun had a conflict About who has more powers.They decided to demonstrate their skills When rain sent gentle showers To oppose him the sun sent A bright ray of sunlight To which in reply Was a lightning bolt just as bright They continued to fight Until of earth the children cried Stop your scuffle otherwise We won’t be able to bear your might The rain and the sun learnt their folly And gave the children each a dolly For rightly teaching them Never to fight again for fame DeekshitaAthreya –VII C The smell of fresh papers The smell of fresh papers And chalkboards is found So quiet, that noise pages make when they fly Is the only audible sound The day starts when the school bell rings Drowning all the other noises After that the only thing you can hear As children talking in excited voices And then come our teachers Smarter than us all Who teach us that without knowledge The biggest person is small We meet our new classmates, See our friends againAnd that is what happensWhen the new school year begins! Antara Munshi –VII G Is History Boring? ‘History is a boring subject’ is an often repeated statement. Many a times the people who say these words do not know how interesting history can be. History is not mere facts and dates; it is the story of human beings from their very origin. The story from cave to home, from darkness to light, from forest to forts, from penury to prosperity, from chaos to coherence is so rich, dynamic and colourful that it has entertained millions of viewers. Probably, those who say history is boring are ignorant to the works ofAristotle, Confucius, Chanakya, Ashwagosh, Amir Khusro and scores of modern writers. History is a never ending story. Its reach is not limited to mere landscapesandoceans.Neitherisitlimitedto counting stars and motion of other celestial bodies. It is the story of ‘chai-wala’ becoming thePrimeMinisterand‘AamAadmi’becoming aChief Minister’. AvaniVijay –VIII F MIDDLE SECTION Cleanliness As the quote says” Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. It is perfectly true. A clean home is a happy home. Cleaning is a good habit and a healthy way of our healthy life. Recently, our Prime Minister-Mr. Narendra Modi has started a campaign called Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We should understand that cleanliness is not the responsibility of our Prime Minister alone. However, it is a responsibility of every citizen.We can be healthy only if our surroundings are clean. First we can clean our house, then our society, then city, then state, then country and finally the whole world.Why can’t we do it?Can’t we do our bit to make the earth a better place? Yes, we can! First everyone will ignore you, then they will laugh at you, then they will fight and ultimately you will win.We do not need campaigns to make us clean our country. We can do it ourselves. Efficiency requires cleanliness and order.We can work freely with clean mind in clean surroundings. Arushi Shah –VII A IshikaChoksi – ClassVIII B THE PLEDGEOF KINDNESS I pledge to myself, On this very day, To try to be kind In every way To every person Big or Small, I will help them If they fall When I love myself and others too, That is the best,That I can do. Ahmad Menon –VIII B
- 8. UDGAM MATTERS A claustrophobic’s sanctuary A tiny crack; as it spreads onto another etching a map of a billion little estuaries onto your mind, into your soul, refusing to stitch together while time stills and pauses then plays, of its own accord; indifferent to your struggle against rationality and fear. So you close your eyes and purse your lips. Shut your mind and ball a fist, whilst sweat trickles down your spine, sending shivers to your bones, injecting fear into your blood. Then it rises, slowly at first, making you squirm; numbing your legs, like a crumpled paper you fall and fold into yourself. And when it reaches your stomach, you claw through your skin, hoping to rip out the dark clouds raising a storm inside of you, making their way to your heart, trying to fill it with dread, far too heavy for you to carry. Twitching bony fingers hold your heart in it’s rightful place. As the clouds rise up to choke your head. Your breath staggers and strays with the faces on the previously empty walls. Darkness tints your vision, leeching your strength and making you vulnerable, gullible, infantile, volatile. Demanding you to lose this battle of agony. Deafening screams echo through your grey cells, but you can feel the emptiness of the mind-ridding fear.The disastrous but made up fear.Youhaveheardthesescreamsbefore,they’reyours.Soyoupick up your nearly-dead body; a slightly cracked mind, on legs made up of sheer will to survive.You wake your ringing ears, your blackened eyes. and then you ask them to fight.The fear follows the running, it intrudes the scared. Some fights are fought for the loved, some are fought for the loving. But the fight with fear itself is, Fought by you and for you. For once, loneliness is a blessing, So, Unashamed, you stand tall with raised fists, Ready to protect your sanctuary. Pracheta Mohanty - X E Designing for a Better tomorrow When we think of design, we often associate it with commercial endeavors: a company logo, a product, a