‘Empowering Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19 PANDEMIC’
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

A Webinar Session on ‘Empowering Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19 PANDEMIC’ was organized by Sankalp Sahoday for the Sahodaya School teachers on May 3, 2020. Ms. Sudha Acharya, President, welcomed the Principals and teachers and discussed in detail how to focus on our emotional, behavioral, thoughts, and physical well being during this tough time and lockdown. Although the schools are shut down but the responsibility of keeping the classrooms alive is on our shoulders. It is very important for all us to take care of our mental health which can be attained by practicing mindfulness, meditation and indulging in creative activities. She further reiterated that by following the time table, spending quality time with family, learning new skills and diary writing are some of the activities which can keep us  positively busy. Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary, Sakalp Sahodaya  appreciated the efforts put in by the teachers in conducting online classes. The educators shared the practices and ideas which they are following in the online classes which was a treat to all the participants. This practice of sharing teaching methodologies proved to be beneficial to all the participants. Counselors of various schools too shared their views and suggested during these trial times the most important thing is not to panic and consider one task at a time. The session was very fruitful as it motivated and encouraged the teachers to remain physically and emotionally healthy to continue their fight with COVID-19. 

‘Moving from Physical to Digital Learning Spaces During covid-19 & Beyond’
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

A Webinar Session was organized for the Principals and teachers of South West Ssnkalp Sahodaya Schools on May 8, 2020. The topic of the session was ‘Moving from Physical to Digital Learning Spaces During covid-19 & Beyond’.  Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary, Sankalp Sahodaya welcomed the Resource Person, Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education & Training). Ms. Sudha Acharya, President, introduced the topic for discussion and expressed the need to adopt technological aids to proceed with   virtual teaching, which is posing a major challenge to educators.  She requested Dr. Saha to discuss the ways and means to face this challenge. The resource person discussed at length the challenges faced by educators today mainly Virtual teaching and Time at home. The speaker said that augmented reality sessions would be organized with Facebook. He stressed on the fact that Inter-disciplinary projects to be given to the students and recorded videos of the same should be uploaded. He shed light on the importance of following Digital etiquettes by the   teachers and students. He suggested that only 2 hours of online teaching should be given to the students of classes I-VIII. The senior classes could have anything between 3 hours to 3.5 hours only.  The syllabus covered should follow a sequential pattern. He suggested that a  definite protocol should  be followed after lockdown as well which should have a  specific curriculum covering sports, academic subjects, workshops based on each subject  etc. He advised the educators to use the videos and material available on different CBSE portals especially from Diksha Portal. He encouraged them to prepare useful material and videos and send them to CBSE for uploading on their website so that everyone can benefit from them. Dr. Saha urged everyone to donate their unused smart phone to the needy students so that they too can benefit from the online teaching that is in progress today. The Principals as well as the teachers came up with many queries which were answered satisfactorily by the resource person.  The Vice President, Ms Nita Arora proposed a vote of thanks. This   interactive session was a fruitful and motivational experience for all.

Experiential Learning- Webinar Session
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

The Sankalp Sahodaya South West organized a Webinar Session for the Principals and teachers of Sahodaya Schools on May 17, 2020. The topic of   discussion was ‘Experiential Learning’. Dr. Sweta Singh, Jt. Secretary (Academics) CBSE wonderfully conducted this informative session. Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary Sankalp Sahoday welcomed The Resource Person, Dr. Sweta. Ms. Sudha Acharya, President introduced the topic for discussion and requested Dr. Sweta to discuss how educators can adopt EL and integrate it into their teaching methodology. Dr. Singh apprised the educators on the benefits of EL   both for the teachers and students. She stressed that it is a concrete system which includes both reflective and abstract involvement. EL improves the teaching skills of the educators. However, it requires careful planning and mindful execution. It is also helpful for the students as it empowers them, accelerates their learning process, encourages self-learning, and requires their full participation in the process. Strategies to design EL and their assessment was also discussed at length. Dr, Singh advised the educators to handle the students with utmost care. She further guided them to have faith in their potential and to use it   critically and creatively. Ms. Heemal Handoo proposed a Vote of Thanks.

