Quarterly Bulletin of the Central Board of Secondary Education

Vol. 53, No. 2, April-June, 2014

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Vineet Joshi, I.A.S

Chairman

Dr. Sadhana Parashar

Director
(Academics, Research, Training & Innovation)

EDITORS

P. Rajeswary
(Education Officer)

Niti S. Sharma
(Report Writer)

The views expressed by any author in his/her article /contribution published in Cenbosec do not represent
the views of the Board.

Published by the Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education, Shiksha Kendra, 2, Community
Centre, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110092, CBSE , Delhi-92 and Printed at India Offset Press, A-1 Mayapuri
Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110064, Ph.: +91-11-28116494, 9811526314.
 CONTENTS
Page

From the Chairman 3

Feedback Forum 9
Articles on Collaborative Learning
Contributors
1. Digital Equity : Demand of the Hour Dr. (Mrs.) Neeru Joshi 11
2. Right to Digital Equity Kritika Seth 12
3. It's Not Just about Access Anymore L. K. Trivedi 13
4. Laxmanrekha The limitations Dinesh Jindal 14
5. Future Endeavour Mrs. Anahita Zubin Najmi 16
6. Social Justice Goals Dr. Anita Bhalla 18
7. Digital Equity Mrs. Rooma Pathak 20
8. Leave No Child Behind Ms. Usha Aswath Iyer 22
9. Web : A Treasure trove of Information Leena Rai Kalra 24
10. Digital Equity A Must Promil Bali 25
11. Equitable access to Technology Ms. Ruchie Sharma 26
12. Create, Communicate, Collaborate Ritu Joshi 27
13. Need to Raise Awareness Y. Sreedhar Rao 29
14. Country-wide Need for an ICT Revolution Ms. Nipun Gulati 30
15. Talent Needs Attention Praveen Sharma 32
16. Need for Quality and Cultural Appropriacy Ms. Hema Rajguru 33
17. Challenges to be Met Preeti Shrivastava 35
18. A Wrestle for Educators Leena Deka Bharali 37
19. Bridging the Digital Divide Mrs. Kanwalpreet Kour and Mrs.Tania Sawhney 39
20. An Attainable Global Challenge Ritwiz Gaur 41
21. The Digital Divide Gurbax Singh Sokhey 43
22. Understanding Digital Equity Swaraj Kumar Rana 44
23. Closing the IT Divide Kirti Pahuja Dang 45
24. Digital Equity and Social Justice Deepa Hemnani 46
25. Dream of Digital Equity for Equality Damanjeet Kaur 47

Gender Sensitization 49
News from Schools 54
Green Pages 89
Health and Wellness Clubs 109
Sahodaya Updates 120
Sports Arena 122
Best Practices 124
Academic Updates 135
News from Administration 136
Circulars 139
Message from the Chairman
There was a time, not so long ago, when education was primarily defined by the course books
prescribed by the school boards and later, the universities. School achievement comprised of the
number of students who could assimilate the quantity of prescribed materials and extensively
answer questions in the Board Examination. In the 21st century, the perception of education has
swung from a product or content driven approach to one that has now re-focused to achieve new
curricular goals, that are process and information driven, supported by readily accessible Information
and Communication Technology [ICT]. The latter is a necessary progression for all schools to
prepare all students for the future through computer education classes that develop the requisite
skills and inculcate knowledge about computers and technology.
The Government of India has approved a blueprint for the Digital India programme, which
envisages all government services be delivered electronically by 2018. It will also provide high-speed
internet as a core utility down to the gram panchayat level and a "cradle-to-grave digital identity -
unique, lifelong, online and authenticable". Therefore, the question that we need to answer is: Is the
present day education preparing all students for such a future?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has constantly laid emphasis on making
school education meaningful and relevant so that it acts as a powerful tool for human resource
development. However, some sections of the student community need more help to gain an
equitable access to such education which will give them the necessary edge, as they transition to
college/university or the workforce. Here, the challenge is for schools to search the market to find
affordable, quality hardware in sufficient quantities, explore options for easy and low-cost internet
access and free open-source softwares to bridge the knowledge and skills-gap between those who
have and the have-not [access to a computer at home]. Besides, ensuring digital equity also implies
the capacity-building for school teachers at all levels, who would be the most important asset to
ensure digital equity for all students. Besides, trained teachers would be able to bring in a more
integrated /holistic approach to their lesson planning and pedagogy through their effective and
efficient use of technology
As cited earlier, preparing students for higher education or the workforce is the primary aim
of education. With the ever - prevalent problem of heavy schoolbags [equated to knowledge growth],
the judicious use of computer technology in schools will significantly reduce this burden. Storage,
easy re-coding and de-coding, exchange and retrieval of information, at anytime, anywhere, by
anyone, is an important facility to be tapped efficiently.

April-June 2014 3
 Since, social and professional interactions now and in the future will require students to use
technology in some form to enhance the quality of life. To become informed adults and citizens,
it is only at school that all students, regardless of their background, can have the opportunity to learn
how to use the computer, to conduct online research, surf the internet, learn to check if online
information is legitimate, share and discuss with their peers and teachers through e-mail and
networking, take responsibility for their learning and consequently, construct knowledge. Digital
natives can efficiently configure instruction to solve problems, complete assigned tasks confidently
or even express their creativity is many forms, across the curriculum. Students can begin to create
their own unique conceptual frameworks without feeling the constraint of the prescribed parameters
of their course books or the teaching styles of their tutors. These skills are important life-skills.
Drug and tobacco use touches peoples lives in one form or another, but it is children who
are the most vulnerable to its influence. CBSEs Say No to Tobacco was a fortnight-long national
campaign that included poster -making, cartoon drawing, essay writing, story writing and a quiz
[school-level] and the results of the national level competitions were declared on 30th May on
World No Tobacco Day [vide circ.Acad-13/2014, Acad-14/2014] Outside the home, the school is the
most influential environment and it has been encouraging to see how willingly youngsters have
taken healthy attitudes and ideas to heart when they are exposed to information that foster those
values.
The Board has published the unified Secondary and Senior School Curriculum Documents for
the classes IX-X and XI-XII simultaneously, from the current academic session 2014-15 [vide
circ.Acad-17/2014]. This is to enable schools to accurately access the required information, year
and class-wise.
The CBSE, in its vision of an Inclusive Education, defines a good educational programme
as one that depends upon the needs of the individual child. Thus, it is essential for mainstream
and special-needs schools to build their students skills based on their individual strengths and
challenges. The affiliated schools celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd May 2014
[Notification No.20] by conducting seminars and lectures for teachers and students, conducting
awareness raising quizzes and poster displays.
In order to ensure transparency in the CBSE Teacher and Mentor Awards, the Board proposes
to select the awardees for the year 2013-2014 from the list of candidates selected based on
their performance and participation in addition to the following criteria: reputation in the local
community, academic efficiency and desire for its improvement, interest in and love for children
and involvement in the social life of the community. Stakeholders have been invited to participate
by sending in their feedback online, on a prescribed online format.

4 Digital Equity
 Digital Equity for our students has become an important educational goal. Although
substantial gains have been made through the Boards no paper practice, where schools and their
stakeholders need to access information about the latest academic and administrative directives
uploaded in the website. The increasing use of ICT to conduct school surveys and popular literary
competitions, which bring the digital world closer to the schools, no matter where they are located,
across all time-zones, in real-time.
Nevertheless, the question of digital equity for children demands that we find different
answers, as technology availability improves and the type of technology required in the outside world
keeps changing every few years. Besides, pro-active strategies by schools should also include access
to computer use by students in the primary classes, for both genders without bias, the differently-
abled and children from disadvantaged sections of society or any other characteristics which are
linked to inequality. Besides, for more equitable access to information, the Board recommends the
greater digitalisation of subject content which is cost-effective and its integration in the classroom
pedagogy. Digital equity is a social-justice goal that has to be pursued relentlessly, or else the future
will be burdened with youth who are technologically illiterate.

Vineet Joshi
Chairman,
Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi

April-June 2014 5
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dh la[;k dks lekfo"V fd;k tkrk Fkk ftUgksaus fu/kkZfjr ikB~; lkefxz;ksa dh vf/kdrk dks vkRelkr djrs
gq, cksMZ dh ijh{kkvksa esa O;kid :i ls iz'uksa ds mkj fn;s FksA ysfdu 21oha lnh dh ^f'k{kk* dh bl le>
dks] mRikn ;k lkexzh lapkfyr n`f"Vdks.k dh vksj ls cnydj ,d ,sls u, ikB~;e y{;ksa dks izkIr djus
ds fy, iqujdsafr fd;k x;k gS tks fd lgt lqyHk lwpukvksa rFkk lapkj izkS|ksfxdh ICT }kjk lefFkZr
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os lHkh Nk=ksa dks dEI;wVj f'k{k.k d{kkvksa ds ek/;e ls Hkfo"; ds fy, rS;kj djsa D;ksafd ;g dEI;wVj ,oa
izkS|ksfxdh ls lacaf/kr visf{kr dkS'kyksa rFkk varfuZfo"V Kku dks fodflr djrk gSA
Hkkjr ljdkj us ^fMftVy Hkkjr dk;Ze* ds fy, ,d ,sls [kkds dks rS;kj djus dh eatwjh nh gS
ftlds ek/;e ls 2018 rd lHkh ljdkjh lsokvksa dks bysDVkWfud :i iznku djus dh ifjdYiuk dh xbZ
gSA lkFk gh ;g ^,d ewyHkwr mi;ksfxrk ds :i esa mPpxfr ds baVjusV* dks xzke iapk;r ds fupys Lrj
rd Hkh miyC/k djk,xk rFkk tUe ls e`R;q rd ,d fof'k"V thoui;ZUr] vkWuykbu ,oa fo'oluh; &
fMftVy igpku iznku djsxkA blfy,] bl iz'u ftldk mkj nsus dh vkt gesa vko';drk gS fd D;k
orZeku f'k{kk lHkh Nk=ksa dks ,d ,sls Hkfo"; ds fy, rS;kj dj jgh gS \
dsUh; ek/;fed f'k{kk cksMZ us fo|ky;h f'k{kk dks lkFkZd ,oa izklafxd cukus ij fujarj cy fn;k gS
D;ksafd ;g ekuo lalk/ku ds fodkl ds fy, ,d 'kfDr'kkyh midj.k ds :i ds dk;Z djrk gSA gkykafd]
Nk= leqnk; ds dqN oxks dks ,slh f'k{kk] tks fd mUgsa dkWyst@egkfo|ky; ;k dk;Z{ks= rd igqapkus ds
fy, vko';d ;ksX;rk nsxh] ml rd leku igqap cukus ds fy, vf/kd lg;ksx dh vko';drk gSA ;gka
fo|ky;ksa ds fy,] i;kZIr ek=k esa lLrs] xq.kokkiw.kZ gkMZos;j dks ikus ds fy, cktkj [kkstuk rFkk ftuds
?kjksa esa dEI;wVj dh lqfo/kk gS vkSj ftuds ikl ;g ugha gS] muds chp ds Kku ,oa dkS'ky ds vUrj dks
nwj djus ds fy, de ykxr okys rFkk vklku baVjusV midj.k ,oa eqDr&lkWVos;j lzksrksa dks ryk'kuk]
,d cM+h pqukSrh gSA blds vfrfjDr] fMftVy bfDoVh vkafdd lkE; dks lqfuf'pr djus dk vFkZ] lHkh
Lrjksa ij fo|ky; f'k{kdksa dh dEI;wVj {kerk dk fodkl djuk Hkh gS D;ksafd os gh lHkh Nk=ksa esa fMftVy
lkE; dks lqfuf'pr djus okys lcls egRoiw.kZ lzksr gSaA blds lkFk gh izf'kf{kr f'k{kd] izkS|ksfxdh ds
izHkko'kkyh ,oa l{ke iz;ksx }kjk viuh ikB;kstuk ,oa f'k{k.k 'kkL= esa vf/kd ,dhr@lexz n`f"Vdks.k
ykus esa l{ke gksaxsA
tSlk fd igys crk;k x;k gS] mPp f'k{kk ;k dk;Z{ks= ds fy, gh Nk=ksa dks rS;kj djuk f'k{kk dk
izkFkfed ms'; gSA fo|ky;ksa esa dEI;wVj izkS|ksfxdh dk mfpr iz;ksx] Hkkjh cLrksa ds cks> dh izpfyr

6 Digital Equity
leL;k ftls Kkuo`f) dk vL= le>k tkrk gS dks leqfpr rjhds ls de djus esa lgk;rk djrk gSA
fdlh Hkh O;fDr }kjk dgha] fdlh Hkh le; lwpukvksa dk HkaMkj.k] vklku jh&dksfMax rFkk Mh&dksfMax }kjk
,oa mudh iqu% izkfIr] dq'kyrkiwoZd mi;ksx dh tkus okyh ,d egRoiw.kZ lqfo/kk gSA
pwafd] vHkh ,oa Hkfo"; esa Hkh] Nk=ksa }kjk fdlh u fdlh :i esa thou dh xq.kokk dks c<+kus esa
lkekftd ,oa O;kolkf;d laidZ ds fy, izkS|ksfxdh ds iz;ksx dh vko';drk gksxh] vr% ;g dsoy fo|ky;
esa gh laHko gS fd ,d lqfoK] O;Ld ,oa ukxfjd cuus ds fy, lHkh Nk=ksa dks] fcuk mudh i`"BHkwfe dh
egRo fn;s fdl rjg dEI;wVj dks mi;ksx fd;k tk, ;g lh[kus] vkWuykbu vuqla/kku dk lapkyu djus]
baVjusV lfQx] ;fn vkWuykbu lwpuk oS| gks rks tkap dk rjhdk lh[kus] bZ&esy rFkk usVofdx ds ek/;e
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ds fodkl dk Hkh nkf;Ro ysus dk volj izkIr gks ldrk gSA rduhd&izseh Nk= leL;kvksa dk lek/kku
djus ds fy, funsZ'kksa dks dq'kyrkiwoZd :i ns ldrs gSa vkSj ;gka rd fd ikB~;e ls ijs tkdj dbZ
:iksa esa viuh jpukRedrk dks vfHkO;Dr dj ldrs gSa ;k vkRefo'okl ds lkFk vkcafVr dk;ks dks iwjk
dj ldrs gSaA Nk= viuh fu/kkZfjr iqLrdksa ;k vius v/;kidksa dh f'k{k.k 'kSfy;ksa ds fu/kkZfjr ekinaMksa dh
dfe;ksa ij fcuk /;ku fn, viuh [kqn dh ,d oSpkfjd lajpuk dk fuekZ.k dj ldrs gSaA ;s gh dkS'ky
egRoiw.kZ thou dkS'ky gSA
u'ks ,oa rEckdw dk bLrseky yksxksa ds thou dks fdlh u fdlh :i esa izHkkfor djrk gS ysfdu
blds izHkko ls cPps gh lcls T;knk vlqjf{kr gSaA CBSE us rEckdw dks ^uk* dgks uke dk ,d ikf{kd
jk"Vh; vfHk;ku 'kq: fd;k Fkk ftlesa iksLVj esfdax] dkVwZu fp=.k] fuca/k ys[ku] dgkuh ys[ku] iz'ukskjh
dh izfr;ksfxrk,a fo|ky; Lrj ij 'kkfey dh xbZ Fkha vkSj bl jk"Vh; Lrj dh izfr;ksfxrk dk ifj.kke
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vdk-&14@2014A ?kj ds vfrfjDr fo|ky; gh lcls izHkko'kkyh okrkoj.k gksrk gS vkSj oLrqr% bl
vfHk;ku dks ;g ns[kus ds fy, gh izksRlkfgr fd;k x;k Fkk fd tc ;qok Nk= ,slh lwpuk ls voxr gq,]
tks fd muesa ewY;ksa dks laof/kZr djrk gS] rc mUgksaus fdruh rRijrk vkSj LosPNk ls vius fny esa bu
LokLF;o/kZd fopkjksa ,oa O;ogkjksa dks txg nhA
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,oa mPp fo|ky;h ikB~;e ds nLrkost izdkf'kr fd, gSa nsf[k, ifji= la[;k vdk-&17@2014A ;g
fo|ky;ksa dks o"kZ ,oa d{kkokj] visf{kr tkudkfj;ksa dk Bhd&Bhd mi;ksx djus esa l{ke cukrk gSA
lekos'kh f'k{kk dh viuh fopkj/kkjk dks CBSE ,d vPNs 'kSf{kd dk;Ze }kjk ifjHkkf"kr djrk
gS] tks fd gj cPps dh vko';drk ij fuHkZj djrk gSA bl izdkj eq[;/kkjk ,oa fo'ks"k vko';drk okys
fo|ky;ksa ds fy, ;g vko';d gks tkrk gS fd os O;fDrxr {kerkvksa ,oa pqukSfr;ksa ds vk/kkj ij vius
Nk=ksa esa dkS'kyksa dk fuekZ.k djsaA CBSE ls lac) fo|ky;ksa us 2 ebZ] 2014 dks vf/klwpuk la[;k&20

April-June 2014 7
f'k{kdksa ,oa Nk=ksa ds fy, tkx:drk c<+kus okyh iz'ukskjh ,oa iksLVj izn'kZfu;ksa] lsfeukjksa ,oa O;k[;kuksa
dk vk;kstu djds fo'o vkWfVTe tkx:drk fnol euk;k FkkA
dsekf'kcks f'k{kd ,oa ijke'kZnkrk iqjLdkj esa ikjnf'kZrk lqfuf'pr djus ds e esa cksMZ us] LFkkuh;
leqnk;ksa esa izfr"Bk] vdknfed n{krk ,oa blds lq/kkj dh bPNk ,oa :fp rFkk cPpksa ds izfr I;kj vkSj
leqnk; ds lkekftd thou esa Hkkxhnkjh tSls ekun.Mksa ds vk/kkj ij p;fur mEehnokjksa dh lwph ls o"kZ
2013&14 ds fy, iqjLdkj fotsrkvksa ds p;u dk izLrko j[kk gSA blds fy, fgr/kkjkdksa dks] fu/kkZfjr
vkWuykbu izk:i ij viuh vkWuykbu izfrf;k Hkstdj Hkkx ysus ds fy, vkeaf=r fd;k x;k gSA
gekjs Nk=ksa ds fy, vkafdd lkE; ,d egRoiw.kZ 'kSf{kd y{; cu x;k gSA gkykafd cksMZ ds dksbZ
dkxt ugha vH;kl ds ek/;e ls i;kZIr ykHk feyk gSA tgka fo|ky;ksa ,oa muds fgr/kkjdksa dks osclkbV
ij viyksM fd, x, uohure 'kS{kf.kd ,oa iz'kklfud funsZ'kksa ls lacaf/kr lwpukvksa dk miHkksx djus dh
vko';drk gS rFkk ICT ds c<+rs mi;ksx ls lacaf/kr lwpukvksa ds fy, fo|ky;ksa dk losZ{k.k rFkk yksdfiz;
lkfgfR;d izfr;ksfxrkvksa dk lapkyu djus dh vko';drk gS tks fd fo|ky;ksa dks fMftVy lalkj ds
djhc fcuk bldh ijokg fd, fd os dgka vofLFkr gSa] mUgsa lHkh leku le; {ks= ls ijs ,d okLrfod
le; esa ys vkrk gSA
fQj Hkh] cPpksa ds fy, fMftVy lkE; dk iz'u ;g ekax djrk gS fd ge izkS|ksfxdh dh miyC/krk
esa lq/kkj rFkk ckgj dh nqfu;k esa visf{kr izkS|ksfxdh ds izdkjksa esa] gj o"kZ gksus okys cnykoksa ds gy [kkstsaA
blds vfrfjDr fo|ky;ksa }kjk lf; uhfr;ksa ds lkFk] fcuk fdlh iwokZxzg ls xzflr gq, izkFkfed d{kkvksa
ds lHkh Nk=ksa] ftuesa fof'k"V ;ksX;rk&;qDr rFkk lekt ds oafpr oxks ls vkus okys Nk=ksa ;k vU; fdlh
fof'k"Vrkvksa] tks fd vlekurk ls tqM+h gks] okys Nk= dks dEI;wVj dk mi;ksx djus dk volj iznkj fd;k
tkuk pkfg,A blds lkFk gh] tkudkfj;ksa rd vkSj vf/kd U;k;laxr igqap ds fy, cksMZ fo"k; lkefxz;ksa
ds vf/kd ls vf/kd fMftVyhdj.k dk Hkh lq>ko nsrk gS tks fd ykxr&izHkkoh gS rFkk d{kk&f'k{k.k esa
bldk ,dhdj.k Hkh gksrk gSA vkafdd&lkE;] ,d lkekftd U;k; dk y{; gS] ftls fujarj viuk;k tkuk
pkfg, ojuk Hkfo"; rduhdh :i ls vui<+ ;qokvksa ds cks> rys ncdj jg tk,xkA

fouhr tks'kh
v;{k
dsUh; ek;fed f'k{kk cksMZ] fnYyh

8 Digital Equity
 Feedback Forum
Dear Sir,

Please accept my deepest thanks for being a part of the National Progressive Schools Conference. It was
indeed one of the highlights of the Conference to listen to your thoughts and ideas. May we continue to be
a part of your sharing space. I look forward to you being with us again, sometime in the future, depending
upon your convenience.

All N.P.S.C. members have requested me to thank you on their behalf.

With warm regards,

Mrs. Ameeta Mulla Wattal

Chairperson,
National Progressive Schools Conference (N.P.S.C.)
Principal,
Springdales School, Pusa Road, New Delhi

Dear Sir,

On behalf of PHD Chamber, I would like to extend to your heart felt gratitude for your kind presence as
Guest of Honour during the International Conference on Skilling in Schools on 11 April 2014 at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi.

With the participation of 19 speakers in 3 sessions, the Conference was marked by intellectual deliberations
and brainstorming with attendance of more than 380 participants.

The conference was an effort to address the issues, challenges and opportunities of skill Development foo
students in schools with stress on training of staff for imparting vocational education and its linkages with
their higher education. As you are aware that CBSE is putting continual efforts for improvising the existing
courses and devising new courses that are relevant to the industry.

Once again, I deeply appreciate you for taking out your precious time to participate in the Conference, We
will keep on updating you for all the happenings in this sector and hope to look forward to your continued
support and guidance in our forthcoming events.

With warm regards,

Yours sincerely

Sharad Jaipuria
President
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PHD House,
4/2 Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi-110016

April-June 2014 9
 Respected Sir,

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to you for kindly acceding to our request to join us as the Chief
Guest at the Felicitation Ceremony of 31st Aryabhatta-Inter School Mathematics Competition in our school
on Friday, 21st February, 2014.

Congratulating and encouraging the winners, you emphasized the need for girt and perseverance in overcoming
obstacles and achieving one's goals in life. What could have been the best way to encourage the young minds
than quoting the example of Prof. Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who overcame the limitations imposed
on her by her condition to become a Ph.D. and expert in the field of animal husbandry? You also emphasized
on the role of teachers in bringing our latent talent in the students.

Your views are indeed full of wisdom as you have a rich experience of life with you and we have indeed become
richer on hearing the same.

Once again we are grateful to you for the gift of your time, the honour of your presence and sharing the
momentous occasion with the Summer Fields family.

With warm regards

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Rema Alex Daniel

Principal
Summer Fields School
Kailash Colony, New Delhi

10 Digital Equity
 Digital Equity : Demand of the Hour
 Dr. (Mrs.) Neeru Joshi*
Digital Equity provides all students adequate access to information and communication technologies for
learning and for preparing for the bright future regardless of gender. Socio economic status, physical problem,
language, race or any other feature that have been linked with unequal and unsatisfactory treatment. Students
must be given equal opportunities to access to technology to prevent them to be called technologically illiterate
and unprepared for their future. Schools must take the initiative to provide a platform for students to access
technology outside the classroom as well. We need to continue to challenge perceptions about the role of technology
in education. We can expect from our technology- savvy teachers to integrate digital text and other accessible
formats into classrooms routines and activities in ways and truly speaking that does not require major shifts in their
instructional practices. If no source in available, School may need to create accessible formats by whatever means
that are available and appropriate, such as scanning printed materials to create a digital file, recording lectures
to create an audio file or enlarging on a copy machine. Teachers will certainly need this method for unpublished
materials, such as teachers designed handouts and tests. The CBSE has already initiated for ICT in schools and
to motivate teachers ICT Awards are also bestowed to teachers who remarkably review the use of ICT in their
work. In particular they strive to ensure greater integration of ICT within the teaching and learning activities in
classrooms and other settings.
Schools must ensure that ICT is used to support students with special educational needs in the most
effective and appropriate way. We can expect our teachers to match fewer students needs to the most appropriate
technology available.
Digital equity provides teachers with a range of new tools to facilitate traditional pedagogies. It also helps
teachers with the potential to develop new teaching methods. For the student growing up in a culture of all
pervasive technology, Digital equity provides new and more exciting and relevant learning opportunities. Teachers
cannot afford to ignore the potential of Digital Equity for enhancing teaching and learning in their classrooms.
Students must be provided with the opportunity to develop the competence required to equip them for life in a
knowledge-based society. It is a big challenge as many schools in India have no computer or internet access. They
hardly know about interactive Smart Board or Smart class. Students do not know how to prepare a Powerpoint
presentation, such is the status of schools in the country where in students and teachers are not computer savvy.
Needless to say, if schools will not be concerned for digital equity, they cannot claim to prepare effective and smart
young Indians as it is tech-savvy world where it is mandatory for students to be updated with all happenings around
them related to content. Please do compare two students, one is tech-savvy and is aware of the content given in a
book with a wide range of supported and integrated material, while others only cram the content with no other
related connection to the topic. For sure, the former because it is updated with everything and is considered to
have more potential than the latter.
I also admit that, the unhealthy and non-selective use of internet by students is a terrible vice, but parents
and teachers need to work as moderators and be smart enough to show students the way which is decisively taken
by them for their holistic development. There are many areas of concern also but how to handle these challenges
depends upon the policies of the school, teachers, parents who act as torchbearers for the young brigade.
Among greatest of all the services that can be rendered by a man
to almighty God is education or training of children.
* Principal, Baal Baari Public School, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

April-June 2014 11
 Right to Digital Equity
 Kritika Seth*
Digital equity a phrase or expression that is beyond the imagination of the common man. We have often
heard about economic or social equity but few of us might have heard about digital equity.
Digital equity is the right of each student. As we talk about fundamental rights of each citizen, how many
of us even think about this right of digital equity of a student. Digital equity is more important for a student who
is dreaming to change the world.
Digital equity means that all students should have access to information and communication technologies
for learning. Whatever may be the economic or social status, race or gender-digital equity should be available
for us. The whole world is digitalizing today. You just think of anything where technology is not used. The whole
world is progressing but the question is, how many students are digital friendly? Survey shows that we have not
achieved the target of digital equity. Though all private schools are trying to achieve this level by making computer
education compulsory for all. But how many parents can afford to get their child enrolled in good private schools
where computer education is a part and parcel of educations. In government schools this target of digital equity
is still far beyond their reach. They hardly provide any real opportunity to students to be so able to access the
technology. They hardly even try to relate technology with education.
On the contrary, many school boards are trying to achieve the level of digital equity by making computer
education compulsory in schools and by a conducting various competitions for students where technology is used.
All the schools should help the true sense to attain this level. It is serious issue for the growth of a child.
In my opinion, to create awareness of and achieve digital equity, some innovative digital labs should be
installed by the government where students can freely access the technology. All the trained teachers should come
forward to teach the students in these labs voluntarily. In this way we can spread technology even in slum areas,
where they cant even dream about it. This will definitely change the personality of the child. If human beings can
dare to step on Moon or Mars, why cant we dare to make a wi-fi world. Just dream about it because dream is the
seed of truth. All educators should put their heads together to achieve this level of digital equity. Lets give this
motto to our students and teachers to achieve digital equity

The philosophy of the school room in one generation

will be the philosophy of government in the next.
 Abraham Lincoln

* Principal, G.M.T. International public school, Kakowal, Ludhiana, Punjab

12 Digital Equity
 It's Not Just About Access Anymore !
 L. K. Trivedi*
In simple terms, digital equity means all students have adequate access to information and communications
technologies for learning and for preparing for the future-regardless of socioeconomic status, physical disability, language,
race, gender, or any other characteristics that have been linked with unequal treatment. (Soloman, 2002)
We cannot achieve excellence in education without equity. Every student needs adequate access to
instructional resources and support services in order to achieve academically.
Digital Equity is a term that often goes hand-in-hand with digital divide- discussions. The term digital
divide refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those
with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalances in physical access to technology as well as the
imbalances in resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen. The digital literacy and
technology invaded the classrooms in the early 1970s wherein the impregnable bastion of traditional learning
based on rote and memory retention was totally shattered and has made way for research based, innovative,
divergent and critical learning. Initially it was the prerogative of the elite schools who could afford it and reap
the benefits of digital learning.
Education is seen as a route to full participation in society, and the use of learning technology is perceived as a means
of widening participation in education.
The lack of access to educational technology - or an absence of informed guidance regarding its use, can
actually magnify the inequities in students educational experiences and further limit their opportunities in
becoming functional citizens.
The World Wide Web contains an increasingly vast array of valuable content for instruction, staff
development, and research on effective educational practices. Yet, what most of us regard as the Web is better
described, by the library profession, as the Surface Web and represents a small fraction of the content one can
obtain via the Deep Web. The Surface Web consists of materials that are publicly available. Indias K12 student
population is growing increasingly and intensifying the need for schools to use technology-based education as well
as other means to engage students in using relevant content. These dramatic demographic trends are challenging
educators and schools to serve student populations with the technology based education.
We have made many gains bridging the access gap but many challenges still block the road to digital equity.
A continued commitment focused on access to high-end technologies, well-trained teachers, high-quality content,
and student-centered instruction for all, will take us a long way toward achieving digital equity.

* Principal and Director, Roots International School, Noorpur, Uttar Pradesh

April-June 2014 13
 Laxmanrekha The limitations
 Dinesh Jindal*
Digital equity in the school system signifies that the students are equipped with the skills to make use of
information technology to update, knowledge communicate and interpret of data, in order to be future ready for
learning, irrespective of their varied backgrounds.
Acquiring digital equity should be the dream and aim of every school which will enable them to provide
equal opportunities to their students to use tools and resources required to be effective students, who could
participate in todays digitally powered world; Digital Equity has become a virtual necessity, lack which means
lack of opportunities, This might push the students to encounter problems related to education, career, finance
and the social adjustment, these limitations might affect their quality of life.
The term Digital Equity seems a catchy and positive connotation, at first glance. Its Stake holders might
take it to be very easy to get equipped, whereas digital equity connotes much more then the mechanical and
digital part. It is a whole ambit, which encompasses tools and kits like computers, digital equipment and services
like internet etc. with content base in various modes. The Hardware plays a role only of an infrastructure, the
quality, the soul lies somewhere else, it is the content, and various extensions of the content like its definition,
interpretation, comparison, implication etc. that gives weight to the term Digital Equity.
Since its evolution, the human race, has kept on acquiring new assets for survival, the mode, pattern, shape,
system and utility of these assets kept on changing with the advancement of civilization. During the stone age,
skills of hunting were such an asset, during the neolithic period language and script become prominent, during
ancient times skills to settle and agriculture, during the medieval ages skills to fight, write and progress, during
modern time skills to manufacture, trade, services etc and during the 21st century initially, it has been acquiring
knowledge through various modes. The present time is the time of neo-millennial and thus Digital Equity is the
most coveted asset.
There are many limitations to acquiring digital equity, viz,
1. Teachers themselves should be aware of how to integrate technology into their pedagogy.
2. The teacher also requires latest and updated quality software and resources related to their subject of
teaching.
3. The students and teachers should have access to the internet and cloud technology.
4. The orientation for teachers is required across various dimensions such as:
a. Content planning
b. Synchronizing the content with age appropriate syllabus.
c. Content creation and development
d. Strategising the content and justifying its relevance with social cultural and academic domains.

* Director and Principal, City Coordinator (EA), Rawal Public School, Ballabgarh, Faridabad

14 Digital Equity
 e. Developing threads of effective use.
f. Editing to ensure quality in the content
g. Integrating all academic resources with technology resources
5. Removing physical disability is a major task before acquiring digital equity.
6. Socio-economic stakes also hinder the acquiring of digital equity such as barriers of language, race, gender
etc. which are directly linked to unequal treatment.
7. The effective student-computer ratio required should be 5:,1 whereas it is not even 20:1 in Indian schools
which that is a great deterrent.
8. Teaching needs to go beyond the text, only digital equity can strengthen the core of the subject by giving
extensions to it, across curricula, and relating it to the domains of survival.
9. One of the major limitations in achieving digital equity is that, we are the first generation of neomillennial,
thus the initial inertia.
Let us all resolve in the silver jubilee year of creation of www by Sir Tim Berners Lee, that we shall remove
all the anomalies mentioned and make digital equity a reality because school leaders can play a ticket role in this
evolution and revolution.

