In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many. Amid the chaos, Swami Vivekananda’s teachings emerge as a guiding light, offering profound insights on mental resilience. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the spiritual approach to mental well-being, discovering timeless wisdom that transcends the challenges of today.

1. The Essence of Mental Resilience in Vivekananda’s Teachings:

• [ Mental resilience teachings, Swami Vivekananda on stress management. ]
  • Understanding Stress as a Mental State: Swami Vivekananda’s teachings delve deep into the nature of stress, viewing it not merely as external pressure but as a mental state. Explore the essence of mental resilience in his wisdom, understanding stress as an internal response that can be transformed through spiritual insights.

2. Cultivating Equanimity in the Face of Challenges:

• [ Spiritual approach to mental well-being, stress as a test of equanimity. ]
  • Stress as a Test of Equanimity: Vivekananda’s philosophy encourages us to view stress as a test of equanimity. Dive into the ways his teachings guide us to cultivate inner calmness and balance, allowing us to navigate challenges with grace and poise.

3. The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness:

• [ Mental resilience through meditation, mindfulness in Vivekananda’s teachings.]
  • Inner Transformation through Meditation: Explore the transformative power of meditation as advocated by Swami Vivekananda. Uncover how mindfulness practices can reshape our mental landscape, providing a sanctuary of peace amidst the chaos of daily life.

4. Detaching from External Outcomes:

• [ Detachment in stress management, Vivekananda on non-attachment. ]
  • Non-Attachment as a Path to Serenity: Swami Vivekananda emphasizes the art of non-attachment as a key to mental resilience. Understand how detaching from external outcomes can liberate the mind from the grip of stress, fostering a serene and composed outlook.

5. Finding Strength in Adversity:

• [ Strength through adversity,” “Vivekananda’s teachings on challenges. ]
  • Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Vivekananda’s teachings inspire us to find strength in adversity. Discover how viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can reshape our mental narrative, turning stress into a catalyst for personal and spiritual evolution.

6. Embracing the Present Moment:

• [ Present-moment awareness,” “Vivekananda on the power of now. ]
  • The Power of Now: Vivekananda’s wisdom encourages us to embrace the present moment fully. Explore how cultivating present-moment awareness can shift our focus from the burdens of the past and anxieties about the future, fostering a sense of serenity in the now.

Swami Vivekananda’s Enduring Gift of Mental Resilience: In the journey from stress to serenity, Swami Vivekananda’s teachings stand as an enduring gift. His insights on mental resilience, stress management, and the spiritual approach to well-being provide a roadmap for navigating the challenges of the modern world. As we integrate these timeless principles into our lives, we embark on a transformative path toward serenity, finding strength, balance, and tranquility in the embrace of Vivekananda’s wisdom.

Disclaimer: The article offers spiritual perspectives on mental well-being and does not replace professional mental health advice. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate guidance for their circumstances.

The animation studio and Ogilvy have combined their efforts to design a relatable video for Tata Motors’ initiative to create awareness about road safety in Bangladesh

Mumbai-based new media tech studio – Post Office Studios – A 2D animation and motion graphics vertical at Kulfi Collective has collaborated with Ogilvy for an animated video released during Tata Motors’ ‘Road Safety Initiative’ in Bangladesh. While the anthem – No Second Chance – was conceptualized and composed by the Ogilvy team, the creative animated video for the same was developed by a dynamic collective of designers of the Post Office Studios.

‘No Second Chance’ was conceived by Ogilvy to create awareness – especially among truck drivers as well as other vehicle drivers – about the importance of cautious driving to avoid accidents. The crux of this anthem is straightforward – while life gives us plenty of opportunities to fix silly mistakes and minor botches, on the road, there is no second chance, which is why we must be careful as recklessness can cost a life.

Consequently, the team at the animation and motion design studio considered instances that are relatable to truck drivers. These instances, combined with a set of style frames in different color palettes that are soothing and appealing to the eyes and that transition seamlessly, enabled the audience to draw similarities and understand the situation better. Not only that, but the animation team also used brush strokes and various texture patches to give an organic feel to the illustrations.