The New School-Coexisting with Covid-19 & Beyond 
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

The Sankalp Sahodaya South West organized a Webinar Session for the Principals and teachers of Sahodaya Schools on May 23,2020. The topic of   discussion was ‘‘The New School-Coexisting with Covid-19 & Beyond’. Dr. Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Principal Springdales School, Pusa Road and Kirti Nagar conducted this informative session. Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary Sankalp Sahoday welcomed The resource person, Dr. Ameeta. Ms. Sudha Acharya, President, of Sankalp Sahodaya introduced the topic for discussion and requested Dr. Wattal to throw light on how educators can now carry on with this new shift in teaching learning process. Dr. Wattal   said that in today’s scenario synchronous learning should be applicable. Educators have to develop the skill to take quick decisions and to understand that education is an emotional and sensitive issue. She stressed that assessment techniques need to be changed and lesson plans should be based on integrated learning. She advised that conceptual and interactive project based learning should be encouraged. The session was much appreciated by all the attendees. A Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Monika Mehen at the end of the session
Video Link :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KToq5lg1ecI

‘The Future School Building Resilience & Bridging Learning Gap’
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

South West Sankalp Sahodaya organized a Webinar Session for the Principals and Teachers of Sahodaya Schools on May 31,2020. The topic for discussion was ‘The Future School Building Resilience & Bridging Learning Gap’. Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director (Academics), CBSE conducted the session. Ms. Sudha Acharya, President and Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary Sankalp Sahodaya welcomed the resource person. MS. Sudha Acharya introduced the topic for the session to the audience.Dr. Emmanuel appreciated the efforts put in by Sankalp Sahodaya in organizing regular webinar sessions for its members. He reiterated that these sessions are helpful in preparing the educators to cope with the current trends in education. Educators play a very crucial role especially at this point of time when normal classrooms have turned into virtual classes. It is a novel method no doubt, but with the able support and guidance of the facilitators, students will be able to adapt easily to these changes. He therefore encouraged the teachers to seek the support material being provided by the Govt. through their portals- Diksha & Vidyadaan, in order to make their classes more productive. He stressed on including experiential learning which is project based to give more focus. He mentioned that internal exams and written assessments must be given more weightage and that the integration of arts and sports should be emphasised upon.The members who attended the session appreciated the points raised by Dr. Emmanuel and found the session to be very educative and fruitful. A Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Sheelu Mathew at the end of the session.
Video Link :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXvqg2U2AxY

“Reimagining & Reshaping the Landscape of Education During Covid-19 & Beyond”.
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary Sankalp Sahodaya welcomed the resource person. MS. Sudha Acharya introduced the topic for the session to the audience. Mr. Tripathi stressed that the aim of education is to make students competent, skilled with holistic personality and character. The system stood on 4 pillars he said, parents, teachers, students and the school management. There is however, a change post pandemic lockdown. Classrooms were teacher centric earlier with a set time table for the students, minimizing the role of parents. The future classrooms will not be teacher centric and there will not be a set time table. Parents will have a greater role to play and they will be supervising and supporting their Child’s education. Now we have to live with covid-19, by maintaining the distance, by taking care of our health and hygiene and following the guidelines shared by Ministry of Health. Technology will now be a part and parcel of teaching –learning process. Although this teaching methodology is new to teachers they will have to train themselves to adopt the new technological platform and assessment plan. They should highly motivated excellent communicators, expressive, and possess critical thinking and emotional balance. There will be a shift from rote learning to experiential learning. Teachers and the school need to connect with parents and strengthen the school parent partnership. The school management needs to control its budget and expenditure. Education will be self oriented, project based where art, craft and sport will be integrated with equal weightage. He advised that students should be engaged in meaningful activities and indoor indigenous games like chess, board games etc. should be encouraged. He apprised the attendees about the changes in the pattern of X and XII classes, which are aimed at boosting creative, critical and analytical thinking among students. He further stated that schools can modify the syllabus of classes I-VIII as per their requirements and make it more innovative. He encouraged the school leaders to create a common platform where children can put the work assigned to them. He also updated that Inspection for CBSE affiliation has been extended by a year. For all the latest guidance and information he requested everyone to keep checking the CBSE site. He patiently addressed many queries put forward by the school leaders. The interactive session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Meenu Tiwari.
Video Link :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT0Bv97fOm4

‘Opportunity In Adversity’
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

The resource person for the session was Ms. Neha Wahi, Associate Vice President, Capacity Building and Career Launcher Education. Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary, Sankalp Sahodaya welcomed the resource person and Ms. Sudha Acharya, President, introduced the topic and the Speaker. Ms. Wahi who has a wide range of experience connected immediately with the educators, where she said that there was a lot of opportunity in adversity. Ms. Wahi quoted five personal and true stories to drive home the point, that the present condition on account of Covid-pandemic has brought to the forefront what a beautiful world that we live in . She reiterated that corona virus has turned adversity into acceptance of technology, to fight adversity and to master what we have always resisted like technology and family . The virus is here to stay and we need to look at it differently as it has proved to be beneficial to us. We need to reinvent, reconstruct and innovate ourselves to avoid the fear that we are nurturing within us. The biggest enemy is fear. This can be overcome when we are able to lock horns and get rid of the negative emotions. She said teachers who have, so far been pioneers and have worked without a feedback are now, on account of technologyand online teaching able to  record their work and have a self assessment of themselves and their classes. She said there is immense power in the mind and tremendous strength in thought. They can fight all negativity or adversity and overcome all challenges in life. She stressed on positive thinking for it keeps us going and gives us hope. On a final note, she said that the batch of 2020 is one of a kind and will pass with flying colours. History will remember teachers of 2020 for what they changed and not for what they taught.
Video Link :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em3UT8a4dLI