April-June 2014 15
 Future Endeavour
 Mrs. Anahita Zubin Najmi*
One of our significant intents is to contribute to the domain of education. We aspire to set up an institution
of substance wherein a child acquires knowledge spontaneously and effortlessly.
Teens World Corporate School is endorsed to design student centered educational approaches so that the
inimitability of every child is implicit, valued and taken the utmost care of. We venture to make an impact on
our students by imbibing in their tender minds, the true value of humanity. I personally believe that every child
is innately giftedgifted with implausible senses; hearing, speaking and feeling. Educational field has termed
these senses as Listening, Reading and Speaking skills.
We, should leave no stone unturned to nurture the child in every area of education. It is very important to
train a child with moral values, etiquettes and wisdom. But involving a child in physical activities like sports and
martial arts has become a very significant factor in every educational institution, today. Considering the present
scenario of our country, it has forced me to conduct this activity for every student. I want the boys and girls to
participate whole-heartedly in this activity, which would help them to gain self-confidence and prepare themselves
for self-defense.
Initially, my decision was opposed by a few parents. Unfortunately, sixty percent of the girls come from
traditional background and their parents opined that girls are delicate species and that they rather learn indoor
skills like sewing and cooking. This was a grave situation for me and I knew that I have to make my girls prove
their abilities. It was difficult, but not an impossible task to convince the parents to encourage their daughters to
learn martial arts. It took me just an hour to bring the facts before the parents who were of the opinion that, girls
should only learn household activities, to change their mindset. It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to see
the girls practising karate with complete dedication and energy. Hence, we have made an attempt of introducing
martial arts in our school as an obligatory subject. It is an extra-curricular activity, the students will be observed by
the respective class teachers and the P.T. teacher during the training sessions. One hour per day has been allotted
twice a week for karate training for the students of Grade IV to Grade IX. Students of Grade I, II and III will
be taught aerobics during those hours.
It is rightly claimed that, The best speaker can be the best leader. To produce good speakers, students
should be trained in speaking skills right from the toddlers age. Public speaking is one such leisure interest we
have introduced simultaneously in our school curriculum. Facing the audience with confidence and addressing a
crowd with grace and poise, audibility, eye contact are some of the fundamental traits which will be a part of the
training program.
The public have a very wrong perception about debates. Arguing, being voluble, a vociferous attitude and
coarseness of speech are traits observed during debates. The youth ascertain their facts through news channels
wherein they view the sad plight of our leaders hurling objects at each other behaving clamorously and not allowing
the adversary to express his/her views. These inappropriate approaches hamper the tender minds and coerce them
to use invalid arguments and use bad language. Hence, to inculcate true value of words and language, we train

* Principal, Teens World Corporate School, Boisar, Maharashtra

16 Digital Equity
every child from Kindergarten to Grade X to articulate their views in the most dignified manner. Students are
trained to debate with confidence and grace. Every participant will be educated in moral values. They are exposed
to the fact that the opponent should be offered an opportunity to express her/his views without restraint. To learn
the skills of debating explicitly, two groups of teachers demonstrated the debate before the students. The students
thus, learn effortlessly when concepts are demonstrated to them.
The saying, If a woman is educated, the complete family is educated hence, we have taken the responsibility of
training the mothers of our students to speak in English. Spoken English classes will commence in the month
of June in the school auditorium. The Principal, with the assistance of the English teachers, trains the parents in
spoken english. It is a course offered by the school to the parents voluntarily.
In this competitive world, children feel harried. They tend to be the victims of stress and depression.
Pressurized by the three entities; school, parents and private tutors, these young souls develop fear for studies and
perplexities in educative genre. The ultimate consequences are disastrous, loss of self-confidence, lethargy, restlessness
or in some cases it may lead to over-confidence. Thus, to keep the childrens performance going well, they need
to be counseled on a regular basis. Every child should be patiently dealt with. Every teacher essentially plays a
role of a mentor to the students. Individual attention then becomes an important issue in such circumstances. In
order to avoid disruptive conditions school must plan innovative recreational programmes.
A zero period of forty five minutes on the first and the third Saturdays of the month have been allotted.
During this period, students from kindergarten to Grade ten are expected to run down to the quadrangle of the
school. They dance to their favorite music played by the music teacher. The activity is carefully observed by all the
staff. After the forty five minutes of recreation, silence is observed for the rest of the school hours.
This activity has greatly enabled us to make the students concentrate better as they return to their respective
classrooms with complete satisfaction. The reason behind their silence and concentration is purely release of
extra energy. It is observed that the students feel relaxed and content after releasing all the energy that has been
accumulated in their system. Due to family constraint and school restrictions, children are forced to kill their desires
which make them restless. Once, their desires are accomplished, their minds are reset for new assimilation. This
enables them to concentrate on whats being taught during the class hours, and comprehend the subject matter
which further develops interest for learning.
The youth of today is the future of our country; hence, nurturing the tender minds at the early age has
become our prime responsibility. Restrictions should be now replaced by counseling and reprimanding should be
replaced with sensitivity.
Every child is born with the same aptitude. Inculcating moral values and knowledge in the child, is the
responsibility of the parents and teachers. Parents and teachers are hence known to be the gardeners who nurture
the children in the best possible way.
Every staff of Teens World Corporate School strives hard to enhance the innate skills of students. Individual
attention is given, which has made every student confident enough to approach the teacher when in need. Various
inspirational ideas and strategies are designed to raise the educational standard of the institution where not only
the students but also the teachers develop in their skills.

April-June 2014 17
 Social Justice Goals
 Dr. Anita Bhalla*
In todays fast paced world where everything is technology-based and every one is technologically
proficient, the role of internet, computer and technological tools is very vital. Gone are the days when people
depended on books, encyclopaedias and learned persons to know about anything. But now, all information is
available at the click of a button. Not at only computer or laptops but on smart phones which are quite handy
and easily used. Digital equity ensures that everyone has equal opportunity to use the tools and resources
needed so as to participate as a citizen in todays digitally powered world. The person who is not equipped
digitally is unable to encounter educational, economical and social problems and ultimately gets affected by
his/her deteriorating quality of life.
Technology is so important to our lives that it may be hard to believe that, still there are many who have
limited access to and knowledge of resources available online. Children who are born computer and techno-
savvy cannot imagine their parents having difficulty using these devices. No doubt cell phones have bridged the
gap to some extent. So digital equity is the social justice goal of ensuring that everyone in our society has equal
access to technological tools, computer and internet and it is possible only when all Indians have access to these.
The preparation needs to be started at the very primary stage of students because if it is not used in schools
or classrooms, then we are just leaving many youths technologically illiterate. Quoting here some examples A
ten-year old operates a computer adeptly and completes his/her homework through 'google'. As a routine, he
spends his mornings in one of the top-most schools with of smart-classes and then spends his/her evenings in
the personality-development classes where he/she gives computer-presentations regularly to hone his/her skills
for a potentially competitive life, coming ahead.
Beyond the barricades of chai-walas, hawkers and carts, are the government-quarters, where lives
another ten-year old, who for the hundredth time, delves into his/her science book, mugging up the paragraphs
word for word.
As predictable as it sounds, the latter has been topping ever-since in the numerical-grading system of his/
her state-owned school while the former out of all competitions in the sophisticated alphabet-grading system
and shares an A grade with fifty others of his/her school.
Clearly, technology has brought the world to our feet - at least at the feet of a majority. Even then the
question of digital-inequality is indisputably present. Digital-studies is the new mathematics that every literate
needs to study, and irrespective of the training. The present society expects everyone to be computer.
In schools, undoubtedly, it is started at the initial stage but gap starts to widen as children move to higher
classes, the reason for which is fewer computers and software programmes. In poorer schools, the gap is widened.
But digital equity aims to ensure all have access to information and communication technologies for learning
regardless of socio-economic status, physical disability, language ,race ,gender or any other characteristics that
have been linked with unequal treatment. As a result the stress and advancement is increasing as it is observed that

* Principal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Sohan Lal Public School, Amritsar, Punjab

18 Digital Equity
between 1993-1999, percentage of classroom with internet access grew from 3% to 65% and at the end of 2001,
99% of public schools had access to internet except some extremely poor schools. Advancement is increasing at
a much fastest pace, but digital equity goals are still a major concern.
To allow children to reap the greatest benefits from using technology, age-appropriate software must also
be developed. They need to be well designed so that children could be engaged in a process of exploration by
maintaining their interest and encouraging active participation from their side rather than and watching. Another
important factor is the efficient use of computers by deploying competent staff.

Digital India

April-June 2014 19
 Digital Equity
 Mrs. Rooma Pathak*
Teaching in the Internet age means we must teach tomorrows skills today.
Great revolution has come in the field of education due to innovations in teaching. No longer teaching
nowadays is limited to black board, chalk and duster. It was confined and centered round the rigid patterns
of education but in modern times the horizon of imparting education has increased manifold. In fact April
Chamberlain has rightly said, Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our
students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum
we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.
This is an era of information technology. In fact, 'seeing is believing' is a new trend. Technology has indeed
become master in every domain of our lives especially in education which brings us to the reality that; Gone are
the days of pencil paper and pen learning with technology is indeed a great fun But the question arises what if
this technology does not reach every corner of the country and is limited to the one set of the society. The country
can progress only if there is equal distribution of technology in education which is known as digital equity. All the
sections of the society walk together, be it rural or urban, then only, the country can prosper and progress. Limited
access will decrease the growth of the nation. In fact digital equity refers to social justice, a goal that all students
have an access to information and technology regardless of socio-economic status, physical disability, language,
race and gender. From 1993-1999, classes that were over powered with technology rose from 5% to 65% and by
the end of 2009, 99% of public and private sectors had the control over the technology, but what about the rest?
The government has thought of introducing Tab at a very nominal price, which is a welcome step. Government
schools are also being provided with computers with internet facility so that weaker and poorer sections would
not be deprived of it. But still, there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between the HAVE and HAVE NOTS,
so that every child may use this technology. Literacy to All should be the top most priority so that students of all
age groups can interact, share and learn on a global scale. Proper training imparted to weaker sections can go a
long way in making the digital equity achieve its purpose. In fact it has been rightly said by David Warlick that
We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teachers hand, because it is the pen and paper of our
time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.
Learning is also very important means of deepening understanding of the world. Earlier it was confined
and centered round the rigid patterns of education but in modern times the horizon of imparting education has
increased manifold.
Computer technology or the word digital is intended to improve education for the 21st century learner.
It is quite helpful to the teachers as well as students. The course material as well as the important information
can be uploaded on the particular website which means the students can obtain the study material very quickly.
Not only this, in this digital era, problem based learning, project based learning and enquiry based learning with
the help of educational technologies facilitate the pedagogy. For instance, high-tech means companies such as
Google, Verizon and Microsoft are making schools their targets, to develop the ability to teach their students

* Principal, M.M. Public School, Vasudha Enclave, Pitampura, Delhi

20 Digital Equity
through technology which may lead to improved student performance. Innovative idea of publishers like having
CDs at the end of the books is a refreshing change from the usual and monotonous going through the printed
books. But the question arises, what if this technology does not reach every corner of the country and is limited
to one set of the society? The country can progress only if there is equal distribution of technology in education
which is known as Digital Equity. If all the sections of the society are literate, be it rural or urban, then only, the
country can prosper and progress. Limited access decreases the growth of the nation. In fact digital equity refers
to social justice, a goal that all students have an access to information and technology, regardless of socio-economic
status, physical disability, language, race and gender. Barriers of caste, creed and religion have to be transcended
so that every child first of all be literate and computer trained, then only the things will happen differently. In
early 1990s, many elite schools provided their students with regular computer classes and were over powered with
technology. By the end of 20th century, most of the public and private schools have control over the technology
like, smart boards. But, the question that arises is, 'Are all students receiving adequate access to information and
technology specially the rural sector? The answer to this question is No. Proper distribution of digital tools like
one laptop per child and the thought of the government of introducing electronic Tablets at a very nominal price
is a welcome step. Government schools are also being provided computers with internet facility so that weaker
and poorer sections could not be deprived of it. But still, there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between the
HAVE and HAVE NOT so that every single child may use this technology. Literacy to All should be the top
most priority so that students of all age groups can interact, share and learn on a global scale. Proper training to
weaker sections can go a long way in making the digital equity achieve its purpose.
Last but not the least, the role of digital equity is very significant for education, not only for the students,
but also special training for the teachers will make the technology more accessible. The extra time given for the
implementation of the technology and its effectiveness in the classrooms due to some technological problems
may not be limited. Expenditure on the technology improves student outcomes. In fact, according to Heidi-Hayes
Jacobs teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on,
an afterthought, or an event.
The field of education will shine like a glittering diamond only if the technology in education is polished
side by side.

'Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids

working together and motivating them the teacher is the
most important.'
 Bill Gates

April-June 2014 21
 Leave No Child Behind
 Ms. Usha Aswath Iyer*
Digital equity, by definition, "is the goal of ensuring that everyone in our society has equal access to technology tools,
computers, and the Internet," This states that everyone should be able to access computers, but unfortunately this
is not always the case. With the number of Indians living in poverty, not all students have access to the Internet,
let alone a computer outside of school walls.
As a teacher designing a project for my students, one that requires research, I will need to plan the
requirements so as not to leave anyone out. I would never ask a student in front of the class whether or not
they have a computer at home, nor would I assume everyone had one. I would simply have the students answer
questions regarding their projects prior to starting them; this will allow me to see who has access and who doesn't.
From there, I would require that the research be both Internet-based and from book sources, not just one and the
other. Each student would be in charge of the specific content area, despite lack of access to a computer outside
school. The students would be given in class computer time to work on Internet sources, and would be assigned
to research books outside of class. This would allow for every student to be active in the process of the project,
without discriminating against any student. It would also alleviate any embarrassment the lack of a computer
might cause a student to feel.
Critical Issues:
1. What role does technology access play in teaching and learning?
Providing professional development to teachers, building school and district technology infrastructure,
and ensuring equitable access to technology resources within urban and rural settings were specific
issues identified.
2. How do we make digital equity a national priority?
3. How do I become more knowledgeable so that I can support digital equity?
Challenges and solutions
1. Technology is Not Valued as an Instructional Tool. The slogan of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has made it
increasingly difficult to get educators to integrate the use of technology into instruction. Educators must
recognize connections between the digital divide and achievement gaps in order to reframe digital equity
as an essential component of school improvement plans. If they use technology, it is part of an enrichment
activity instead of an integrated instructional component. We must challenge this way of thinking and
encourage educators to embrace the value of using technology as an instructional tool.
2. Educators need Professional Development. Professional development is the key to digital equity. This training
includes helping them understand and use technology for personal and professional productivity, and
more importantly, for integrating technology into instruction to promote student learning. The problem is
exacerbated when, teachers who are lacking skills are afraid to ask for help.

* Deputy Commissioner and Director, Zonal Institute of Education and Training (ZIET), Bhubaneswar, K. V. No.
3 Complex, Mancheswar Railway Colony, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

22 Digital Equity
3. A Signicant Number of Students With Limited Access To Technology Outside Of The School Remains. The challenge
is not just access, but also a good environment where kids are excited about learning or just want a place to
get help on how to use programs, search for information, and so on.Deep concerns are expressed for those
who experience restricted access to technology. Families in poverty cant get hardware or soft ware. They
cant pay for the Internet. The definition of access would mean: For students to have a true appreciation for
technology, they need continued exposure to it outside of the classroom in a constructive manner.
4. Obtaining Funding For Technology Continues to be Difficult. Because technology is not seen as an instructional
tool, funding for it is usually inadequate. Technology is treated as a poor orphan by individual schools with
limited budgets. Limited access to technology is the lack of available resources that are fully functional
and updated. Generally, banks and IT Sectors write off their computers within a year or two in order to
be abreast with developing technology. These computers (they are well maintained and in good condition)
could be donated to schools in rural areas which, otherwise, cannot afford new ones.

April-June 2014 23
 Web : A Treasure trove of Information
 Leena Rai Kalra*
Digital equity is equality on the basis of technological advancements of day-to-day life i.e. the provision of
access to every child to information and communication technology for advancement in learning process regardless
of caste, creed, socio-economic status etc. Therefore, one more addition the right of education in accordance
with the changes in technological achievements where they can have laptops, i-pads, mobiles and computers
complementing the education system.
The treasure trove of knowledge in the form of information on the web, the availability of e-books, the
presence of even the minutest to the detailed version of anything you desire on the net acts as a greatest helping
hand into childs learning. This is not only limited to browsing the net or technological innovations but also the
software developments have led the schools not to remain confined to books, chalk and board style of previous
methodology of teaching but got advanced into the same arena using software and hardware to max. extent through
Smartclass concept where modules of various topics/concepts are in the form of audio/video, animation or 3D
presentations to make the learning easy and effective. The digital innovations in the form of photography has
helped the students capture the moments and compile the project work they are assigned. The gaming consoles, the
creative fusions, or the material from the study point of view available on the world wide web enhances students
learning and the exposure.
Therefore, every student needs to know the changes in the world. This access should also be given to all those
who are either employed or unemployed, as now-a-days, filling of application anis done unanimously through the
internet mode and a number of people still feel helpless. However, this facility has added to the level of comfort,
but reduced personal space, but still digital learning and know-how is the need of the hour.

Research shows that there is only half as much

variation in student achievement between schools as there
is among classrooms in the same school. If you want your
child to get the best education possible, it is actually more
important to get him assigned to a great teacher than to
a great school.
 Bill Gates

* Vice Principal, Dyal Singh Public School, Jarnailly Colony, Karnal, Haryana

24 Digital Equity
 Digital Equity A Must
 Promil Bali*
As computer technology becomes a prevalent ruling factor throughout society, concerns have been raised
about reducing the digital divide between children who are benefiting and those who are devoid of this facility
as they will he left further behind their peers who do.
However, hard our school community tries, we cannot achieve excellence in education without reducing
the disparity in digital access or in other words, bridging the digital divide. Its a hard fact that the road to digital
inclusion is lined with hurdles, but if sincere efforts are made in every sphere of the society a part can be paved
can lead to a more prosperous digital future.
1. Schools can contribute by equipping classrooms with one computer for a group of fine students.
2. Institutes can provide students with take-home technologies where they can loan the laptop computer
as they issue text books.
3. Community access centres can be a boon to the disadvantaged members. Here, they can use the
internet.
4. Schools can improve students access to technology and emphasise more on the quality of its
access.
5. There are some non-profit organizations like Close the Gap, which offer pre owned computers
donated by large and medium sized corporations or public organizations to educational institutes.
Schools can contact such organizations to benefit their students.
6. Stay-back-after-school hours to access technology, can be an additional advantage to those who are
without of these resources at home.

* Principal, Titiksha Public School, New Delhi

April-June 2014 25
 Equitable access to Technology
 Ms. Ruchie Sharma*
Due to the increase in employment in India by the outsourcing movement, some cities have become enclaves
for IT growth, that benefits the middle-class. They are the few links from the IT sector to the rest of the economy,
which is still largely agrarian and has only a few sectors that make significant use of technology, and in a country
that has a great need to put many people to work, there is always the fear of computers replacing them. Unreliable
power, low bandwidth, slow hardware, low purchasing power, and low literacy outside of the metropolitan cities,
ensure that technology diffusion will face difficulties.
The prevalence of proprietary models is another of the most important causes of disparities in digital
resources at the global level. Such considerations lead to developing a more complex conception of digital divide,
on the basis of a different territorial distribution of powers to regulate cyberspace, and to overcome the established
procedure of measuring digital inequalities by analyzing the number of individual access lines per inhabitant. A
useful solution is the use of open software to overcome the digital divide. Also development organizations and
international non-governmental organizations have been emphasizing the high potential of free and open source
software for the less developed countries, with particular reference to the themes of cost reduction and less vendor
dependency.
Hence, availability and accessibility of technology in all classrooms should be a priority for every school.
Also, all students must be prepared for the technology demands of today's workforce and teachers need to prepare
students for it. Making IT education a compulsory for all students should be planned by Governing bodies, in
order for the students to be prepared for the digital society, students have to learn more than just how to use the
internet or software. Also, students of today need an interactive learning environment. Teachers need to engage
students in lessons that require active participation. There is a need to reform education to meet the demands of
today's digital world.

The only person who is educated is the one who has

learned how to learn and change.
 Carl Rogers

* HOD (Computers), Rukmini Devi Public School, Pitampura, Delhi

26 Digital Equity
 Create, Communicate, Collaborate
 Ritu Joshi*
Digital Equity, in laymans language, is equality in terms of access to information and communication
technologies.
The real world presents a negative picture of society, where people living below the poverty line do not have
easy access to computers and we, at present, stand on the edge of The Digital Divide. Firstly because people
below the poverty line do not have any access to formal computer education and secondly, because there is an lack
of proper utilization of available resources. The reason is technology is not properly blended into our daily lives.
A major responsibility for achieving digital equality in society rests on the shoulders of educators and
schools. By providing digital equity in schools, we will not only able to make our students Techno friendly but
it will also ensure a bright future for our students regardless of their socioeconomic status, physical disability,
language or race. Educators by planning their teaching-learning strategies and processes in such a way that they
make optimum use of the latest information and communication technologies, to ensure that such technological
resources are made available to all students. The technology should be so meticulously woven into school education,
that it replaces the traditional ways of learning.
Role of Educators and Schools
Challenge students perception of information and communication technologies
Give as many tasks to the students as you can which challenge their perception of information and
communication technologies. For this, involve them in online discussions and debates. Make sure that they
make the maximum use of technology in creativity their projects in different subjects (e.g. you can give
them power point presentation etc.)
Integrate technology in classroom teaching
Make the best use of resources which involve technology in classroom practices. This can be done by using
smart boards, PPP, video clips, audio clips and virtual lessons in teaching certain topics in the class. This
application-based learning will ensure class room with Digital Equity and in turn a School with Digital
equity in its campus.
Maximize the use of three Cs
Create opportunities for students to have the maximum access to teaching giving a freedom in school to
create, communicate and collaborate by collecting information through the Internet or other Online
sources for completing their tasks, home work, projects etc.
Achieving digital equity in schools
The school aims to achieve not only Digital Equity but also a digital excellence in our students.. For this
the students are being provided free access to graphical application, web applications and development of different

* P.G.T (Biology), Dr. Bansi Dhar School (Sr.Sec), Kota, Rajasthan

April-June 2014 27
modules using HLL. They use the internet to collect information and getting updated about latest technologies.
Students more often prepare their projects and assignments under the guidance and supervision of their subject
teachers, by peer discussions. Teachers make use of L.M.S- Leaning Management System- an online platform
which enables the delivery of instructions, resources and activities to students even outside classroom. Teachers
can provide tailored instructions to students anytime.
We not only strive to achieve Digital Equity among students, but are continuously making effort to reach
to a major goal of providing Digital Equity to the entire society. We believe that using technology tools in various
facets of education will directly or indirectly contribute to attaining Digital Equity.
A free and easy access to the digital world for not only mainstream students but also students with special
needs is a small effort to achieve at the school level. This will surely have a positive impact on various stake-holders
and will also contribute towards making us a digitally equipped nation on the global platform.

28 Digital Equity
 Need to Raise Awareness
 Y. Sreedhar Rao*
It is common to see our students rushing towards the computer lab at the stroke of the bell to secure a seat
in front of the computer. It shows interest computers generate among young students and also speaks volumes
that computers are indispensable in making the teaching learning more lively and effective. It also reveals the
inadequacy of the computers available to students. The digital divide is very wide in India, more particularly in
the rural areas. While computers are commonplace in modern education, many students are deprived of this
important gadget for learning.
Schools and education administrators should make an all-out effort to bridge the digital divide. While it is
a fact that the computers are still very expensive and beyond the reach of the poor, the deprivation of computers
to the students from under served communities will further aggravate the condition and such students will have
a serious setback in their education. The administrators should explore all possibilities to provide computers at
affordable prices to students to make our future citizens digitally competitive and make our country economically
strong. Schools should make use of the several voluntary organizations and software and hardware companies
which are providing computers to schools as a part of their computer education programme.
Merely providing computers to schools does not enable the students to use them effectively in the learning
process. Students should have easy access to the internet to enable them to explore the subject of their choice
instead of depending on a few CDs brought out by commercial agencies. Broadband connectivity should be made
available to all students, though it is still expensive. Though many websites are available on the internet which share
their knowledge free of cost with students, they cannot use them in their learning process as they pose cultural
differences. Therefore, the educational agencies in the country should prepare quality content which is culturally
relevant. Lack of locally available quality content is one of the drawbacks in not using the computers effectively
in the teaching-learning process in the country.
One of the main reasons for not effectively using the computers is the lack of trained teachers in using the
digital technology in classroom transaction. It is no exaggeration to say that very few teachers impart computer
aided instruction to the students. Even those who use computers teach very perfunctorily very often without any
instructional objective. Educational administrators should organize training programmes on a massive scale to
train all the teachers to enable them to become digitally competent enough to help the students in this age of
information technology. All teachers should be provided with a computer with internet connectivity at least by
granting them a loan for their purchase of one.
Educational administrators should ensure that everyone has equal opportunities regardless of socio economic
status, physical disability, race, gender and language to use the tools and resources needed to fully participate as
a citizen in todays digitally-powered world.

* PGT (English), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh

April-June 2014 29
 Country-wide Need for an ICT Revolution
 Ms. Nipun Gulati*
'Digital Equity' means that every student should have access to equal and impartial digital education,
regardless of caste, creed, socio-economic status, physical disability, language, race, gender, or any other
characteristics. Students from every sphere of life should get equal opportunity to access information and
communication technologies for learning.
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology, and is the integration of information
technology with communication technology. Internet on smart phones, Bluetooth in cars, GPS, social networking
etc, are all due to ICT.
Even in a country like India, where remote areas are yet to enjoy the full benefits of electricity and well-
connected roads, people are very connected to the outside world through their mobile phones. So, digital equity
has become a necessity for India to be a part of the mainstream.
The digital age has so far touched only a tiny portion of the worlds population. In India, the digital divide
is not only in the less developed states with traditionally weak infrastructure like Bihar, Orissa but also in new IT
states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Now the scenario has changed and Internet has become an indispensable
part of everyones life, but still there is a digital divide. Within India, states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are more digital than Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, there is an urban-rural
digital divide within a state.
Some challenges which India faces are: computer education is not upto the mark in the schools located in
remote villages. Students have limited access to computers, teachers are not using computers to teacher, internet
connection to search for information and be updated about the latest technologies. Students coming from a
under privileged background are not able to use technology in their studies. Moreover, there is no electricity in
many villages; the tele-density of India is one of the lowest in the world, despite ongoing deregulation of Indias
telecommunications sector.
We should find concrete solutions to overcome these challenges. More funds should be allotted to this
domain. Computer education should be made free and compulsory in government schools from class I onwards.
To make our younger generation ready for the ICT revolution, the curriculum should be centered around ICT.
Discounted computers, peripherals and accessories should be provided to low-income students and their
families and educators, bundled with excellent instructional and professional development resources.
Schools and libraries should receive discounts on telephone services, Internet access, and internal connections
(network wiring) within school and library buildings. The discounts should range from 20% to 90%, depending
on the household income level of students in the community, and on whether the school or library is located in
an urban or a rural area. Free e-mail, blogs and web-hosting facility should also be provided to the schools.

* PGT (Computer Science), Tecnia International School, New Delhi

30 Digital Equity
 'Assistive Technology' is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product systemwhether acquired
commercially, modified, or customizedthat is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of
an individual with a disability. Specialized software and assistive technology should be considered for students
with disabilities. Physical, social, and learning environments should be designed so that individuals with a wide
range of disabilities can have meaningful access to and participation in general education.
The use of computers and internet in schools enables students to develop important skills that many, if not
most, will need in their future careers. Internet and multimedia can provide students and teachers with access to
current primary source materials, ways of collaborating with students, teachers and experts around the world and
opportunities to express understanding through images, sound and text.
Workshops and training programs should be designed to strengthen the professional credentials of educators
at all levels. Workshops and training programme should be appropriate for preservice and inservice teachers, and
targeted to specific curricular areas and grade levels.
As technology is becoming more integrated into peoples work-lives, more and more should learn to
communicate and work together, using these technologies. Co-workers can communicate with one another
via e-mail, social networks, groups, blogs and tweets. Conferences can take place in cyberspace using video
conferencing.
Students can also join leading experts on collaboration technologies and processes in interactive discussions
with virtual communities, online learning and knowledge management. Students can study online at their own
pace, get research-based answers to critical questions.
Family, peers and community also play an important role in a childs life. So, there should be technology
centers which provide children and adults with access to information technology and related learning services.
They can be invaluable sources of information and technical assistance to educators, students, and students families
in low-income communities and neighborhoods.
In the end, I would like to conclude that this is the digital age, and we should strive to make everyone
technologically sound. Government, private companies, organizations and educational institutions should work
in collaboration to bring digital equity in India and the whole world.

April-June 2014 31
 Talent Needs Attention
 Praveen Sharma*
While assembling the human machinery God did not show bias but common activities separate student
from student. Some students so, attentive and cooperative to their work that they assimilate the topic of their
interest at the height of digestion and gain applause from others. It does not take into account that one needs
more time to think; more guidance to tackle; more digesting time to assimilate the topic in a perfect way.
It is estimated that, a teacher uses only 20% technically rich words while teaching and the rest 80% words
are connecting and helping words necessary to provide balanced and meaningful sentences. Talented students
focus only on these 20% words, while medium racers keep their minds fixed on the weak vocabulary.
Now from the above theory, it is very clear that possessing a strong refinement capability differentiates a
talented person from other medium pacers.
In the story of Mahabharata, the character of Arjuna surfaces as a talented archer inspite of not being
provided with the same facilities for archery training by the same Guru. The three words attention, commitment
and dedication play a key role in the life of an extraordinary or an incredibly talented person. The very famous act
of Karana in which he takes a vow that one day, he will project himself as a great archer equivalent to Arjun and
gets archery training under the guidance of Bhagwan Parshuram Ji, although he is badly affected by the curse
that the he forgot every talisman at the last moment, as he had illegally secured the favor of his guruji. The above
is one of the best examples to prove that real talent never adopts shortcuts and is always prepared.

I am sure my fellow-scientists will agree with me if

I say that whatever we were able to achieve in our later
years had its origin in the experiences of our youth and
in the hopes and wishes which were formed before and
during our time as students.
 Felix Bloch

* PGT (English), Maa Saraswati Sr. Sec. School, Bahadrabad, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

32 Digital Equity
 Need for Quality and Cultural Appropriacy
 Ms. Hema Rajguru*
The term 'digital divide' is now generally defined as the difference in information technology use based on
ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Digital divide statistics are most frequently applied to computer availability
and use in schools, and to homes with computers with access to the Internet.
Equitable access to technology resources (computers, software, and connectivity) is one aspect of digital
equity concerns. Other dimensions include effective use of technology for teaching and learning, access to content
that is of high quality and culturally relevant, and opportunities to create new content.
Four Critical Components
1. Access to up-to-date hardware, software, and connectivity
2. Access to meaningful, high-quality, and culturally responsive content along with the opportunity to contribute
to the knowledge based represented in online content
3. Access to educators who know how to use digital tools and resources effectively
4. Access to systems sustained by leaders with vision and support for change through technology issues
However access to computers and the Internet at home is still considered a consumer choice, not a basic
educational right.
Many programmes have been initiated to improve students academic achievement in schools through the
use of technology, to assist students to become technically literate and to ensure that teachers integrate technology
into the curriculum to improve student achievement. Although access to technology resources is improving, still
the equitable access has not been fully achieved.
Most schools now have computers and Internet access, crucial aspects of digital equity as technological
availability improves. Even some studies have focused exclusively on the availability of computers for young
children and their use of computers when they are starting formal schooling.
When used in a developmentally appropriate manner, computers have a great potential to benefit the
learning of young children. Computers can provide assistance, support, and guidance in learning new tasks in
a manner that fits the learning style of young children. Computers can help young children explore a world of
creative possibilities without having all the prerequisite skills; they can enjoy a story without knowing how to read
it, change the ending of a story without knowing fully how to write, and build a house with limited drawing and
geometry skills. A computer can provide the opportunity to access a world of people, places, and information, and
most important, it can do so very quickly. In contrast, non-developmental software resembles electronic worksheets
or flashcards, encourages more competitive behaviour, and can discourage creativity and the exchange of ideas.
Computers in early childhood should be fully integrated into the overall curriculum of the classroom.
Developmentally appropriate computer-based learning experiences have the potential to contribute not only to
what young children learn, but also to how they learn.

* PGT (IP) and Team Head (IT), Laxmi Vidyapeeth, Sarigam, Gujarat

April-June 2014 33
 An important factor in the effective use of computers is staff training and technology support. Teachers,
familiarity, confidence, and skill in choosing software and integrating technology into the curriculum are
dependent on teacher training and time for self-directed exploration and learning. Due to the relative newness
of computer technology, many teachers have not received adequate training to select appropriate technologies
and lack support to use them. It appears that the rapidly accelerating investments in computer hardware and
software have not always been matched with the support and training needed by the teachers who are expected
to improve the educational experiences of young children. Thus the mere presence of computers alone does not
ensure appropriate or effective use.
Digital equity for young children, therefore, includes access to computer resources that are used in
developmentally appropriate ways with teachers who have the knowledge and skills to integrate technology into
meaningful activities of interest and relevance to children. Equitable means that computers are fully integrated
into developmentally appropriate curriculum.

eLearning doesnt
just happen! It
requires careful
planning ...

34 Digital Equity
 Challenges to be met
 Preeti Shrivastava*
I intend to unveil the future,
I dare to claim my aim,
Give me a slot to fit in,
I would brighten in the frame.
In this ever-changing and tech-savvy era, it would be no exaggeration to assert that communication has
attained new, advanced and faster dimensions. What took previous generations a series of efforts now has become
a simplified tool for the present generation, promising to be still modified for posterity.
Its rather apt to mention here that, every field and system has equipped itself with the weapon of technology.
People no longer have to wait in long queues or shed their sweat accomplishing the tasks, devoting a number of
hours in executing them. Just a click of selected options and the work is done!
But its now imperative to state here that, access to technology is still limit and not accessible to all. Due to
a disparity between economic status of people Many are unable to gain from modern technology. Even though
it is time and cost effective, once acquired, it is still a dream for many.
So, who will initiate this? How to enable digital equity for all? Several institutions of higher studies provide
laptops to students. Even the government has tried to provide laptops and computers to the students pursuing
higher studies, subject to terms and conditions. But schools still have a long way to go, to incorporate technology
in its desired state. Although many schools have access for the convenience of students, there are still loopholes.
As globalization turns more tech-effective, there seems no place for illiterates in technology. There is need
to chisel ways and means to provide tools and technology to all students. They need to understand the relevance of
digital world which is taking over non-digital one. Lacking in this sphere would demoralize their spirit in future.
It would be severely hampering their prospects in every field, education, social and economic.
Now the million-dollar question which opens its mouth wide is, how to realise this dream. If we envisage a
better future for our nation, we need to arm our students with resources which enable them to rub their shoulders
with their counterparts in developed nations. Now an excuse to be ignorant is nonetheless ridiculous.
Its the responsibility of schools now, and teachers in turn. Need be tech savvy, in the first place. Its time
to switch to integrated computer technology. Teaching aids have to be modernized. Students are excessively
enthusiastic and potentially energized. They need to be served with an interesting mode, of learning.
There is no point in feeling proud about ones lack of tech-knowledge. Digital equity has to be incorporated
in every life. A definite strategy may be planned, so that every student can be a part of the technology. Mobiles,
definitely, have served a major purpose, with even basic ones providing tech access. But size does matter ! a big
screen is handy and convenient to delve into the world of technology.

