My Scuba Diving Experience

            Once upon a sunny day, I set out on a scuba diving adventure, eager to unravel the secrets hidden beneath the ocean's surface. In the beginning, strapping on the scuba gear felt like gearing up for a grand expedition, and with a mix of excitement and nervousness, I took my first underwater breaths.

  As the boat sailed into the vastness of the sea, the underwater world revealed itself like a magical kingdom. Schools of fish darted around me, and the coral reefs were like an underwater garden. It was a bit like Alice stepping into Wonderland, where every finned creature seemed to have a story of its own

       The ocean's mysteries called out to me, and I couldn't help but think of the words of Jacques Yves Cousteau, who said, "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." I felt entangled in that net of wonder, and the prospect of future dives seemed like opening a new chapter in a captivating novel.

I just did two dives but I must say Every dive was like turning a page, revealing new characters in the form of exotic fish and intricate coral formations. Sylvia Earle's words echoed in my mind, "With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live." It was a reminder of the profound connection we share with the ocean, an invisible thread weaving through each underwater adventure.

Emerging from the water, I couldn't help but feel like I had unlocked a treasure trove of memories. John Dyer captured the essence perfectly, saying, "Water is the driver of nature." Indeed, the underwater world had driven me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature in a way I hadn't before.

In the end, my scuba diving experience wasn't just about exploring the depths; it was about embracing the enchantment of the ocean, one dive at a time.

The Ron Clark Story

 Last month we lost a millennial Star. Matthew Perry. Most likely he is always remembered by playing the character of Chandler Bing in famous TV show Friends. But after his death people came to know about his other shows and movies,such as  The Ron Clark Story (2006), Sunset Strip (2006–2007).  Fools Rush In (1997), Almost Heroes (1998), Three to Tango (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Serving Sara (2002), The Whole Ten Yards (2004), and 17 Again (2009).But apart from all this works I highly recommend all the Teachers weather school, college to must watch one movies of Matthew that is The Ron Clark story. 

           The Ron Clark story is based on a real story about a teacher, Ron Clark, who tries to turn around the toughest, naughtiest sixth grade class in New York. It is a story about pursuing dreams, overcoming challenges, and building relationships. 

               We being a Teacher or a parent always neglect our students. We simply say that, he or she is like this. But there's a reason behind their behavior, how often we talk to them about it? how often we listen to them? how often we try to understand them? how often we treat them with kindness and respect? Very few teachers are there and Mr. Clark is such one teacher. Who understands his student but makes them better human beings. 

           In the realm of education, where the focus often leans heavily on curriculum and academic achievement, the essential aspect of understanding and nurturing a student's emotional and behavioral well-being can sometimes be overlooked. Teachers and parents may inadvertently label a student based on observable behavior without delving into the underlying reasons. It's not uncommon to hear phrases like "he or she is like this," which oversimplifies the complexity of a student's character. Amidst the rush of daily routines, it becomes crucial to pause and ask ourselves: how often do we engage in genuine conversations with our students about their feelings and concerns?

        Listening is a powerful tool that is not always given the attention it deserves in educational settings. Understanding a student's perspective, motivations, and challenges requires active and empathetic listening. Mr. Clark stands out as an exemplary teacher who recognizes the profound impact of truly comprehending his students. He goes beyond the surface, acknowledging that every behavior has a reason, and instead of making assumptions, he engages in open conversations with his students. This approach creates an environment where students feel heard and understood, fostering a positive relationship between teacher and student.

        Moreover, Mr. Clark goes beyond merely understanding his students; he actively works towards making them better human beings. By treating them with kindness and respect, he sets an example of the values he wishes to instill. The act of acknowledging a student's worth and potential can be transformative. Mr. Clark's approach serves as a reminder that education is not solely about transferring knowledge but also about shaping individuals who are compassionate, resilient, and capable of navigating life's challenges. In his classroom, students not only learn academic subjects but also essential life skills that contribute to their holistic development.

                We teach our students four basic skills. 