We are living in a world which is constantly changing and fairly challenging. The one thing that the pandemic has taught us is that innovation, compassion, and good leadership are the most important tools we need as a society to maintain peace and balance in the world. Because as we move forward, the challenges are going to be tougher and we need to raise a generation with an equally resilient mindset to be able to find solutions to the unprecedented problems humanity has faced yet. The way our world is shaping, creating original and creative entities which can solve the problems of the masses while creating opportunities for society as well is going to be crucial for the future generation to cope with the rapid changes. Hence the wave of entrepreneurship and community service has already hit the world. But is it easy to become an entrepreneur in this highly competitive world? Absolutely not!

For the Millenials caught up in this wave, it’s like a mammoth mountain of challenges which most of us want to climb but only a few of us are capable of climbing. 80% of the blame for this situation can be given to the rotten education system and the risk-averting mindset we all grew up with. Imagine if we all were taught since childhood not to be afraid of failures, take risks, not to seek comfort, think creatively, and much more, would it still be that difficult for us? I guess not. Entrepreneurship is not just about building a money business but creating value for the betterment of society. And to be an entrepreneur you don’t need to go to a business school, but to learn skills at the school of life!

We have great examples of such inspiring youngsters around us already. Inspired by a visit to an NGO during school, two young kids of the eighth standard, Priyanshu Singhal and Stuti Singhal initiated Liberal Minds intending to help underprivileged children earn money by selling handmade art and craft products. The money earned by the sales is used for the education and essential needs of the children. Initially, they started selling the products by putting up stalls at various marketplaces around the city, which helped them gain visibility for the products but so it was not enough. They realized that with the help of technology, they can increase their visibility exponentially. Gaining knowledge of the internet, they launched an e-commerce website that displays all the variety of products made by kids and provides a platform for the products to reach a nationwide market. With the help of the website, they have been able to help a much larger number of underprivileged kids.

The website sells handmade products made by underprivileged kids and women. The Liberal Minds is also currently working with jail inmates who create floor mats and artifacts cotton and jute to sew rugs. At the same time, they are also being conscious of environmental harms and attempt to use waste raw materials such as discarded fabrics to create new usable and premium quality products. They still put up stalls and uses other ways to be able to boost sales, however, the main platform remains to be this website. Until now, they have been able to successfully support 12 children’s education in the last 5 years. At just the age of 17, Priyanshu and Stuti have such high aspirations and motivation to provide a better life to the underprivileged children in society. They show us that good intentions and actions need no age bar.

If we don’t want our next generation to not face the same problems that we are, we need to build important skills and values in childhood. The first thing that is most crucial for us to cultivate in our kids is compassion and empathy. Although kids are naturally kind and caring it’s the conditioning that happens while growing up that generates unpleasant feelings like jealousy and self-centeredness. We should reinforce the values of kindness and empathy which helps to create emotional awareness and become good leaders. Other skills and values such as leadership, self-confidence and awareness, a strong sense of ethics and integrity, willingness to fail, curiosity to learn, creative and innovative thinking, good social skills and much more should be taught at home and school since childhood.

If the energy, curiosity, and motivation of such young kids are pushed in the right direction at the right time, the world would be a better place. Young minds are flexible with no limitations or inhibitions. They can learn more easily and teach more impactfully. So instead of putting fear and doubts in our kids, let’s fill them with all the values which will help them live a more fulfilling life.

In an effort to bridge the digital divide and ensure that children in the slums of Dharavi receive equal opportunities to avail of digital schooling, the NGO Centre for Transforming India (CFTI)founded the School On Tab initiative.

Under this initiative, each beneficiary receives a new tab enabled with 1GB RAM, 1GB data
recharge and basic skills software, for the entire academic year. The kit also comprises a
protection cover for the tab and a pair of noise-canceling earphones. The cost for one kit is Rs. 12000.

Being a mother to three school going kids who are attending classes online, renowned
Bollywood director and choreographer, Farah Khan resonates with the issue of digital divide. In order to empower more children living in Dharavi with a literate future, she joins the
SchoolOnTab initiative, while making an appeal to more citizens to come forward and donate
on the website.

Understanding the importance of the efforts made by CFTI, renowned journalist Faye Dsouza
also hosted an open clubhouse conversation with industry experts on schooling in the
pandemic. Joining the conversation to drive awareness discuss the urgency of the situation
were panelists – Dr. Samir Dalwai (Child Development Specialist), Dr. Arunabh Singh (Director-Principal, Nehru World School) and Gurumurthy Kasinathan (Founder & Director of IT for change, education domain); along with Chitralekha Patil (Managing Trustee, Centre for
Transforming India).