* PGT (English), Kendriya Vidyalaya ONGC Ankleshwar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

April-June 2014 35
 School is the best place which can impart basic and elementary knowledge of digital world. Students are
enough competent to learn on their own, once groomed into that stage. We need to empower each and every
student with technology so that life becomes simpler, easier and faster!
Lets not play the same old tune of the past. Lets beat the drum for the beginning of a new era, a digital
world, wherein lies the most wanted dream of today, digital equity.
No more of old ways needed here,
No more of ignorance in this sphere,
A bright new world is peeping through,
Its right time now to bid past adieu

36 Digital Equity
 A Wrestle for Educators
 Leena Deka Bharali*
Equality is not a concept. Its not something we should
be striving for. Its a necessity. Equality is like gravity.
We need it to stand on this earth to have a life of balance.
 - Joss Whedon
From the era of the Mahabharata, demands for equality have brought upheavals to all sectors, let it be the
equality demanded in the quota system during admission to different courses or appointment to a government
job. It has always raised a controversy, whether the system could satisfy all or not.
The drive of digital equity is the result of an intended notion to abridge the gap between those who can
effectively and powerfully use digital devices and internet and those who cannot, as equitable access to technology
resources continues to be a challenge especially in a country like ours, where bureaucracy and aristocracy has still
its strong deep roots.
It has been observed that, equity means to provide equal power to the underprivileged but all means. Here,
the underprivileged are the students. They are the ones who must have backup with necessary equipment. But
a student can be a cut above all only, if his/her mentor or teacher has the knowledge to impart such knowledge
confidently.
To bring digital equity among the students, the digital divide for resources has to be eradicated and
empowered. Introduction of C.C.E by CBSE has not only made it possible, but indispensable too. Therefore, most
of the educators, around the country, are glad today, whereas found the road less travelled difficult initially.
We also have to agree that digital equity which is finding its place in rural and fast growth in urban India,
will soon become a past in foreign schools in developed countries. As asserted by Doug Leving, C.E.O, State
Educational Technology Directors Association that; Increase in the availability of mobile technology will soon make
paper text books a thing of the past in the US schools.
The shift from print to digital text has already created an impact as classroom in modern urban schools are
well-equipped with 24x7 online assistance through digital systems like Educare, Teachnext etc. The educators
have come a long way where the constraint of imparting textbook or printed information was a trend. Now, the
monotonous reading and answering of questions has been replaced by online accessibility to knowledge.
1. An educator takes up challenges to collect information beyond the printed text.
2. Classroom activities are organized in such a way that, without losing teaching learning process, both
sides actively participate.
3. Independence in learning for students has created an environment of liveliness, enthusiasm and
competition.

* TGT English, S.B.O.A Public School, Guwahati, Assam

April-June 2014 37
 4. The gap between teacher-student communication has been bridged.
5. Most importantly, the one who has better access and determination, steals the show.
Although, in this world of rapid growth, educators face ample challenges, yet to eradicate the block of digital
divide, the presence of the following is demanded especially in rural areas, as it has remained a major block of social
and economic growth. Before any information is professed, an educator needs to take the following in count.
1. Knowledge to access hardware, software and internet.
2. Access to relevant high quality content in the language of communication.
3. Knowledge to access digital tools and resources.
4. Knowledge of content creation with the help of digital devices.
The rock in the path of accessibility will definitely be overcome if there is ample power in the hands of the
educators to help their students without any constraint or barrier.

38 Digital Equity
 Bridging the Digital Divide
 Mrs. Kanwalpreet Kour and Mrs.Tania Sawhney*
Basically, it boils down to the fact that, some people have access to information technology and some people
don't, or they may have access, but don't have the necessary skills to use it effectively. Digital equity is achieved
when all students have quick, easy, and appropriately functional access to equipment and the Internet both, in and
out of school, as well as the expert guidance required to ensure effective use across a range of functions.
Merits:
1. Distance Learning
2. Ability to get any posted information regarding classes missed
3. Parent/Teachers/student communication via email or message broad/blogs
4. Collaboration with other students on class projects
5. Student who otherwise have the motivation to extend class tech activities at home
6. Kootmansclass.com provides opportunities to the students to get online trainings and tutorials.
7. Emerging technologies can be transformed into Education
8. Many available social technologies like Wikipedia, Wikispaces which opens education resources
definitely help students and knowledge seekers.
9. Students can have access to curriculum, content and learning tools made available to them.
10. 'Wiki' provides opportunities to the students to develop critical skills of the 21st century, namely

Expert thinking
Complex communication
New media literacies

* Teachers, ,Jammu Sanskriti School, Jammu

April-June 2014 39
 11. Tech goes Home; http://www.techgoeshome.org/ is a program to provide network and internet
connections to students, along with computer training for the entire family

It's an incredibly exciting time to be working in education, as online learning environment and social
technologies transform the way we learn and grow throughout our lives. We need to work together with a
firm commitment to social justice that makes sure that all students have the opportunities to benefit from
technology.

40 Digital Equity
 An Attainable Global Challenge
 Ritwiz Gaur*
As an educator, I must confess that in a fast-paced world, the methods of instruction have changed marginally
with the rapid development of technology and the growing industrialized approach to schooling.
In the present epoch, Technology - designed to be pleasing, marketable and to make learning easier - has
not only made access to information easier, infact, it has facilitated easy learning with fewer challenges; though
simultaneously, and imminently as well, it is not often designed to deliberately vex us in ways that improve
knowledge retention. But to whatever school of thought one belongs to, one cannot ignore, or rather undermine the
impact of the changing educational landscape being brought about by our shifting relationship with information
and capability for learning with technology.
In such a fast changing scenario of information technology advancement, digital disparity is rapidly
capturing the attention of educators and policy-makers. The disconnect that occurs between those with access
to technology and those without is gaining a stark attention with explicit myriad factors, viz. socioeconomic
status, ethnicity, demographics, infrastructure and technology resources, etc. The interplay of these factors that
contribute to both digital disparity and also digital equity is quite axiomatic in society and schools by all the
stake-holders (parents, teachers and school leaders). The pressing concern for equity is related to a major motivation
for introducing technology to prepare students for the future.
Many research studies have pointed out that, the major issues in the digital divide are related to the lack
of interest in technology (attitude and approach) as well as a lack of access to technology (resource). Majority
of school are without basic educational technology support. In contrast, there are institutions where technology
prevails in classroom but many teachers or students do not sufficiently and effectively utilize them. Even when
access to technology and connectivity exists, students may have unequal learning experiences revealed by the
comparison between computer usages in schools primarily populated with underserved students or teacher is
limited to teaching of basic skills, as contrasted with affluent schools where computers are likely to be used to
teach higher order literacy and cognitive skills. To further compound the issue, the digital disparity significantly
exists by gender in both the use and proficiency with computers. Research reveals that girls not insignificantly
represented in computer science and technology fields.
Undoubtedly, other than technology resources and infrastructural development, there is much that we
educators can do to lead to digital equity. First of all, the mindset and approach of a teacher needs an astounding
transformation. Professional development is a key to digital equity. The digital training for teachers and school
leaders will help them to become conscious of using technology for personal and professional productivity, and
more importantly, for integrating technology into instruction to promote student learning. More so, educators
seem to be victims of unwarranted perplexity of educational technology usage competing with instructional
priorities, including securing better results in examinations. The training will enable teachers to effectively infuse
technology into new instructional designs, to support new approaches to learning within the syllabus or evaluation
framework.

* Teacher (Biology) and House master, Mayo College, Ajmer, Rajasthan

April-June 2014 41
 Technology is taken for granted and is groomed as a poor orphan by schools with budget constraints
or misplaced priorities. Further, the challenge is not simply to access to technology, but infact a congenial and
supportive environment where students are excited about learning or effectuating the technology with their real-
time based experience. Again in such premise of circumstances, teachers can play a meaningful role.
Measures for building environment that can lead to Digital Equity warrants an urgent emphasis on
revisiting the pertinent issue that whether present educational experiences in schools are adequately catering the
needs of culturally diverse students to transform then into 21st century global learner? Moreover, do teachers are
well equipped -both in terms of mindset and competence- for such a challenge before they enter the class-room.
Further, other issues of prime importance are - creating opportunities for students to access technology outside
the classroom; developing an operational definition of equity and an environment that supports it; consistently
challenging perceptions about the role of technology in education; reinforcing resources and infrastructure against
odds, etc.
Before I jump to any conclusion, I attempt to touch upon squarely different -laterally thought- but significant
issues on the subject. Digital equity encompasses preparing students for the future. A recent study suggests
that immediate availability of information has created a particular conundrum in our modern society. When
it takes a mere few seconds to find information about almost any topic, the value of knowledge and expertise
is being devalued and consequently making us genotypically less intelligent than our ancestors. This research
echoes concerns Albert Einstein had when he supposedly said, I fear the day that technology will surpass our human
interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots. In such an inevitable situation, the role of teacher becomes
more crucial and significant. C S Lewis aptly remarked, The task of the modern educator is not to cut down
jungles, but to irrigate deserts.

42 Digital Equity
 The Digital Divide
 Gurbax Singh Sokhey*
In the 21st century, we cant think of separating ourselves from technology and its uses. The use of technology
is reducing the employment opportunities and the number of employees. Digital equity is a source of concern
for those people who understand the power and the need of internet and digital technologies in the emerging
knowledge based society.
Digital equity means equal opportunities for throughout the globe to use and get benefits of the digital
technologies and internet access.
After the introduction of computers, educators have been talking about giving equal opportunities to all
students which is practically tough. The digital divide, the divide between the students having access to technology
and those without, is a point of major concern in the recent times. Like all other educational equities, in reality,
the digital divide is much more complicated.
Large population and lack of infrastructure.
Improper Internet access throughout the country.
Poor economic condition of the students and schools.
The computers are in sufficient in comparison to the number of students in most of the schools.
Lack of trained professionals to teach.
Lack of awareness is a major issue.
To increase digital equity, educators can play a major role. They need to know how to infuse technology into
the teaching learning process. The digital world is changing very fast, so the educators should update themselves
with the changing digital world. They need quality hardware, software and internet access for the purpose of giving
ample opportunities to all students.
Administrators and school boards must provide the leadership and resources necessary for developing and
implementing quality technology plans. The knowledge about computers and digital technology should be given
through a well designed curriculum.
The government has to play a very significant role by providing proper opportunities, infrastructure and
other necessary requirement specially to economically weaker sections and schools; Government must have to
ensure good internet access throughout the country.
Although very complicated, but yet digital equity is not impossible. HOPE is the seed of SUCCESS.
When we join hands, we can achieve real DIGITAL EQUITY.

* Asst. Teacher, Sant Nandlal Smriti Vidya Mandir, Ghatsila, Jharkhand

April-June 2014 43
 Understanding Digital Equity
 Swaraj Kumar Rana*
Digital equity is one of the most important human rights in todays society. As technology becomes important
in academia, as well as in workplace and, indeed, in our everyday life, being on the wrong side of digital divide
becomes a discriminating factor. Students from low-income families have considerably fewer affordances for the
emerging model of learning that places heavy emphasis on technology-rich experiences, digital media, online
collaboration, and social networking.
Digital equity by definition is; The goal of ensuring that everyone in our society has equal access to technology tools,
and the Internet. This states that everyone should be able to have access to computers, but unfortunately this is not
always the case. Not all students can have access to the internet, let alone a computer outside school. As a teacher
designing a project for my students, one that requires research, I need to plan the requirements so as not to leave
anyone out. I would never ask a student in front of the class whether he/she has a computer at home, I assume
everyone has one. I would simply have the students answer questions regarding their projects prior to starting
them; this will allow me to see who has access and who doesn't. From there, I would require that the research
be both internet and book sources, not just one and the other. Each student would be in charge of the specific
content area, despite access to a computer outside of school. The students would be given in class computer time
to work on internet sources, and would be assigned to research books outside of class. This would allow for every
student to be active in the process of the project, without discrimination.
The Government of India has to play an important role by:
(a) Providing adequate broadband bandwidth for accessing the Internet and technology-based learning resources
24/7 in schools, in the campus, throughout the community, and at home.
(b) Ensuring that every student and educator has at least one internet access device and appropriate software
and resources for research, communication, multimedia content creation, and collaboration for use in and
out of school.
(c) Supporting the development and use of open educational resources.
The peoples attitude towards technology due to the generation gap as, research suggests, that attitude,
rather than availability, might be the main reason that Indians dont have high-speed internet access, since some
parents say theyre not online just because they are afraid of the dangers lurking on the web.
We, as teachers, give the resources and, can provide the training to our students so that they will use
technology. However, we must be trained ourselves first. It will probably take at least one generation for the entire
teaching force to be trained and so it will be a gradual process of incorporation, not an overnight change. It will
take many people taking small steps to carry the technological revolution forward into the all the classrooms
throughout the nation to achieve the potential benefits of using the internet to develop, produce, and communicate
the thoughts and ideas of different peoples and cultures.
In India, it is not impossible to have digital equity, but as the technology and, computers are new, it will
take time. It will definitely achieve its goal and no child will be left behind. The Government, teachers and learners
will also prove their roles in ensuring Digital Equity.

* Asst. Teacher, Sant Nandlal Smriti Vidya Mandir, Ghatsila, Jharkhand

44 Digital Equity
 Closing The IT Divide
 Kirti Pahuja Dang*
Recently, The IT Divide in writer, Sudha Murtys Wise and Otherwise impelled me to think about the
digital divide- and- rule policy in operation for IT and non-IT workers. The germination of new century strained
us to make ourselves more high-tech with the state of art technology. But not all of us are blessed with these
digitally powered equipments and lack of these tools and resources causes people to face educational, economic
and social limitations that negatively impact their quality of life.
Digital equity, in its own total domination, seems to be the solution to the IT divide. Digital equity confirms
that everyone has equal opportunities to use the technology to be proactive in this techno-world. It focuses upon
building a digital life worth living, to maximize our time in the online world when so much is happening.
In our country, the digital divide is much more complicated. Before computers were available, poor children
were destined for menial jobs. In Indias multi-tier education system, millions cannot afford to go to a public school
and most are not benefitted by primary education, and education is the key feature which designs the future of
a child. Whatever a child becomes in his/her future, it mostly depends on his/her educational background, and
the school is an institution where the child gets education. No doubt, that every school, every education system
is looking into the matter of how to educate the growing generation but this is not sufficient, because the digital
divide leaves them no option but to move into the same low-paying sectors.
A revolution, in the guise of digital equity, is the urgent and crucial need of schools. As I perceive, school
is an institution which works at the boundary of the physical and digital world. Only schools only can make the
border between students physical world and the digital information surroundings thinner.
In metropolitan cities most schools have been digitalized but the schools, especially in rural areas, are still
ill-equipped with only the basic infrastructure for digital learning. One or two computer labs, necessary space
for learning and uninterrupted power supply are some of essential requirements for initiating digital equity. This
could help underprivileged children in gaining professional skills and in expanding their career options.
Let the power of schools, that is, the teachers, not be forgotten here. Only they can make the students
see the world differently. If teachers are tech-savvy then the school in itself will become digitalized. To increase
digital equity, teachers need to equip themselves with a sound knowledge of computers. Schools must shoulder
responsibility in preparing their teachers to have efficient access to the internet so that they can use technology into
their teaching. Schools must aim at developing and implementing quality technology plans and works on digital
equity strategies and resources to assist education from kindergarten to college. Since digital equity provides skills
far beyond basic computer literacy, it not only breaks the barriers of digital divide for students, but also helps in
multi-faceted ways. School websites, where curriculum, syllabus, data sheets, circulars, results are uploaded help
parents to communicate with school in a techno-way and giving them an opportunity to become techno pro.
To expand knowledge and disseminate information globally, digital equity is the only solution. With this
only we could dream of a radical shift from standardized schools to personal learning, where students can explore
and learn from each other-using resources and mentoring from digital world, where students natural talents can
flourish.

* Primary Teacher, Aadharshila Vidyapeeth, Pitampura, Delhi

April-June 2014 45
 Digital Equity and Social Justice
 Deepa Hemnani*
Digital equity is the social-justice goal of ensuring that everyone in our society has equal access to technology tools,
computers and the Internet. Even more, it is when all individuals have the knowledge and skills to access and use technology
tools, computers and the Internet.
Now-a-days with the change in generation all the government and non government departments depend on
computer for daily working and record keeping. So imparting basic computer knowledge to the existing employees
has become mandatory for the organizations, which is a good sign.
Learning the functioning of computers not only benefits organizations, but personally, it upgrades the
person and opens the doors to the technological world.
Keeping the motto of digital equity in mind, Udgam School for Children went an extra mile and conducted
computer literacy programme for the Peons in the school. Students of class 9 were motivated to impart basic
computer knowledge to the 4th level staff (our helpers), the process turned out to be very fruitful, not only the
peons but also the children enjoyed helping their helpers.
For capturing the attention of children and making the concepts crystal clear, a combination of classroom
teaching with technology has gained a lot of attention in the education of field. Teachers are equipped with Smart
Board concepts to make the teaching-learning smoother and deal with the new generation of children.
Students feel involved if technology is effectively integrated in curriculum, as it not only widens the horizon
of knowledge, but also helps them explore the topics taught and understood in class.
Also, a big advantage is that, when students are away from school due to personal reasons, they get to solve
the worksheets online and are not be left behind with the syllabus.
And, if a student knows how to operate the computer, automatically some percentage of knowledge is
passed on to the family too.
So, we can consider that digital equity has proved to be a boon in the educational field, as schools are the
place where pots are moulded out of sand and, now, technologically.

* Academic co-ordinator, Udgam School for Children, Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

46 Digital Equity
 Dream of Digital Equity for Equality
 Damanjeet Kaur*
The criticality of education (Right to Education and Dream of Knowledge Society), with limited
infrastructure cannot be overestimated.
As in the human body, all the body parts need to cooperate for the whole healthy functionality and in the
same way, for a nation all its people talent must be included in the inclusive growth.
Digital Equity is the need of the hour, to ensure quality and wide spread education. A digital equity
programme includes research and deployment project aimed at providing digital resources to everyone.
Even more, it is when all individuals have the knowledge and skills to access and use technology tools,
computers and the Internet, then only a project like ICT, blended learning and educom are successful in and we
can fight the problem of digital equity gap.
A qualitative study compares the availability of, access to, and use of new technologies in a group of low
and highsocio-economic status (SES). INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION, and how to overcome it, has been a
critical social issue facing the country especially when we have a huge manpower in the younger age group. These
gaps continue to exist in academic achievement, whether measured by standardized test scores, graduation rates,
or admittance to higher education.
In order to standardize and maintain uniformity in the implementation of Education Learning Management
System, CBSE has introduced many useful websites like www.paathshalamasti.com, www.learncbse.com,
ccemacmillaneducation.in, close.oliveedu.com andwww.wisdomleap.com. The implementation of these efforts
cannot be successful without Digital Equality in education.
To empower oneself through these and many other sites and technologies, not only students have to integrate,
but also the educators. As anything new cannot be easily acceptable to the educator, the Digital Equity Toolkit
is available. Toolkit is a guide for educators who want to integrate e-mail and the Internet into their classroom
or project work.
If an educator, wants to overcome the digital divide issue, then he/she has to take the help of the digital
toolkit. I am adding some digital toolkit resources that gives the answers to the following questions in the mind
of an educator.
1. How can I learn more about the digital divide?
2. Where can I find inexpensive computers?
3. Where can I get free Internet service?
4. Where can I get free e-mail?
5. How can I get affordable Internet service for my school?
6. What resources are available to build digital equity?

* Guest lecturer (CDAC), New Delhi

April-June 2014 47
 7. What are Community Technology Centers, and how can they help?
8. How do I use the Internet?
9. How can teachers get help in learning to use technology in the classroom?
10. What about digital equity for persons with disabilities?
11. Where can people use computers in their community?
12. What about sources of internet-based curricula?
13. What if I have more questions that need answers?
No one should blame teachers for inequality that comes from years of neglect. For removing the digital
divide gap, we also have to give education to teachers, the learning to the 21st century students.
For the moment of change, as mentioned in the speeches by Prime Minister Modi, a Digital Nation cannot
be thought of without Digital Equity. For that we have to design a circuit that hasitspath in every state and village,
so when the circuit flows and everyone gets the fuel with knowledge. So, it becomes easy to impart knowledge to
society and the major problem of infrastructure and limited resources can be solved.
For providing jobs to our youngsters, we have to inculcate the skills of digital education, so that they can
easily compete in the global job market, otherwise, they have to face problems. As in the past, we have the great
guru in our society that gives knowledge to the world, we can think of our future with a huge qualified manpower
with pride.
Produced by the Public Broadcasting Service, the site "Digital Divide" reports on the role that computers
play in widening the social gaps in our society, particularly among young people. By providing equitable and
meaningful access to technology, we can ensure that all children step into the 21st century together. This way, we
resolve the problem of education, workplace, gender and race through digital equity.

48 Digital Equity
Gender Sensitization
Helen Keller English Project
Don Bosco School, New Delhi
The novel in English turned into a Scrap Book
Project as students were divided into groups with best
artists turning into group captains. From favourite
quotations to characters and portraits the entire exercise
spanned the verbal and the visual to create projects
that looked like works of art. I wanted the students to
gain an experience which was energizing as well as about
exploring new terrain, both in literary as well as graphic
terms, observed the English Co-ordinator. So we did
it as an exercise in classes 9 and 10.
Students' class Projects
The idea of group work must pitch into
information collaboration as well as cohesive co-
April-June 2014
ordination in terms of creating a scrap book that
distinguishes the variety and myriad ways of portraying
characters like Helen Keller. Book covers also became
a great journey in dimensions as all kinds of covers and
inside covers were created with elan. The best projects
will then be combined and collectively grouped into
an exhibition for junior students to appropriate and
emulate.
Knowing the Difference
Gender sensitization must begin athome-but in
that failure of the system it has to be brought into the
classroom. With more than 80% teachers being women
in schools all over the country, we can make a journey
to bringing home the need and the essential essence of
sensitivity to the classroom.
Education needs always to advocate respect,
but boys need to be taught how to treat girls. Girls
must not be viewed at as objects of clay or play things.
They must be looked at with a sense of reverence and
respect-an aura of protective instincts must be brought
into play. Teachers play a vital role because as students,
boys are looking upto us. And our image must be one
of great love born of a respect and a sense of goodness
in a harmonious way. We have to be careful about the
way we dress in front of students. If we walk around
revealing physicality it goes against us and inspires
wolfish emotions in both boys/men.
49
 In a classroom of boys and girls, teachers have
to be careful to ensure that discriminations do not
occur. Of course the class with girls and boys is a more
balanced scenario but these days we are looking at an
overt exhibitionism in all kinds of trends.And attire
and dress codes play an integral and imperative role in
the kindling of different kinds of desires.I overhear a
conversation between girls the other day at a contest in
which they were upset with a teacher who told them to
lengthen their skirts.Natural indeed, but we have to talk
to them about it.Heightened emotions and adrenalin
pumping allures can actually have a drastic effect on
a boys reactions.Then a fine balance must be reached
and dress codes and decorum must be discussed and
defined and neatly laid out.After all, we must know the
difference between looking at someone with admiration
and love rather than lust that gives rise to other notions
and emotions.
Uma Nair
Don Bosco School, New Delhi
Gender Sensitization
City Heart Sr. Sec. School, Ferozepur, Punjab
The status of women all over world is a cause
for grave concern. In all societies men are superior
to women and women experience various forms of
discrimination and oppressions.
Womens space is restricted to spheres of
reproduction and household task. The public space is
still limited to men and a few elite women. Gender
sensitization is about making people aware of the
need to bring about a quantum change in our mindset.
Todays woman is a smart, dynamic and modern woman,
balancing her professional and domestic lives perfectly.
In modern world, where men and women work
together and interest each other, gender equality in an
essential criterion to be observed. There should be a
mutual respect and trust between the male and female.
The mindset should be laid right from childhood and
that is why the school plays an important role in gender
sensitization.
50
The first step to gender equality should begin at
the school level. Parents are, to a great extent, responsible
for such discrimination. But the teacher showing the
child his/her place in society. We have to embolden our
girls and sensitize our boys. Value education should be a
part of the school curriculum. Besides, all that we all are
responsible citizens. We cannot turn a blind eye to our
duties and responsibilities to the society. The future of
India is being shaped in her class room. So, as educators,
it is our duty to provide such types of experiences at the
school level, to our young ones where their minds can
learn the lesson of equality and sensitivity.
A Voice for Equality
Save the Girl Child Day Celebration
Indo American Sr. Sec. School, Jhajjar, Haryana
The school celebrated Save Girl Child Day on 24
January 2014 to show their concern for saving the girl
child. Various activities were planned and organized.
The theme of the activities was chosen specially to
spread the awareness among peoples about the girl
child. Students of classes 8th, 9th and 10th participated
in these activities. It propagated the message of 'Save
the Girl Child'.
The students successfully touched the issues
of female foeticide through their performances like:
drama, dance, mime, fusion dance and speech etc. There
is a short poem:
Digital Equity
 Rightly said,
She makes the World
Bright
But still struggle to see the
Light
Girls are like pearls that are the most precious
jewels found in the oceans, found by only some and the
finder gets so much luck through them. In the same
way girls are like pearls they are blessed to some people
and whom they are blessed which bring luck to them.
So Save the Girl Child.
'Girls are pearls, save them!'
On this special occasion, Mrs. Madhvi Lohchab,
Potection Officer of Jhajjar, the Chief Guest at the prize
distribution ceremony on 24 January. The principal,
Mrs. Anita Gulia, made the students take a pledge to
save the Girl Child.
The performances were applauded and appreciated
by all. A fusion dance performance by 11th class girls
was well appreciated by the audience. The chief guest
awarded the best performance.
April-June 2014
Building Healthy Attitude
Queen Mary's School, Rohini, New Delhi
The educational system in India plays the
cardinal role of inculcating among students, moral
traditions and responsible conduct. Being one of the
most prolific systems in the country, the educational
system has the power to influence young, pliable minds
and change stereotyped mindsets. The imperative need
of the hour is to impart gender sensitive values through
education because, education is an integral component
to transforming the human mind.
Most schools, these days, are co-educational
institutions and so must begin this sensitization at a
tender age and at all levels of school life so as to infuse
in young children the spirit of humanitarianism and a
healthy stance towards women. However, it is equally
crucial that same gender schools begin this sensitization
at every level as well. Building a healthy attitude towards
the opposite gender is the responsibility of all and
more so, the educational system. Its sad that girls have
internalised this subordinate status and they accept it as
a right to receive negativity from society. This unhealthy
attitude can only lead to one thing, and that is doom.
The largest democracy has an obligation to change and
become a gender sensitive country because change is
the only constant.
Conversely, it is seen that, the first school of the
child, the family, holds certain distorted views towards
women and equal rights, and seems to be regressing
more than progressing. The thought is daunting and
must be tackled head on. The best catalyst to bring about
a mindset change is to teach the right from the wrong
and sensitize the youth to be responsible towards the
basic human rights of others, especially of women.
This deeply imbedded undervaluation of women
has to change; it must because it underlies the basic
belief of a society. We must drown it before it engulfs
us and makes way for the beginning of the end.
51
 Literary Events: Talk Show
Theme: Violence Against Women
Ganga International School, New Delhi
Sharing the Message of Gender Equity
Touched by the shocking incidents of violence
against women, a Talk Show was organized on 3
December 2013 under the guidance of the Principal,
Dr. Racchna Saddi. All major issues related to the topic
like gender-basedviolence, acid attacks, female foeticide,
child abuse, sexual harassment etc. The show was hosted
by the HOD, English, Ms. Anju Mediratta ,who put
various questions to the students of classes IX XII, to
get their opinion and assist them to ponder over these
sensitive issues and give their suggestions to overcome
these problems. The Principal and other teachers also
participated with questions put to the twenty one
participants, who spoke intelligently, displaying their
concern for women, whose security is endangered in
the present scenario. The backdrop of the event was a
collage of news headlines, posters, pictures etc. made
or compiled by the students, depicting the increasing
crime against women. Each participant vehemently
protested the slow proceedings of such court cases and
the mental and physical torture that women have to go
through in such cases due to our rigid laws and heartless
and indifferent attitude of the policemen, the keepers
of law and even doctors. All the participants of the Talk
Show were unanimous that, strict punishments to the
culprits and changes in the rigid laws if they hinder
such cases. One major objection raised was the petty
52
sentences given to the juvenile culprits in rape cases, as
the crime committed is heinous and not so petty. Some
participants even had tears in their eyes when some case
histories were over viewed.
The show was another step ahead to raise
awareness among the youth of today towards the need
for transformation of our society and the mindset of
some savage members of our civilized society.
The school, under the aegis of the Principal,
has been organizing Talk Shows on all the current
issues, be it corruption, dirty politics, terrorism,
environmental concerns, brain drain or problems faced
by the elderly.
Promoting a Respectful Partnership
Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, Haryana
We at Bhavan Vidyalaya, believe that gender
equality is about equal valuing of women and men, of
their similarities and their differences. We need equal,
respectful partnerships between men and women to
have happy, healthy families and communities. In the
same way, that we need both eyes for a proper vision.
As per the guidelines given by CBSE, (Time
to time) we at Bhavan Vidyalya Panchkula, conduct
various activities with children regarding gender
sensitization, sexuality and adolescent education. Few
of the activities are listed below;
A talk/lecture was conducted from classes III to
IV explaining the following :
a) The definition of gender
b) Difference between gender and sex
c) Explanation of key items like gender
equality, gender discrimination, gender
relations, patriarchy, finally gender
sensitivity.
Activity-based questions were asked from the
students.
Digital Equity
 A workshop on growing with teenage was providing:-
conducted by team comprising of Principal,
Equal respect and recognition for
Dr. Mrs Shashi Banerjee, School Doctor and
both genders.
School Physiologist, explaining the physical and
physiological changes occurring in the male and Difference between a good and a
female body during adolescence bad touch.