L - Listening 

S - Speaking 

R - Reading 

W  - Writing 

      After watching this movie I want to ask all the Teachers / Educators out there, You are teaching this four basic skills but. Do You LISTEN to Them? Or Do you Tell them the Importance of the Art of Listening? You teach them Speaking skills but do you speaks nicely to them or Do you teach them how to speak, what to speak and where to speak? You are teaching them Reading skills but how often do you read, what kind of literature you read other than text books or study resources, Do You inspire your students to read? Do you conduct fun reading sessions with them? You teach them writing skills but rather than just teaching them how to write good answers so that they can score good marks and win gold medals, Do you teach them to write journals, about their dreams?  The answer is mostly NO.  

This movie don't teach us how to become a great teacher but it simply teaches us how to TEACH. And if one will teach like this he or she automatically become a Great Educator. 

                     

The Divide

     

     Recently I came across this documentary by #paytm. This documentary is the biggest eye opener for all. It's about Financial Literacy among Men and women. 

                The story is so simple, in one hall men and women from different areas such as Business, Film Industry, Writers, House Makers family Businesses Owners gathered to be part of a survey. One person is asking the questions and if one answers correctly he or she has to take a step forward. In the beginning the questions were so simple but the moment they started asking questions about Economy, Tax, Mutual Funds women were way behind men. This shows the lack of Financial Literacy in women.

         In contemporary India, women are just as ambitious and capable as men when it comes to financial matters. However, it's quite surprising that many women still lack confidence in this area. This lack of confidence often stems from a deeply ingrained societal belief that men are inherently better at managing finances and should take the lead in financial decision-making.

       This traditional gender role has been perpetuated for generations, influencing how women perceive their own financial capabilities. Consequently, even when women possess the skills and knowledge required for financial conversations, they may hesitate to take the initiative or assert themselves in such discussions.

       This issue highlights the importance of challenging these preconceived notions and promoting financial education and empowerment for women, so they can become more self-assured and active participants in financial matters. Breaking free from these stereotypes is essential to ensure that both men and women can contribute equally to their financial well-being and make informed decisions for their families and themselves.

Jude the Obscure

 Jude Fawley, an eleven-year-old boy, wants to follow the example of his teacher Mr. Phillotson, who leaves Marygreen for Christminster to take a university degree and to be ordained. Jude is being raised by his great-aunt, whom he helps in her bakery. He studies very hard on his own to prepare for the move, and to provide a means by which he can support himself at the university, he learns the trade of ecclesiastical stonework. He meets, desires, and marries Arabella Donn, who deceives him into marriage by making him think he has got her pregnant. They do not get along at all, and eventually Arabella leaves him to go with her family to Australia.

Though delayed, Jude does get to Christminster, partly because of his aspirations but also partly because of the presence there of his cousin Sue Bridehead. 

 He meets and falls in love with her, though the fact of his being married causes him to feel guilty. Sue will not return his love, and when he realizes that Phillotson, under whom she is now teaching, is interested in Sue, Jude is in despair. This plus the fact that he has made no headway on getting into the university and realizes he never will causes him to give up that part of his dream and leave Christminster.

At Melchester he intends to pursue theological study and eventually enter the church at a lower level. Sue is there at a training college and is to marry Phillotson when she finishes, but she flees the school when punished for staying out all night with Jude. Jude is puzzled by Sue because her ideas are different from his and she will not return the feeling he has for her.

Shortly after he tells her he is married, she announces her marriage to Phillotson and asks Jude to give her away. He sees Arabella again, who is back from abroad, spends the night with her, and learns that she married in Australia. When he next encounters Sue, she tells him perhaps she shouldn't have married, and Jude vows to go on seeing her in spite of his aim to discipline himself to get into the church.

When Jude's aunt dies, Sue comes to Marygreen for the funeral, and there she admits to him she is unhappy and can't give herself to Phillotson. The kiss Jude and Sue exchange when she leaves for Shaston causes him to think he has reached the point where he is no longer fit for the church; therefore, he burns his theological books and will profess nothing.

