March 2024 Issue
Editor’s Note:
In this month's newsletter, we delve into the theme of Person of Substance, which encapsulates the essence of personal growth, resilience, and lifelong learning. Our journey begins by acknowledging the inherent strengths within each of us and understanding the pivotal role they play in shaping our development. It is through this recognition and exploration of our unique abilities that we lay the groundwork for a transformative voyage towards self-actualisation. Central to this journey is the acknowledgement of challenges as opportunities for growth.
This month’s issue features an article by Thupten Tsewang entitled ‘Unveiling the Person of Substance: Context, Aspirations & Approaches’.
In March, we are also looking forward to hosting a two-day retreat, ‘Calming the Mind’, on the 17th & 18th of March 2024 at IIC, New Delhi.
Featured Articles
Unveiling the Person of Substance: Context, Aspirations & Approaches
by Thupten Tsewang
Introduction:
Embarking on a transformative journey towards personal and educational excellence involves a dynamic process of self-discovery and continuous growth. The exploration begins by recognising and tapping into one's unique strengths in order to establish a solid foundation for overall development. Navigating challenges with grace and resilience is at the heart of this journey, emphasising an unwavering commitment to learning.
The transformative power of education takes centre stage, highlighting the need for a tailored and wholistic approach that recognises the diverse learning styles and stages of development. Intrinsic qualities that define a person of substance, such as introspection, a growth mindset, resilience, open-mindedness, and the ability to inspire, become focal points, guiding individuals on their quest for personal evolution.
In this article, as the narrative unfolds, it weaves together personal backstories, crafting strategic roadmap, development of essential skills, processes & watermarks, and the role of assessment, reporting, and feedback in the ongoing evolution. This exploration invites readers to reflect on their own journey, encouraging self-discovery, continuous growth, and the cultivation of genuine strength and substance.
Interesting Readings
The Overlooked Qualities That Signal Future Success—and How to Nurture Them
by Andrew Boryga
Courtesy: www.edutopia.org
Debunking the narrative that early academic prowess is the sole predictor of future success, Grant points instead to important intangible qualities that are vital for future career success—dispositions like discipline and determination, and being proactive and prosocial. Developing these skills, he says, can’t happen in a vacuum. “You need the opportunity and motivation to nurture them.” Schools, for example, should be infusing play into the school day, challenging students to push through academic struggle and discomfort, and rethinking grading practices so they highlight not just performance but growth over time. Click here to read the full article.
Helping Students Understand and Appreciate Their Differences
To promote substantial and lasting change, consider these diversity and inclusion initiatives for high school students.
by Beth Pandolpho
Courtesy: www.edutopia.org
The educational sphere is still fine-tuning its ability to implement DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives that have the capacity to promote meaningful change. Yet celebrating heritage months, hanging rainbow flags, and posting signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “All Are Welcome Here” aren’t sufficient to cultivate a more equitable and just school culture.
One idea to foster enduring change in schools is to expand our awareness and gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences to build empathy and inspire us to action. Click here to read the full article.
Forthcoming Events
Ritinjali and Centre for Escalation of Peace in collaboration with India International Centre, Nalanda Foundation and Pallavan Learning Systems are hosting this retreat with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Registration is required for both in-person and online attendance.
Note: In-person registration is now full. If you wish to participate online, click here to register. To know more, click here.
Past Events
Harmony of Head and Heart with Venerable Geshe Lhakdor
Geshe Lhakdor was in conversation with a group of eminent individuals from the education field. During this exchange, Geshe la shared insights and experiences acquired over decades in diverse roles as he deliberated on the topic, ‘Harmony of Head and Heart’. Read the report, watch the video.
The Purpose of Life with Venerable Geshe Lhakdor
The webinar unfolded as a captivating exchange between Geshe Lhakdor and the vibrant community of students and educators from Second Chance School and Ritinjali learning centres. The event seamlessly blended physical presence at Ritinjali’s Second Chance School with a vibrant online audience, featuring Geshe Lhakdor, a renowned Buddhist philosopher, as the focal point of a spirited dialogue. Read the report, watch the video
Teaching Mathematics with the Help of History
Thursday, 23 November 2023
The webinar was held on 23rd November 2023 Mathematics is a subject that is often seen as abstract, complex, and detached from the real world. Many students struggle to find meaning and relevance in mathematical concepts, leading to disinterest and a lack of motivation to learn. However, at Pallavan Learning Systems, we believe that Mathematics is a language – language of the universe – that helps us make sense of the physical world around us. During this webinar, Dinesh Singh strove to make Mathematics accessible, understandable and relatable with the help of History. Read the report, watch the video.
ASSESSMENT: Valuing what matters
Thursday, 7 September 2023
The webinar was held on Thursday, 7 September 2023. Pallavan Learning Systems, in association with Ritinjali and the Centre for Escalation of Peace, conducted a webinar on the theme Assessment - Valuing What Matters. The webinar was a part of the series 'On a Quest to Learn: A series on the evolving nature of one's learning journey'. The webinar sought to look at the evolving nature of assessment and gauge its effectiveness in helping people develop into persons of substance. Read the report, watch the video.
Services
Bharti Foundation
We completed a two-year professional development engagement with the trainers of Satya Bharti Foundation. During the session, the trainers shared their feedback on the two-year engagement, went over their personal and professional roadmaps and engaged in a practical session on Skills, Processes and Watermarks.
Pallavan Jhalawar
On February 23rd Dr. Dinesh and the PLS team met with the teachers of Pallavan School in Jhalawar. The discussion included various topics, primarily focusing on educational matters such as teaching methods, creativity, priorities in reading, mathematical concepts, and environmental studies. Participants emphasised the importance of continuous learning, self-improvement, and clear communication.
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