An audio-visual show was organized for the Necessary preventive measures to

mothers and the girls of classes 6, 7, and 8 that prevent child abuse.
laid emphasis on menarche and the related Know the child helpline no.1098
processes. The programme had an objective of
Agree for a password with your
strengthening the mother-daughter relationship
child (which only parents and child
as well.
know)
Counselling sessions for boys separately was
An audio-visual show was organised for
taken up by the school doctor and physiologist,
the parents of students of class III to VIII,
emphasising on being assertive rather than
on protection against child abuse. A film
aggressive.
was shown to the parents, highlighting
A workshop on Character Counts was organized child protection.
by out-sourcing the services of a doctor for
classes 7 to 10.
Keeping gender sensitization and the related
queries in mind, a panel discussion Lets Talk
was conducted in the school by an expert team of
educationist, psychologist, doctor and a parent.
Talk on AIDS Awareness for classes X and
XI.
An awareness workshop by experts in protection
against child abuse with an objective of
Counselling Sessions on Gender Sensitization

Events to Promote Gender Sensitivity

April-June 2014 53
 News from Schools
Alankar-2014
Gita Niketan Awasiya Vidyalaya,
Kurukshetra, Haryana
Gita Niketan Awasiya Vidyalaya, Kurukshetra
celebrated its 41st Annual Function, Alankar-2014
with great zeal and enthusiasm. Lighting of lamps by
the chief guest Sh. R.J. Khanderao, Regional Officer,
C.B.S.E., Panchkula and the guest of honour, Sh.
Jatin Narwal, I.P.S. (former student of the school)
marked the inauguration of the extravaganza followed
by Saraswati Vandana. Dr. Pawan Saini, Manager,
G.N.A.V., welcomed the guests and dignitaries on
the occasion.
The students of the school displayed their talent
through various elegant and magnificent yogic exercises,
malkhambh, aerobics, karate, and by playing bagpipes.
The Principal, Sh. Rishi Goel, addressed the gathering
by presenting the school report tracing the major events
and achievements during the session.
The cultural programme started with Ganesh
Vandana and the students depicted the various shades
of Indias rich cultural diversity through a group song:
Anekta Mein Ekta, Hind Ki Visheshta, patriotic fervor
through a well-choreographed dance Chak De India.
The audience-were glued to their seats when the
students gave a scintillating performance on Gujarati
Garbha.
54
The guest of honour, Sh. Jatin Narwal, nostalgically
appreciated the efforts of the school for inculcating the
culture of India in him and the students.
Ek Nayi Ummeed, a play, was also staged by
the students to give a message, to come forward and
help the underprivileged for the bright future of our
country. The chief guest, Sh. R.J. Khanderao, awarded
the students who excelled in the fields of sports and
academics and also applauded the efforts of the students
and faculty. He stressed that physical training is as
important as studies.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr.
Pawan Saini. The function concluded with the Vande
Matram.
Sh. Balkishan, Hindu Shiksha Samiti Prant
Sangthan Mantri, Sh. Satyanarayan Gupta, Prant
Sangthan Mantri, Sh. Mohan Lal Gupta, Treasurer and
C. Brij Mohan Sharma graced the occasion.
Graduation Day
Mother's Public School, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
On 3 April, the school observed Graduation
Day for the students moving from the primary to the
middle school level.
The teachers of class V showed a Powerpoint
presentation about each child and his/her talents and
Digital Equity
spoke about their students strengths. The parents of
the 100 students went down memory lane with their
children and teachers as slides of various moments and
activities of the students, along with their teachers were
presented.
Young graduates
The Principal of the school awarded the
graduation certificate. The class teachers of Std. V, in
a moving moment, handed over their little ones to the
class teachers of Std. VI, wishing them : You are off to
great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting,
so get on your way.
Seniors welcome juniors
Candles of knowledge and light were passed by
the teachers to the students, hoping they illuminate
their lives and in the world around. The school
auditorium resounded with the song Tamso ma in the
April-June 2014
background and the children sang the song- Aye mere
maan- from the movie Ferrari ki Sawari, depicting
hope and positivity.
The Vice Principal addressed the parents and
the students in her moving speech on nurture and
nature, asking the parents to spend quality time with
their children.
It was an overwhelming and nostalgic moment
for every one and the Principal. The parents were
overjoyed and felt proud to be a part of an institution
which is truly a home away from home for their
children.'' The Mother's touch'' was felt by everyone
and it was a cherished moment in their lives.
Baisakhi and Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations
TPS Shastrinagar, Jaipur, Rajashthan
Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated by the Primary
Wing students. Aricia Mohindoo and Kinshuk
Goswami highlighted the great contribution of our
constitution maker. There was also a short quiz to learn
more about his work. His great work of removing caste
discrimination was narrated by students as inspiration
to live as Indians and not as members of castes only,
but with a feeling of brotherhood.
Earlier, the Baisakhi harvest festival of Punjab
was also enjoyed by with dancing to Punjabi songs.
Director Mr. P.D. Singh praised the efforts and
enthusiasm of children.
55
 Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan State Level Camp Awes Flag Raising Day
D.A.V Public School, Unit-8, Bhubaneswar, Orissa Army Public School, Kolkata, West Bengal
29 April 2014 brought in of delight as Army
Public School Barrackpore geared up to commemorate
the onset of AWES under whose aegis all Army Public
Schools have been surging ahead from strength to
strength. Our aspirations soared high as our Principal,
Mrs. Nellie Paul Verghese, unfurled the AWES flag
followed by the cadence of AWES song The beat in
our heart sings Army Public School reverberated in
our heart with a spontaneous overflow of emotions.
The day gained prominence with an informative speech
rendered on the role of AWES. On the occasion, the
school journal Endeavour was inaugurated by the
Principal. Hailing from varied backdrops and segments,
the learners of Army Public Schools bond to create a
microcosmic depiction of national integrity. A dance
Winners at the VVM Camp drama to that effect was showcased by the young
savants. The fiesta marked the undercurrent of the day
Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM), a state and evoked pride in all for being a part of the fraternity
level camp, was conducted in D.A.V Public School, of the Army Public School, Barrackpore.
Unit-8, Bhubaneswar on 19 April, 2014. It was
inaugurated by the Chief Speaker, Dr. Bhagyadhar
Bhoi, the Chief Scientist of IMMT. He motivated
the students with his talk on Green Steel Production
and propagated a scientific outlook among students.
Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyabati Nayak, the Principal and Dr.
(Mrs.) Mamta Banerjee, the Co-ordinator of the school
welcomed the august gathering. On this occasion,
various competitions were conducted like science quiz,
questionnaire, group discussion, demonstration etc.
Prof. Uma Balabh Mohapatra was the Chief Guest
of the valedictory function. He encouraged students
to identify their potential with a scientific temper
and nurture it. Engineer Subhendu Pattnaik, Deputy
Director, Pathani Samanta Planetarium delivered
a popular talk on science. Prof. Nikunja Sahu, the
Education Officer, Science Centre, Bhubaneswar,
demonstrated and guided the students in different
scientific areas. Finally, the winners of the competition
were awarded. The participants from different
schools all over Odisha interacted with the eminent
scientists during The Meet the Scientist Programme. Celebrating AWES

56 Digital Equity
 Cultural Exchange Programme - 2014-15
Ryan International School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Cultural Exchange at Ryan
Mahima Gupta of Ryan International School,
Noida was privileged to be a part of the Cultural
Exchange Programme between India, Iceland and
Germany. Mahima, also a classical Odisi dancer had
the opportunity to perform Indian traditional and folk
dances at Hagaskoli School, Reykjavik Iceland and St.
Michael School, Germany. She stayed with the host
families, thereby learning their traditions and lifestyles.
She also visited various museums, castles and many
other historical places in Iceland and Germany. She was
heartily welcomed in the school assembly, wherein she
could share her experiences with the entire school.
Making the right dance moves
April-June 2014
Breaking Boundaries...
Maharaja Agarsain Public School, Ashok Vihar, Delhi
MAPS has become an ideal institution with
the expertise and vast experience in meeting growing
challenges and needs of the upcoming global generation.
It is proud moment for us to announce that the British
Council has bestowed the school with International
School Award (ISA) 2014-17. The school worked on 12
International projects out of which 2 were collaborative
project which not only lead to more enriched teaching
learning process but also marked a move towards
Global citizenship. The prestigious acclaim would not
have been possible without the untiring hardwork
and meticulous brain storming and planning of the
School Principal, the ISA Coordinator, Ms. Jharna
Pradhan, the other staff members and above all the
support of the parents. The award further fortified the
schools endeavour of providing education with an
international dimension and opened more vistas for the
students globally as Mr. Joseph Kapalu, International
Coordinator Eumind, and Ms. Reetu Dewar,
Coordinator, Bal Bharti School, Pusa Road, conducted
an interactive session in the school auditorium with
school achievers of session 2013-14 and untangled
their queries exquisitely about cross-cultures exchange
programme. The school Principal threw light on the
purpose behind such programmes which is to give
exposure to students not only beyond school but beyond
Delhi and India as well. This beautiful voyage continued
to International level now as out of 110 projects selected
at the National level by INTEL, 8 were from our school.
Although all the projects won praise from judges, the
project by Daksh Dua and Abhishek Verma won the
gold medals. Their project Rubus Ellipticus; an effective
solution against giardia intestinalis was among the
top 15 selected and will now represent India at the
international level at Los Angeles, USA.
Annual Day and Prize Distribution Function
Bal Bharati Public School, GRH Marg, New Delhi
Bal Bharati Public School, GRH Marg celebrated
its Annual Day on 13 April 2014. The illustrious Prof.
57
K K Aggarwal, Former Vice Chancellor, Guru Gobind
Singh Indraprastha University and presently, Chairman,
Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur,
was the chief guest. In his speech, he appreciated
the well-synchronized performance of our young
instrumentalists, he emphasized the importance of team
work in the present day world. He also highlighted that
parents and teachers need to collaborate to help the child
win the race of life. He also stressed on the need to make
children believe in themselves as, life has always been
full of challenges and it is won only by those who believe
that they can do it.
The noted litterateur, Dr. Harisuman Bisht,
Secretary, Hindi Academy, graced the occasion as the
Guest of Honour. He congratulated the school for
the superlative programme. Emphasizing on quality
Rhythms of Sound and Dance
58
education, he said that the future of students and the
society is shaped by the kind of education that we give
to the students.
The other eminent guests who added to the
grandeur of the occasion included Mr K K Khullar,
President, Child Education Society and the Chairman
of our school; Mr J C Ajmani, Secretary (Manager) of
the school and Executive Director of Child Education
Society; other illustrious members of the Managing
Committee; Principals of other units of Bal Bharati;
members of the Alumni Association, Parent Teacher
Association; and parents of the students.
The Principal, Mr L V Sehgal, in his address
focused on the immense potential possessed by the
youth. He highlighted the importance of innovation
Digital Equity
in teaching pedagogy and the need for empowering
students with the requisite skills such that they could
make the optimum use of the opportunities that
the 21st century world offers. An impressive audio
visual presentation brought to fore the highlights of
the activities and achievements of the school and its
students during the academic session 2013-14. About
105 students received prizes for excelling in various
categories, in both scholastic and co- scholastic areas.
Ms Geeta Gangwani, Vice Principal, proposed the
vote of thanks.
The cultural extravaganza of the day was the
rich amalgamation of enthralling music, dance and
drama items. It commenced with the instrumental
presentation, Ehsaas, a musical medley bringing
together the richness of pure Indian classical music
traditions and the beauty of lively folk tunes by
140 instrumentalists of the school. The Montessori
Department presentedThe Queens Necklace, imparting
the values of self-sacrifice, morality and honesty with
all the exuberance and innocence typical of the little
participants. The school choir, represented by 170
singers, through their eloquent melodies made a fervent
call for the intervention of love to resolve all divisive
conflicts among people. A 120-strong talented group
of students presented the dance drama, Kamyani, based
on an abridged version of the mythical Hindi epic by
Pandit Shri Jaya Shankar Prasad. The performance that
began with Dashavatar presented an odyssey through
time, showing the values of the old world matching
the sensibilities of the modern one. An Exhibition of
Photographs besides an Art Exhibition showcasing
the creativity and imagination of our students was also
displayed. The cultural extravaganza indeed proved to
be a feast for the aesthetic sensibilities of the visitors.
International Labour Day
VSPK International School, Rohini, Delhi
VSPK International School celebrated the
International Labour Day on 1 May 2014. The
Chairman, Sh. S. K. Gupta Ji spread the message that
labours are very important for us. Our life is incomplete
April-June 2014
without them. Lillipitians assembled to pay tribute to
labourers. The Labour Day in India is celebrated in
order to honour the contribution of working men and
women. Manager, Mrs. Pramila Gupta, appreciated the
students when they expressed their views and feelings
for the different labours,
No one is beat till he quits,
No one is through till he stops,
No matter how hard failure hits,
A fellow is not down till he lies,
In the dust and refuses to rise
Learning about the Dignity of Labour
Principal, Dr. Dolly Jaitly, appreciated the efforts
of students and gave the message that no job is less.
She puts a light on child labour. They are underpaid
and over worked. These practices are to be abolished
once and for all, without leaving traces for the future
generation.
Founder's Day Celebration
Nav Bharti Public School, Pitampura, Delhi
Nav Bharti Public School, Deepali, Pitampura,
celebrated the Founders Day on 30th April 2014. This
auspicious day happens to be the birthday of our revered
founder and eminent educationist, Honourable Sh.
Kulanand Bhartiya Ji.
The occasion was graced by Sh. Jagdish Tytler,
Former union Minister; Sh. Shyamlal Garg, Former
59
M.L.A; Sh. P.C. Bose, Former deputy Director of
Education, and other dignitaries.
The programme commenced with a traditional
pooja, invoking the blessings of God. The students
welcomed the guests with a melodious song Bhav
Bhini Vandana. This was followed by the beautiful
performance of the students that left the audience spell
bound. A musical programme of devotional songs was
also performed out by the staff of the schools under
Bharti Education Society.
Foundation Day Celebrations
On the occasion, Sh. Jagdish Tytler congratulated
Bhartiyaji on his birthday and conveyed his best wishes
to the students and staff of the school. He also lauded
the valuable contribution of Mr. Bhartiya in the field
of education.
A documentary film was also telecast on the
91 years journey of his life, in which his matchless
contribution to the field of education, literature and
social services was lauded.
30th Founder's Day
Budha Dal Public School, Patiala, Punjab
An atmosphere of celebration filled the
quads of Budha Dal Sports Complex on 6 May
2014, when the learners and teachers gathered to
celebrate three decades of success and educational
accomplishment.
60
The Chief Patron of the school, Jathedar Baba
Balbir Singh Ji, and Mrs. Sukhvinderjit Kaur, President
of the school, gave their blessings on the occasion.
The event was inaugurated by the Admn Officer
Mrs. Parminderjit Kaur Brar in the presence of the
Principal Dr. (Mrs) Amrit Aujla, staff and students of
the school.
The celebration began with the colourful display
of a march past, where the students were smartly dressed
in their respective house uniforms.
The day was celebrated with fervour, zest
and enthusiasm. An extravaganza of activities was
conducted. The school kept alive the tradition of
organizing Cross Country which started from 21 No.
Phatak and culminated at Budha Dal Sports Complex.
The day was also marked by games and inter house
competitions which included Back-to-Back Balloon
Race, Football Rolling in Pairs, Snake Race, Hurdle
Race and 400 meter relay races for boys and girls.
The Founders Day trophy was bagged by Baba
Fateh Singh Ji House, the winner house of the day. The
celebration came to an end with Shabad Kirtan and
langar, for students and staff.
Baba Fateh Singh Ji House are the Winners
Educational Enlightenment
VSPK International School, Rohini, Delhi
Inspired by the values and vision of the School
Chairman-Sh. S.K. Gupta and the Manager-Mrs.
Digital Equity
Pramila Gupta, the students of VSPK International
School raised awareness for the modernizing in the field
of education through a special assembly organized on 5
May 2014. The students presented their knowledge and
understanding of education : What it was, What it is and
what it should be. The students gave a fabulous dramatic
presentation through which they highlighted the aims
and advantages of the recent introductions like the
CCE the concept of Open Text Book assessment, ASL
and the emphasis on Values-based Education through
co-Scholastic activities, projects and observation of
the behavioural tendencies among students. The event
ended with an speech by the school Principal, Dr. Dolly
Jaitly, who reiterated the educational goal of creating
enlightened, empowered and responsible citizens of
society.
Education Awareness
Annual Day Function 'Ras Rang'
TPS Shastrinagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
On 8 th May, the Deep Smriti Auditorium
was filled with fervor and enthusiasm when Tagore
Public School, Shastri Nagar celebrated its annual
function RASRANG 2014. It was an event showcasing
the talents of the children and appreciation of the
parents.
The programme was preceded by the floral
welcome of the Chief Guest, Honourable Smt. Kiran
Soni Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Art and
April-June 2014
Culture Department of Rajasthan by the Director,
Tagore Group of Institutions, Sh. P. D. Singh and Mrs.
Neena Rathore, which was followed by lamp lighting
ceremony. Formal commencement of the programme
was with a classical dance recital Ganpati Vandana.
Ras Rang
To commemorate and pay homage to the great
personality, Rabindranath Tagore on his 153rd birth
anniversary, a melodious Tagores musical composition
was presented by the Tagorians.
This was followed by a fairy tale by the Primary
Wing students titled The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
The enchanting world of fairies by the tiny tots was
a thrilling visual treat with a message that we must
dream visualize and then act always. A short thought
provoking musical play Langlen-pakshi unmukt gagan
ki, an attractive presentation conveyed the message that
females too have their own identity, give them wings
to fly to discover their own horizon.
The highlight of the programme was a
contemporary and experimental play Katha ek desh
ki which tried to make the people aware about the
challenges faced by our country after independence and
the importance to think about the national priorities.
The presentation was based on realistic pattern. It
61
was directed by the famous theatre personality Rajeev
Ayachi.
This was followed by the release of school
magazine TAPAS 2014. The final presentation
showcased - the flavor of Rajasthan through well-
choreographed folk dances like chari, ghoomar, kalbelia
etc.
Most of the cultural performances were inspired
by our cultural moral education. This added many new
dimensions to the function. The chief guest applauded
the efforts of the teachers and the performances of
the students. The programme culminated by a vote of
thanks by the Academic Co-ordinator, Mrs. Shubra
Mukherjee.
Labor's Day in Sophia
Sophia Secondary School, Khetri Nagar, Rajasthan
I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with
head or hand; that the world owes no man a living, but
that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.
 - John D. Rockefeller
The message of Labour Day
1st May, the Labours Day, a day universally
celebrated as a tribute to the working class, the back-
bone of a society, is observed in our school with the
aim of instilling the dignity of labour in the minds of
the young ones. Our purpose as educators here is to
62
build character and ensure a stable future for mankind
through these global citizens of tomorrow, ushering in
ever-widening thoughts and ideas. This year also, the
day was celebrated keeping these objectives in focus.
We call it the Helpers Day here and the students learn
to respect the uncles and aunties who toil hard to give
them a healthy environment, a conducive atmosphere
for their education and upbringing in their alma
mater. The sweepers, the gardeners, the watchmen, the
office staff, - all were felicitated with flowers of love
and words of gratitude. A meaningful prayer service
was conducted for their well-being and prosperity.
The cultural programme that was staged was not for
entertainment alone. It was carefully planned to send
across a message to the student audience, to wake up
to the importance of the workers and to generate in
their budding hearts the well deserved respect and
appreciation for the service the workers render them.
Games were conducted for the helpers. The children
cheered when they won prizes and learnt to love them
as an integral part of the Sophia family. The day ended
with lunch and gifts for the helpers. The occasion thus
served the dual purpose of making the helpers feel
valued and cherished and educate students to respect
all forms of labor. Such celebrations, indeed, have a far
reaching effect in building a society and a nation sans
class discrimination of the rich and the snobbish and
in creating a feeling of brotherhood among all.
Inculcating respect for work
Digital Equity

Environment Festival
Panchtatva-The Elements of Nature
Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram, New Delhi
Delhi Public School, organized Panchtatva-The
Elements of Nature, an environment festival on 25
April 2014 on the occasion of Earth Day. Themed Sync
Energies, Panchtatva, was a mega event, which saw the
participation of 57 schools from Delhi and the NCR
with more than a thousand students. A collaborative
effort of the Environment and Geography Clubs of
the school, the fest comprised 9 competitions in two
categories.
Inauguration by the Chief Guest, Commissioner of Delhi Police,
Mr. B.S. Bassi
Panchtatva or the five elements of nature
constitute everything in the universe and their balance
is essential for the survival of living organisms.
Panchtatva Saviours is a team of dedicated members
from the Environment and the Geography Club of
DPS R.K.Puram, striving to ensure a clean and green
tomorrow. The team aims to inculcate Responsible
Green Values among the students through Intra- and
Inter-school activities.The Commissioner of Delhi
Police, Mr. B.S. Bassi, was the chief guest. Dr. Vivek
Gogia, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police and Dr.
B.C. Sabat, School Environment Club in-charge,
Government of NCT Delhi, were the guests of honour.
The Principal, DPS R.K. Puram, Dr. D.R. Saini,
presided. The Vice-Principal, Ms. Shobha Mehta and
April-June 2014
Head mistresses, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, Ms. Anita Singh
and Mr S.K. Arora, Head of the Biology Department,
also graced the occasion.
On-site competitions like Dance of the
Elements of Nature, Street Play on the Green Road,
t-Shirt Painting and Terra-Quiz, were conducted
during the fest among other online events like Green
Rhymes, eZoom-In eZoom-Out, Green-o-tisement,
Tree-n-School and eFile. Illustrious personalities
from the Sri Ram School for Performing Arts like
Mr. Amitabh Pandey, renowned for his contribution
to theatre and astronomy; famous theatre artist, Mr.
Rajesh Tiwari, who had directed a large number of
plays; and personalities from the field of dance, Mr.
Feroz Hyder and Ms. Rupali Singhal, constituted
the jury. In Dance of the Elements, the Mothers
International School stood first. Terra-Quiz was won
by Mayur School, Noida. D.P.S. Faridabad stood first
in t-Shirt Painting while D.P.S. Noida and D.P.S. R.K.
Puram won the Street Play on the Green Road.
Street Play performance in the Open Air Theatre
The winners of the dance and street play
competitions performed to a great applause during the
valedictory ceremony, The Principal, Dr. D.R. Saini,
stressed on the importance of conserving the five
elements-earth, air, water, fire and sky. He congratulated
the teachers-in charge, Ms. Rupa Das, Head of the
Department of Geography and Ms. Niva Chhonkar,
Teacher Incharge, Biotechnology, Environment Club,
63
and all the teachers of the Biology and Geography
departments for their commendable effort in putting
up the event. The Chief Guest, B.S. Bassi, answered
questions from the audience on the role of the police
in the capital. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Sabat, said
that environment related activities in schools go a
long way in making students aware about the issues of
the environment. The magazines of the Environment
Club- Terravision and Geography, Clubs- Geomania
were launched. The day concluded with the prize
distribution ceremony.
Investiture Ceremony at Ryan International
School, Noida 2014
Ryan International School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
The final week of April 2014 saw a hub of
electioneering in the school. The election process
began with the filing of nomination under the aegis
of the Principal, Mrs. Anuradha Sharma, who ensured
a fair election for the post of the Prime Minister and
the captains of the four houses of the school, namely
Aryabhatta, Einstein, Newton and Raman. The
President was elected later by both the elected and the
nominated members of the school cabinet.
Ready to lead and serve
The elected candidates were given their portfolios
on 13 May 2014 in an Investiture ceremony. Puyush
Kukrety took over as the President and Parva Khare was
inducted as the Vice-President of the school. Pritika
64
Sharma and Akshita Sinha, took the oath as the Prime
Minister and Deputy Prime Minister respectively. In
the junior wing, Arushi Bannerjee, was inducted as the
Prime Minister and Parth Chaturvedi was appointed
as the Deputy Prime Minister. The Chief Guest was
Lt. Cdr. D.K. Upadhyay was presented the badges of
responsibility to the new cabinet and blessed them with
words of motivation and encouragement. He gave them
valuable tips on being successful leaders and humble
students.
The elected students expressed their gratitude to
their mentors, Chairman Dr. Augustine F Pinto and
Managing Director, Grace Pinto, for giving them the
opportunity to exhibit their leadership skills.
A Celebration in the name of the Procreator
Greenwood Public School, Gurgaon, Haryana
Mother is undoubtedly the most precious gift of God.
Her pre-eminent presence in our life cant be substituted
by anyone.
Greenwood Public School and Greenwood
Kindergarten, celebrated Mothers Day on 7 May 2014
in order to honour mothers and express their gratitude
for the hardship they bear in bringing up their children.
The celebration took place in the respective school
premises, where mothers were invited to be a part of
the celebration and enjoy and rejuvenate themselves by
involving in exciting games.
The mothers were given a platform to explore
their hidden talent and they enthusiastically joined in
to participate in the fun activities and competitions. The
most prominent was the ramp walk which took them
down memory lane of their college days. Mothers a
experienced an unmatched coordination through the
game Tongue Twister, Hurdle, Slide etc. and games
based on communication between the Mother and
her child. Mothers participated with great zeal and
enthusiasm were following their mothers footsteps.
They were even asked to share their thoughts and
memories.
Digital Equity
 Many mothers spoke and seemed very touched by
the special occasion for bonding. The School Principal,
Ms. Jyoti Sharma, highlighted the important place of
a mother in ones life and quoted, Each mother in her
own capacity is un parallel and a winner as she carries a
divine bonding of motherhood.
Bridging the Generation Gap
The Chairperson, Ms. Sarita Kumar, deeply
touched, observed, The most beautiful necklace a
mother can wear is not gold or gems, but her childs arms
around her neck.
International Students Exchange Programme
Techno India Group Public School, Siliguri,
Darjeeling, West Bengal
A Robotics Workshop
April-June 2014
Techno India Group has the vision to deliver
knowledge driven-education of the highest quality.
Over the years, TIG has expanded its wings
from the field of Science, Technology, Management
studies to Health care / Hospitality TIG has more
than 16 public schools nationwide as well as outside
the country.
On the January 5, around 25 students visited
our school (Techno India Group School, Siliguri, West
Bengal) through the international students exchange
programme. Students were taken to the world famous
hill station, called Darjeeling, They enjoyed the hills,
with a ride on the Toy Train, visited the Botanical
Garden, Rock Garden and monasteries. They had a
gala time in the hills. After that, they were taken to
visit the tea gardens and observed different types of
plants on the way.
Welcoming School Guests
At Darjeeling, they also attendeda Robotics work
shop, led by an expert from IIT-Kharagpur.
On the fourth day, there was an exhibition at
the school where all students actively took part. These
was a debate competition between TIGPS Siliguri and
Techno Cider International school.
On the last day, was the the combined cultural
programme, performed by both branches of TIG.
65
 Voters Awareness Rally LCD presentation etc. Vice chairperson, Ms. Rasna
Rosy Public School, Shahjahan Pur, Uttar Pradesh Singh, graced the occasion along with the Principal,
Mr. George Mathew, and Headmistress, Ms. Renuka
The school organised Voters Awareness Rally Kamal.
on 15 April 2014 on the eve of General Elections held
here on 17 April 2014. It was flagged off by the S.D.M.
of Jalalabad, Mr. Hari Shankar Lal. The Rally was led
by the Principal, Mr. Anil Sindhwani, along with 30
teachers and 300 students. It covered the populated
area of Jalalabad for about 4 kms. Students carried
pamphlets, banners and slogans and urged people to
vote on 17 April 2014. The idea of organizing rally a was
appreciated by general public and promised children
that they will vote. On 10 of may 2014 the school
celebrated MOTHERS DAY. during this celebration
mothers were invited to school. Children performed a Inter-house play Competition
cultural show for the mothers. Games were conducted
Jaspalians, showcased a plethora of mind-rocking,
for the mothers and winners were given prizes by the
eye catching and head scratching events which aimed
school. The function started with putting the welcome
at exploring the talent in today's competitive world.
tikka for children to their mothers, and they also gave
The audience was mesmerised by the performances and
them handmade greeting cards. The mothers enjoyed
appreciated the zeal and fervor of the Jaspalians.
the day.

House Day Function
Jaspal Kaur Public School, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi
The school opened yet another chapter in
its sphere of co-curricular activities by organizing
the House Day Function on April 21 and 22, 2014
respectively. Students from four houses namely-Ashoka,
Ranjit, Nalwa and Akbar participated in various
events like English Plays, Talent hunt, Shabad recital,
Talent on Stage
International Day of Families
Rainbow International School, Nagrota Bagwan,
Himachal Pradesh
The School celebrated International Day of
Families on 15 May 2013. The students from classes
Nursery-X classes were involved in various activities,
like drawing activity, writing views about family and

66 Digital Equity
rhymes. The purpose behind celebration was to inculcate the venue, where a tree planting ceremony was held.
the respect for family and family values. The celebration The children sang patriotic songs and shared their
provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues experience of the rally.
related to families and to increase their knowledge
about the social, economic and demographic processes
affecting families.

Taking the Tiger Pledge

Students visit Tribal Museum

Rainbowites enjoying Rhymes on International Day of Families Oasis School, Raidurg, Hyderabad

Kids for Tiger Students visited the Tribal Museum where brings
Happy School, Daryaganj, New Delhi together culture, lifestyle, customs and beliefs of the
various tribes hailing from different districts of Andhra
Happy School in association with Gandhi Smriti Pradesh. Some of the tribes here are Kondareddi,
and Darshan Samti was a leading participant in "The Bagata and Hill Reddi. The tribes constitute 6.59 per
Kids for Tiger Rally" which saw about 1000 students cent of the population of Andhra Pradesh.The museum
from 25 schools of Delhi and NCR gathered at Rajghat. throws light on their heritage and a way of life which is
The children assembled armed with posters and simple and yet vibrant. Stories are told through pictures,
placards that displayed messages in support of wildlife literature and the figurines that as displayed. The library
conservation and environmental awareness. They also is well equipped.
came with their faces painted and wearing tiger masks.
Some even came dressed in animal costumes and made
a truly delightful sight! The rally started with children
gathering around the Gandhi Samadhi, where they paid
their respects to the Father of Nation, and took on oath
to protect their forests in spirit and in action to fulfill
the vision of their forefathers. The rally then proceeded
to the streets where they were joined by Chief Guests,
the legandary Bedi brothers, Naresh and Rajesh. They
walked with the kids, chanting slogans : Bagh Bachao,
Bharat Bachao and Save Tigers, Save Us. The combined
voices of the children in support of the tiger made for
an impressive sight and the atmosphere was charged
with their passionate display. The rally then came to At the Tribal Museum

April-June 2014 67
 Located right in the heart of city, near Banjara
hills, celebrating the aboriginals who lived on this
very hill is the Nehru Centenary Tribal Museum. It
is dedicated to 35 tribes that inhabit in the state of
Andhra Pradesh and intends to showcase their culture
and heritage through various displays and dioramas.
Located in three floors, the museum has a detailed
information kiosk that gives visitors information about
all the tribes in India. Adorning the walls inside and Visitors at the museum
outside the museum are typical white on red tribal
motifs. On both sides of the entrance gate are tribal The First floor has beautifully done households
dances exhibited along with the pillars that represent of various tribes, with specialty of each highlighted like
the tribal deities and around which the tribal people the Ediding design of Savara tribe, circular hut with
dance. conical roof of Chenchus, liquor making of Lambadas
from Babool tree, garments made from Adda leaves by
Porja tribe, soothsayers of Yerukala tribe, conical huts
of Yanodis and masks of Naikpod tribe. In between
spaces they display common things like weekly markets,
weighing measures, household equipments and deities
that sometime happen to be ancestors as well. The
second floor showcases the musical instruments, such
as the Rim Zim made out of bamboo with grooves in
it. There are hunting and fishing equipment along with
array of traps, different for different catches like fish,
rats, rabbits and birds. There are agricultural equipment
with a noise-making bird scare followed by handicrafts
in bell metal, wrought iron and terracotta. I particularly
liked a chappal or slipper made out of tree bark and
Models of Tribal Dancers bamboo strings. The displays end with a depiction of
a burial scene.
On the ground floor, dioramas of Chenchu tribe,
showcase their conical huts, their honey collection
technique, their hunting equipment and techniques
as they continue to be hunter-gatherers. Rest of the
section has collection of photographs showcasing
the differences between various tribes their facial
features, fabric designs, hut designs, deities, dances
and occupations. Then there are pictures that together
showcase the similarities across tribes in terms of
activities of women and cultivation methods called
Podu where they keep clearing the jungle in small
patches for agriculture. The other half of the hall focuses
on the developmental activities by the government for
the tribal communities. Exhibit about traditional knowledge