‘Art Integration-A Learning Pathway Towards Equity In Education’
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter organized a Webinar Session on the topic, ’ Art Integration-A Learning Pathway Towards Equity In Education’ on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Dr. Praggya M. Singh, Joint Secretary, CBSE was the resource person for the session. Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary, Sankalp Sahodaya welcomed the resource person and Ms. Sudha Acharya, President, introduced the topic and the Speaker. Dr. Praggya introduced the topic by quoting the example of setting up a drawing room, which is similar to the integration of art in our curriculum. She said, the intra curricular approach to teaching and learning is based on the confluence of teaching of core subjects with that of Arts. She emphasized that Art can be the main source through which one can master a particular subject or topic. It is irreplaceable and only when one is able to learn art directly, can one interpret it properly. Art is related to the visual experiences which are directly connected to mental imagery, which forms an essential part of the thinking process. Art gives clarity to images which helps students to delve deep into the other realms of life. CBSE has made it mandatory for schools to adopt Outcome Based Teaching Learning Process in all its affiliated schools. Now all schools must adopt and implement LoS prepared by NCERT in their pedagogical plans. Teaching experience can become more joyful when Indian ethos is rekindled through the integration of art and culture. She stressed on the fact that that every school should compulsorily reserve at least 2 periods of art per week per class for Art Education to introduce rich and varied artistic traditions. The Heads of Respective departments should schedule follow up meetings every fortnight to see the implementation. She said that Art integrated project work for classes I-V is proposed to promote Art -Integrated Learning in school as a fun and joyful activity. As part of it, all the classes from I-V must be encouraged to take at least one Art integrated project in a curriculum year. However, a child should not be assessed based on artwork only. It should not be Pro- art only. The session came to an end with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Rajee N Kumar, principal, NK Bagrodia School.
Video Link :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meRce13G28k

‘Webinar on "Dialogue on Mental Health for Holistic Wellness during the Pandemic";
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

Sankalp Sahodaya South West Chapter organized a Webinar on the topic, ‘‘Dialogue on Mental Health for Holistic Wellness during the Pandemic’ held on May 19,2021. The Speaker for the webinar was Dr. Rachna K. Singh, Director of Mind Body Studio, HOD Holistic Medicine & Wellness @ Artemis Hospital. Gurgaon. The informative webinar was attended by the school Principals, teachers, students and parents. With a help of informative slide share Dr. Rachna guided and motivated the audience and reminded everyone that the 1 st wave of the Pandemic was not that bad and it took only 48 hours to adopt and adapt the situation. We all labeled that time as the family time and everyone unleashed their creative persona. She said that People fought with the 1 st wave with great positivity. They started meeting with their family members on zoom calls and were well connected with each other. She further shared that the the 2nd wave of the Pandemic is more depressing and grimmer. Now people are sad and they are convinced that this tough time is not going to be over soon. Now people are depressed and are in constant feeling of fear anxiety and gloominess. Everyone is in grief and there are man-made factors which add to our agony. She advised that our Modern Life Style, leads us to stress, obesity, and many more illnesses. Multi-tasking, negative attitude and constant hopelessness and fear of losing our loved ones put us in the vicious circle. She reiterated that now the dimension of wellness has been changed. Earlier it used to deal with Mind, Body and Soul but now it deals with spiritual, emotional social, environmental, physical and intellectual areas. An overview of common responses to Stress was discussed in detail that how Behavioural Symptoms, Somatic Symptoms, Cognitive Symptoms look like. She motivated the participants to approach ABS Strategy – Awareness, Balance Control to combat the stress. Many tips were given to maintain a positive mental health in today’s time: -Fix your routine –De-clutter your space and thoughts -Indulge in physical exercise -Indulge in positive activities -Build a strong support structure. -Keeping saying and believing positive affirmations. At the end the Speaker encouraged all the attendees to try and keep their cup full with positivity, and by voicing out gratitude and counting your blessings. She also shared about the Mind and Wellness App. Which contains very beneficial information and everyone can take benefits from this App. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Sudha Sadangi, Head of School, ShreeRam World School.