website, or even a building’s layout, both inside and out. Design possesses a power beyond the commercial importance we’ve placed on it. As creatives, we’re taughttothinkofdesignasawaytosolveproblems and convey important, meaningful concepts to broad audiences. Design in its own right can solve problems and bring about forces of change, revolution, enlightenment and renaissance. As the practice and conscientious thinking, design progresses through history into design thinking; that which has an influence on industries well beyond “creative” professions. Problem-solving is becoming more rooted in design principles of empathy for the consumer, driving change that is makingahostofindustriesmorehuman-focusedand people-centered than at any other time. designers are looking more globally at the major issues that impact us as people, communities, and consumers, and how design can help us not only understand these issues better, but give us the opportunity to bring about real change and solutions through the use of human-centered design. Today, we have the tools, research, and science available to model our design decisions more intricately than ever, limiting the instances in which the solution to one problem creates new problems somewhere else.When we analyze whole systems and understand interconnections, we can minimize the negative effects of the things we create while solving the problems that impact us as citizens. When you think about it, climate change is a manifestation of unintended consequences of past designs. Successfully addressing climate change requires a holistic view. The design team of China’s tallest skyscraper, the Shanghai Tower, relied on software to simulate and then optimize the building’s shape. The double-skin façade is asymmetrical, tapering and round, which reduces wind loads on the building, facilitates the collection of rainwater for heating and cooling units, and insulates the building. This design thinking approach to the Shanghai Towerresultedina35percentreductioninmaterials used and $58 million in construction cost savings. Not only were savings benefited during the building of the tower, the tower also benefits from an ongoing energy savings of 20 percent and water savings of 40 percent.This is the future of buildings and infrastructure– modelling and optimizing the full impact of a building and capitalizing on significant savings as a result. Using design and design thinking to take on the challenges of cities and communities all tie into the principles and mission of the ‘designing for a better tomorrow’. Dhruvi Shah – X C SECONDARY SECTION Tanvi Jain X - F Vanshika Thakur X - F Tanvi Jain – X F VanshikaThakur – X 8 July 2016
- 9. 9 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 SR. SECONDARY SECTION YOU SHALL ALWAYS STAY ALIVE The day when I saw you sleeping, Never to wake up again, The world had stopped for me, And heart was not beating. I could not speak anything, Nor express my emotions, Just sitting in a corner silently, Praying that it just turns out to be a dream. People say that you have left me and this world, And now I have to move on, But my heart only says that you are still alive, In the beautiful memories of ours. You have taught me many things, You have guided me so far, There is much to know in this world yet, So please keep a watch over me from there. I remember the glow of your eyes, And the beauty of your smile, Whenever someone appreciated me, I know you always felt proud. I know that you were a gift that God had given, And he has taken it back for some unknown reason, But I wish that you stay happy forever. You have occupied a major portion of my heart, Which will never be given to anyone for sure. You are still alive in my heart, And shall always be there. Abhishek Wadhawan – XI G KARATE When I’m in karate mode, My heart pumps up and sparks up the soul Me practicing hard, day in & day out Shouting “Khey! Khey” and firing up my blows I correct my unbalanced katas and kicks This way sharpening my attacking skills Similar to a hunting knife Sharpened to be thrown Killing the prey with a deathblow. As I’m in the square ring Irrespective of the well versed years, I also surpass fears— Swollen bruises Broken bones But—my eyes ferociously glow They’re concentrated on viciousness. There’s swift flashes of frantic Arms and legs, connecting hard Targeting the unlucky opponent/ victim When I take my chance, make my move Hoping it’s not blocked nor do I miss All I wish to get is points and cheers Try, put my all and be the victor. Though, with my strongly built limbs Dauntless self-esteem, I decide, to risk it all over Knowing— The risks could be sour, like A kick at the gut, leaving my breathless Maybe a punch, straight at the face Alls worthwhile, Because it seems just right. A minute and a half pass, the referee calls— “Timeout!!You have 30.Get ready fast” I keep my cool, take my time 30 seconds passed, referee shouts again Bursting with energy and enthusiasm Commanding with authority “Aka ( red side) ready?” “Aao (blue side) ready?” Telling to keep our minds steady “Hasime! (fight!)” he calls to make our moves. I’m trying to prove As I make my move With threatening lifts and throws Opening the doors To my immense passion Expressing— Winning is my obsession. Twirling & kicking, Swearing & punching, Karate chops slicing through the air Here, and there.... Always believing ‘I am the best!’ ‘I can beat all the rest!’ The thirst to have thrill Without the delinquent pills, I quench that desperate thirst Drenching in karate, because It’s MY way of LIFE........................... Tanvi Kumar – XII F