68 Digital Equity
 At the Museum
Museum office houses a small library that you
can access. The museum building, tribal hut shaped
structures have been erected, to sell tribal products.
There is also a small amphi theatre that does not seem to
have been used till now. Since there is no museum shop,
you can ask the caretaker to show us items for sale.
It is a small museum, with limited but well
maintained displays. Photography inside is strictly
prohibited, and I wonder why. There is nothing that
will be harmed with photography here, instead the
museum management can charge for cameras and have
a steady revenue from it. A guided tour would make
this visit more interesting as a lot of information about
tribal culture are not intuitive to the urban mind. We
thank Shankar Ji, the sculpture artist at the museum, for
giving us a guided tour of the museum and the curator,
Dr. Satya, for giving us the background information
about the tribes.
Field Display-MYRIAD
Savitri Bai Phule Balika Inter College,
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
The inter college celebrated its 4th Annual
Field Display MYRIAD, which was a blend of both
cultural and sporty events. Our theme was women
empowerment which depicted that girls excelling in
the field of Academics, dance, music, sports or when
they have to fight for their motherland.
April-June 2014
Students Performing Artistic Yoga
The Chief Guest, Shri Vineet Joshi, Chairman
CBSE and Guest of Honour was Shri Rama Raman,
Chairman and CEO, Noida and Gr. Noida Authority.
The function was conceived and executed under the able
guidance of the Principal Ms. Rima Dey. Shri Vineet
Joshi observed : I am happy to learn that the school in
imparting quality education and gives equal Importance
to co-curricular activities for the all round development
of child. I am also sure with the unswerving efforts for
you all, the school will attain new heights of excellence in
all the fields of education, thus reflecting the spirit behind
CCE and other initiatives of the Board. He was highly
delighted and impressed with the schools achievements
and lauded the hard work and efforts of the Principal,
staff and students for putting up such the show and
focusing on the girl children.
Shri Vineet Joshi with the Winners of the Champion Trophy
69
 This being a girls residential school we believe that
if good values and the spirit of service could be instilled
in the them along with academically challenging liberal
education, then they will be responsible citizens of
tomorrow who can face all challenges in their lives. The
programme concluded with the song I have a dream,
a song to sing.
Academic Day Celebration
Sishya School, Hosur, Tamil Nadu
The Sishya School, celebrated the Academic
Day on the 26 April 2014, a day for the students to
taste the fruits of their hard work. The Director of the
ARGEE Equipment Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Santhosh Kumar
was the Chief Guest.
The programme started with the singing of the
Tamil Thai Vazthu. The Chief Guest and the other
dignitaries on the dais lit the lamp. The Principal read
the Annual Report which gave information about
the events and special moments that happened in the
academic year 2013 -14. The children were honoured
with prizes for their academic excellence. The teachers
were also honoured for their service throughout the
year. Then the judges of the Bulletin Board design
competition were presented with mementos. The words
of the chief guest, Mr. Santhosh, inspired the young
minds. All the helping hands behind this event were
thanked. This programme ended with the national
anthem.
Investiture Ceremony
The Investiture Ceremony was held at Sishya
School, Hosur on 28th April 2014. The Chief Guest
was Mrs. Sindhu Priya, the CEO of the AARGEE
group of companies. It is a matter of pride to note that
Mrs. Sindhu Priya is a former student of Sishya and
had served as School Pupil leader and House captain.
The programme was hosted by Master A. Kaarthik of
class X. The programme reflected the epic of leadership.
The programme started with a prayer song followed
by the Tamil Thai Vazhthu sung by the nightingales of
Sishya. The Chief Guest and the Principal, along with
70
the other dignitaries lit the lamp. Then the school flag
was hoisted. The Chief Guest invested the leaders
and the elected leaders took their oath to fulfill their
responsibilities and bring laurels to their alma mater.
The Chief Guest delivered a very inspiring speech in
which she urged students to work with passion and
dedication. The parents of the student leaders were the
special invitees of the day.
Voter Awareness Rally 2014
Acme Public Sr. Sec. School, Jalalabad(w), Punjab
Message : Importance of Voting
Being a part of a democratic nation, students
came to know its largest in the world and spread
randomly in the different corners of our globe. By
focusing on the peoples view about their right, and
power of democracy in India. Because people of India
are still not using votes to elect loyal headers for the
nation. In recent studies of the general assembly
elections of 2009, only 57.53% votes have cast their
vote. So this time, the Election Commissions initiatives
made people aware by new modes of communication
like internet, news paper and television, to educate
people for their maximum participation in casting their
vote. Our school struck on an idea to raise awareness
among the public about their right to vote. Hence our
school staff and students organised a rally in Jalalabad
(W) where we helds the banners chanted slogans to
inform the people about voting and so on. By visiting
door to door, we just encounter sprawling vendors,
Digital Equity
shops and people somehow they might have enticed
by our efforts to raise awareness. Our motto was to let
them know how their votes can make a big difference
and our show that democracy could leap up to a new
vibrant future.
Awareness through Rally
Inter House I.T. Quiz on National Technology Day
Green Land Convent School, Dugri, Ludhiana, Punjab
The Winners of I.T. Quiz with their teachers
The Green Land Convent School, organized
an Inter House I.T. Quiz on National Technology Day
on 10 May 2014."Innovation- Making a Theme' was
the theme of the celebrations to mark the day. The
main objective was to create awareness and creativity
among students of senior classes regarding the latest
in technology.
April-June 2014
On 11 May 1998, India tested explosions for five
nuclear devices at the Pokhran Test Range, launching
the country as a fiery force to be reckoned with. Since
then 11 May is celebrated annually as the National
Technology Day all over India, to commemorate Indias
technological breakthroughs.
Facilitator from the school Information and
Technology Department Ms. Loveleen, highlighted
the innovative technologies being used in schools and
colleges these days and motivated them to further
explore the world and invent new things which can
really become helpful to our society. Students of class
XII gave an introduction on 'Virtual Machine Ware
Workstation' i.e. VM Ware Workstation. An Inter
House I.T. Quiz was organized to raise awareness
among students about new technologies. The winners
of the competition were Jagriti House 1st: Chandan,
Rajan Tayal, Amarjot Singh and Nidhi. Shakti House
2nd: Anmolpreet Kaur, Amandeep Singh, Divya and
Diksha.
The President, Mr. Shabad Rudhra and Director,
Ms. Vijayata Rudhra, graced the occasion. Principal,
Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur, while addressing the students,
advised them about the relevance of technology in the
present scenario and encouraged the students to take
more and more interest in science and research. Prof.
Jahangir Bhabha was also remembered on that day
for his dedication towards raising the spirit of science.
Prizes were distribute to the winners.
Voting Awareness Rally by GREEN GROVE
Green Grove Public School, Khanna, Punjab
The school, organized an awareness rally about
the upcoming elections at Khanna and Doraha.
Students of classes VIII to XII participated in the
rally. The target of the rally was to make the public
realize the importance of their vote. Through the
display of charts, posters, banners ad slogans students
enlighten the public to choose the right candidate. By
Enchanting slogans like Vote for a better India, Let
the wise people rule, your vote is your voice students
71
displayed their love for their country. The students
who lead the rally were Hasrat, Taranpreet, Harnishan,
Jatinder, Simran, Simran Mangat, Rupinder, Harpreet,
Jashan, Simerjot, Tarun, Ranvir, Arshpreet, Sumanpreet,
Sumandeep, Gaganpreet, Damanpreet, Komalpreet of
class XII.
Voting Awareness Rally
Digital Equity
Indira Ideal Sr. Sec. School, Janak Puri, New Delhi
Digital Equity has been aptly and pertinently put
into practice at Indira Ideal Sr. Sec. School. We have
installed interactive Smart Boards in all the class rooms
of the school as this networked learning environment
is a key tool to shift into the innovative pattern of
imparting information.
Smart Boards in Action
72
The installation of the Interactive Smart Boards
has been a stepping stone in the development of both
teaching and learning. The technology has motivated
the students to hone their creativity, problem solving
and critical thinking skills. The teachers also have been
able to refine their teaching with the use of media. The
elaborate and instantaneous use of videos, illustrations,
maps, graphs have definitely made the teaching more
dynamic. This novel classroom teaching has also
aroused the interest of the students and has increased
their attention span and enthusiasm for learning.
The digital smart classrooms have provided an
interactive platform for the teachers and students and
has restructured education, enabling the latter to focus
on their individual strengths.
CBSE Regional Level Science Exhibition-2014
Mukat Public School, Rajpura, Punjab
Demonstrating with an Exhibit
Mukat Public School, hosted the CBSE Inter
School Science exhibition on 11th-13th May 2014.
The theme of the exhibition was "Scientific and
Mathematical Innovations". 67 teams consisting of 2
members in each team with one guide teacher from
various CBSE affiliated institutions of Punjab, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh participated with
their selected and approved scientific exhibitions at
the venue. The inauguration was done by the Chief
Guest, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara
Digital Equity
University, and by the school management committee,
Mrs. Gayatri Kaushal, Principal, M.P.S, Rajpura,
extended a warm welcome to the revered guests along
with the management committee. Dr. Madhu Chitkara,
Chief Guest praised the budding scientists and wished
good luck for their bright future. The Judges for the
event were Educationist from various fields of Science
and Mathematics, Dr. Malkiat Singh (Ph.D Zoology),
Dr. Daljit Singh (Agriculture), Er. Adarsh Mathur
(Ph.D Education), Er. Pushpraj (B.tech elect.), Dr.
Supreet Pal Singh (Ph.D Physics), Dr. Vinay (Ph.D
Chemistry), Dr. Sharanjit Kaur (Ph.D Botany), Dr.
Darshan Singh (Ph.D Physics). Altogether 67 Schools
had participated with 106 innovative projects. The
projects were based on the theme: Agriculture, Energy,
Environment, Resources and Mathematics. The main
focus of the exhibition was to inculcate scientific
awareness among students and to demonstrate progress
and achievements in various fields of Science. The
participants explained the working of their models with
great interest to the judges, staff and students. The best
project from each sub-theme were judged and total
21 exhibits were selected for National Level CBSE
Exhibition. The exhibition proves the hidden talent and
logical thinking which is helpful to our society.
The celebration of Science exhibition came to an
end after three days. The Valedictory function was held
on 13th May, 2014 in school premises. R.J. Khanderao,
Regional Officer, CBSE Panchkula was the Chief
Guest. The Chief Guest and impressed and appreciated
the creativity of the students. They also applauded the
school for holding such a grand event.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Gayatri
Kaushal, Principal of the school for whole hearted
co-operation for the successful conduct of the CBSE
Science Exhibition.
Aspiring Leaders
St. Xavier's High School, Bharni, Bilaspur, Chattisgarh
St. Xaviers conducted a Human Resource
enrichment programme about students' responsibility
April-June 2014
for performing various duties at the school. Assignments
were given to the elected prefects and captains to step
ahead with a true spirit of democracy. The school
observed its Investiture Ceremony on 29 July 2013
where in the school G. M. Finance, Mr. A. Samantaray
spoke about the enhancement of leadership qualities
among the staff and students. In a swearing in ceremony,
Vice Principal, Mr. A. B. Sultan, and Head mistress,
Mrs. Swagata Sur, made the captains and prefects take
an oath for smooth functioning of the school. Mas.
Taib Khan and Ms. Pariniti Masih, were elected as
the Head Boy and the Head Girl first ever taste of
leadership was savored by the newly elected student
council members. The President of local managing
committee, Mr. S.P. Chaturvedi urged the students
to remember the fact that leadership and learning are
indispensable to each other and student leaders have to
be vigilant and not compromise on the issues of values
and school discipline.
Inspiring Leaders
Annual Day Celebrations
Lord Mahavir Jain Public School,
Ambala Cantt, Haryana
Mirth and exhilaration marked the annual day
celebrations at Lord Mahavir Jain Public School.
Celebrated on 17 April 2014, AAGAZ, represented the
vibrant and spirit of learning that finds delight in every
opportunity for expression. In tune with the Indian
ethos and traditions, the programme commenced
73
with, Ganesh Vandana. The Chief Guest, Sh. I.K.
Jain, the President of the managing committee of the
school felicitated 173 meritorious students for their
exceptional feats in varied academic and co-curricular
spheres.
A Vibrant Performance
The spectators were regaled with a cultural
extravaganza showcasing the innate faculties of children
and displaying their euphoric spirits coloured with
the hues of achievement. The highlight of the show
was the touching pantomime Taare Zameen Par,
depicting the plight of special children and urging
all to show compassion towards team. Visit to the
World of Toddlers, a medley presented by the tiny
tots of the kindergarten wing enthralled the audience.
The programme came to a close with of the national
anthem.
A Colourful Tableau
74
The Malaysian International Youth Inventors Olympiad
Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi
Project Green City, presented by four students
of class XI from Tagore International School, Shailja
Kumar, Nikita Arora, M.Swetha and Sahitya Rajagopal
at the Malaysian International Youth Inventors
Olympiad was the proud winner of the Silver Medal
from among 180 other entries from different parts of
the world. The school was invited for this prestigious
competition by RCE (Regional Centre of Expertise)
and was the only representative school from India. The
competition was hosted by one of the best residential
schools in Malaysia, Sekolah Menengah Sains Tun
Syed Sheikh Shahabuddin Secondary Science School.
Working under the guidance of Ms. Nishtha Mahindru,
TGT Science, the school team participated in the
competition under the category - Environmental
Science. Using the latest technology like piezo sensors,
free space optics and parabolic dishes in the city, along
with existing methods like traditional roofing, grey
water treatment and rainwater harvesting, made the
project unique. Solar energy was used to generate
electricity for street lights and residential areas, charging
battery operated cars all through the day, thus making
the city futuristic. Projects from schools of Thailand and
Philippines and the host country were also appreciated,
but the initiatives taken by Tagore International to
protect the environment impressed the judges and
inspired many participating schools to follow suit.
Young Inventors
Digital Equity
 Events Update
Army Public School, Chandimandir, Haryana
Activities help the students to explore the
knowledge content in an effective manner. Today, the
need is to ensure that the education system is child-
centered, as well as activity-centered.
Keeping in view the holistic development of
the, school students conducted various activities and
organized many competitions to refine their application
skills.
The poster making competition was conducted
for classes VI to XII in which students highlighted the
causes of the national and social issues given as topics
and gave remedies to root out those problems.
The extempore competition was a completely
new experience for the students in which they spoke
on the given topics without any preparation.
Competitions and events update
April-June 2014
The recitation of Hindi poetry was an enthralling
experience for the listeners in which children spoke on
the various social and national concerns in a satirical
and humorous way.
Various inter-house competitions of basketball,
handball and football were held. These activities helped
in keeping the children not only physically, but also
mentally fit.
Apart from this, talk shows on various explorative
and social topics were also organized for the students
in the school premises.
Nav Chetna, Annual Day Celebration
Seth Hukam Chand S.D. Public Sr. Sec. School,
Sangal Sohal-Variana, Jalandhar, Punjab
The grandeur of annual function glued the
audience to the seats on 28th December, 2013. The
well arranged socio-cultural theme based grabbed
75
all eyeballs of the audience. The function started
with benign presence of the Chief Guest Mr. Pawan
Kumar Tinu, Chief Parliament Sec. Department of
Sports and Youth Services and Welfare of SC's and
BC's Punjab, and various dignitaries were present. The
programme commenced by the group song presented
by school choir. The well choreographed dance items
depicting various themes and the problems of the
society were presented before the audience. The theme
of social discrimation, exploitation and justice were well
represented in the dance replicas. Mystical God, Saintly
Vision, Perceptions, Yuva Dance and Bhangra were the
various thematic dance performances.
Creative Drill Display
Swirling colours on the field
The eminent guests present enunciated that
the school offers a world of opportunities and in this
76
prospect education is observed, lived and experienced.
He appreciated the presence of more than 60 students
in every item presented. The boisterous 'Bhangra'
dance changed the ethos of the evening with its verve
and vivacity. Prizes were distributed for co-curricular
activities, academics and sports achievements. In the
end strains of Jana Gana Mana enthused the audience
with love for the motherland.
A Report on the Indo-Saudi Cultural Event
organised by the International Indian School,
Al-Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The International Indian School Al-Jubail
organized an Indo-Saudi inter-cultural event for the
first time of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
on Wednesday the 5th March, 2014. It was a colourful
day for the students to participate, enjoy and learn
about Saudi and Indian heritage, culture and cuisine
under one roof.
Promoting Cultural Interaction
The programme was inaugurated by the Principal
Dr. Syed Hameed, who appreciated and threw light on
the usefulness of such an event . The event was organized
by the CCA Incharge Mrs. Farha Naz and all activities
were monitored by Mrs. Sarabai Saifuddin. Its aim was
to facilitate cultural exchange for a better understanding
of the two cultures. The Saudi female teaching staff
made special arrangements with enthusiasm.
Digital Equity
 All teachers and students of the Secondary feedback, photographs and e-mails were gathered and
Girls' Section wing of IIS Jubail participated in this a portfolio was submitted to the British Council in
grand cultural show of India and Saudi Arabia which February 2014. It was assessed by a panel and approved
reinforced the importance of all-round personality for International School Award valid for 3 years i.e.
development of students and of CCE under the CBSE 2014-2017. The entire school community participated
guidelines. in this exciting journey and contributed in their unique
ways to the cultural exchange.
British Council's International School Award
Gyan Mata Vidya Vihar, Nanded, Maharashtra
The IT-enabled learning resources can be used
to transform teaching learning process into an exciting
experience for the teachers and an enjoyable experience
for the students and teachers alike.

Learning About London, UK

Group Song Competition

Bal Bhawan, Panipat, Haryana
 ompetition makes the person
C
strong so Play to win not not to lose.
Being very British

The management of the school decided to enroll

for the British Councils International School Award, an
accreditation scheme worldwide which nurtures global
citizenship among young students.

During the assessment year (April 2013 to

February 2014), 10 different projects were undertaken
by the students from L.K.G. to class 10. The activities
were aimed to develop awareness about international
issues to empower students to face challenges. The
role of an active and responsible citizen should be the
dream of every student. Many activities were done in
Winner being Honoured
collaboration with schools, in other countries, such as Sri
Lanka, Greece, Germany, Japan, Russia and Singapore. A group song competition was held at Bal
Students and teachers established communication Bhawan Panipat at the state level. It is organised every
through e-mails and Video conferences. Evidences in year in memory of the grandson of Hali, whose name
the form of students work, teachers reports, parents is Khawaja Abbas. Thirteen schools participated in

April-June 2014 77
this competition. All the schools performed very well
and the Bal Bhawan team was adjudged the best. The
lyrics of the songs given by the organiser and music was
composed by theschools music teacher:
Aye Bhole Bhale Bacho, nadano, natwano
Sar pe bado ka saya, Saya Khuda ka jano
Hukm inka manne me, Barkat he tum jano.
DAVIS is 16 Years Old
DAV International School, Amritsar, Punjab
The school which started its amazing journey
with its establishment in 1998 by the DAV's visionaries
with just 187 students and 10 teachers now proudly
stands as a premier institute with 5400 students and
about 200 teachers. It is affiliated to Central Board of
Secondary Education (CBSE) up to Senior Secondary
Level. In XI and XII classes, the school offers four
streams : Non-Medical, Medical, Commerce and
Humanities.
Sprawling over 8.5acres of lush green lawns
nestled amidst highly picturesque & truly wordsworthian
surroundings at Verka By-Pass Road, the school
provides pollution-free and study-friendly environs
for the healthy growth of its pupils. Ergonomically
constructed, the three storey school building is well-
equipped with the entire modern infrastructure and
state-of-the-art facilities.
The school building comprises Academic &
Administrative Blocks, rich Library, Multimedia Room,
Science Labs, Computer Labs, Language Lab, Maths
Lab, Social Science Lab, a fully A.C. Seminar Hall,
'The Kids Castle', a separate Block for the Pre-Primary
students, IPA Room, Audio Video Room, Smart
Classrooms, Art and Craft Room, Music Room, Dance
Room, Skating Rink, Basketball Court, Lawn Tennis
Court, Yoga Room and a Yajna Shala.
A National Integration Rose Park based on
Geometric Shapes is decked with 675 plants of
different colours of roses.
78
A Traffic Park with the sign boards related to
traffic rules is also beautifully and especially
designed to create awareness about the traffic
safety rules among the school children.
Thus this state-of-the-art infrastructure, with
all modern amenities and its beautiful landscaping
combined with study-friendly class rooms, provides a
perfect academic ambience and an ideal nurturing ground
for a child to grow up as a complete personality.
I am delighted to mention here that the school
has shown excellent results both quantitatively and
qualitatively in the final examinations of Std. X and
XII.
It is a matter of great pleasure to inform you that
the school has once again created history by winning the
highly prestigious British Council International School
Award for the session 2010-2013. This achievement
becomes all the more significant because our school
has won this prestigious award for the second time
successively.
The school is also the proud recipient of
National School Sanitation Award (NSSA), 2012
from Human Resource Development, Govt. of India
and Green School Award-2013 under New School-
National Category instituted by Centre for Science
and Environment and Gobar Times.
Last but not the least, the school has been
showing excellent performance even in the fields of
Sports and Co-Curricular Activities.
48th Annual Day Celebration
Sainik School, Ghorakhal, Uttarakhand
The school celebrated its 48th Annual Day on 23
and 24 May 2014, with Maj General AKS Sengar YSM,
VSM as the Chief Guest. Gen. Sengar who was an
ex-cadet of the school spent his formative years in this
picturesque school from 1968- 1975 before joining the
54th NDA course and thereafter getting commissioned
in 1979 from the Indian Military Academy earning the
Digital Equity
coveted Sword of Honour and Gold Medal for topping
his course. He is at present the Additional Director
General of Mechanised forces at the Integrated Head
quarters, Ministry of Defence. Speaking at the function,
the chief guest expressed his delight to be back in his
alma mater and said that he was proud to be part of this
great school which has churned out many a great officer
not only in the defence forces but in all walks of life.
He urged the cadets to make use of the opportunities
available and to leave no stone unturned to fulfill their
dreams adding that, they have to dream big to excel in
life. The friendship and camaraderie developed here
would last them and assured the parents of the cadets
that they have made the right decision in sending their
children to Sainik School, Ghorakhal.
Inaugurtion of NDA Milestone & View Point
Earlier presenting the Annual report, Colonel
Devesh Gaur, the Principal said that his school has
been doing extremely well in fulfilling the objectives
of sending boys to the prestigious National Defence
Academy. This time also it has stood first among the
countrys 24 Sainik schools in the UPSC's National
Defence Academy entrance examination. He added that
this is a much sought after school as it grooms the all
round personality of boys turning them into responsible
citizens. He hoped that the visit and achievements of
inspiring personalities like Gen Sengar would further
spur the cadets to work hard. He also said that the
school is gearing up to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in
a grand manner and said that the school has lined up a
April-June 2014
series of infrastructure and academic-oriented projects
for the all-round development of students including
the construction of a state of the art multi purpose
indoor stadium.
The annual day celebrations was spread over
two days, the first evening included a vibrant and
colourful cultural programme by the cadets. The
following day included an annual exposition of various
exhibits prepared by different hobby clubs that exist in
the school . This included the Geography club, Arts
Club, Maths Club, as well as displays by the Physics,
Chemistry and Biology Labs. Following tradition, this
exhibition was inaugurated by the parents of the School
Captain Abhay Joshi. The Annual Day culminated with
the annual sports competition which saw the cadets
put up an impressive display of strength, stamina,
flexibility and co-ordination. This included mass PT
display, karate, aerobics, flag PT, a band display by
the highly acclaimed school band and dare devilry on
the high horse including the famed leap through the
ring of fire which kept the audience enthralled. Gen.
Sengar also gave away the Cock House Trophy to
Kesari House for standing first amongst all houses. He
also awarded the coveted Governors Trophy to Senior
Under Officer Cadet Gautam Garhia for being the best
overall cadet, gave away scholarships to NCC Cadets
and also conferred badges for the cadets who excelled
in Academics. Officers, teachers, staff, of the school,
parents and other dignitaries witnessed the events.
Earlier on arrival, Gen AKS Sengar who was on
a two day visit to the school was received by Colonel
Devesh Gaur, Principal Sainik School, Ghorakhal and
later given an impressive ceremonial Guard of Honour
by the NCC cadets. He also inaugurated the NDA
Milestone and View point, commanding a majestic view
of the Bhimtal Lake and the valleys down below.
Being younger than elder members of the Sainik
School fraternity, 502 cadets have joined NDA up to
July 2013. A large number of the alumni have also
joined directly at IMA, OTA, Air Force Academy and
Naval Academy, AFMC, Coast Guard and Merchant
79
Navy. Many others have joined the IAS, IPS, IIT,
Banking services etc, and most of them are presently
holding prestigious positions. The school has the honour
of winning the 'Raksha Mantri's trophy' for sending
the largest number of cadets to the NDA seven times
since 2000.The only one of its kind in the state, which
prepares cadets for joining defence forces in the officer
cadre Sainik School, Ghorakhal is spread over 400 acres.
The school functions under the Ministry of Defence
and is considered to be the best amongst the 25 Sainik
Schools around the country.
Cadet jumping through the Ring of Fire
Inter House Quiz Competition
Satluj Senior Secondary School, Shahabad
Markanda, Haryana
Quiz is a form of game or mind sport in which
the players are attempting to answer the questions
correctly. Inter House Quiz Competition was organized
on 28 May 2014.The students of four houses Rose, Lilly,
Jasmeen and Lotus, took participate in this competition.
Each House had one junior and senior team. There were
three rounds for each team. In junior group, the students
of Lilly House stood first and Rose House remained
second. In the same way, the students of Lotus House in
the senior group stood first and Rose House remained
second. The quiz consisted of Mathematics, Science,
Social Science and General Knowledge questions.
Mr. Rajesh (Physics Lect.), Mr. Virender Singh (Eng.
80
Lect.), Miss Minakshi (Mathematics. Lect.) quizzed
the students.
Winners of the Inter-house Quiz Competition
The winners were honoured by the Principal, Dr.
Raghbir Singh Ghumman. At the end, the Principal
delivered a speech and observed that, education
and academic competitions are two most important
ingredients of human life and these two have always
been considered as important issues. Education and
competitions are very closely related, as competitions
are a part of education for the development of life skills.
Indeed, without competitions, we can not imagine
education. There is no doubt education is secret key
of human success and the roots of education lie in
competition. At the end, general knowledge quizzes are
welcome because they promote our knowledge and at
the same time increase our information making, which
evokes our emotions to spend more time on the internet
to learn, discover and communicate with others.
Anti-Obscenity Movement
Gurukul Sr. Sec. School, Matindu, Haryana
The progress and prosperity of a nation depends
on the mental health of its youth and it is our first and
foremost duty to blend our strong cultural heritage
and other traditional systems with advanced modern
learning processes, to provide a new and appropriate
direction to education. In order to bring about a sense
of awareness, the school started a movement to promote
Digital Equity
healthy and good relationships among students and the
whole society and, that is, obscenity-leaving movement
(xkyh NksM+ks vfHk;ku)
the Chairman, Director and Principal of the school.
This activity showcased their talent, creativity, and
helped them learn teamwork, time management and
also helped them develop their confidence. Through
this activity, they were motivated by the success and
achievements of these great personalities.

Taking the Anti-obscenity Pledge

All the students took the pledge to abstain from

the sources of obscenity and battle the use of abusive
language, I will never use abusive language to others
and also stop other to use it to make a healthy and sweet
relationship among the whole society.

The Chairperson, Brig Satyadev Dahiya, also

motivated students to be polite and spread cordiality.
According t him transformation of the Indian society
can happen if the education system is able to build a
strong character of the Indian youth who believe in
chastity, harmony, fellowship and respect for others.

Display Board Decoration Competition Creative Display of Chart Work

Royal Gondwana Public School,
Shankarpur, Nagpur, Maharashtra
The school organized the Inter-house Display
Board Decoration Competition for the students of
Class VIII, IX and X during the academic session 2013-
14. The theme given to the students were 'Indian Sports
Icons' and 'Indian Icons' in the field of Information
Technology. Students gathered and presented more
information like the struggle and achievements of
Sachin Tendulkar, Mary Kom, Raj Reddy and N R
Narayana Murthy. Students explained their work to
Election Awareness camp
Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Polachery,
Kancheepuram Dt, Chennai, Tamilnadu
Voting is a very important civic right as well
as duty of every citizen. Nowadays people hesitate
to cast their vote. Some think that it is a waste and
useless. Out of laziness and ignorance, some people
do not cast their vote. People must understand that
every vote has significance. The students of Maharishi
Vidya Mandir, Polachery, Chennai, decided to carry

April-June 2014 81
out an election awareness campaign. It was conducted
by 9th and 10th standard students at Polachery village
on 19.04.2014. Students took out a rally from school
to the village which is one kilometer from our school,
carrying various banners written in English and Tamil,
emphasizing awareness on casting ones vote during
election by the general public.
Importance of Voting
Rasing Public Awareness
A street play based on this theme was performed
at a common ground in the village, which was
appreciated by the public. A door to door campaign
was carried out performed by the students, urging
the citizens to cast their votes in order to fulfill their
democratic responsibilities. Students also prepared a
model Electronic Voting Machine. They explained to
the public how to cast their votes using these EVMs. As
82
a follow up activity, our students visited the village again
on 30.04.14 after the Lok Sabha elections were over. It
was noted that more than 90% of the voters had cast
their vote. This activity also helped our students to learn
the election process and the importance of voting.
Inter-house Banner Making Competition
Maples Academy, Deoband, Uttar Pradesh
Message about Family Values
On the occasion of Family Day i.e on 15 May
2014, an Inter House Competition entitled Banner
Making Competition was organised in the school. The
objective of the competition was to make students learn
about importance of family and values inculcated by it.
The students of all the four houses were supposed to
make huge banners of size 515feet; highlighting the
importance of family. The students of classes I to X
participated in this competition. Under the guidance of
their house wardens, the students prepared the banners.
They used different material prepared the banners and
their presentation. The banner of every house consisted
of attractive pictures and catchy messages about Family
Day. All the banners were very colourful and beautifully
made. The 8-10 participants of each house have also
presented skits, poems, songs and speech as on this
memorable event. They unanimously asserted that
in modern scenerio it is the need of the hour to live
and work together to make a family happy. Through
different presentations students gave a message that
all family members should be dedicated, loving, helpful
and compassionate towards each other.
Digital Equity
 In the end, the Principal, Mrs. Meenu Arora,
motivated students to participate in such programmes,
so that their multifaceted talents may be explored. All
the family members should work together with love,
harmony, adjustment and adaptability. She also said
that a school is the second home for a child. It is also
a family where students study, play and enjoy together
and teachers play the role of parents here.
Celebrating the Family
Science Exhibition on the UNO 2014 themes
Kamla Nehru Public School, Phagwara, Punjab
Demonstration and Presentation
To develop a scientific temperament among
students, the school organised a science exhibition on
24 May 2014. The exhibition was based on the themes
of UNO 2014 i.e. International year of Crystallography,
International year of Family Farming, International year
April-June 2014
of Small Island Developing States and International
year of Solidarity with Palestine People. Dr. Rajesh
Grover, Director Pushpa Gujral, Science City was the
Chief Guest. About 1400 students from nursery to
class XII and 2500 visitors took part in the exhibition.
The students showed their talent through their exhibits,
charts, powerpoint presentations, videos, role-plays,
dances and songs depicting the themes of UNO
2014.
Models at the Exhibition
Trishna Summit 2014
N. K. Bagrodia Public School, New Delhi
The school hosted Trishna Summit 2014,the
Annual School Fest, with a new vision and perspective
in a unique incarnation. It was a grand extravaganza
held on 2nd May, with myriad of activities competitions
at different levels from classes I to XII with an
initiative to provide a platform to 375 students from
25 prestigious schools of Dwarka and neighbourhood
to showcase their talents.
Trishna Summit has been an endeavour to tap
the talents of students with a motto to do away with
the unhealthy cut throat competition. Trishna is a
journey in the quest of knowledge for the mind and an
attempt which gives a unique opportunity to students
to explore their acumen for creativity and innovation.
The icon of Trishna is Zorba -The Buddha whose feet
are firmly rooted to ground yet whose hands can touch
83
the stars, conveying the message : If you can dream it, The fest was a unique amalgam of creativity,
you can do it. thinking and innovation.

Science Week Report

Doon Public School, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi
Rightly said by Einstein-science is not about
memorizing but it is all about Learning By Doing. And
our Doonites have proved this again.

Doon Public School celebrated SCIENCE

WEEK from 21 April to 25 April 2014, to develop
scientific temper among students. It was a participation
of students from class 1 to class 12. The following
activities were conducted-
Winner of the Trishna Summit
21st April
The day commenced with invocation of blessings
Activity 1 :- The Jam Session was conducted by
from the Almighty and lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
Ms. Veena Kulkarni and Ms. Rajnish for class 8 to
The Fest was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Lt. Col.
check the Spontaneity of thoughts and expression. The
Ramandeep Sandhu from the Artillery Regiment. The
winners were-I position Somesh Pratap , II position
Opening Ceremony was graced by the dignitaries Mr.
Anjika Gupta, III position Shreya.
K.K Dhanuka-Founder Trustee, Mr. Dinesh Gupta,
the school trustee and Dr. S.K. Bhattacharya, director
of NKBPS group of schools. The Principal, Dr. (Mrs.)
Rajee N Kumar, felicitated the distinguished guests,
members of NKBPS Management Committee and
the judges of the different events.

The fest included an array of events like-Visual

Art-Srijan for classes I to III, Creative Expression for
class IV, Treasure Hunt for class V, Mind Sweeper for
classes VI to VII, Youth Forum on talk show in support
of the language for classes VI to X, Hindi-Darpan for
class VIII, Literary Conclave- English Turncoat for
class X, E-nnovation for classes XI-XII. The event
Vanamitrawali was the highlight of the fest as it was Role-Playing
an initiative to promote planting medicinal saplings.
Activity 2 :- The Photography Competition
The entire day abuzz with multifarious activities was organized by Ms. Geeta Madan, Ms. Robica and
garnered praise and appreciation for its new concept. Ms. Priyanka Bansal for class 9 to see their skills of
A mesmerising dance performance by the participants capturing nature. The winners were:- I position Rahul
added a vibrant touch to the closing ceremony. The Aggarwal, II position Disha Dhingra and Dhruv Goel,
winning participants were felicitated with prizes and III Dhingra and Robin John, and IV position Devank
certificates. Dhingra and Tanya Gambhir .

84 Digital Equity
22nd April 3-8) Students of the Biology and Biotechnology
streams performed blood and blood glucose test for
Activity : The Treasure Hunt was conducted
the teachers.
by Ms. Geeta Madan and Ms. Robica for the students
of class 10 in which students were expected to find the 25th April
clues for a scientific term from a given area.
Activity 1 :- The Act Like a Scientist-The
23rd April students of class 10 enacted as great scientists and
went to juniors classes to make the younger students
Activity 1 :- The Scientific Rangoli was organized
aware about their discoveries and contribution in the
under the supervision of Ms. Rajnish and Ms. Veena
field of science.
Kulkarni for class 5 and 6.The students made logos
using colored pulses, cereals and vegetables. The winners
were : I position Team 3-Nisha sharda, Jiya Nagpal,
Jhanvi Goel, Bhakti Bhandari and II position Team
4-Nikita Bakshi, Gaurangi Dayal, Aditi Bhati, Yash
Kanojia.

Activity 2 :- The Quiz was conducted for class

11 to track their learning process. The winners were : I
position- Munish Dwivedi, Tejas Sardana

24th April
Activity 1 : The role play of parts of a plant
This activity was conducted by Ms. Jyoti Kohli, where
students of class 3 enacted as parts of a plant in a
beautiful outfit. The winners were-I position- Prithvi jai
B. Nair, Yubraj Bhardwaj, II position- Surabhi Kalra,
Tanveen Kaur, Parag Goel and III position - Ishmeet
Kaur, Hardik Gami
Activity 2 : The Role Play of Nutrients The
students of class 4 enacted as different nutrients and
explained their importance under the guidance of Ms.
Renu Dwivedi.
Activity 3 :- The Tell and Show The students of
class 7 and 8 presented habitats of different organisms
under the supervision of Ms. Rajnish and Ms. Veena
Kulkarni. The best performers were Nishta Jain, Riya
Bhardwaj, Naina.
Activity 4 :- The Display of Scientific Experiments
and Apparatus The students of classes 10 and 11
explained the experiments ,apparatus set up in Physics,
Chemistry and biology labs to the juniors (classes
Activity 2 :- The Clay Modeling The tiny tots
of class 1 exhibited their imagination through clay
modeling under the supervision of Ms. Harpreet and
Ms. Mita Khanna. The winners were- I position-Noyal
S. Paul, II positionDeeksha, III position- Tening
Bhutia, Bhavishya Singh and IV position Jigyashu.
Activity 3 :-The Vegetable Printing Competition
was organised for class 2. The winners were- I position
-Diksha Digwal, Vanshika, Neha, Hriday, Kartik
Vashisht, II position- Gurshabad Singh, Bhawin,
Shivani, Manpreet Khatri, III position- Ayush,
Radhika, Himanshi, Tejas Sethi and IV position-Alisha
Chawla, Himani.
On behalf of whole Science Department, Ms.
Vidhu Vijayan, Proctor (Sr.) invited our Manager, Sir
Mr. Sarat Chandran, and our Principal Ms. Vandana
Sachdev, to release the Science Magazine which
comprises of the report of all the events conducted

April-June 2014 85
during the week and the journals of the students which
would be as display in the library.
Inter School Sahodaya Drawing and Painting
Competition held in Lala Jagat Narain D.A.V
Model School, Jalandhar, Punjab
Winners of the competition
Lala Jagat Narain D.A.V Model School
conducted the Inter School Sahodaya Drawing and
Painting Competition on 16 May2014 in the school
campus. 60 schools participated in the competition.
There were two judges who were deputed to adjudge
the performance of the students. The students of the
senior group were asked to draw paintings on the
topics World in 2050, Women of India and the
junior group to draw A Picnic Scene. The schools aim
was to make the students aware of the worlds present
condition which would affect the future world and to
give a message to the young generation who may take
steps to improve the environment and to ameliorate
the position of women.
Digital Equity
J.K.G. Sr. Sec. School, Vijay Nagar, Ghaziabad,
Uttar Pradesh
Man cannot depend entirely upon his own
muscular power. In the scientific world of today much
of his work is done by technology. The present day high
tech. gear is just a part of growing up in a digital world.
86
We have become highly dependent on technology. One
cannot deny that digital equity becomes a part and
parcel of daily lives. It is rightly said-
There will be an uniformity
When India adopts digital equity
Indians fly high, it is certainty.
No country can defy its integrity
Understanding Digital Equity
What is digital equity? It is the social justice
good of ensuring that everyone in our society has equal
access to technology tools, computers and the internet.
When all the individuals have the knowledge and skills
to access and use technology tools, computer and net,
then their lives are completely ruled by these devices.
These devices have many benefits. Digital equity can
make the world jump forward with a leap and build
up a glittering modern world. Digital equity redress us
valuable service in different forms. It has changed the
social order and raised mans standards of living. It has
helped a lot in the advancement of civilization.
School based digital education initiative for
parents, it is extremely interesting and full of useful
information. Equity is not only access to devices,
but access to the networks that allow people to get
information. A digital learning programme can be
utilized in classrooms. India needs to improve its
infrastructure. Digital equity is one of the ways to do
it so. We should concrete identify the benefit of the
qualities and conditions under which more information
and communication deliver. As we strangle for equity,
Digital Equity
we must simultaneously fight for humanity. If students
have limited computer access and they are not given
access to technology, then they will be technologically
illiterate and unprepared for their future. Economically
poor students do not have internet access, because it is
too expensive. They should not be deprived of access
to a technology based education, Opportunity should
be created for them through classrooms activity. Five
strategies help them a to make progress towards
digital equity. They are content creation, cultural
relevance, effective use, quality content and technology
resources.
An Interaction Session with Teachers
Digital equity is defined as equal access and
opportunity to use digital tools, resources, services to tools available for teaching the Principal of Basava
increase digital knowledge, awareness and skill. When International School, Dr. Manimala Roy takes a lot
considering the role of technology in development, of initiative to train the teachers by organizing various
digital equity is more than a comparable delivery of workshops from time to time. She organized a three
goods and services. day workshop on Enhancing Educational Processes
- Effectiveness for Excellence conducted by Dr. A.
Senthil Kumaran from CII Institute of Quality from 21
to 23 May. The workshop dealt with the fundamentals
of school excellence. It also talked about what was
quality and fundamental principles with respect to
school. Dr. Senthil talked about educational processes
- the need of educational processes, how to map it, how
to measure and improve various processes of the school.
The teachers had a fruitful learning experience and
participated enthusiastically in the formation of various
school processes. They brainstormed in groups and

A Satellite Model

To promote Digital equity in education is necessity,

This is the way to get abroads connectivity,
No regidity in education,
India adopts flexibility, which shows Indias superiority.