‘Webinar on 'Holistic Wellness';
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

Sankalp Sahodaya South Delhi Chapter organized a Webinar on the topic, ‘Holistic Wellness’ on May 26,2021. The Speaker for the webinar was Swami Shantatmananda JI, the senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order. The webinar was on Zoom platform and was live on facebook. This informative webinar was attended by the school Principals, teachers, students and parents. Swami Ji enlightened the audience with his teachings and guidance. He shared that the Mind is very powerful and can completely influence the body. If one controls the mind, the body can be easily controlled. There are lakhs and lakhs of poor people die due to lack of minimal medication provision every year and we pay no heed to it. Now when people are dying from Corona we all are worried and sad. He said we need to see how we are looking at the situation, what should be our understanding, what should be our attitude now what should be done. Through a beautiful shaloka from Geeta he explained why it is not necessary to grief on death. We should be calmer in this situation, as life never stops at all, it goes on. He beautifully explained what is the journey from gross to subtle. He shared that we always seek outward and oriented towards gross, God has made us this way. 99.9% People live in the constellation of Sukha and Dhukha. Desire is the reason for all dukkha in life. He further said that there are exceptions there are some extra ordinary people who turn their case inward and seek peace. He advised that we can also seek this internal peace, so whenever something bothers us by closing our eyes and by sitting for some 15-20 minutes in complete silence will make us more lightened and peaceful. He motivated the participants that we have the capacity to go inward and it is the God’s gift to us. Corona has come as a blessing as it has forced us to see deeper what we have done to the Prakrity, nature and this corona is the roughest and rude call of the nature to remind us what harm we have done to it. He encouraged that one need to ask these questions, are we happy, are we peaceful, are we ok the way life is unfolding before us this corona is one blow there may be more calamities coming every 3-4 years but the question is are we ready to combat those. He reiterated that we need to find solutions and examine these issues closely do we have a better way of handling our life and situation. He shared the Universal definition given by swami Vivekanand of human nature is that humankind is universally divine and the goal is to manifest his divinity. Do it by work, worship, psychic control and be free. He beautifully explained the 4 noble paths; path of Enquiry, Bhakti, Karma and Raj Yog. He advised to read books written by Swami Vivekanand which will charge you and will fill you with energy. ? He motivated all to extend a helping hand and indulge in acts of kindness. Talk to people, talk to those who are suffering become a source of support ,make small efforts. We all can make this world a better place for us and for the future generations to come. The Q & A session also filled everyone with more knowledge. The session was concluded on the positive note by Swamiji that it was the vision of Swami Vivekanand that India will emerge as far more glorious than its past, and this vision of Swami Vivekanada will come true only when we all work together to make this vision a reality. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Priti Ojha, Principal Delhi International School.

‘Webinar on 'Mindful Eating';
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

Sankalp Sahoday South West Chapter organized a Webinar on the topic, “Mindful Eating” on June 9, 2021. The Speaker of the webinar was Dr. Shikha Nehru Sharma, Founder & Managing Director, Nutriwel Health India Pvt. Ltd. The webinar was attended by school leaders, teachers and students. Dr. Shikha enlightened the audience with so many facts and myths associated with food. She shared step by step process how the food is digested in the body. She said whatever we eat, that has the power to either nourish or destroy our body. She apprised that Nutrition and body type are interconnected and each person has a different metabolic type. She shared that the Calorie concept is wrongly used by the food industry that is why people do not get the desired results in spite of following the correct diet plan. She told everyone that all the refined products have less nutritious value. She further revealed the fact that all breads have a large amount of sugar and tea in the tea bags is of a very low quality tea. She said that low cholesterol and low sugar labels mentioned on the food items are all myths. She updated that most of instant food items, biscuits, cakes etc. are prepared by using excessive amount of dalda which contain trans fat. It is easily available on a very cheaper price and is very harmful for the health. She shared why people are falling sick with diseases at certain age because they are consuming chemicals in their food for a longer time. This is also one of the reasons of Heart Attacks. She also advised to eat alkaline diet if one has inflammation, for blood pressure patients she advised to take low salt intake at night and once a week salt free diet was also recommended. For Post Corona diet, she advised to have low glycaemia diet, and intake of vitamin D. She also encouraged to do breathing exercises as they are very effective. She said that multi vitamins are healthy but instead of taking pills try to consume it She said ,’Eat right and Exercise ‘ is a mantra to live a healthy and happy life. Her mind boggling session was immensely benefited. Everyone requested her to conduct one more such session and share her expertise and knowledge.Ms. Archana Narain, Secretary proposed a Vote of Thanks.

‘Sankalp Sahodaya General Body Meeting';
(Organized by Sankalp Sahodaya South West Delhi Chapter)

Sankalp Sahodaya General Body Meeting was held at St. Thomas’ School, Dwarka on December 23, 2021.