- 10. HOW DO YOU HANDLE EXAM ROLEOF PARENTS DURING EXAMS The phase before the exams can be very stressful for the students. In fact for parents also exam of the child is a taxing time. With changing questions patterns and a more extensive syllabus, students get bewildered during this time and give in to various shades of despair. However, hanadling the situation calmly will help to ease the stress levels of your child as well as your home. Read on to understand how parents can help their children cope better with stress during exams. Be there to help them Some parents are capable of solving doubts and difficulties of their children and this needs to be more before their exams. Be there for them and try to solve their queries well. If you are not able to owing to the level of difficulty, then please guide them about how they can solve the doubts. Keep them positive Your child may cave in to pressure and become negative in the days preceding the exams. It is for you to boost him or her and keep the atmosphere of the home as positive as possible. However, do not make the child overconfident. The right nutrition matters Some children lose their appetite during exams. As a parent you need to ensure that they are eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also remind them about drinking plenty of water to keep them hydrated. Do not give vent to anger If you are frustrated with your child’s inability to grasp concepts or solve questions then do not shout at him or her. Be as calm as possible. You should not add to the exam stress. Deal with the situation as amicably aspossibleandadddosesoflaughter and humour. Stress management techniques A couple of stress management techniques that really help are music and exercise.You can encourage your child to go out in the open for a stroll. This will clear his or her mind and providearefreshingbreak.Softmusic tones accompanied with meditation has also proved to be effective. Keep family problems at bay Do not discuss family problems in your child’s hearing now and if possible, never.Unknowingly you may be adding to his or her stress levels. In fact agree not to disagree with your spouse or other family members during this time as even a normal argument can be distracting. Keep a happy environment in your home. On the day of exams Begin the day in a calm way by wishing your child well. Give your child a good send off and make him or her feel confident. After he or she comes home, try not to ask too many questions. In fact reviewing the question paper can be done when all the papers are over. After the exams Now it is time to celebrate! Go out after the exams, if possible for a vacation and have fun together. If time is a constraint then go out for dinner and a movie. This will help to release exam stress and bring back the fun element. After the results If children perform very well then congratulate them whole heartedly for their efforts. However, take care that you don’t make them too proud oftheirmarks.Iftheperformancehas been mediocre then encourage him or her to try harder next time. Work together on skills that could improve the results of the next examination. If the results are below average then do not rave or rant at your child. Instead sit together and work upon the possible causes of him or her not being able to perform well. Bear in mind that all children cannot be academically excellent and while we as parents would expect the best outcome from our child, he or she has his limitations, same as we do.Be a supportive parent and watch your child excel! 10 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016
- 11. W e spoke to a few parents whose children are studying in Class XII. Being the board year, this is a special phase for the students as well as the family.We asked them a few questions about their support during the boards. Mrs Madhu Mohan, mother of Snigdha Suggala, supported her daughter’s choice of Humanities as a stream in Class XI, although it was a different field from their’s. Accordingtoher,“Inourtimesstress was less.The pressure has increased due to increased competition and parental expectations”. She appreciates the workshops and awareness programs that are done in school by the teachers for dealing with stress as well as for career choice. Her suggestion to all parents is to make and follow a time table, have a good diet, sleep well and communicate with family and friends to reduce the stress. Punya Chhajer’s mother, Mrs Rashmi Chhajer, however differs in her opinion about extra support. According to her children should not be pressurized to study more because it is boards. In her family they have not allowed tension to build up on account of exams. “Do your best but do not worry about the result. We will accept whatever comes.” Not being the competitive kind, Rashmi has always