Workshop by CII
Basava International School
To keep the teachers abreast of the changes in
the education industry and equip them with the latest An Activity - based workshop

April-June 2014 87
created validated processes for the school. Dr. Senthil
set the thinking process active and asked teachers to
reflect do a lot of critical thinking as to why they were
doing certain activities year on year without reflecting.
He also gave a lot of ideas on how to make a difference
by doing small things and what one could do to make
the system workable and systematic. He stressed on
the integration of educational processes for a complete
turnover of the teaching- learning process.
Mothers-Day Celebration
Gautam Public Sr. Sec. School, Ghaziabad, UP
God Can't be everywhere, so he sent Mothers to us
The importance of mothers reflect in the above
statement so it did in the efforts made by the school
to honour the mothers of GPS, on the second day of
May, the school organized the special day.
To the Beat of the Song
88
All the mothers were invited to the various
programmes and activities on this occasion Mrs.
Poonam Gautam, principal welcomed all the invited
mothers and also share her views and underlined
the need and importance of educated and devoted
and caring mothers for upliftment of society. Various
competitions such as flameless cooking, best out of
waste, show your talent, dance competition etc. were
organized. There were certain games too to entertain
mothers like musical chair race etc. All mothers were
so excited to join in all the competitions and enjoyed
participating in the games.
A Tableau Formation
The event concluded with the prize distribution
ceremony. Mr. R.B. Gautam, Director, honoured all the
winners with prizes. At the end, vice Principal Miss
Tanuja Gautam, proposed the vote of thanks.
Digital Equity
 Green Pages
Earth Day Celebration 2014
Ryan International School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Water will be a thing of the past if we do not conserve
it. A song on Jal performed by the young students
of the school showed their concern of environment
during Earth Day Celebrations on 22 April 2014.
Students from all age groups presented their love for
mother Earth. Various forms of pollution and their
hazards were pointed out in an appealing manner to
evoke the right response from the young students who
shall be able to safeguard Earth with their plantation
drives, spreading message for litter-free environment
and banning of plastic bags through activities like
Earth walk, group recitation and recycling projects.
The Headmistress, Mrs. Sumita Mukherjee, expressed
her concern for the depleting environment and urged
students to follow the norms of conservation to save
April-June 2014
it. The school receives constant guidelines from its
Chairman, Dr. A.F. Pinto and Mrs. Grace Pinto, who
are themselves ardent environmentalists.
Save Earth-Save Humanity
VSPK International School, Rohini, Delhi
In pursuit of the commitment towards imparting
value based qualitative education, the Chairman
Sh. S. K. Gupta Ji, is proactive in highlighting the
significant causes, raising awareness about vital issues
and grooming students into responsible citizens with
a humane attitude.
VSPK celebrated Earth Day on 22 April 2014.
The students showed their reverence for our Mother
Earth as they used varied means for creative expression
of their resolve to ensure that mother earths love
89
is reciprocated in equal measure. Through a special
assembly, students gave ample evidence of their
awareness of the issues and concerns with respect to
prevention and preservation.
The friendly Sparrow
The students displayed their oratory, singing,
dancing and dramatic skills to spread the message of
doing our duty towards our mother earth, who has given
us the gift of natures abundance. The play The Earth
Days Carol sensitized everyone towards our respective
contribution for ensuring sustenance of life on the
planet and how we are destroying Earth.
Cultural Performance with the Message
Applauding the students performance, the
Principal, Dr. Dolly Jaitly, remarked : Let us hope that
we are remembered as someone who made the Earth a little
more beautiful through our endeavors. She advocated the
need to ensure natures precious resources by being
rational and judicious in their use. In the primary wing,
90
various ways and means to control the wastage and
reusing the Water were displayed. School Manager,
Mrs. Pramila Gupta, potted a plant and an oath was
taken by all to act as the Natures Saviors to merit the
title of being Worthy Children of Mother Earth.
Earth Day Celebrated
St. Thomas, Faridabad, Haryana
Earth Day Celebration
The air was filled with green thoughts and ideas
as students of Class X put up a thought provoking
Special Assembly on the occasion of Earth Day striking
the chords of everyones conscience to pledge to do their
bit for the protection of Mother Earth. The day started
with the Lords Prayer, followed by a beautiful thought
on economic importance of earth and its resources,
Earth Update, Earth Talk, Planting of a Sapling by
the Principal Mr. Charles Abraham, the Academic
Coordinator, Mrs. Reeja Philip, Academic Supervisors,
Mrs. Suja Bai and Mrs. Garima. The Principal reiterated
the thought that our resources are our true wealth
and that we should protect it. The skit Chronicles
of the Earth depicted an abundant Earth enacted by
students of Class X, surrounded by luscious fauna and
flora, enacted by the tiny-tots of class IV had everyone
mesmerized as they watched the Earth turn brown
Digital Equity
and then black, icebergs melting, volcano erupting to
conclude with a happy ending. The dance medley was
a poetic expressions in rhythm, depicting Earth in
its well-being. The programme served its purpose of
awakening the inherent desire to preserve and improve
the ailing condition of Mother Earth
Earth Day Celebration
Marigold Public School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
On this day, the Principal Mr. V.K. Sharda, made
students aware of the problems of global warming
and depleting ozone layer. The students were alarmed
about the harmful effects of e-wastes, deforestation
and pollution on us and our future generations. All the
students took oath to put their best of their effort in
conserving the planet. The students of Nursery and K.G.
planted sprouted pulses and made their contribution
to making their planet green, while the senior students
planted saplings in the schools premises and were given
saplings to be planted in their homes or parks.
Green Fingers at work
Save Planet Earth
GT Aloha Vidhya Mandir, Neelankarai,
Chennai, Tamilnadu
As part of the 'Go Green' initiative, the school
decided on gifting students with a sapling on their
birthdays. This programme, started in 2012, has inspired
and encouraged students to care for plants and trees
taking on the role of caretakers of planet Earth.
To inculcate the principle of the 3 Rs - Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle - among students, the school
decided to propagate the use of paper instead of
plastic bags.
April-June 2014
The schools introducing the NIE (Newspaper in
Education) programme resulted in the accumulation of
a lot of newspaper. This gave birth to the idea of using
old newspaper to make paper bags. Students and staff
alike have used their spare time willingly in this arduous,
yet rewarding task.
Gifts and prizes were given by the school to guests
and students which are packaged in these bags since
2013. More importantly, GT Aloha Vidhya Mandir
has taken on the onus of making and distributing these
paper bags to the shops in the Neelankarai locality.
Students not only giving the paper bags to shopkeepers,
they also educate them on the dire need to do away
with plastic bags.
Distributing Eco-friendly Bags
Let us join hands to do what is within our
capacity to save our Mother Earth, reminding ourselves
constantly that we have NOT INHERITED our Earth
from our ancestors, but BORROWED it from our
future generations. GO GREEN!
World Earth Day Celebrated
DAV Public School, Patiala, Punjab
The world Earth Day was celebrated by Eco Club
and Science Club. It was an enterprising endeavour of
the school to enlighten the students towards their social
responsibility and instill awareness about the growing
degradation of our Mother Earth. About 500 students
participated enthusiastically in the various programs.
Students of class IX and X made projects, models and
placards conveying the message to conserve Earth.
91
 Activities of Eco-Club
D.B.M.S. Kadma High School, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
The Eco friendly choices we make today will
bring a greener and brighter tomorrow. With this
objective Green Aura The Eco Club provides
an excellent way of learning about environmental
concerns.

Students from Std. VI to Std. X get together, not

only to learn more about the environment but also to
protect it. In an attempt to inculcate an appreciation for
nature among young students through a participatory
Hand painting display
approach, the school is registered with the Delhi-
A hand-painting competition was also held for based Institute The Energy and Research Institute
class VIII. Students painted their hands beautifully to (TERI).
convey the message of conservation of Earth. Students
of classes IX and X presented skits highlighting various
burning issues like cultural pollution, save the tiger and
effects of increasing pollution on Earth. A Multi Media
Presentation on the Conservation of Natural Resources
was given by Sahir Bansal of class X and Harsh of class
IX. Students made models on the topic Oil Spill.
Principal S. R. Prabhakar appreciated the hard work
put in by the students and teachers and administered a
Pledge to practise the doctrine of three Rs i.e. Reduce,
Recycle and Reuse and strive to take it to a global level
for a deep commitment towards saving Mother Earth.
The celebrations concluded with a Gate Rally in which
students carried placards against Cultural Pollution,
Save the Tiger and Effects of Increasing Pollution on Eco-club in Action
Earth, to mark the occasion.
The students enthusiastically participated in
the workshops and intra-school competitions like
poster-painting, T-shirt painting, quiz and inter-
school competition Jingle composition on the topic
conservation of energy conducted as a part of the
programme Joining hands for a better future A TERI
JUSCO initiative.

Smriti Dubey and Sweta Suman of Std. X

made the school proud by winning the 3rd prize in
the inter school quiz competition held by Tata Steel
Zoological Park as a part of world wildlife week in
Body Art by the Boys October 2013.

92 Digital Equity
 The Eco Club also encourages students to enrich
their knowledge about the environment through the
environment and for the environment by participating
in competitive exams like Green Olympiad conducted
by TERI which help them to explore their immediate
environment and the world as a whole.
The students of Eco Club created awareness of
the environment by participating in Van Mahotsava
programme conducted by Tata Steel Zoological Park.
We have a dream
To make India clean and green. Its a long way to go
but with our efforts we will definitely do so.
Science Day Celebrations 2014
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Girdhardas Mohota Vidya
Mandir, Wardha, Maharastra

The other activities of the Eco club include:-

Making paper bags to discourage the use

of plastic bags.
To ensure that there is no wastage of
potable water and raise awareness about
optimum use of electricity.
Maintaining a medicinal garden.
Conducting a special assembly.
Message to consume Water

28 Feb 2014 was observed as a science day in

our school to commemorate the winning of the Nobel
Prize for the discovery of Raman Effect by Dr. C. V.
Raman. This year, our students of class I to II spread
the message to save our environment water, plants for
our future through a rally. They visited every class and
explained the importance of water and trees through
their poem.

Van Mahotsav

A skilled educator is vital to the implementation

of the objectives of environmental projects at the school
and community levels. So, one of the teachers was
trained at the National School Educators Conference
2013, on Sustainable Development conducted by TERI
at New Delhi. A few teachers attended the training on
Energy Audit to train students to conduct an energy
audit, by TERI-JUSCO in February 2013.
About Water Conservation

April-June 2014 93
 The noon session we arranged different activities
for classes Class III to V who show their love for
nature by writing slogans. Std. VI to VIII expressed
their thoughts through paintings class IX students
participated in the science quiz. Thus, over all, we
celebrated Science Day with great enthusiasm and on
students enjoyed it.
A message was spread by students on Save
Water, through aZanki on Republic Day 2014.
Earth Week Celebrations-2014
CCAS Jain Sr. Sec. School, Ganaur, Haryana
Celebrating Earth Day Pro-actively
The school celebrated Earth Week from 21 April
2014 to 26 April 2014.Celebrations started with a quiz
was organised for students of class VIII to X. A slogan
writing and poster making competition was organised.
Students displayed their talent in these competitions.
On 22 April, a rally was organized on Earth Day. The
S.D.M of Ganaur was the chief guest. Around 1000
students participated in the rally and raised the slogans
save water, save life. Save trees, save earth. The rally
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passed through the main streets of the city sending
the message to protect our Mother Earth. The public
appreciated the efforts of the students. A play-cum-
fancy dress show was presented by students.
Principal, Mrs. Bhushan Bhatia, urged students
to take a pledge not to waste paper. The Chief Guest
also requested students to save water.
Crusading for a Better Future
Rainbow English Sr. Sec. School, New Delhi
Keeping in view that the health of every student
is of prime importance, the school has divided its
sanitation programme into various measures so as to
achieve Zero Waste School:
It is a well known fact that, poor sanitation
conditions and habits lead to health ailments. The
debilitating effects of us insanitary surroundings lower
the productive potential of the every one including
students who can least afford it. Todays children are
tomorrows decision-makers and parents. To imprint
on young minds the causal link between insanitary
conditions and the disease that they and their families
experience, is indeed the first step towards effecting
change. If a child is ingrained with these ideas at an
early age, the child will not only ensure and act on it, but
also communicate to those around, that, good sanitation
and personal hygiene are the means to good health.
Disposal of Garbage: The garbage, mostly
paper, leftover food, food wrappings etc. attract files,
cockroaches, and rats which may spread diseases. The
school management has provided two bin system at
every floor of the school for disposal of garbage i.e.
separate collection for non-biodegradable and bio-
degradable waste. No dust bins are kept in the classes.
Every class is provided with bags in which waster is
collected. When the bag is filled, it is sent for recycling
as Paper Mache. Paper made is used to make folders,
paper bags and greeting cards. Decorative material is also
made from the waste under SUPW. Children are asked
to bring any waste items / articles and are encouraged
to make craft under best out of waste. Aluminum
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foil is reused again by the students. Thus children are
encouraged to follow 3 Rs i.e. Reduce, Recycle and
Reuse. Students reuse the paper from this bag for doing
rough work especially in Maths period. Now, no paper
is thrown into the dust bin. Use of polybags is strictly
prohibited and is checked daily by students in-charges
and records are maintained for the same. Flex Banners
are reused to cover the table or anything else and is also
used for craft work. Vegetable or fruit peels are sent for
composting in Roly Poly compost bins. Dried leaves
/ twigs are collected and treated in Mulchy Bulchy
and whatever compost is formed, is used in the herbal
garden, lawns, potted plants etc.
Compost Making
Electronic Waste the waste is collected and
sent to the recyclers. Defective CDs are used to made
decorative items.
April-June 2014
Sanitation in toilets: Many diseases spread from
non-cleaning of hands, toilet seats, urinals. Disease
causing germs and worms eggs present in the excreta
of diseased children are transmitted from one student
to another through hands, insects etc. use of sanitary
latrines stops the spread of disease such as diarrhea,
cholera, typhoid, intestinal worms, hepatitis, polio etc.
in view of same, the school has provided sanitary latrine/
urinals separate for male and female students and staff.
It is ensured that there is sufficient water for flushing.
The toilets are provided with soaps for hand washing.
The school has provided six sweepers to cover all areas
of the school. The girls toilet is on each color and only
female sweepers are assigned to clean them. The toilets
are cleaned three times a day. The cleanliness is checked
by administrative as well as teacher floor in charges.
Disposal of waste water: Stagnant waste water
around kitchen, toilets, drinking water tanks, choked
drains etc. are health hazards. They are a source of foul
smell providing a breeding place for mosquitoes, which
spread diseases like malaria, dengue, filarial etc. The
school takes timely steps like sealing leakages, cleaning
choked drains etc. so that water logging is avoided.
Students are encouraged to report such issues to their
respective teachers who in turn inform the Principal
for timely correction.
Waste water from air conditioners is reused for
cleaning floors and toilets. Rainwater harvesting system
is installed in the backyard, which not only replenishes
ground water but is used whenever there is a shortage
of water.
Class room sanitation: Class rooms, corridors
are sweep once a day usually at the end of the
school. The class rooms are mopped once a day while
corridors are mopped twice a day with disinfectant
(phenyl). Fans, cupboards, desks etc. are dusted on
a regular basis.
Handling of Drinking water: the contaminated
water used for drinking can cause diseases like diarrhea,
cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and dysentery. It is well
known that even the safe water can get contaminated if
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it is not handled properly. Therefore, from the sanitation
point of view, it is important to keep water safe right
from its collection to consumption.
In view of above, the school has adopted practices
of proper collection, storage and handling practices
of drinking water. The municipal water is collected in
cleaned tanks. This water is only used for drinking. The
tanks are cleaned each month to keep it in sanitary
conditions. In order to save water, children are also
instructed to bring water bottle from their homes.
Food hygiene: The food which is uncovered can
get contaminated by flies and germs carried by wind.
In view of the same, the school does not allow any
outside food vendor in or around the school. The small
children are provided in house food whereas senior
students bring their home cooked food. The students
are encouraged to clean their hands before and after
eating. The spillage of food is monitored and cleaned in
a timely manner. The teachers are assigned to monitor
activities of students during recess time so as to have
better monitoring.
Personal hygiene: Many diseases are spread due
to poor personal hygiene. Healthy and clean habits
like hand washing, nail cutting keeping the body clean,
wearing clean clothes etc. have a considerable impact
on a persons health status and wellbeing. Diseases like
trachoma, scabies etc. can be considerably controlled
through improved personal hygiene practices. Tooth
decay and disease of the gums are common if we do
not clean our teeth regularly.
During the assembly, various activities about
health and, its upkeep like how to keep yourself and
your surrounding hygienic, how to prevent spreading
of diseases etc. are complained in detail. The students
are encouraged to keep paper, soap / hand sanitizers
with themselves. The personal habits of the students
is assessed by their class teachers on a regular basis.
During the Parent-Teacher interaction, the parents are
apprised of the habit of their wards to impress upon
them to observe clean habits at home.
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The school has not only provided sufficient
resources to maintain satisfactory sanitary conditions
in the school, it is also taking measures to impart
knowledge to students on maintenance of good sanitary
and hygienic conditions so as to prevent diseases and
promote conducive atmosphere for studies. The motto
of school is to achieve Zero Waste Generation through
the implementation of 3RS i.e. Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle.
World Earth Day
Gems Cambridge International School,
Hoshiarpur, Punjab
Rallying for Mother Earth
With growing threats in terms of global warming,
deforestation, melting of glaciers, reducing natural
habitats of animals, pollution of the atmosphere and
catastrophic ozone depletion our Earth is endangered
which is why students are to be made aware of the need
to save our planet. With this holistic and ecological
view of the world Earth Day was celebrated on 22
April 2014 by the students of grade II who organized
a rally on this occasion. In keeping with the current
environmental problems and to create an awareness
about the metabolic needs and vital process which can
ensure the safety of our planet, students made special
badges with different logos such as Go Green, Save
Water, Save Electricity, Say no to Polybags, Save
Trees, and Save Animals. The need for us to respect
and preserve our earth and subsequently to preserve
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the biological systems is the basic idea that we need to
inculcate among our students. The entire Cambridge
fraternity realized that the survival not just of the people
but of the planet has to be our transcending concern.
Vasundhara-Bhavan Eco Club
Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh, Punjab
In order to intensify its eco-friendly practices and
focus more on generating awareness regarding various
ecological problems, the school instituted a club in
2010 and ever since Vasundhara has been successfully
functioning to meet its objectives. The school was
certified as a GREEN SCHOOL, by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests under their project National
Green Corps-Students Environment Movement.
Bulletin Board competition to mark earth day
The focus of the club has been Waste Management
and the school has been partners with TERI (The
Energy and Resource Institute) and TETRA PAK in
their nationwide project called SEARCH (Sensitization,
Education, Awareness Regarding Cleaner Habitat) for
the last four years, ever since the project was introduced
in Chandigarh. Under this project, the main areas of
focus are:
Waste segregation in separate bins
Recycling of the waste collected.
Community Service: The funds collected
from recycling are utilized for taking
April-June 2014
woollens and grocery for the rag-pickers
in the area every year
Reaching out to some of the restaurants
to motivate them to join hands with us in
segregating Tetra Pak cartons.
Leadership Programmes for students by
TERI
It is a matter of great pride that, this year, TERI
and TETRA PAK acknowledged the Eco-Clubs
endeavours by bestowing The Best School Award on
the school Eco-Club and The Best Teacher Award for
the Eco-Club in-charge for their consistent efforts in
fulfilling the clubs objectives and of that of project
SEARCH.
Apart from the waste management, the club
engages in many other activities and projects namely:
Vanmahotsav
Herbal Garden
Cycling Expeditions:
Awareness Programmes by celebrating
important days such as Earth Day.
Enrichment Programmes: Teachers
in-charge and students occasionally
participate in workshops and seminars
organized by various agencies
Collection of Tetra pack cartons from Local Restaurants
97
 Celebrating Earth Day
Indian School Salalah, Sultanate of Oman
Indian School, Salalah, along with millions of
people across the world celebrated the 44th anniversary
of Earth Day on Tuesday 22 April 2014.
Earth Day is observed on April 22 to create
awareness and support to protect the environment. The
event is held worldwide to this issue. The school was
abuzz with activities such as plating of trees, to celebrate
the World Earth Day. Students were given lessons on
nature conservation. Banners and colourful charts were
put up, reading "Go Green'' and "Plant a Tree today'',
which helped the students to learn the importance of
preserving planet earth.
Adding Greenery
A Green Walk was organized where the students
of class VII went from class to class in the school
building in order to sensitize the students about the
importance of saving environment. They were informed
about the importance of trees and recycling. A tree
plantation drive was organized where the students of
class IX took a pledge and planted saplings to make
the occasion a truly meaningful one.
The event was organized and supervised by Mr.
Unnikrishnan, H.O.D Social science, and the associate
teachers. The of the Social Science Department was
appreciated by the President of the school management
98
committee, Mr. Cyril Samuel and Principal, Mr. T.R.
Brown.
A Message for All
Going Green
S.K.R. Public School, Inderpuri, New Delhi
How pleasant it feels, when we walk bare footed
on the grass, when the chirping of birds seem to be
ever better than the latest songs and when the beauty
of rainbow makes our dull life bright and colorful. It
is indeed, Gods gift to us to increase the beauty of our
surroundings. We can never ever wonder about lives of
a life without a good environment, it is a nightmare.
But, the destruction to nature, can cause many problems
which can cause this nightmare to come true. Nature
provides us with almost all our basic needs, but it never
demands for anything in return, what it expects from us
is just love and care. Nature is just like a child, which,
when nurtured properly, can grow up properly.
We may never know what may happen in the
very next moment. Similarly, the natural disasters,
which are increasingly being faced by us, are a warning
by nature.
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 It is rightly said that The importance of a thing is after us, too can enjoy it. Small steps can make big
known when it is no more with us. We need to understand differences.
the importance of protecting nature, before its too late.
Slogans like, GO GREEN are very popular now-a-
days. Implementing such slogans is more important
than their popularity. The rainy season irritates us, but
the soothing atmosphere makes us feel fresher, summer
makes us feel very hot, but the cold lemonade in the
sunlight relaxes us.

Pointers to Project the Environment

Platinum award : Create to Inspire

DLDAV Model School, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi
The school won the Platinum Award in the
Create to Inspire School Programme- an innovative
school programme by Nokia with the Department of
Environment, Delhi Government, GIZ and i-dream.

A Message for All

Nature also teaches us lessons, when a butterfly

is at the stage when it has to burst open the pupa then
the butterflies enters the life cycle. If we interfere
when it comes out of the pupa, then the butterfly dies
in moments, it can live its life only when it struggles.
Similarly, when we struggle in life to get something,
then no one can stop us from achieving it.
So, to continue enjoying this beauty of nature,
we need to take care of it, so that the generations
Creating to Inspire
It believes' If you are in harmony with nature, with
all the things around you, then you are in harmony with all
human beings, that is why students are encouraged to
have a relationship with nature. They are provided real
experiences of caring for nature, discovering its beauty

April-June 2014 99
and wonder, understanding the challenges that it face
and internalizing, completely, the reduce-reuse-recycle
concept.
Award for the Best Present
The entire school campus is an eco-friendly zone,
with paper recycling plant to recycle used stationery,
rain water harvesting system to maintain the ground
water level, solar panels to reduce fuel consumption,
herbal garden having medicinal plants and huge green
belts to balance oxygen- carbon dioxide cycle.
The school has also been lauded for its efforts
in using creative expressions to spread the message
of sustainable development in the classrooms. In
the last six months, meticulously planned activities
divided between the two wings of the school have been
carried out with diligence. The middle wing performed
activities like Waste Management, Turn off and Save
On, Water, Water Everywhere, Lost Nature and Say
No to Plastic.
The senior wing students too showed great
passion while working for their projects E-wareness,
Be Fuelish Or Be Smart and Freeze For Change. We
are committed to better the planet that we live on!
World Earth Day Rally
D.A.V. Centenary Public School, Tohana, Haryana
Our school celebrated the 44th anniversary of
Earth Day on 22 April to convey the message Save
100
Earth: Secure Future. To commemorate this day, a
rally was organized by the sensitive students of the
middle and senior classes under the able guidance of
their Principal and teachers. The rally was flagged off
by Sh. Jagdish Kajal, DSP Tohana. which encompassed
the main market and halted at Sangam Hospital. The
students of classes VI to X participated enthusiastically.
We students took up the responsibility of making
people aware of the need to conserve nature. They
enthusiastically voiced their cause by carrying placards
with slogans, performed a Nukkad Natak and made a
plea to the public to save the environment and Mother
Earth. They also distributed pamphlets containing
effective tips to save water and energy.
A special assembly was held in the school
premises. All the students took a pledge to join hands
to save this planet. The students celebrated this day
with great enthusiasm voicing their concern for Mother
Earth and love for nature through speeches, poster
making and slogan-making competition etc.
Principal, Dr. Mala Upadhyaya, along with the
chief guest and staff, planted saplings in the school
premises and propagated the message of environmental
conservation and protection among students.
Rallying for Earth
Celebration of World Earth Day
Pilani Public School, Pilani, Rajasthan
Pilani Public School organized an inter-school
paper reading conference, role- playing activities,
Digital Equity
debate; declamation, speech competition on 22 April
2014 to celebrate the World Earth Day. World Earth
Day (WED) is an annual day of awareness raising;
held on the fourth Monday of April, to focus global
attention. Whole school participates in it with great
zeal and enthusiasm. Class wise participants gave
their performances to save electricity, water, trees or
greenery of the Earth. They presented their papers on
some slogans such as 'Save trees, save Earth'; Make
Everyday, Earth Day;. The students also expressed their
feelings by performing street plays on Jal hi Jeevan Hai
in the rural areas.
Messages of Environmental Conservation
The school also organized a rally on world Earth
Day on 24 April, flagged off by the Principal. All
students took part in the rally which was organized
to raise awareness among the public to protect Earth.
The Principal, Mr. Hem C Pande, observed that the
school has been organized rallies in the past, to create
awareness about various social issues.
Earth Day Celebration
RBDAV Senoir Secondary School, Bathinda, Punjab
The school celebrated Earth Day on 22 April
2014. With a spirit of Planet Protection in their hearts,
all the students from classes pre-primary to X celebrated
the day with enthusiasm. Students of the pre-primary
and primary classes made beautiful worksheets in which
they coloured their mother earth. They also solved
April-June 2014
cross-word puzzles which were based on slogans to
celebrate Earth Day. The students also planted tender
saplings and promised to take good care of these plants
throughout their life. Students of classes 6 and 7 made
beautiful paper bags and decorated them with wonderful
messages. There was one call in the heart of every child
Stop using polybags. The students then exchanged
their paper bags with polybags in the neighbourhood
and the message of earth day thus spread in the air of the
entire city. Further the students of class 8 and 9 made
banners and posters with pictures and slogans depicting
protection of the earth. These were then pasted in the
corridors and gardens of the school. It was a beautiful
display of students work. To join all their juniors class
10 prepared hand-made badges and pinned them on
teachers shoulder. The same event was made even more
colourful with the echoes of poems recited by children
in English (tender plant, sounds of nature, My dream
Earth) Hindi (dhartimata, van bachao) as well as Punjabi
(rukh di kahani, taazihawa) in the morning assembly.
The best part of the assembly was a musical skit (socho
zara socho ye humne kya kiya hai) with the message Save
trees, Save Humanity. With all these efforts by the
students the entire school was one voice Let us save our
blue planet. The principal, Dr. Satwant Kaur Bhullar,
and gave a motivating message: THE EARTH IS
WHAT WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON. SO LET
US JOIN HANDS TO SAVE IT.
Joining Hands for the Environment
101
 'The Ailing Mother Earth'-Inter Class Slogan
Writing Competition
Saraswati Paradise International Public School,
Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh
Like footprints school days leave their
golden trail of memories. On the sands of time!
An activity was organized on World Earth Day,
which enlightened our students an Inter- Class Slogan
writing Competition on the topic The Ailing Mother
Earth. The competition was divided into two clusters.
The first cluster included participants of classes VI to
VIII and the second cluster comprised of participants
of classes IX to XII. There were 180 enthusiastic
participants in the competition and showed their deep
concern towards The Ailing Mother Earth -through
their inspirational slogans written, to motivate the
public, volunteer and participate in the movement to
stop the deterioration of the earth.
The Ailing Mother Earth- Slogan Writing Competition
The judges for the competition were Miss
Bhawna and Mr. Arvind. In the first cluster, the first
prize was won by Rishi Maurya and group of class VII
and the second prize was won by Ujjawal and group
of class VIII. In the second cluster, the first prize was
bagged by Shruti Thakur and group of class XII and the
second prize was won by Pallavi and the group of class
XII. At the end of the competition Honble Principal
Mr. Mandeep Rana appreciated the efforts put in by the
102
participants and was also proud to see the sensitization
in students towards the environment. He motivated
the students to be eco-friendly and also stressed on
the need to save the earth. Not only the participants,
but all the students understood their responsibility and
volunteered to plant trees, as an initiative as The World
is precious and we need to keep it that way.
Celebrating Earth Day 2014
Innocent Hearts School, Green Model Town,
Jalandhar, Punjab
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22.
The Green Movement has gripped the imagination
of the entire human race so completely and so rapidly.
This day was celebrated in the school with a great zeal
and enthusiasm to showcase classroom environmental
education to highlight efforts to "Green" the school
and engage the whole school community in making a
difference. Keeping this in view, we compiled a set of
educational and fun activities for students. The school
was abuzz with the activities on 22 April 2014.Keeping
in mind, the age group various activities were organised
and the activities were:
1. Plant a plant I and II
2. Talk on Save Environment III, IV and V
3. Book Mark making VI
4. Paper Bag making VII
5. Slogan Writing VIII
6. Poster Making IX and X
7. Felicitation Ceremony
1. A Tree Plantation Drive
2. Best Out of Waste (Paper bag and Book Mark
Making activity) Our young ones displayed their
creativity. They tried to create best out of waste.
Students' creativity was worth seeing.
3. Slogan Writing: We organised Slogan Writing
Competition for our students to know what they
Digital Equity
 can do to save earth. They wrote and their ideas
or thoughts as slogans.
Tree Plantation Drive
4. Poster making Competition: To commemorate
Earth Day Poster Making competition. They
were asked to express their ideas through collage,
painting or sketche. Students participated
enthusiastically and came out with new ideas.
The posters displayed the message to keep the
"Earth Green".
5. Felicitation: The winners of all the competitions
were awarded certificates and trophies. All the
events motivated all to keep the planet beautiful
as ever and sticking to the refrain, "Each one
doing his/ her bit."
If Not this earth then where;
If Not now then when;
If Not you then Who?
Eco-friendly Creative Craft work
April-June 2014
'Let's go green to get our globe clean'
S.D. Adarsh Vidyalya, Gurgaon, Haryana
In this era of growing threat to our planet planet,
it is high time that we conserve and protect natural
resources for future generations and to protect human
health through environmental stewardship. Thus, it is
the need of the hour to create a culture of conservation
in our own community.
To realize this very goal, the
Eco Club Crusaders from time to
time conduct campaigns to raise
awareness about various issues
which is a cause of concern for the
protection of our planet.
Say no to plastic bags: Although use of plastic
bags is banned by the government of India still we can
see so many times these being in use. The students of
the Eco Club carried out a drive to stop the use of these
life threatening products. The students made banners
with slogans to raise awareness among students to start
using paper and jute bags.
Using a compost bin: Compost is generally
recommended as an additive to soil, supplying humus
and nutrients. It provides a rich growing medium, or
a porous, absorbent material that holds moisture and
soluble minerals, providing the support and nutrients
in which plants can flourish. The Eco Crusaders of our
school collect the fallen leaves, branches and instead of
throwing them away, they prepare manure using the
compost bin. It helps to serve as an effective recycling
device.
Maintaining a herbal garden- The compost
prepared in the compost bin is also used as a manure
in the schools herbal garden. Various kinds of herbal
plants are planted in the garden. These plants include
neem, ashwagandha, tulsi, banana and many more. On
a daily basis they are looked after and watered by the
students of the Eco Club and the Health and Wellness
Club. From time to time these plants are manured and
tilled.
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Go Green Campaign by Eco-Club Crusaders
Tree Plantation Drive : In order to provide
a helping hand in conserving the greenery of the
environment a tree plantation drive was carried out in
the school premises. Saplings are planted in the school
premises to maintain a harmony with nature.
Poster-making Competition : The students of the
Eco Club also carried out a poster making competition
on the occasion of the Earth Day. The intention behind
this competition was to create an awareness among the
new generation of the urgent need to take concrete steps
to preserve the greenery of our environment.
Thus, to conquer threats posed to our environment,
we crusaders of the Eco Club join hands to form a green
team and aim to turn our institution into a model of
sustainability.
Celebrating World Earth Day 2014
Bijnor Public School, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
Earth Day was celebrated on 22 April. A special
assembly was conducted highlighting the importance of
nature and its impact on our life. The school conducted
some interesting activities on the day. An inter house
chart making competition was held in which all the four
houses Lily house, Marigold house, Lotus house, Rose
house took active participation. It was a good feeling
to see students deep interest and knowledge about our
Mother Earth. They presented their opinion though
their sketches throwing light on the worst impact of
104
pollution on earth such as end angered species, water
storages, recycling and climate change. Besides it
students also prepared some slogans displaying the
thought-provoking messages. Dr. (Mr.) Sanjeev Kumar
Rathi, Principal, spoke on the importance of this day.
The objective of this competition was to develop respect
for the dedicate environment. Dr. Rathi, motivated the
students and made them realize that being the youth of
our country, it is their responsibility to play an important
role for Mother Earth. He said that we should have
respect, protection, conserve where necessary, restore
the integrity of the vital ecological cycles, processes
and balances on Mother Earth. Dr. Rathi also urged
students to work creativity and also complemented
them for their innovative work for Mother Earth. The
thought-provoking slogans will help them to develop
a new perspective towards life.
Creative Messages on Conservation
Eco-Club Activities
Sagar Public School, Gandhinagar, Madhya Pradesh
The importance of eco club in school education,
duties and responsibilities towards the environment
and the society was conducted in Sagar Public School,
Gandhi Nagar.
1. An assembly was conducted on 22 April
on the topic Earth Day to sensitize the
students about the significance of energy
and its consumption. Our principal and
children planted saplings on the same day,
showing the importance of greenery.
Digital Equity
 2. The students of class IX and X made
different colourful Bird-Feeders in
the Eco-Club periods and place them
at different places of our school garden
providing water and grains for the birds
during the hot summer months.
Projects in Practice
Earth Day 2014
Mamta Niketan Convent School, Taran Taran
Poster-making competition
To create awareness about our planet Earth
World Earth Day was observed at Mamta Niketan
Convent School, Tarn Taran, Punjab on 22 April. It
was celebrated with the objective of creating in each
child love on nature and the compulsion to preserve and
nurture God's bounty. The Principal Mrs. Gurcharan
Kaur addressed a special assembly and made the
students take a pledge to save our Mother Earth
from destruction. Sapling plantation, poster making,
hand painting, slogan writing etc various activities on
environment were held to mark the occasion. A Skit
presented by the students of class VI on Save Earth,
were highly appreciated by all. A documentary on
April-June 2014
climate change and water scarcity was also shown.
The mamta niketanees were inspired to contribute in
different ways to protect our earth by recycling waste,
preserving water and so on.
Knowledge is Power
SJR Public School, Kalayanagar, Bangalore, Karnataka
Todays world is full of multi-faceted personalities,
here is an example of young students of SJR Public
school showcasing their talent and fulfilling their duties
as ideal and responsible citizen.
Knowledge is power but helping some one is the
real strength of a person. In todays world, education
is not limited to bookish knowledge, it is about
understanding Mother Earth, our fellow citizens and
much more. It is time to move out of the class room
and show the world the enthusiasm of students to do
much more things apart from academics. So this was
our small step to a big and successful beginning. The
students of classes VII and VIII were divided into three
teams. It started with Go Green road campaign, where
the students emphasized on the importance of plants in
our country, The children also showcased their talents
by creating posters with slogans that inspired the public.
They also gifted saplings to everyone in the locality.
This was the small step that our students took to bring
about a big change. The next morning, the next batch of
students went on to different shops giving them papers
bags, this was done to reduce the use of plastic bags
as it is a curse to the mother earth. All the paper bags
were made by the students of VIII. They also carried
posters that made the shopkeepers and other people to
understand the importance of reduction of the use of
plastic bags. On the third day, the next batch of students
visited an orphanage called Nirmala Shisu Bhavan. We
enjoy luxuries and comforts, but we forget about those
who do not even have some simple pleasures of life. The
children who we met were handicapped. It brought tears
into our eyes. Our aim was to keep them happy through
out the day. So the children had taken juice, chocolates,
cake and other items for distribution. All the children
of class VII and VIII, along with our teachers and our
Principal were very supportive of the project.
105