Sue asks Phillotson to let her live apart from him, preferably with Jude, but he only allows her to live apart in the house until an instance of her repugnance to him causes him to decide to let her go. Sue goes to Jude and they travel to Aldbrickham, but she will not yet allow intimacy. Phillotson is dismissed from his job at Shaston when Sue never returns, and after seeing her later and not being able to get her back he decides to divorce her to give her complete freedom.

After living together a year at Aldbrickham Jude and Sue have still not consummated their relationship, and though they repeatedly plan to be married they never go through with it. Only when Arabella appears and seems to threaten her hold on Jude does Sue allow intimacy. Arabella marries Cartlett, her Australian husband, again and sends to Jude her and Jude's son, Little Father Time.

When opinion turns against Jude and Sue and he loses a job because of their reputation, they decide to leave Aldbrickham, and they live in many places as Jude works where he can find employment in anything other than ecclesiastical work, which he decides to give up. They now have two children of their own and another on the way. Having seen Sue in Kennetbridge, Arabella, whose husband has died, revives her interest in Jude, and when she encounters Phillotson, who is now in Marygreen, she tells him he was wrong to let Sue go. Jude, now ill and not working regularly, wants to return to Christminster.

They do return to Christminster, arriving on a holiday, and Jude is upset by his return to the city that has meant so much to him and gives a speech to a street crowd in an attempt to explain what his life has meant. Despairing talk by Sue triggers off a reaction in Little Father Time, and he hangs the other two children and himself. And the child Sue is carrying is born dead. Jude and Sue have reached the point where their views of life have about reversed, Jude becoming secular and Sue religious; and when Phillotson writes to ask Sue to come back to him, she agrees, thinking of it as a penance.

Sue returns to Phillotson at Marygreen and marries him again, though she still finds him repugnant. Arabella comes to Jude, and by persistent scheming she gets him to marry her once more. They get along about as before, and though ill Jude goes to see Sue and they declare their love for each other. As a further penance, Sue then gives herself to Phillotson. Jude learns of this, and on the holiday the following year, while Arabella is out enjoying the festivities, Jude dies. Only Arabella and Mrs. Edlin are present to stand watch by  his coffin.

Teachers Day

📚🍎 "Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge that grow forever." 🌱✨

         On this special occasion of #teachersday I had the incredible privilege of watching my girls step onto the world's stage, playing my role with grace and brilliance. Shakespeare once said, "All the world's a stage," and today, I witnessed the truth in those words as my students shone in their performances.

       I must confess, they played their parts exceptionally well, reminding me once again of the profound impact teachers can have on their students.

With B. A. Semester 3 Professors

With B. A. Semester 5 Professors 

With B. A. Semester 1 Professors 

Pallavi Rathod , in her lecture for B.A. Semester 3, Paper No. 7, delved into the fascinating topic of "Understanding Tragedy: An Exploration of Tragic Elements." Her depth of knowledge and engaging presentation style left a lasting impression.

Aarchita Sakariya, in her 4th lecture for the 3rd semester of Compulsory English, presented an engaging discussion on the classic tale, "The Monkey's Paw." Her enthusiasm and expertise undoubtedly made the subject matter come alive for her students, promising and a meaningful exploration of this literary work.

In the third lecture of Semester 3, we had the privilege of learning from Krupali Baraiya. She delved into the intriguing subject of "Characteristics of the Anglo Saxon Period/Age" within the realm of History (Paper No. 5). Krupali's teaching left an indelible mark, with her deep insights and passionate delivery making the topic truly come to life.

We had the privilege of experiencing the first lecture of the semester in S.Y.B.A. English, delivered by the accomplished Bansi Khamal. The topic, "Prayer Before Birth," from the course "A Study of Drama and Poetry" (Paper No. 6), was brilliantly introduced by Bansi. Her lecture, set a high standard for the semester, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the subject.

We had Bhatti Janvi  for the 4th lecture of Indian English Literature. Her expertise and teaching style added immense value to our learning experience.

Sakshi Nishad from B. A. Semester 5, delivered a lecture on Computer Ethics through an article. In addition to the lecture, two engaging activities were conducted:

1. Thinking Activity: Students were required to pick a chit containing a number and a corresponding question posed by the professor. They were then tasked with providing answers to these questions. This activity encouraged critical thinking and active participation among the students.