given importance to satisfaction and happiness over money and success. She feels that Udgam is doing more than enough and teachers guide the students like their own kids. Priyam Patel’s father, Mr Abhay Patel, feels that Class XII is very crucial and parents must support their children as emotional and physical fitness are very important for studies. However, according to him happiness is very important and parents must be careful not to introduce stress. But they can guide their child to choose the right career as a child’s brain is fickle. Naveen Batada’s father, Mr Kaiz Batada, says “Have a very positive atmosphere at home and treat boards like any other exam. There is nothing to get stressed about as we are giving an exam at every step of our life. Just work hard and keep faith. During our times parents were not aware that we have an exam. Today’s parents also get involved in increasing the stress on the child.” He is extremely supportive of his son taking up History as major in college and pursuing a career in this. On one hand we have parents who are of the opinion that boards should be taken as any other exam and on the other hand we have others who feel that students need extra support during the board years. The idea is to reduce the stress and parents have a very important role in it. 11 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 Parents’ TALK Snigdha Suggala With Parents Priyam Patel With Parentsnaveen Batada With Parents Punya Chhajer With Parents
- 12. From the Counsellors… IDENTIFY YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE- TAKE THE TEST Colour Colour which Colour are you? CIRCLE ONEWORD OR PHRASE PER LINETHAT BEST DESCRIBESYOU ORWHATYOU LIKE: now circle the corresponding colors on theTally Sheet. - For example: if a student circled sensitive on line 1 of the test, he/she would circle blue on the tally sheet. Once you complete the tally sheet you need to total the individual colors. After you have totaled the individual colours, check your dominant colour personality. Once you complete the tally sheet you need to total the individual colors. After you have totaled the individual colours, check your dominant colour personality. 1. red green blue yellow 2. red yellow blue green 3. green red yellow blue 4. red yellow green blue 5. yellow red green blue 6. red blue green yellow 7. green blue yellow red 8. red yellow blue green 9. yellow red green blue 10. red green blue yellow 11. blue yellow red green 12. green yellow blue red 13. red blue yellow green 14. green red yellow blue 15. red green blue yellow now circle the corresponding colors on theTally Sheet. - For example: if a student circled sensitive on line 1 of the test, he/she would circle blue on the tally sheet. 1. Self-Confident Organized Sensitive Trusting 2. Spontaneous Checks With Others Dreamer Analytical 3. Stubborn Superior Rebellious Easily Offended 4. Demanding Encouraging Determined Quiet 5. Caring/Helpful Outspoken Firmness Kind 6. Daring Idealist Dutiful Playful 7. Logical Satisfied Friendly Bold 8. Authoritative Team Worker Independent Conservative 9. Talkative Restless Attentive Humble 10. Irritable Rigid Easily Hurt Helpless 11. Emotional Flexible Likes Recognition Particular 12. neat &Tidy Alert Avoids Conflicts Usually Right 13. Goal-Oriented Talented Volunteer Schedule-Oriented 14. Careful Workaholic Supportive Self-Directed 15. Hard-Working AttentiveTo Details Imaginative PositiveThinker 12 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 After you have totaled the individual colours, check your dominant colour personality.After you have totaled the individual colours, check your dominant colour personality.After you have totaled the individual colours, check your dominant colour personality. 12 July 2016 UDGAM MATTERS RED: task and result oriented, likes recognition,likes to be on the move, doesn’t like to be late, enjoys individual sports (golf, tennis, track, piano, individual dance, etc.) likes expensive showy things, generally honest, but their moral compass might deviate during a competitive showdown. Red personality types tend to make good leaders.They love leadership roles and enjoy “managing” people. YELLOW: people oriented, expressive, friendly, loves to talk, extravagant, optimistic, enjoys team sports (volleyball, baseball, football, basketball, drill team, cheer team, etc.). Yellow personality types are the glue that holds groups together. GREEN: detail oriented, precise, controlled, likes to do things right the first time, likes to complete jobs, tends to be thrifty as adults. Green personality types like order. They generally have neat lockers and organized notebooks. They are often perceived as “neatfreaks”. They make wonderful treasurers, secretaries, or committee chairs in clubs. They will keep your group organized. BLUE: creative, freethinking, sincere, loyal, caring, perceptive, understanding, open-minded, oftentimes enjoys nature, many like the arts. Bluepersonalitytypesareoftenperceivedasquiet,sometimesshy individuals. Oftentimes they may be loners or have one or two other “blue” friends. They are very innovative, idea people. They tend to be quiet in a group and hould be called upon to share their ideas.