Helping Hands
So, as a responsible school of tomorrow, this was
our initiative to bring a big and successful change for
tomorrow. Apart from this small amount as donation
was given to the orphanage which was contributed by
our students and teachers.
Biodiversity Conservation by the Eco-club
Hindustani Kendriya Vidyalaya, Guwahati, Assam
It was the 5 June 2011; the world was celebrating
the World Environment Day; Dr. Simanta Kalita, the
Programme Coordinator of Centre for Environment
Education, in a ceremonial gathering, declared
the induction of Hindustani Kendriya Vidyalaya
into Paryavaran Mitra Programme, which is now
recognized as the worlds largest sustainability education
programme. This was the turning point of the HKV
Eco-club. The Eco-club got a new life and it started
functioning with a new vigour. Today, it has a range
of activities from energy conservation to waste
management. But, due to its location in Guwahati City,
Assam, a biodiversity hotspot, its main focus had been
biodiversity conservation.
The members of the HKV Eco-club have
established a small medicinal plant garden in front of
the school building that includes important species like
Tulsi, Neem, Aloevera, Hibiscus, Guava, Jamun etc. Apart
from the medicinal plants, some ornamental plants are
also planted. The flowers in the garden act like invitation
106
cards to butterflies and honey bees, which are rare in a
cityscape, but frequent visitor to our school. Students enjoy
passing them time in the garden trimming, thinning,
manuring, watering and taking photographs.
The school has a big campus, and a wide open
space for plantation. But, it is inundated by flash flood
almost 4-5 times in a year. So, plantation has been
a challenging activity for the eco-club. The school
management is putting in effort to landfill and raise the
front yard. But, it is costly and would take a few more
years. Hence, the Eco-club members are focussing on
pot culture. Pot culture has enabled the students to do
plantations indoor and to involve more children. They
are also trying locally available low cost materials as
pots to grow decorative plants indoor. One of the Eco-
club members, Ms. Sangwadan Narzary, participated
in the Tunza International Youth Conference on
Environment. As a follow up of the conference, she
started a small project of planting in pots made of
bamboo. This project received a very positive response
from all quarters.
Eco-Club Activities-Pot culture
The Eco-club members uses every opportunity
to engage other students in plantation activities. They
involve eminent personalities visiting the school in
plantation and this helps in motivating the other
students. The Principal leads the students and teachers
from the front and she herself takes active roles in such
programmes.
Digital Equity
 Teachers also take part in the plantation drives
and this sets example for the students. Not only have the
Eco-club in-charge or science teachers, teachers from
humanities stream and commerce stream also taken
active part in the environmental activities.
The Eco-club invites eminent scholars to deliver
talks on issues related to biodiversity conservation, forest
protection and other environmental issues. It partners
with different Government and Non Government
organizations to organize series of talks on various
occasions like World Environment Day, Earth Day, and
International Day for biological diversity etc.
In partnership with Zee TV and NCC, the
Eco-club organized a mass awareness programme to
stop climate change through Plantation. Apart from
awareness programmes, students are also engaged in a
plantation drive and a rally that covers the surrounding
area of the school.
The eco-club students maintain an aquarium that
rears both exotic and local species of fishes. They have
prepared bird-feeder trays and hung those in different
corners of the campus. These two activities help in
inspiring love for live animals.
Dance drama on Plant Conservation Preparing a Wall Magazine
Students are time to time taken for nature trails
to give them firsthand experience of nature. Open space
and green forests near the school are used for these trips.
For creating awareness, members have painted scenery
and messages on the school walls.
The Eco-club members also enact dance dramas
on forest/ animal conservation during the Annual Day
function. The HKV Eco-club partnered with CEE
and the Science Express (Biodiversity Special) train
to perform dance drama in Kamakhya Railway Station
April-June 2014
platform during the stay of the exhibition train in
Guwahati. This activity drew a lot of media attention
and many TV channels and newspapers claimed this
news as an exemplary activity of Eco-club.
For spreading awareness on biodiversity
conservation, it organizes painting competitions, face
paintings, poster making competition, brings out a wall
magazine, organizes rallies, conducts environmental
games etc. It has partered with organizations like the
Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Assam
Science Technology and Environment Council
(ASTEC), Aitijya, Kalpadroom Foundation, Aaranyak,
Zee TV, Indian Science Congress, etc. to conduct
various awareness and action programmes inside and
outside the school campus, from time to time.
Apart from the biodiversity conservation, it
also has activities for keeping the campus and toilets
clean, for conservation of water through preventing
wastage, for safe drinking water, for energy conservation
through use of CFL, for promoting the use of solar
cooker, etc.
Interschool Competition Save Earth
Ghaziabad Public School
Under the umbrella of its Eco Club, the school
organized an inter-school competition called SAVE
EARTH on 22 April 2014. The purpose was to make
todays generation aware about the Environment
conservation. Schools of N.C.R. participated with
great enthusiasm and zeal. A wide array of inter school
activities were taken up which included power Point
Presentation, Poster-making competition, Shown-Tell,
Activate Quiz .
This competition had been divided in to four
groups-
- Pre-nursery to class II Show and Tell
- Class III to class V Activate Quiz
- Class VI to class VIII Poster Competition
107
- Class IX to class XII - Debate Competition-
New Technologies and Inventions are Responsible
for Environment Degradation
The Chief Guest of the programme was Mr.
Vijaypal Baghel, known for his efforts in protecting
environment at the grass root level, through traditional
methods. He is a prominent campaigner on behalf of
mission called JHOLA MOVEMENT for fighting
against use of polythene across India. Their team showed
the a documentary clip on the JHOLA MOVEMENT,
with the message of not using polythene bags.
Documentry on the Jhola Movement
Through this programme, students, and staff took
a pledge that, neither they would use polythene bags
nor let the others do so.
Mrs. Krishna Yadav, Director and Dr. Milan,
Principal of G.P.S. praised the students for their efforts
and congratulated the Eco Club for its noble effort.
International Year of Soils - 2015
Bal Bharati Public School, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi
Soil. Its like the air we breathewe cant live without it.
Soils are one of the planets most precious non-
renewable resources. They provide us with all our basic
108
need and perform various functions related to the
environment and ecological balance. They even support
our livelihoods and give us life-saving drugs! Without
soils, life on earth wouldnt have been possible.
By 2020, they say, the world is going to see such
a severe food shortage that it may change the way we
eat and live, forever. In view of this impending food
shortage crisis, protection of soil and enhancement of
soil quality is of utmost importance. Hence soil health
is our magic key to food security!
Climate change, with its far reaching
consequences, has been another major concern for life
on earth for quite some time now. Studies have shown
that if soil quality is improved, agricultures adaptability
to extremes of climate change in ceases. Hence soil
health is our magic key to slow down climate change
too!
Over the centuries, soils, a `taken for granted`
resource, have been neglected, over used and abused and
have ultimately been left bare, degraded and polluted.
Besides its numerous other activities, the
Environment Club of Bal Bharati Public School joined
Paryavaran Jagriti Abhiyan, a campaign dedicated to
Soils. Students participated in a week- long program
entitled `Living Soil Week` from 5 to 12 Dec 2013
organized by Society for Promotion of Wasteland
Development. It started with the screening of a film
`Timbuktoo` at the school auditorium which showcased
the development of a wasteland area. This was followed
by an interactive session with the resource person during
which students discussed various aspects of soil quality
enhancement. Later in the week, SPWD organized a
meet in which power point presentations on soils and
interaction with soil scientists further added to the
experience. The grand finale to the Abhiyan was on 12
Dec when students of various schools came together
to present songs, dances and other items on themes
related to nature. Two students of Bal Bharati presented
a poem and an article that were highly appreciated. All
members of the club thoroughly enjoyed this journey
of discovery of importance of soils.
Digital Equity
Health and Wellness Clubs

Autism Awareness Week, 2014 cognition of the autistic children makes this disorder
Workshop on Enabling Abilities the least understood in a mainstream set-up.
Apeejay School, Kolkata, West Bengal
The resource person stressed on the shift from
Resource Persons : Dr. Monidipa Bannerjee, the negative to the positive frame of thought process
Developmental Paediatrician with Peerless Hospital, to help students with ASD, evolve as confident and
Dr. Anindita Chatterjee, Clinical Psychologist with engaged learners adding a value to the society. The
Peerless Hospital and Apollo Gleneagles Kolkata strategic classroom interventions in the form of
Venue- Apeejay School, Park Street structured curriculum, visual cues, social stories and
use of schedules was stressed upon to help the regular
The CBSE, in its vision of an Inclusive Education, teachers tackle effectively with the autistic learners, as
had directed School Heads to observe the Autism they are strong visual learners.
Awareness Week, 2014, starting 2 April 2014, to raise
awareness about the disorder through workshops and
lectures by specialists and resource persons. In view
of the notification sent by CBSE on 1April, 2014,
Apeejay School, Kolkata, welcomed this initiative and
organised a workshop titled, Enabling Abilities to
rouse awareness for teachers on Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD)

The workshop commenced with a short video on

the importance of generating empathy amongst peers
and teachers to raise awareness about the persons with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The exhaustive
Workshop About Autism
definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder was elucidated
with the help of case studies and contemporary The resource person reflected upon the principle
classroom practices. The resource person reiterated the type of parental attitudes that determine the cohesive
difficulties faced by children with ASD in a mainstream growth of an individual. The correct attitude and
school. The impaired communication and social interpersonal communication required by parents and

April-June 2014 109

teachers to deal with the ambiguities of the autistic her feelings for such children, in the form of a heart
children was focussed upon with real life examples. touching poem she had written.
The behavioural therapy techniques with the various
alternatives were discussed, along with appropriate
classroom interventions by teachers.

A detailed session on associated learning

disabilities which is an underlying condition in most
autistic cases was also conducted with the resource
person explaining about different remediation
techniques to enhance the learning and social skills.

The workshop concluded with a short video on

Team work and determining Core Competencies of
individual learners followed by the interactive session
where all the teachers of the participating school
expressed themselves with great enthusiasm and
exuberance. They shared their enlightening views on
what they learnt and how can they contribute to the
successful mainstreaming of the children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
Report on World Autism Awareness Day
Dr. Bansi Dhar (Sr. Sec.) School, Kota, Rajasthan
There is a beautiful line which someone said :
Dont try to fit in, if you are born to stand out, and so do
we believe school. Working with a vision to stand apart
in Kota city the educational hub of Rajasthan, the
school aims to cater to the needs of special children
so as to bring them to the mainstream.
Cherished moments on World Autism Awareness Day
The special needs students presented a short
cultural programme which they had choreographed
with the guidance of their dance and music teachers.
They made the gathering realize that they need their
empathy not their sympathy, and should not be treated
as a segregated by group society.
Special needs students were assisted in the
programme by their Help Buddies who are the main
stream students of the school. The love and special bond
they shared with each other won everyones heart.

This laudable step has been taken by the school,

under the esteemed guidance of the Chairperson, Mrs.
Karuna Shriram, a special educator, a visionary and a
torch bearer, with an experience 15 years in the field.

The Special Education Department of school

this year organized the World Autism Awareness Day
on the 2 April 2014, under the directions of their head,
Ms. Manorama Joshi. Special Needs students presenting a song

The programme began with a short speech by the The programme ended with laurels and
Teacher in- charge Ms. Nikita Jain, on the symptoms appreciation by Principal Ms. Vandana Sharma in
and needs of autistic children. She also poured out her inspirational speech. This was followed by a cake-

110 Digital Equity

cutting ceremony. The Headmistress, Ms. Manorama
Joshi, also heading the Special Education Department,
delivered the vote of thanks.
Cherish these children marching to the beat of their
own music. They play the most beautiful heart songs, was
the message that echoed in the school on World Autism
Awareness Day.
World No Tobacco Day 2014
Mayoor School, Noida, Haryana
The growing prevalence of tobacco consumption
in India kills nearly six million people each year. It is
a menace and has to be fought with at the grass root
level. Joining hands with CBSE, to observe 31st May
as World No Tobacco Day, Mayoor School, Noida
organized poster and cartoon making competitions to
highlight and raise awareness among students, staff and
the community about this deadly habit.
First of all, students were explained the ill effects
of tobacco followed by their role in fighting the tobacco
devil. They were told to express themselves in the form
of Posters and Cartoons. Students of classes VI VIII
made beautiful, message-based cartoons to make the
public aware how tobacco works as a slow poison. The
students of classes IX X poured their hearts out in
their posters while painting the harmful effects of
tobacco.
The top two entries for each competition were
selected by the school and forwarded. This is a wonderful
initiative taken by CBSE, that will definitely go a long
way in saving precious human resources by eradicating
the tobacco menace from the society.
Health Week
Gwalior Glory High School,Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
A healthy mind resides in healthy body and for a
healthy body, nutritious food and various healthy habits
are required to be formulated for one learners. With
this idea, Health Week was observed in the April 2014.
Each day, every class was briefed about a health related
April-June 2014
issue by their teachers, supported by digital presentation
and health tips on exercise, hair care, dental hygiene,
nutritious food, performance hygiene etc.
Health Week Celebration
Once established as habit, these guidelines ground
themselves in the routine to do good to the individuals
the entire life. The institution also encourages its pupil
to avoid junk food and promotes the issue through
varied competition, seminars and activities. In the
month of April, it was done through the week long
observation and a collage-making competition for class
XII. The portrayal of ideas by young minds brought out
the message strongly.
Health issues are also a part of the parent-
orientation programme Ehsaas, which is an interactive
communication platform between the parents and the
teachers, wherein experts conduct sessions to answer
queries around eating habits and health problems of
the students and is received with zeal by the guardians
and parents of the wards.
World No Tobacco Day, 2014
Dayanand Bal Mandir Sr. Sec. School, Agra, U P
To raise awareness among students about the
harmful effects of tobacco, Dayanand Bal Mandir Sr.
Secondary School organized different competitions
for classes VI to X. The students of classes VI to X
showed their creativity in the form of poster-making
and cartooning, stressing on the dangerous outcomes
111
of tobacco addiction. An essay writing competition
for classes IX and X and a story writing for VI to VIII
competition, were also conducted on the topic Harmful
Effects of Tobacco, where students expressed their
feelings against the deadly practice of tobacco use.
Essay writing Competition
A panel of teachers also visited the vendors who
were selling cigarettes and other tobacco products
within a radius of 100 yards of our school, and made
them aware of the harmful effects of seeking these
products. They were informed that the sale of tobacco
products near an educational institution is prohibited.
The three-day programme was successful in
which the students highlighted the various health
risks which can be prevented by staying away from
tobacco it.
World Health Day 2014
Anees School, Kharar, Punjab
World Health Day was celebrated on 7 April.
The day provides an opportunity for an individual in
every community to get involved in the activities that
can lead to better health.
World Health Day was celebrated in a different
way by the students with great enthusiasm. A special
assembly and rally was organized by the students to
create the awareness about health on that day. A skit
was presented by students in the assembly as well as in
the society near by the school area.
112
With an aim to educate on Importance of
Health on the occasion of the World Health Day rally
was focused on the causes and consequences of poor
health or bad healthy habits. With the slogans Health
is Wealth, An apple a day keeps the doctor away, Eat
Healthy Stay Healthy, Avoid Junk Food, Eat Green
Vegetables, the rally was brought out from Anees
School led by teachers to Shivjot Enclave.
The theme of the World Health Day was
needed to control diseases by adopting healthy ways
or behaviors. An important way to maintain health is
to have a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes a variety
of plant-based food.
Rallying for Good Health
To inculcate awareness among the public, a skit
related to social evils, like alcohol consumption and drug
abuse were also staged by the students. It is a possible
nature to man and he must give a return gift to nature
by preserving and enhancing his health. Health is the
most precious possession of an individual and one must
take care of it.
Childhood obesity is a health crisis now a days.
The students tried to focus on the unhealthy eating
and physical inactivity pattern among the children
as well as in the youth that leads to many problems
like obesity and laziness. With the help of their skit,
students motivated the people to develop the physical
activities and promote regular exercise. It is made very
necessary to introduce the benefits of health checks
and healthy eating. Everyone wants to live a long life
Digital Equity
and that is only possible by establishing and following Cartoon Making Poster Designing
a good healthy way of life.
1st position- Shonkhoniel 1st position- Deepa Badal
It is high time that, the younger generation Chakroboarty
understands the alarming indication and leave the 2nd position- Rishabh 2nd position- Deepak
improper and irregular eating habits behind. Children Solanki Singh
should be educated to do physical exercises and eat 3rd position- Priya Kain
healthy food which make them active while performing
their day to day activities.
World No Tobacco Day 2014
Good health is not only about not being ill, it is about Paramount International School,
being happy and feeling whole from a physical, mental and Dwarka, New Delhi
spiritual point of view.

World No Tabacco Day

Sunriseville School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Sunriseville School, Noida, organised Poster
making and Cartoon Drawing competition in the
school premises on Thursday, 15 May 2014 on the
theme 'Harmful Effects of Tobaco'.

Anti-tobacco Messages from Paramount

To sensitize students to the increasing cases

Anti tobacco Message
Students of class 6 to 8 participated in Cartoon
Drawing and class 9 and 10 participated in Poster
Making competition. They conveyed the message about
harmful effects of tobacco as well as the prohibition of
this deadly habit through their cartoons and posters.
The duration of this competition was 2 hours. Ms.
Namita Jain, Ms. Sarla Mathur and Ms. Asha Joshi,
Teachers judged the posters and cartoons and declared
the results as follows:
of mouth cancer, the students of class X presented
an informative nukkad natak on the ill effects of
consuming tobacco. The nukkad natak focused on the
reasons responsible for the consumption of tob acco, the
age groups involved in this bad habit and the various
diseases caused by it. Thereafter, the Head Girl of the
school, made the students take a meaningful pledge to
help people give up the habit of consuming tobacco. In
the end, Mrs. R.L. Saroha, MD urged the students to
help raise awareness about the ill effects of consuming
tobacco among the public.
World No Tobacco Day 2014
St Vivekanand Millennium School, Pinjore, Haryana
St Vivekanand Millennium School, HMT
Township, Pinjore organized the flurry of activities to

April-June 2014 113

spread comprehensive awareness among general masses assembly echoed with the slogan Eat Green Vegetables'
and students in particular to minimize the health and 'Say No to Junk Food'.
hazards associated with tobacco use. The activities such
as poster making, story writing, cartooning, slogan
writing, signature campaign and quiz competition
were organized in the school campus to sensitize
students regarding the death-delong effects of tobacco
consumption. Students took a pledge to discourage the
use of tobacco and took out the rally in the surrounding
areas to persuade people about its suicidal effects. Mr
Piyush Punj, Principal, exhorted students to endeavour
to make India a tobacco free nation.

Toddlers Say 'No Junk Food'

Malaria Awareness Rally

Perfect Academy, Manawar, Madhya Pradesh

Banner in the Making

Press Note: Toddlers Say No to Junk Food Malaria Awareness Rally

St. Soldier, Mohali, Punjab
Toddlers of pre-nursery school, under the
guidance of their teacher, Ms. Rajwinder Kaur,
innovatively spread the message Eat Green Vegetables'
through the story of Jim, who only liked to eat junk
Food. Attired in the costumes of a potato, carrot,
spinach and cabbage, each child spoke about its benefits
when eaten cooked or raw in his dream. Jim willingly
starts eating them and becomes a healthy boy. The whole
On the occasion of Malaria Day, a rally was
taken out by the students from classes VI to X, along
with their teachers. The students carried posters and
banners with slogans like Kill the, Mosquito, Save
the Human, 'Use DDT to Remove the disease' rally
starting from government. Hospital. The rally was taken
out from the school campus to the bus-stand covering
Jain Mohalla, Main Market and Gandhi Choraha to
spread the massage against malaria and make the public

114 Digital Equity

aware of this social evil. Concluding the campaign, Mr.
Hemendra Sangwa, Science Teacher, urged the students
to raise awareness among students and public to fight
against malaria.

World No Tobacco Day 2014

Heera Public School, Samalka, New Delhi
Real leaders are ordinary people with extra ordinary determination

An Emphatic 'No' to Tobacco

No Tobacco Day Celebration

Guru Hargobind Public Sr. Sec. School,
Sidhwan Khurd, Ludhiana, Punjab

Engrossed in Creative Work

The School organized many competitions based

on the Harmful Effect of Tobacco. In which teachers
encouraged the students to participate and show
excitement, eagerness and emotions to stop smoking
and inhaling tobacco in any form. Audio, visual and
written quiz, and poster making competitions, were
displayed on the board to spread awareness among the
nearby areas. All the students and teachers successfully
spread the aroma of Stop Smoking. The school
monitors o co-operation and regards team work and
honestly to with the success in any mission. They raised
the awareness through the messages about the Ill effects
of tobacco use in the society. The Management and staff
applauded the enthusiastic response of the participants.
Inhaling tobacco leads to producing tar in the body.
Life is a marvel, full of flowers, so lovely. Lets not ruin
it by using tobacco products.
Saying 'No' to Tobacco Creatively

April-June 2014 115

 Guru Hargobind Public Sr. Sec. School,
Sidhwan Khurd (Ludhiana) Affiliation No. 1630031
celebrated NO TOBACCO DAY on 15th and
a6th May 2014 as per instruction of C.B.S.E. to
create awarenessness among the students about
the adverse effects of Tobacco use. On 15th May
2014, two teachers Mrs. Pramjit Kaur Gill and
Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Chahil devivered informative
and effective speeches in the Morning Assembly
on Harmful Effects of Use of Tobacco. On 16th
May, Ms. Hardeep Kayr and Mrs. Kulwinder Kaur
Grewal, organized the Quiz Competition, Story
Writing and Essay Writing Competitions. Mrs.
Neelam, Ms. Alka and Mr. Sukhjit Singh organized
the Cartooning and Poster Making Competitions.
About 300 students from VI to XII participated in
the different competitions. The best two entries from
each category were sent to participated in different
competitions. The best were sent Principal, Ms.
Satinderjit Kaur, distributed merit certificates to the
class-wise position holders and congratulated all the
participants for their active participation.

Awareness Programme on World No Tobacco Day

Arvind Gupta DAV Centenary Public School, 'No' Tobacco Campaign was indeed a great Success
Model Town, Delhi
World No Tobacco Day 2014
An awareness programme was organized in to The Renaissance Academy, Tilhar, Uttar Pradesh
highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use.
The two days awareness programme was observed
to celebrate World No Tobacco Day. To raise the
issue, many competitions like poster making, cartoon
drawing and essay writing competitions were
organized among the students. This special campaign
saw enthusiastic participation by students and the
teachers of the school. A quiz was also conducted
among the students of XI and XII, which helped in
bringing a wave of optimism among the students On 31 May every year is being observed as
for the eradication of the use of tobacco use in the the World No Tobacco Day, all over the world, the
society. The campaign was not limited to the students Academy, organised a talk of eminent physician,
but the sensitization was spread among the parents Dr. Alok Agrawal on 31 May 2014 in the schools
also through a jingle sung by the students conveying conference hall. Students of class XI and XII and
the harmful effects of tobacco. post-graduate teachers attended the talk.

116 Digital Equity

 Dr. Agrawal informed the audience that World
No Tobacco Day was started in 1987 by the World
Health Organisation to draw global attention to the
widespread use and negative health effects of tobacco.
The magnitude of the problem can be assessed by the
fact that around 6 million deaths occur worldwide
annually because of tobacco use. Around 270 million
persons are using tobacco in India only, out of which
120 million are smoking tobacco. One out of 5 deaths
occurs because of tobacco related diseases.
Dr. Agrawal further noted that every year WHO
allots a theme to World No Tobacco day. This year it
is Raise taxes on tobacco. Research shows that higher
taxes are effective in reducing tobacco use. A tax increase
by 10% decreases consumption of tobacco by 4% in
higher income countries and by 8% in low and middle
income countries.
Dr. Agrawal emphasised that tobacco contains
nicotine which is a stimulant as well as a sedative.
Nicotine is present in all parts of the plant except
in its seeds. There are more than 4000 chemical
compounds in cigarette smoke including more than
200 poisonous gases, around 70 carcinogens (cancer
producing substances) and several toxic metals. Among
chemicals main are Benzene, Formaldehyde, pesticides,
Nitrosamines, Ammonia, Carbon Mono oxide, Nicotine
and toxic metals are Arsenic, Cadmium, and radioactive
metals mainly.
Dr. Agrawal allowed that tobacco can be used
as bidi, cigarette smoking, cigar, Pipe or hookah and
chillum smoking. It can be chewed as Khaini, gutka,
Pan masala, loose leaves, scrap or pellets. Tobacco can
be snuffed also, though less popular. He made it clear
that there always a myth that hookah smoking is safer,
as the smoke passes through water, therefore filtered
and then inhaled.
The fact is that cigars and hookah are more
hazardous as the smoking session lasts longer, quantity
of tobacco is many times more as compared to cigarette
and more smoke is inhaled resulting in more absorption
of nicotine.
April-June 2014
Dr. Agrawal also made the audience aware of
electronic cigarettes or e-cigs, which are prevalent in
use in western world for last 20 years or so. These are
electronic nicotine delivery systems or battery operated
vaporizers which contain solutions of propylene, glycol,
glycerine, nicotine and flavourings. Battery ignites the
solution into vapour, which is inhaled by the user who
gets a feeling of cigarette smoke. Although the devise
cab be used to quit smoking by using nicotine solutions
in gradually decreasing concentration, it may stimulate
smoking in adolescents who are fond of using electronic
devices and consider e-cigs relatively safer. As Indian
Health Law 2006 bans tobacco smoking in public
places, e-cigs are considered legal because these do
not contain tobacco as such. However, the law differs
in different countries.
Dr. Agrawal pointed out a very important aspect
of tobacco smoking: - Second hand smoke, which
means the smoke which is exhaled by the smoker
combined with the smoke which is emitted by burning
of cigarette (side stream smoke). Persons living in
vicinity of a smoker are in danger of inhaling second-
hand smoke and health hazards are almost same as
for active smoker. He also told about the term third
hand smoke, which means the particles of smoke on
clothes, hair of smoker and in the environment, walls
and floor etc.
Highlighting the health hazards of tobacco,
Dr. Agrawal pointed out that tobacco affects almost
all systems of body adversely. It is the main cause of
cancer of lungs for those who smoke and of cancer of
oral cavity for those who chew it. It is the main cause
117
of development of coronary artery disease which is
increasing in our country with much pace. Moreover,
smoking increases the risk of development of chronic
obstructive lung disease, increases blood pressure,
increases the chances of miscarriage, may decrease
vision of eyes, stains teeth and lips, gives foul smelling
to mouth and causes addiction also. Medical studies
reveal if you do not quit smoking, as an average 13 years
of your life are lost.
Taking theNo Tobacco Pledge
Apart from health hazards, social hazards like
low esteem, environmental pollution by second and
third hand smoke and by butts of cigarettes, spitting
of tobacco and monetary loss are present. Although
he believed none of the students present there smoke,
but it is a known fact that adolescents initiate smoking.
Factors responsible are attractive advertisements,
smoking by near and dear ones, peer pressure, easy
availability and low cost of tobacco products. Dr.
Agrawal also conducted a quiz related to tobacco, its
ill effects and about World No Tobacco Day. In the
end he urged all students and teachers to repeat the
No Tobacco Pledge.
The Pledge: This 31st of May 2014, on the
occasion of World No Tobacco Day, I take a pledge in
presence of Chairman, Principal and teachers of The
Renaissance Academy, Tilhar, that I will not smoke today,
118
tomorrow and forever. I also take pledge to remain free
from any form of tobacco for the rest of my life. May God
help me.
The students also signed the pledge form. The
programme concluded with the message of Mrs.
Manjula Agrawal, that it should be the responsibility
of all students to ensure that their parents and relatives
do not smoke in the house as the second hand smoke
will adversely affect their health. She also urged all
students to prepare a chart or poster or to write story
or poem on the subject.
Principal thanked the speaker to and audience.
'No Tobacco Campaign'
Rawat Public School, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Rawat Public School, organized No Tobacco
Compaign on the occasion of World No Tobacco
Day.
They are against tobacco use!
Students displayed posters showing the harmful
effects of Tobacco. They made the public aware from
drastic consequences of Tobacco. Chairman of Rawat
Educational Group B.S. Rawat appreciated the efforts
of student done for social welfare. He said that healthy
body so we need to keep ourselves away from all these
evils.
Digital Equity
 Director of Rawat Public School Narander Singh
Rawat said that these social awareness programmes are
starting steps for making a healthy society and if we
ourselves will determined to keep us away from these
harmful things we will success.
Crusade against Tobacco Use
D.C.M Sr. Sec. School, Ferozepur Cantt., Punjab
On 31 May every year, the world observes World
No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The objective of observing
WNTD is to reduce tobacco consumption which can
lead to deadly diseases like cancer and early death.
Our school students actively participated in
making this day a success by conducting various events
throughout the week preceding the day. We started our
week-long campaign by organizing poster making
and cartoon making competitions for classes VI X
on the topic ILL EFFECT OF TOBACCO. This
was followed by a survey conducted by our students
within 100 yards of our school to find out the extent
to which the menace has spread in our society. Another
survey was conducted for the students of class IX and
X to find out how aware they are of tobacco products
Setting the Right Example for Youth
April-June 2014
and whether they ever get curious to try it. We also
organized a bookmark-making competition for all
classes, carrying the message Say 'Yes' to Life, Say
'No' to Tobacco. These book-marks were distributed
to the parents on the 31st May, 2014 (PTM Day).
A musical concert by our talented students singing
motivational/ inspirational songs on the same day was
well appreciated by all. A Powerpoint presentation on
Anti-Tobacco Day was played on the smart boards in
all the classes. Since it was a PTM Day, we were able
to reach maximum parents through this initiative. Our
Eco and Science Club members organized an Anti-
Tobacco rally on WNTD in the school campus. More
than 50 students in two batches took part in the rally,
with an aim to spread awareness about the harmful
effects of tobacco. Students were carrying posters and
slogans. Parents also pledged to support the cause. This
signature campaign was carried out by the Literary
Club members of our school. Two flexes, containing
the signatures will be presented to the honourable
office of Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur, along with
a memorandum. A beautiful dance performance by the
girl-students mesmerized all.
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 Sahodaya Updates
Sahodaya news
Multimedia Competition
The Central Academy School, Gwalior hosted
Sahodaya Multimedia Competition on 7th September,
2013. Nearly twelve schools from the region participated
in it. The participants were required to present their
powerpoint presentations on either of the two topics:
(i) Save the Girl Child, (ii) Child Labour. Inaugurating
the competion the chief guest, Dr. Geeta Narhari,
(w/o Mr. P. Narhari, Collector, Gwalior) praised the
Sahodaya and Central Academy School, for taking the
initiative to raise awareness about these embarrassing
the shameful social evils.
Students of Central Academy making their presentation
On the occasion, Mr Kush Kulshrestha, principal
of the host school also spoke. Comparing childhood
120
with spring season in one's life, he emphasized that
childhood is the time to grow, develop, and understand
himself and the world. Children need to be sent
to school and not to work. He also appealed to the
audience to do their best to put an end to the girl
foeticide. He stressed that if there are no daughters,
there can not be any mothers and wives. The event
reached to conclusion with the announcement and
distribution of prizes. Gwalior Glory High School,
Scindia School, Fort, Gwalior, and Central Academy
School, Gwalior won the first, the second and the third
prizes respectively. Thus, Central Academy School, has
raised its voice and hopes many more will join it in
times to come.
School management presenting momento to the
Chief Guest, Dr. Geeta Narhari
Digital Equity
 Sahodaya Activities Kalpkriti- 2014
Gurukul The School, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Sahodaya, a concept literally meaning 'Rising
Together' came into being to facilitate a synergy of ideas
among the schools of the CBSE family. This learning
community works together towards the common goal
of sharing educational experiences, and setting new
benchmarks of quality. Every year, there is a plethora
of activities conducted by the Ghaziabad Chapter of
Sahodaya and this time, Gurukul The School, was the
first to initiate the activity for the current session. We
were proud to host and organize the Inter school Art
competition on 3 May. To encourage healthy interaction
and mutual appreciation with opportunities for students
Tiny-tots in Artistic self - expression
April-June 2014
to work 'with' each other, join thoughts and learn from
the unique 'me' of one another. The competition goes
on to add to the development of the next generation
of students. The schools of Ghaziabad participated
in the competition where around 142 participants
exhibited their artistic and creative side. The students
of class I and II participated in the Origami-making
competition, classes III to V participated in mask-
making. In Junkulture, the students from class VI to
VIII showcased their talent for creating artifects from
junk. Wall murals were created by the students of
class IX to XII using folk art. All the participants and
the participating schools were given certificates and
mementos as a token of appreciation.
A Wall Mural Emerges
121
 Sports Arena
Inter school B. B Tournament
Khaitan Public School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
The 2nd Inter-school B. B Tournament was held
in Khaitan Public School, Noida from 28 to 30 April.12
teams were grouped into 4 sections Referees for these
matches had come from Delhi BB Association.
The winner of the tournament was Amity
International School, who won against Khaitan Public
Winners of the 2nd Inter-school B.B. Tournament
122
School by a score of 22 to 20. The 2nd runner-up was
Vishwa Bharti Public School team. Dhananjay Dev of
Khaitan Public School, Noida was adjudged the Best
Player of the tournament.
School Trustee, Mr. Vedant Khaitan, and Director
(Education) Mrs. S.L. Gupta, along with the Principal,
Mr. S. K. Mishra, gave away the trophies, medals and
certificates to the winners and the runners-up.
Digital Equity
 Skating Star
BBPS, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh
What is life but a series of inspired follies? The
difficult is to find them to do them. Never lose a chance.
It does not come every day. The world continues to
offer glittering prizes to those who have a stout heart
and sharp sword. With all these tools and weapons of
hard work our school champion, Ashutosh presently
student of class XI was well appreciated by all for his
versatile talent in skating. In a series of achievements,
he participated in many Roller Skating competitions
and has been awarded for his achievements:
1. Participated in 2nd Sonipat Cup Open
Roller Skating Championship organized
by Sonipat Roller Skating Association,
represented by G.D.R.S.A, under age
group of 16.
2. Skating in the GN Khaitan Inter
School Sports festival-2013, organized by
Khaitan Public School, Sahibabad 15 to
22 November 2013 in 500m quad, got
the 2nd position.
Ashutosh-a Skater par excellence
April-June 2014
3. Ist Inter S chool Roller- S kating
Championship -2013 organized by
Ghaziabad District Roller Sports
Association held at the Seth Anandram
Jaipuria School
4. Ist Challenger Cup Roller Skating
open championship 2013 age group 14
distance 300m. Ist position and 500m Ist
Position
5. 3rd Bharat National Open Roller Skatting
Champioship 25 August 2013 16yrs
category, III-position
6. 4th Speed Inter School Open Roller
Skating Championship 2013 on 27
September organized by Windz Sports
Foundation, held at Chilla Sports
Complex, Vasundra Enclave, Delhi, got
the 2nd position in 500mtrs
7. Inter School Invitational Roller Skating
championship 25 August 2013 under
16yrs, III-position.
8. 4th NCR High Speed Roller Skating
championship 2014 organiz ed by
Ghaziabad District Roller Sports
Association in the age group 16, in the
300 m Ist, 500 m, I position.
9. 3rd Invitational Inter school Speed
Skating Championship organized by
High Point Skating Club held at DPSG
International, Dasna, Ghaziabad, in the
16yrs category, 300m III position.
10. 3rd Sonipat Cup Open Roller Skating
Championship at Satyam P. School, I
Position in 30mtrs and II position in 500
mtrs.
11. Secured the 2nd position at Central Board
of Secondary Education Cluster Meet.
123
 Best Practices