2. Doodle Art Activity: The second activity involved creating doodle art based on the entire syllabus. This creative exercise allowed students to visually represent and explore the syllabus content in a unique and engaging way.

Sakshi Nishad's lecture and these interactive activities enriched the learning experience for the students, fostering both intellectual engagement and creativity in the classroom.

Lecturer: Hitisha Dudharejiya
Lecture Number: 3
Topic: "Heart Of Darkness"
Course: Study Of English Literature (11)

Activities:

1. Thinking Activity Students engaged in defining the concept of "DARKNESS" in their own words, exploring its various interpretations.

2. Doodle Art: Students created artwork illustrating the themes of adventure and the darkness within the human soul and society, as inspired by the content of "Heart Of Darkness."

Hitisha Dudharejiya's lecture, along with these thought-provoking activities, contributed to a deeper understanding of the literary work and encouraged creative expression among the students.

Jayshree Harkat, delivered a captivating lecture on the timeless classic, "Death of a Salesman." Her expertise and passion for the subject shone brightly, making the complex themes and characters of the play come to life for her students.

God of Small Things Quotes

 And the air was full of Thoughts and Things to Say. But at times like these, only the Small Things are ever said. Big Things lurk unsaid inside.

If you're happy in a dream, does that count?.

She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes. She spoke to no one. She spent hours on the riverbank. She smoked cigarettes and had midnight swims…

This was the trouble with families. Like invidious doctors, they knew just where it hurt.

But what was there to say?

Only that there were tears. Only that Quietness and Emptiness fitted together like stacked spoons. Only that there was a snuffling in the hollows at the base of a lovely throat. Only that a hard honey-colored shoulder had a semicircle of teethmarks on it. Only that they held each other close, long after it was over. Only that what they shared that night was not happiness, but hideous grief.

Only that once again they broke the Love Laws. That lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.

The way her body existed only where he touched her. The rest of her was smoke.

He folded his fear into a perfect rose. He held it out in the palm of his hand. She took it from him and put it in her hair.

It is after all so easy to shatter a story. To break a chain of thought. To ruin a fragment of a dream being carried around carefully like a piece of porcelain. To let it be, to travel with it, as Velutha did, is much the harder thing to do.

Ammu said that human beings were creatures of habit, and it was amazing the kind of things one could get used to.

If he touched her, he couldn't talk to her, if he loved her he couldn't leave, if he spoke he couldn't listen, if he fought he couldn't win.

D’you know what happens when you hurt people?’ Ammu said. ‘When you hurt people, they begin to love you less. That’s what careless words do. They make people love you a little less.

As Estha stirred the thick jam he thought Two Thoughts and the Two Thoughts he thought were these:

a) Anything can happen to anyone.

and

b) It is best to be prepared.

Nothing mattered much. Nothing much mattered. And the less it mattered the less it mattered. It was never important enough. Because Worse Things had happened. In the country that she came from poised forever between the terror of war and the horror of peace Worse Things kept happening.

Being with him made her feel as though her soul had escaped from the narrow confines of her island country into the vast, extravagant spaces of his. He made her feel as though the world belonged to them- as though it lay before them like an opened frog on a dissecting table, begging to be examined.

There are things that you can't do - like writing letters to a part of yourself. To your feet or hair. Or heart.

Little events, ordinary things, smashed and reconstituted. Suddenly, they become the bleached bones of a story.

She was perhaps too young to realize that what she assumed was her love for [him] was actually a tentative, timorous, acceptance of herself.

By then Esthappen and Rahel had learned that the world had other ways of breaking men. They were already familiar with the smell. Sicksweet. Like old roses on a breeze.

Ammu loved her children (of course), but their wide-eyed vulnerability and their willingness to love people who didn't really love them exasperated her and sometimes made her want to hurt them-- just as an education, a precaution.

With the certitude of a true believer, Vellya Paapen had assured the twins that there was no such thing in the world as a black cat. He said that there were only black cat chaped holes in the universe.