- 13. 13 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY 1. DOYOU KnOWTHOR? The world’s first 3D-printed aircraft THOR was unveiled by European aerospace company, Airbus at the International Aerospace Exhibition held in Schoenefeld, Germany. The THOR is short for Test of High-tech Objectives in Reality. It resembles a large, white model airplane but is windowless. Key features ofTHOR: • THOR has just 3 parts. It is lighter, faster and cheaper. • It is windowless small pilotless propeller aircraft. • It weighs 21 kilo grams and less than 4 metres long. • All it parts (except the electrical elements) are 3D printed from a substance called polyamide. THOR’s inaugural flight was conducted near Hamburg, Germany in november 2015. Aerospace companies like Airbus and Boeing already are using 3D printing technology to make parts for their huge passenger jets A350 and B787 Dreamliner. About 3D printing technology 3D printing is a process of making 3-D (three dimensional) solid objects from a digital file with extreme precision. This technology is also termed additive manufacturing as the 3D printed object is created us additive processes i.e. by laying down successive layers of manufacturing material on each other until the entire object is created. This technology has limitless possibilities and can create almost anything with just raw material and a computer generated model. (SOURCE: GKTODAY) 2. FOUR nEW ADDITIOnS TO THE PERIODIC TABLE GET nEW nAMES Four elements, officially added to the periodic table in December, have been named. They are nihonium (nh), moscovium (Mc), tennessine (Ts), and oganesson (Og). (SOURCE: SCIEnCE nEWS) 3. YOU ARE ALL COVERED In BACTERIA! We’re covered inside and out with bacteria and microbes. We are actuallyaveryimportantpartoftheir ecosystem. All of these microbes serve special purposes. They help us digest and process certain foods as well as fight off mental disorders like depression. They have even been linked to both causing and helping anxiety and autism. It’s called your microbiome and the more research that scientists do, the more they realize it has a lot to do with what makes you…you! We have 10x more bacteriainourgutsandonourbodies than we do actual cells. We have 2-5 pounds of bacteria on us and in us at any given moment.
- 14. 14 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE India is a land of diversity.There are many cities and towns in India that are very famous. Sometimes they are referred to by their nicknames. For example, did you know that the land of seven islands is Mumbai? Find out more about nicknames of some famous Indian places. Nick name and City 1 Abode OfThe Gods Prayag (Allahabad). 21 Hollywood Of India Mumbai 2 Blue Mountains nilgiri 22 Manchester Of India Ahmedabad 3 Boston Of India Ahmedabad 23 Manchester OfThe north Kanpur 4 City Of Buildings Kolkata 24 Manchester OfThe South Coimbatore 5 City Of Palaces Kolkata 25 Old Ganga Godavari 6 City Of Festivals Madurai 26 Pink City Jaipur 7 City Of Lakes Srinagar 27 Pittsburg Of India Jamshedpur 8 City Of nawabs Lucknow 28 Queen Of Arabian Sea Cochin 9 City Of Rallies new Delhi 29 Queen OfThe Mountains Mussoorie 10 City Of Seven Islands Mumbai 30 Sacred River Ganga 11 City OfTemples Varanasi. 31 SiliconValley Of India Bengaluru 12 City Of Weavers Panipat 32 Soya Region Madhya Pradesh 13 Dakshinganga Godavari 33 Space City Bengaluru 14 Deccan Queen Pune 34 Sorrow Of Bengal Damodar River 15 Egg Bowls Of Asia Andhra Pradesh 35 Sorrow Of Bihar Kosi River 16 Electronic City Of India Bengaluru 36 State Of Five Rivers Punjab 17 Garden City Of India Bengaluru 37 Steel City Of India Jamshedpur (CalledTatanagar) 18 Gateway Of India Hyderabad, Sikandarabad 38 Switzerland Of India Kashmir 19 Golden City Amritsar 39 Venice OfThe East Cochin 20 Heaven Of India Jammu And Kashmir
- 15. BOOK& MOVIE REVIEW THE ALCHEMIST - PAUL COEHLO Paulo Coelho’s enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. no one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts. (SOURCE: GOODREADS) THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY (1981) Here’s a movie that begins with aCoke bottle falling from the heavens, and ends with a Jeep up in a tree. “The Gods Must Be Crazy” is a South African movie that arrived in Europe with little fanfare in 1982, brokebox-officerecordsinJapanandSouthAmerica and all over Europe, and even became a cult hit here in northAmerica, where there has not been much of a demand for comedies from SouthAfrica. The film begins in the Kalahari Desert. A pilot in a private plane throws his empty Coke bottle out of the window. It lands near a Bushman who is on a hunting expedition. He has