World Sparrow Day-2014
Delhi public School, Satna, Madhya Pradesh
Delhi Public School students had taken the
initiative to save different species of birds and hence,
save nature by celebrating the World Sparrow Day.
This unique programme was organised in the school
and students had decorated their classes with various
bird conservation slogans and paintings.
One special trophy
symbolizing a 'Sparrow'
was specially designed
to initiate and promote
this incredible journey
to achieve our goal to
save birds. A speech
competition was also
organised to present ways
to protect these innocent
birds. Students gave the
significant information
and details to save the
birds.
Our school imparts
both knowledge and
wisdom to its students so
that they can empower
them holistically for a
The Sparrow Trophy
bright future. The faculty, staff and administration of
DPS, Satna, look forward to all others joining this
exciting journey to create a peaceful, conserved and
balanced eco-system.
Educational Tours
Alpine Public School, Bangalore, Karnataka
The school has adopted a few practices which
has made it stand apart from other schools in the
city. Among a few of the applications that have been
implemented in the school, the most outstanding is the
educational trip, conducted twice a year. The students
have traversed the country from Andaman in the South
to Leh and Ladakh in the North and from Gujarat
in the West to Assam in the East. This summer the
Alpinians visited the immediate, neighboring country
of Bhutan.
Every trip has evolved to become better
as improvements were discovered. One of the
methodologies used during every trip is to visit a
local school. A day is always set aside just for this and
the Alpinians spend a day in that school, observing
and interacting with their peers to learn about their
education system and discover a new curriculum and
ways of learning. They build up their ability to adapt
and be a part of the whole new world and experience.
These trips expose them to various cultural contexts
and provide opportunities for social service. It has

124 Digital Equity

become pivotal for making the young share and care,
and promote liberal-mindedness. This methodology
facilitates greater interaction between students of
different nationalities and contributes to global peace
and harmony.
Alpinians at Jigme Losel Primary School Bhutan (Thimpu)
Workshop on Safe Internet for Children
St.George's School, Alaknanda, New Delhi
Uninor Team, along with its NGO partner,
Cyber Safety Experts-Jaago Teens conducted a
workshop on the topic-Safe Internet for children
for classes VII-XII on 2nd May 2014.The aim of the
workshop was to develop awareness and familiarity
with the Internet to bridge the skill gap, build capacity
to identify risks, identify risky behavior and empower
with the right approach to enhance safe Internet usage
among students.
Workshop on Internet Safety
April-June 2014
The topics that were highlighted upon include
password security, how to be safe on social networks,
cyber bullying, etc. Overall, the workshop proved to be
extremely useful and informative for all the students.
Safe Surfing workshop in Progress
Orientation for parents
Vikas Bharati Public School, Rohini, Delhi
The new academic session was ushered in with
a cordial orientation of the parent community of the
young entrants of pre-School on 19 April 2014. It
aimed at the acclimatization of the parents towards the
working of the school with its rules and regulations. The
Counselor, Ms. Manu Maneesha, conducted a session
on Effective Parenting, which was presided over by the
Principal S. Premlatha.
Workshop on Effective Parenting
125
 The programme unfurled with a warm welcome
by the Primary Co-ordinator, Ms. Neeraj Arora,
followed by the talk on parenting styles and strategies
to understand the childs behaviour. Taking the cues and
anecdotes from the parents, they were exhorted to peer
through childs world. The workshop was a reflection
on the reason for misbehavior among children and the
punishment given to them which was further steps to
discipline children and the values to be focused on. It
concluded with a lively interaction between the parents
and counselor wherein the latter answered all the queries
by the former about bringing up their children.
On another occasion, the parents of class IX
students were invited on 26 April 2014 to be familiarised
with the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation
Pattern along with the latest updates in the system.
The parents were applauded for their enthusiastic
turn-out and eagerness to understand the evaluation
pattern and its pre-requisite of qualifying scholastic
and co-scholastic areas. The session was conducted
collectively by Senior teachers, Ms. Abha Jha, Ms. Anni
Kumar and Ms. Rashmi Sharma. The importance of
co-scholastic areas was enunciated, in order to make
them aware of its role in the up-scaling of grades in
scholastic subjects. Besides, they were informed about
Fire Fighting Demonstation
126
Problem Solving Assessment, Assessment of Speaking
and Listening Skills and Open Text-based Assessment.
The parents were enlightened after the session and were
grateful to the school management and the Principal
for organizingthe session.
Vikas Bharati extended the orientation for the
students of class XI by inviting the Counselor ,Jitin
Chawla, to discuss the various career options with the
students and them appropriate direction for stream
selection which raised an enthusiastic response among
students.
Report for Fire-fighting Equipment Awareness
ABPS School, Kovaya, Gujarat
A human beingis the only creature that dares to
light the fire and only live with it. Whats the reason?
Because a human being alone has learned to put it
out.
It is with great gusto that the training programme
and demonstration were held where in the students of
The Aditya Birla School, Kovaya Gujarat participated.
A team of four Barons of Safety and Fire department
of Ultratech Cement Ltd. [Aditya Birla Group] headed
Digital Equity
by the Fire Officer, Mr. Dhananjay Chaubey and
Mr. Mohit Lathigara visited the school on 23 April,
to demonstrate the fire fighting skills. Students from
classes VI onwards along with the teachers and the Head
Mr. G. S. Mathur, attended the session. They presented
the Classification and Analysis of fire-fighting, types
of fire, various kinds of fire extinguishers and their
usages in any case of emergencies. Fire triangle was
also explained through charts and posters. The students
were made aware about the strategies and plans to be
adopted and initiated in case a fire breaks out and about
Fire Hazards. Students were also made acquainted
with some of the latest equipments related with fire
fighting. A mock drill was done about a critical
situation and the target group was quite successful
to handle it with care. A film too was shown to the
senior students. Certain safety tips were given by the
officers to the students. In this way, it was really a very
useful experience for the students as it sharpened the
in insight into real life situations and their alertness to
encounter tough and critical situation of fire breaks out.
The senior students learnt to operate the various types
of fire extinguishers. That is why it is perhaps rightly
said - Safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.
An Example of Unity and Courage
Divine Public School, Mohanapur, Gorakhpur, UP
Snapshots of the Anti-alcohol Rally
April-June 2014
WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS
A WAY.
Teachers and students made the these words
come true by removing the shop selling country liquor
in the vicinity of the school.
The sale of the liquor was at its height in front
of the school and is a hindrance to the progress of any
institution. Initially, the Principal and the management
tried to negotiate with the owner out in vain. A petition
was filed with the DM. Eventually, it was decided to
communicate the problems to the common people
through a rally. Placards, banners and slogans were ready
in no time. A nukkad natak, to show the ill-effects of
alcohol was staged by the students when on 5 February
2014 the rally was taken out. The zeal of the students and
teachers was remarkable. The next morning newspapers
carried articles on the rally and policemen came to the
school and assured us of immediate action.
'Now the shop is out and gone and we are proud that we did it.'
BBN Summer Course 2014
Ryan International School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
A team of 16 Students from Ryan International
School, Noida, successfully completed the Beyond
Breaking News, course at Ryan T.V. Studio at Ryan
International School, Malad. It was a week-long
course (28 April 2014 to 3 May 2014). BBN course is
127
a media initiative of the RIGI to impart formal training
to young student Journalists (age group 11 21 years)
for T.V. news presentation and production. Students
undergo a one month online training which is followed
by the hands-on training in a fully equipped studio, with
a multi-camera setup, chroma key facilities professional
lights and teleprompter etc..
Media Training Workshop
Education through the Lens, the vision of the
Chairman, Dr. A.F. Pinto is taking wing as it equips
students with skills for yet another career option.
The certificate distribution took place at the hands of
Mr. Mukesh Sharma, Additional Director General
of Doordarshan, West-Zone. Two students of Ryan
International School, Noida, Vaibhav Rawat and
Ishanya Narang have been selected to present a News
Bulletin for Toppers Channel. According to Ishanya
The course was so elaborate and interesting that we
all enjoyed every aspect of the learning. The Bulletins
would be aired on 10th May 2014, and 17th May 2014
128
at 9.00 p.m. on Toppers Channel. The Principal, Mrs.
Anuradha Sharma, complimented the students for
successfully completing the course.
A Noble Gesture
School of Scholars, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
The students of class4 were taken on a field trip
to the nearby Indira Gandhi Zilla Parishad School in
Gadchiroli, to make them aware about the Government
mid-day meal project related to their topic Food
We Eat in EVS. The trip was also aimed at creating
awareness about the value of food and not to waste,
in among students. The students interacted with the
Principal of the school and they asked several questions
like: Why the government did the government mid-
day meal scheme? Why does the government provide
free meals to the ZP school students? etc. The students
shared the fruits, sweets [Til-Gud] and salads they had
brought in their tiffin boxes with the students of the
ZP school. All the students sat together and had their
lunch. The students were very pained to see that the
plates of the ZP students contained only rice and dhal
and no vegetable or roti. This also made them realize
the importance of the good food provided to them by
their parents and also the concept of not wasting food.
All the students presented a very emotional feedback of
this trip which made them learn about a great value in
their life. The trip was conducted under the guidance of
teachers, Vaishali Khangar and Megha Nandanpawar
Students sharing a healthy meal with the Zila Parishad students
Digital Equity
 Social Service Club: Blood Donation Camp
Tagore International School, Mansarovar, Rajasthan
To dedicate oneself to the cause of humanity
is one of the finest traits that each and every sensible
human being always and ever adores. Such persons are
rarely born and when they bid adieu to the mortal world
they leave behind the imprints of their humanitarian
services that bring smiles on their otherwise melancholic
faces. Shri Deepak Rathore, the founder Principal of
the Tagore International School.
Conducting a Blood Donation Camp
The students and staff of the Tagore International
School Jaipur, under the banner of the schools Social
Service Club, paid glowing tribute to the great soul by
organizing blood donation camp on the campus on 26
April 2014 for the noble cause of giving hope for a new
lease of life to those who need blood, but could hardly
afford to buy blood from various agencies.
A large number of donors, including the senior
students of the school above 18 years, their parents,
friends and relatives, staff and alumni of the school
April-June 2014
volunteered to donate blood for the noble cause. About
100 units of blood were donated by them and would
be given to the needy patients who could not afford to
buy blood from outside agencies.
Test of Logic and Creativity
Gyan Bharati School, Saket, New Delhi
'Let us grant that the pursuit of mathematics is
a divine madness of the human spirit, a refuge from the
goading urgency of contingent happenings Alfred
North Whitehead.
Giving stream to passion for Mathematics
the school hosted its Annual Mathematics Fest
Mathemania, on 3 May in the school premises. The
event saw spirited participation of pupils coming from
23 schools of Delhi.
'Math-a-holics was a written round, was
organized for students of classes XI and XII. This
proved to be a test of calculation, estimation and graphs
and it was St. Columbas School and The Mothers
International School who secured the first and second
place, respectively.
Mathematics Workshop in Progress
Hitori Puzzle and Rangometry were held for
participants of classes VI-VIII. Here, creativity and
logic came into play, with students to making creative
rangoli designs based on mathematical patterns and a
given slogan, applying concepts of polygonal shapes.
129
St. Marys School finished first, with the host school women from the vicinity. The demonstration of Self
bagging the second spot. Defence Moves like neck-lock, chin shu-ki, hand-lock,
middle-elbow punch, bus attack and hand grip attack,
A team event, Math-o-vision, which assessed was the highlight of the training session.
calculations, Profit and Loss, Interest rate and
Probability, was held for students of classes IX-X.
Here students had to blend Mathematics with daily
life and showcase their ideas in innovative ways. The
team from DPS, R.K. Puram, bagged the first position,
closely followed by the team from Air Force Bal Bharati
School, Lodhi Road.

The Rolling Trophy was lifted by St. Columbas

School. Mr. R.C. Shekhar, School Director applauded
the winners and praised all the participants.

Self-defence Training

The camp came to its close on 22nd May 2014

with the giving away of certificates by Delhi Police
to all the girls for their whole-hearted participation,
co-operation and effective learning. DCP Ms. Varsha
Sharma and DCP Mr. Vidya Sagar, were present on the
concluding day to witness the demonstration of skills.

This hands-on-learning experience has, indeed,

made them feel more comfortable and secure to face
this male dominated world with confidence and dignity
Creativity through Math especially in the face of the latest mishaps against
women in India.
Self-defence Training Camp
Darshan Academy, Delhi
On getting an overwhelming response last
year, Darshan Academy, Delhi once again organized a
Comprehensive Confidence Building and Self-defence
Programme in collaboration with Delhi Special Police
unit for women and children from 8 May to 22 May
2014 in the premises of Darshan Academy, Kirpal
Bagh, Delhi.

The programme was conducted to empower girls

through training and exposure to techniques of defence
and attack. Around 400 girls from classes VI to XI
participated in the camp besides many other girls and Making the Right Move

130 Digital Equity

 Values-centered Education
Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
A child learns as he/she grows and not when he/
she grows. Keeping this in mind, the school organised
a few visits to the Elderly Homes and Salam Balak
Trust for the toddlers. In order to acknowledge the
selfless efforts of the grandparents in the lives of the
present generation, the tiny-tots visited Shiv Ashray
Senior Citizen Sector-9, Rohini and Trivenidevi Vridh
Ashram, Kanjhawala on 11 April 2014. The blooming
buds were accompanied by their own grandparents as
well. Students sang lovely rhymes for elderly ones and
distributed gift packs containing soaps, moisturizers,
hair oil, pain relief spray etc. The kind gestures of the
little children touched everybodys heart.
Bridging the Generation Gap
Values are the seeds from which all behaviour
grows. With an aim to inculcate strong values like
April-June 2014
compassion, respect, responsibility, perseverance,
initiative, and integrity, the Tiny Tots of Pre Primary
and Class I also had a visit to Salam Baalak Trust on 5
May 2014 to spend some quality time with their peer
group but less privileged section of the society. They
shared not only the packets of biscuits with them but
also the exquisite moments of happiness. The visit
certainly brought a positive change in their attitude
towards needy children and also felt themselves blessed
to have all the worldly pleasures with them.
An Extra Mile for Humanity
K. L International School, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Young learners are blessed with tremendous
energy and the energy has to be channelized in the
right direction so that they become capable to face the
challenges of life.
The school promotes an objective of overall
personality development and grooming of students,
K.L. International School, Meerut has set up different
clubs to enhance the overall development of students.
Red Cross Day 2014
8 May was celebrated as World Red Cross Day,
an initiative by Community Services Club with a vision
to serve the humanity in a meaningful manner at all
levels of society to lead human race from darkness to
enlightment. World Red Cross Day an extra mile
towards humanity, an Awareness Speech was presented
to enlighten humanity among students. It was followed
131
by a skit on earthquakes, a natural disaster. The students
demonstrated the devastating scene of an earthquake
and after effects.

In order to honour the event, the Principal, Mr.

Sudhanshu Shekhar, motivated and encourage the
students on the seven fundamental principles of Red
Cross: Humanity, Impartiality, neutrality, independence,
voluntary service, unity and universality. He asked one
and all to render help towards a noble cause to minimize
human suffering and make it a better place, a happy
place to live in.
International Run on the Wings of Life

Raists also got an opportunity to showcase their

sporting skill when they participated in this historic
International Event with many renowned sports
persons like Ashwini Ponnappa (Top Badminton
Double Player), Tania Sachdev (Woman Grand
Master), Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt, Arjuna Awardee
Raj Kumar Sangwan, former captains of India Womens
Hockey Team, Rani Siwach and Mamta Kharab,
Practising First Aid Skills
Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Anisha Syed,
and Arjuna Awardee, (Wrestling) Rajender Kumar,
RAI ON THE WINGS OF LIFE
and many others.
Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai Sonipat, Haryana
MNSS, Rai created a new landmark when it was Community Outreach Campaign
selected in the country to host an International event, ETRA - Electronic and Tetra Pak Recycling
Wings for Life World run. The event was organised Awareness Campaign
under the aegis of Haryana Olympics Association. Salwan Public School, Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi
The whole spectrum of athletes from part-time
joggers and amateurs to professional athletes competed
in a unique race format that had no fixed distance and
every runner around the world started at precisely the
same time. Wings for Life World run kicked off on
04May 2014 under the banner slogan, Running for
Those Who Cant. With this world run, the single aim
was to raise funds for spinal cord research through the
Wings for Life Charity. More than 50,000 registered
participants from 164 countries kicked off with
simultaneous start in 32 countries on 06 continents.
Competitors ran in front of an advancing Catcher Car,
every car governed by the single global race schedule. Distributing bins to households for collection of tetra-pack cartons

132 Digital Equity

 The school has been a part of TERIs Project
S.E.A.R.C.H (Sensitization, Education, Awareness
on Recycling for a Cleaner Habitat) since its inception
in 2009. The environment club students of the school
lead by three Tetra Pak ambassadors spearheaded the
community awareness campaign : ETRA - Electronic
and Tetra Pak Recycling Awareness Campaign.
E-waste and tetra paks collected after the drive
The Green brigade of the school went from
class to class with flyers spreading awareness about the
hazards of E-waste while encouraging fellow mates
to sieve out discarded electronics from their homes.
Circulars were sent to the parents and flyers distributed
in the local neighbourhood community, informing the
local residents about the hazards of e-waste. The local
community was also informed about the recyclability
of tetra pak cartons and the school being a centre for
collection of empty tetra paks. After an initial awareness
drive in the second week of April 2014, the core team
again went on a collection drive in the third week
of April. The collected e-waste and empty tetra-pak
cartons were dumped in their respective bins in the
school and sent for recycling. 70 Kilos of e-waste was
collected and sent to an authorized recycling centre. A
permanent e-waste bin has been placed in the school
for segregation and collection on a regular basis. Six
households have been identified as regular consumers
of tetra pak cartons. They were presented with bins for
collection and segregation of empty tetra pak cartons.
These households will be our regular segregators
April-June 2014
for tetra paks, thus helping us in TERIs Project
S.E.A.R.C.H.
Road Safety
Gyan Mandir Public School, New Delhi
The Road Safety Club of Gyan Mandir Public
School, in association with Delhi Traffic Police, has
been working meticulously to spread Road Safety
culture among the new tech savvy generation and to
inculcate awareness amongst the school students who
are the future road users. The club, through various
events like declamation, speech, debate and skit
competitions at inter-school and intra-school levels,
has been instilling road safety sense and safe driving.
The teachers and students participated in a two-wheeler
rider training programme, traffic signals workshops,
road safety painting competition etc.
Road Safety Award
The school Road Safety Club has been ranked II
out of 400 schools of Delhi and NCR. Mr.Kapil Dev,
the famous Indian Cricket Team captain, felicitated the
students and awarded them certificate.
Road safety-Your ideas, Your Initiatives
Birla Vidya Niketan, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi
Do you know that India stands second in with
the largest road network in the world with over 3
million kilometers of roads? Indias Economy is surely
benefitted by these paved roads. But is the traveler on
133
these roads benefitted? Well, to some extent, you may
agree, after all we all know the state of villages in India.
On the whole, the facilities for the road users are not
up to the mark, leading to a high toll of death victims.
Recently, there has been a growing concern for the
safety of road users.
We at BVN got this fabulous opportunity rolling
our way in the form of an International Challenge-
YOUR Ideas-YOUR Initiatives, which reflected upon
key issues regarding road safety and sustainable mobility
Road Safety Comes First - Paving the way to a Safer Environment
134
in the schools immediate environment and in the
community as a whole. The schools team of 90 students
participated in the programme which included peer
education, a sticker campaign, going public with a flash
mob, street play, songs reflecting disorderly driving, a
special assembly, visit and a lecture by the traffic police,
tie up with the Rotary Club and a visit to the Khore
village. There was also an online competition for the
whole family. They tried our best to contribute in our
own little way to pave the way for a safer environ.
Digital Equity
 Academic Updates
Workshop on Business Studies
BDPS, Patiala, Punjab
BDPS organized Business Studies Workshop
for the 30 member schools of Patiala Sahodaya School
Complex. The workshop was held on 10 May 2014,
attended by 43 teachers from various CBSE affiliated
schools located in and around Patiala.
The workshop was sponsored by V.K. Global
Publications. The resource persons for the occasion was
Dr. R.K. Singla, Head of the Commerce Department,
Pandit CL Sharma, Govt. P.G. College, Karnal and
CA Sunil Kumar Khanna, Principal, SD Vidya Mandir,
Ambala Cantt.
Business Studies Workshop for Teachers
April-June 2014
After the welcome, the resource persons
shared their views on developing and improving the
pedagogical skills and implementing the latest changes
in the CBSE syllabus. A PPT presentation showed
various reflective examples of tools and techniques
which can enable the teachers to develop well-thought
strategies and implement plans to make Business
Studies an effective and an interactive subject.
The workshop provided on opportunity for
teachers to share knowledge of their efforts and learn
from the experience of others to develop strategies for
effective teaching. The resource persons also took up
a Question Round. The workshop was indeed a fun,
interesting and an innovative experience.
135
News from Administration
CBSE CAER International Conference
The first CBSE CAER International Conference
was held on 28-29 April 2014, bringing together
assessment experts, educators, policy makers and school
leaders on a single platform.
The speaker at the conference aimed to answer
the following question. Why do we want to introduce
Large Scale Assessment on School based Assessment?
Conference Highlights
136
The central theme of the International conference
was Global Trends in Large Scale Assessments. The
conference was able to disseminate information on
world-wide best practices in school assessments so
that the understanding can be shared in the areas
of transitioning from norms referenced to standards
and school-based assessments, technology enhanced
assessments and the approaches to evidence-based
decision-making in assessments. The conference opened
up new opportunities for global co-operation and
collaboration for the best assessment practices.
Digital Equity
 The inaugural speaker was Prof. Jim Tognolini,
Senior Vice President, Research and Assessment,
Pearson plc, followed by the opening address by the
Chief Guest Prof. Sanjay Govind Dhande, Former
Director, IIT, Kanpur and Guest of Honour Mr.
Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO representative
to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka were among
other speakers.
International Conference on
Skilling in Schools
An international conference on Skilling
in Schools was held on 11 April 2014 at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was conducted on
the PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry
and supported by the Central Board of Secondary
Education, Delhi.
The objectives of the conference was to throw
light on the development and supply of skill sets to
the industry. The conference discussed major reforms
for offering vocational courses and development of,
Shri Vineet Joshi addressing the conference on Competency-based curriculum
April-June 2014
Modular Competency-based Curriculum in schools,
to suit the need of target groups and employers.
The conference addressed the following issues:
Counselling and solutions for students
who have taken up Vocational Education
at the school level and have not have
entered University for higher education.
Proper training of staff for imparting
Vocational Education in schools
Schools perspectives on Vocational
Education
Feasibility of applying an international
system of Vocational Education in schools
in India
The corporate perspectives on skilling at
the school level
The role played by industry skill providers
in school for promoting Vocational
Studies
137
 Returns for the investors who would be
willing to invest in Vocational Education
in schools
World Environment Day
Celebrations 2014
World Environment Day was celebrated on 5
June 2014 with participation of 107 schools at the
national level. The eco events conducted in these schools
include organising clean-up campaign, food waste
reduction initiative, participating in awareness raising
rallies, banning plastic use in school premises and
nearby shops, conducting art-from - waste exhibitions,
tree-planting campaign, cultural programmes, literally
competitions and social media campaigns, which
would collectively have positive impact on society and
environment.
This year, celebrating WED was an excellent
opportunity to raise a call for solidarity with ice lands
nations at the greatest risk from the rising sea levels
due to climate change.
The eco events were conducted in three
categories:
I to V : Tree-planting, essay writing on the
theme: Sparrow a beautiful and social creature,
putting birds feeder and water bowls in garden and
display of pictures of important birds and medicinal
plants.
VI to VIII : Essay writing on the theme, Causes
and Effects of Global Warming, poster-making on
theme- Sparrows, with a slogan how to protect them,
elocution competition on theme- Conserve Sparrows
138
to Save Bio-diversity and class discussion on,- helping
the Environment by Reducing Waste.
IX to XII : Seminar on-Ways to Enhance Natural
Resilience against Climate Change, debate competition
on, Mobile Towers Must be Removed as They Cause
the Decline of Sparrow population, a cleanliness
campaign in the school and chalking out a plan to
recycle waste produced in the campus for whole year
World No 'Tobacco Day' 2014
World No Tobacco Day designated by the WHO
(World Health Organisation) is observed every year
on 31st May to highlight the health risks and ways to
reduce tobacco use.
CBSE strongly feels that schools need to raise
awareness of this issue among the students, staff and
the community. The fortnight-long series of events on
the theme- The Harmful Effects of Tobacco, included
poster making, cartoon drawing, essay and story writing
and quiz competitions. About 620 schools participated
in the various events. The winners of the National Level
Competition were announced online in the Boards
website on 31 May 2014, on World No Tobacco Day.
An advisory was also uploaded on that day,
strongly advising all schools affiliated to CBSE not
allow their students to participate in any events
sponsored by a firm or a subsidiary of a firm which
promotes the use of tobacco in any form. Schools and
students should not accept any prize or scholarship
instituted by a tobacco promoting firms or use the
brand name, trade mark or insignia directly or indirectly
connected with tobacco products.
Digital Equity
 Circulars

CIRCULARS AND NOTIFICATIONS

The Central Board of Secondary Education Delhi, has

brought in various reforms, initiatives and innovations that
have been disseminated to all our stakeholders through
circulars and notifications. As their number has increased in
the recent years, the CBSE has decided that the Cenbosec
would carry only the list of circulars and notifications that
would serve as signposts for the period covered in the issue.
The links to the websites are provided for your ready
reference so that, the relevant information can be accessed at
the click of a button. This will render the quarterly bulletin more
compact and handy. The Editorial Team would henceforth, be
able to tap more information for publication for our
readers benefit.

April-June 2014 139

 List of Circulars (http://www.cbseacademic.in/circulars.html)

Circular No Month Subject

Acad-12/2014 May Clarification regarding the syllabus of Social Science (History)

Class X- 2014-15. Hindi | English

Acad-13/2014 May World No Tobacco Day 2014

Acad-14/2014 May Sensitization for tackling Tobacco Epidemic - regarding

Acad-15/2014 June World Environment Day 2014

 Hindi | English

Acad-16/2014 June CBSE Cryptic Crossword Contest 2014 [CCCC 2014]

 Hindi | English

Acad-17/2014 June Highlights of Curriculum Document 2014-15 for the examination to be

held in March, 2015 Hindi | English

Acad-18/2014 June Entrepreneurship-(066) Class XII (Revised w.e.f. 2014-15).

 Hindi | English

Entrepreneurship Class XII Textbook

Acad-19/2014 June Celebration of Sanskrit Week in the schools aff

140 Digital Equity

 List of Notifications (http://www.cbseacademic.in/circulars.html)

Notification No Month Subject

20 April World Autism Awareness Day 2014

21 April Agencies Identified/empanelled by the Board to impart Online and Offline

Learning Management System for CCE

22 April Inviting articles for CENBOSEC (Vol. 53 No. 2: April-June 2014)

23 May Percentage of marks required to qualify the Summative Assessments in

Class IX session 2013-2014. Hindi | English

24 May CBSE-TERI 'GREEN Olympiad' - 2014

 Hindi | English Registration Form

25 June CBSE-Shoobh Photography Contest 2014. | Annexure - I

26 June CBSE - ASL Examiners Training Screening Test

List of Affiliation Circulars (http://www.cbseacademic.in/affcirculars.html)

Circular No Month Subject

Affiliation May Discontinuation of the use of rare/endangered species of plants and animals
03/2013 in laboratories of schools

Affiliation May Guidelines to schools for the selection of books for classes I - VIII.
04/2013

Affiliation May Advisory/Guidelines under Section 35(1) of the Right of Children to Free
26/2014 and Compulsory Education (RTE Act), 2009 for emlimination of Corporal
Punishment in schools: reg.

April-June 2014 141

 List of Vocational Circulars (http://www.cbseacademic.in/voc_circulars.html)

Circular No Month Subject

Acad-28/2013 April Invitation to attend the Seminar on Skill Development in Uttar Pradesh
Issues, Challenges and Opportunities at PHD House, Gomti Nagar,
Lucknow on 6th May 2013.

Acad-29/2013 May Empannelment of Skill Knowledge Providers (Skps) To Impart Various

Skill Based Vocational Courses In The Affiliated Schools of Cbse - Reg

Enclosure: List of Empanelled Skps

Acad-32/2013 May Clarification related to National Vocational Education Qualification

Framework (NVEQF)

List of Career Oriented Vocational Courses at Sr. Secondary Level

Other Important Circulars/Notifications (http://cbse.nic.in/circulars/cir2014.htm)

'Handbook on PSA' for the Students of Class IX and XI

Percentage of Marks Required to Qualify the Summative Assessments In Class IX Session 2013-14

142 Digital Equity

 Suggestions/Feedback Form for CENBOSEC
To
The Chairman
Central Board of Secondary Education
Shiksha Kendra, 2, Community Centre
Preet Vihar, New Delhi - 110 092

Subject : General Suggestions/Feedback for CENBOSEC (Vol. ................ Month................)

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Note: You may detach this sheet and send at the above mentioned address. You may also email the Suggestions/Feedback to
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