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Exploring the Essence of Being Human

As part of our ongoing mission to inspire thoughtfulness and foster humanity among ourstudents, Grade 7 embarked on an expedition titled Being Human. The central guiding question,What does it mean to be human? This led the students through an enriching journey of learning andintrospection. This interdisciplinary expedition combined the perspectives of English, Punjabi, History, and Science to explore the essence of humanity in depth.

Visiting the local Church

A highlight of this journey was a field trip to a local church known for its incredible work in caring for the elderly, disabled, and homeless. During the visit, the students spent meaningful time engaging with the residents, sharing stories, laughter, and moments of connection. The joy and gratitude exchanged were truly heartwarming, underscoring the power of compassion.

In the spirit of giving

The students also brought tangible support to the residents by donating fruits, coloring books, colors, a geyser, socks, and other essentials. These small yet significant acts of giving left a lasting impression on the students, teaching them the value of service and the importance of addressing the needs of others.

Through this expedition, our students learned that being human is not just about intellectual or physical capabilities but about fostering empathy, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to uplift those around us.

Such experiences remind us that learning transcends classrooms, rooting itself in real-world connections that shape values and character.

Perspectives on freedom through the lens of history

We are excited to share the meaningful experiences from our recent learning trip with Grade 8, titled “Get Up! Stand Up!” Guided by the question, “When injustice happens, is empathy enough?” Students explored the history and emotions tied to Jallianwala Bagh. This trip helped them understand a key event in India’s fight for freedom and reflect on the importance of action in standing up against injustice.

What is Jallianwala Bagh?

The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O”Dyer on April 13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. This was one of the major incidents of India’s freedom struggle.

Exploring the memorial site

Accompanied by History and English teachers, the students delved into the tragic yet inspiring narratives surrounding Jallianwala Bagh. The field trip offered a powerful perspective on themes of colonial oppression, resistance, and the enduring spirit of freedom.

Upon arriving at Jallianwala Bagh, the students were moved by the solemn and powerful atmosphere of the site. They explored significant landmarks, such as the Martyrs’ Well and the bullet-marked walls, which silently bear witness to the massacre that claimed hundreds of lives on April 13, 1919. Teachers explained the events of that day, General Dyer’s actions, and the incredible resilience displayed by the Indian people during this dark chapter in history.

What students did

During the visit students:
– participated in group discussions to deepen their understanding.
– studied the events leading up to the massacre,
– read personal accounts from survivors,
– reflected on how this tragedy became a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence.
– drew connections between the revolutionary spirit of the Jallianwala Bagh martyrs and that of Bloody Sunday in Russia in 1905.

Student takeaways

Reflecting on their visit, students expressed a deeper appreciation for how places like Jallianwala Bagh connect historical events to current struggles for justice and equality. They returned with renewed curiosity and a stronger desire to explore how such landmarks tell powerful stories and shape our understanding of the past.

As teachers, it was deeply rewarding to witness the students’ growth in knowledge and empathy during this journey. Grade 8 returned with a greater understanding of history and the sacrifices made for freedom, inspired to continue learning about and appreciating the world around them.