never seen anything like it before. He takes it back to his tribe, where it is put to dozens of uses: It becomes a musical instrument, a pattern maker, a fire starter, a cooking utensil, and, most of all, an object of bitter controversy. Everybody in the tribe ends up fighting over the bottle, and so the Bushman, played by the Xhosa actor n!xau (the exclamation point represents a click), decides there is only one thing to do: He must return the bottle to the gods. This decision sends him on a long odyssey toward more settled lands on the edges of the desert, where the movie develops into a somewhat more conventional comedy. We meet some of the new characters: A would-be schoolteacher, a goofy biologist,andaninsurgentleader.Theyareallintentontheirownlivesandplans, but in one way or another, the Xhosa and his Coke bottle bring them together into unexpected combinations. And the director, Jamie Uys, has the patience to develop some really elaborate sight gags, which require a lot of preparation but pay off with big laughs particularly the sequence with an indecisive, back-and- forth Jeep. The star of the movie is n!xau, who is so forthright and cheerful and sensible that his very presence makes some of the gags pay off. In any slapstick comedy, the gags must rest on a solid basis of logic: It’s not funny to watch people being ridiculous, but it is funny to watch people doing the next logical thing, and turning out to be ridiculous. n!xau, because he approaches Western society without preconceptions, and bases all of his actions on logical conclusions, brings into relief a lot of the little tics and assumptions of everyday life. I think that reveals the thought that went into this movie: It might be easy to make a farce about screwball happenings in the desert, but it’s a lot harder to create a funny interaction between nature and human nature.This movie’s a nice little treasure. (SOURCE- ROGER EBERT) UDGAM MATTERS15 July 2016
- 16. 10 FACTS ABOUT BRAZIL Fact 1: During the last ten years the number of car owners in Brazil has exploded and Brazil now has more cars running on alternative fuel sources than any other country (2013). Despite just owning many cars, Brazil is also a large producer of cars, where the yearly production is about 3 million. Fact 3: Brazil has the biggest rain forest in the world, the Amazon forest and there lives more than 27 million people in the area and this including around 300.000 Indians that belongs to 170 ethnicities. Since theAmazons is very remote, lost tribes are still found today. Fact 2: The coffee industry is huge in Brazil and during 2011 Brazil produced more than 2.6 million tonnes, which makes them the largest coffee producer in the world. However the coffee bush is not a natural crop in Brazil so it had to planted, which was done by Francisco de Melo Palheta in 1727. Fact 4: Since Portugal colonized Brazil in the 16th century, Brazil has the 2nd highest Christian population and the largest Roman Catholic population in the world. Fact 6: About 1 million people who live in Brazil are of Asian decent. Most of the so called Asian-Brazilan are emigrants from Japan who moved to Brazil during the early 18-century to work at coffee farms. Fact 10: Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and covers almost half of the South American continent. Fact 8: Brazil has won the soccer world cup five times and Brazil also hosted the world cup in 2014 but lost to the netherlands in the match for the third place, placing them at fourth place. Fact 5: Almost 200 million people live in Brazil, which makes it the fifth largest country in the world in terms of population. Fact 7: Brazil have the largest biodiversity in the world (mostly thanks to the Amazon) and is home to around 3000 fresh water fishes, 70.000 insects and 55.000 different plants. Scientists have estimated that there may be up to four million species of plants and animals in Brazil. Fact 9: Rio De Janeiro in Brazil is home to one of the new seven wonders of the world, the statue of Christ the Redeemer.The idea for the statue came from a priest duringthe mid 1850’s but the governmentduringthat time did not like the idea, but when the project was brought up again during the 1920’s they were able to collect enough money to start the construction. The statue which was finished in 1931 is a symbol for Brazilian Christianity. 16 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016 Fact 1:
- 17. LIFE STORY what an inspiration! An entrepreneur, cartoonist, animator, voice actor, and film producer (Source: Storypick) BEFORE: Before he became the legend that he is today, this man was struggling to make ends meet. In 1919, while working for a newspaper, he was fired by the newspaper editor because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”InJanuary1920,heformedashort-livedcompany with another cartoonist. However, following a rough start, he left temporarily to earn money at the Kansas City Film Ad Company. He was soon joined by Iwerks, who were not able to run their business alone. Later, though he acquired his own studio which was successful, studio profits were insufficient to cover the high salaries paid to employees.The studio became loaded with debt and wound up bankrupt.After that, he decided to set up a studio in the movie industry’s capital city, Hollywood, California. AFTER: He createdOswald the Lucky Rabbit.Oswald, which was oneofhisfirsthugesuccessesinthecartooningbusiness. At that time, he was only receiving a 20 percent cut on his films and was ready to negotiate for higher since he was barely earning. He received another setback when his producer stole the character, and also stole his animation crew by negotiating contracts with them. His producer thought he would cave and work with the mere 20% he was paid. While most people would pack their bags and return home crying, or work for minimum wages, this dauntless youngmanwentontocreatehismostsuccessfulcartoon character EVER – Mickey Mouse.Yes, boys and girls, this amazing person is none other than the entrepreneur, cartoonist, animator, voice actor, and film producer Walt Disney. Reportedly, he was also told that Mickey Mouse would not work since a huge mouse on the screen would terrify women. Well, it seems that women were not scared, for this mouse has continued to share his story on screens all over the world, even today. He did not let a string of failures overcome him, standing strong even through his toughest times. There must not be a single person who does not know Walt Disney, or hasn’t heard the name “Disney”. 17 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016
- 18. FACE TO FACE Sanjana Mukherjee of Class XII is theYoung Chef finalist of the culinary contest organised by IIHM in association with nDTV Good Times and Incredible India. from the state. She was chosen among10statelevelfinalistsfromothersschools in the state based on marks given by an eminent panel of jury members and voting by the people. Now she is among 7 finalists who qualified at the national level for the Grand Finale. Let us hear from her about her experience. Q.Tell us about how it feels like to be catapulted to fame? A. These last few weeks have suddenly marked a huge change in my Life, as I find myself being Interviewed by FM Radio channels, Newspapers Articles charting my Culinary Journey, Celebrity Cookery Shows for National Television where I cook my Signature dish, Celebrity appearances in Club Functions and Seminars too, addressing People of all age groups, discussing the Gastronomic delights and healthy eating. Q. Did you expect this kind of popularity would follow your decision to participate? A. I didn’t know that my hobby and fun activity would catapult my Kitchen skills to Celebrity Kitchens at the NDTV Good Times Studio, sautéing and stir frying under the gaze of Lights Camera and Action call. Q.What or who inspired you to cook? A. As a child I would sit on the kitchen platform and watch my grandmother cooking delicious dishes. I used to be mesmerized by the crackling of spices and the aroma wafting from the wok. My mother has always inspired me to follow my heart and has been my pillar of strength for the contest. My interests in the Chemistry Lab are coming handy now, as cooking is all about Chemistry - The right proportion at the right time and viola! A perfect dish is ready to serve. Q.Tell us about your specialty dishes. A.ThedishesIcookedsofarhavehadatheme,forinstance, my “ Go Green” platter got me applause and appreciation from the Judges here in Ahmedabad. For the finals held at Delhi I cooked ‘DoiMaach’, a Bengali dish. Q.Tell us us about the competition. A. AfterTwo cook-offs wherein a huge number of students applied from all over Gujarat, I found myself selected for the Delhi Regional Finals which was Telecast on NDTV GoodTimes and left open for online voting too. 60 % marks were from the expert jury / celebrityChefs like RanveerBrar and others and 40 % weightage was forVotes garnered. Q. How has Udgam School helped you? A. I am extremely thankful to my school for the support and to the entire Udgam Fraternity for their votes. It was a thrilling experience for me to watch the Results along with my School Friends in the Auditorium along with our Respected Directors and Principals and Teachers. It still feels like a dream that I found myself being declared the Winner in front of my school friends, to be declared as “ India’sTop Seven SuperYoung Chefs.” Q. How are you preparing for the Grand Finale at Delhi? A. I am working very hard to improve my Culinary and Presentation skills in the Super Finale next week in Delhi. I am really thankful for the support from my family, friends and school who have ensured that I can devote my time to theDelhievent. IamhopefultobringthePrestigiousTrophy home and wear theChefCoat with Pride that has my name embroidered on it, “ Young Chef India National Champion Sanjana Mukherjee - Udgam School Ahmedabad. “ 18 UDGAM MATTERSJuly 2016
- 19. HOW THE SCHOOL MOBILE APP BEGAN? The story of Udgam Connection, the school mobile app is an old one. Even older than when the first mobile app came into being. They say necessity is the mother of invention and this is 100% true in this case. For years the need to connect better was felt by the school and parents alike.Although means like telephone, application letters, and school diary have been in use since the beginning of the school, as the school grew and with societal changes, the need to enhance the connectivity was felt more and more with each passing term. Since our school gives a lot of precedence to technology, computers became a part of the school infrastructure as soon as they gained popularity. Soon the world wide web was an inherent part of lives globally and Udgam embraced the need to research and bring the world to the classroom. The school provided laptops to teachers at half price and the Information technology department recruited more staff to man the show which included computers and smartboards too. Internet also created new channels of communication, the email and social media like facebook. Eventually the digital world expanded to phones and smartphones became more of a need than a status symbol. This further gave rise to new ways of communication like WhatsApp. Our teachers were using worksheets which earlier used to be given as print outs to the children.Then the school portal was designed through which teachers could upload worksheets for parents to download and print.The portal also had basic information related to the classroom. This was quite helpful and served its purpose well.Yet there were issues of convenience while on the move and internet connectivity. Finally, the school mobile app was devised based on a need that was age old and ideas that had formed but was given shape only after the gadget was invented. Smartphones are a personal need now and almost each and every person has one. They are in use more than any other gadget on a daily basis so this is definitely the best way to reach out and connect. The school mobile app, aptly calledUdgam Connection, has a slew of features. Some of them are- • Regular Updates – Circular, Assignments & Events. • Photo Album of all Events with share pic features • School Planner details • Calendar/Holidays • StudentTimeTable • The day’s work • Leave application • No need to go and open Portal for updates • Customised home page of App as per their preference • School Magazine • Parent-Teacher two way communication through messages Parents have welcomed the mobile app and the response has been very encouraging. The reviews are excellent and more than 2500 parents have already downloaded the app and are using it on a regular basis. It is definitely helping to make things convenient for all concerned. Executive Director Manan Choksi, who is the main brain behind the mobile app is of the view that ‘most people use smartphones and making the school information available on a mobile app will simplify things for all’. ITProgrammerAbhaParikhworkedon making a really useful and informative mobile app after the huge success of the school website portal. But it is the entire team of teachers and heads who are working together to make the entire process successful. Besides each teacher having their personal laptops owing to the school’s laptop policy wherein staff can buy laptops at half the price and pay the rest in monthly instalments, there is easy access to computers with a cooperative IT department ready at hand. The Mobile School App called ‘Udgam Connection’ is available on Android and iOS. Parents can get the link by visiting Android App Store or Apple Play Store and search for Udgam Connection application.now even Admission Enquiry can be made through the mobile app using the ‘Enquiry & Admission’ link. 19 July 2016 UDGAM MATTERS
- 20. Designedby:ChintanShastri(CreativeGrapes) Parentcoordinationby:Mrs.HitikshaSoni UDGAM CONNECTION The School Mobile App That Speaks Volumes Connect with Udgam App from your mobile.