Till date, CFTI has already raised funds for 400 of the envisaged target of 1000 tabs. It urges
individual donors and corporate patrons to come forward and help in any possible capacity.

To make a change and support the cause, log on to www.schoolontab.org and follow the
initiative on Instagram @schoolontab.

One thing I have heard most of the students say is that they learn better with practical approaches. However, two things we must consider are that resources for practical education are not always available and not everything we study has a practical approach that will help you. Sometimes, practical education is just as complex to grasp as theoretical education.

Theoretical education, to put it into simpler words, is the stretch that deals with facts, theories and literature. A theoretical study explains to you all that you need to learn about a subject, theories that have come up as yet, facts that have always existed. Most importantly, it is not limited. Knowledge is perennial, so is the theoretical approach. But as available it is, not every aspect of it is as easy to understand or to remember.

Theoretical studies are the way to practical applications and the first steps are always essential. Theoretical approaches will satisfy your curiosity for reasoning and explanation. The theoretical approach is not given enough credit for what it puts out in the space. And because it is so important it is continuously highlighted in schools, something that can be tested frequently.

Here are three things to work on that will help you grasp all that theoretical bunch without having to mug them up:

1. Write what you want to understand: I cannot stress on this enough, learn to write every piece of information that you feel is important. The moment you are writing it down you are establishing a connection with it, which will help you to relate with the material. Highlight that keyword, put a question mark next to it if you have to look it up. Change the language to a simpler one. This simple step will make so much difference.
2. Read: To be able to decipher the text, you must be familiar with reading. Reading will help you develop the skills through which you can analyze literature. Analyzing and understanding literature is probably the most essential step that will help you create your insights, understand other versions, and why one thing exists the way it does. There’s a reason why the review of literature is a designated section for researches and projects which brings me to my next point.
3. Research: When you look for more materials concerning your topic of study, you will gradually understand the matter. Research is also a very famous way to study the practical approaches of others. So essentially, when you are unable to practically study a matter, you can get on with your research. Collect as much information as you can, write them down, consolidate them. You will have a clearer understanding by the end of your surf.

One must realize that a practical approach comes way after theoretical
understanding thus to perform well practically one must master the theoretical end. One thing to remember is: mugging up is not the only way to learn and learning is not limited to examinations.

If you scream ‘examinations’ in a crowd, you are probably inviting havoc your way. But it is not as unfruitful as claimed to be, it has its benefits and offers mastery in multiple techniques through which one can overcome its difficulties. Let us get one thing out of the way, though, effort and concentration are two musts if you want to excel in examinations, there is no “easy” way out.

Why Examinations?
Human instincts call to perform better during challenges, this is exactly what an examination is, a challenge urging you to perform well to attain the designated set of rewards. The point or score system is mostly to charge you with incentives to perform better. Of course, scores, in present times determine where you stand in your career, your performance matters. And that is why I am here to help you deal with your examinations in a disciplined and structured manner.

How to perform well?
Firstly, we must understand the concept of paying attention in classes. Believe me or not, paying attention in class does half of the work before you proceed towards studying on your own. Even if you’re doing as much as looking at the teacher’s presentation, or reading the text with them, your brain is registering the lesson. This is an important step when you’re preparing to study on your own, it is like a paraphrase that will help you understand things. Of course, we have to consider factors like good teaching skills and good comprehension skills, but skills can be developed and worked on.

Secondly, making notes, writing things that you think you might not recall while you’re studying on your own will always help you because: you’re writing them down and writing accelerates learning; when one makes notes, they make sure to make it as simple as possible for better understanding, again making it easy to learn. This also includes marking, underlining keywords or lines that will act as words that will trigger answers out and boost their quality, and you know you have to pay more attention to the highlighted parts.

“Make sure to keep your notes tidy and attractive so that next time you open them you do not feel like shoving that notebook to the bottom of the pile in your drawer.”

Thirdly, learning abilities vary from person to person, however, understanding the mechanics of a few techniques will definitely not harm you in any way. To list a few:

1. The point system: divide your matter into points, so that the next you try to learn, you know exactly how many points you are supposed to learn and write your answer accordingly. Keeping a count of the points will help you retain the answers better.
2. The use of mnemonics: a widely used tool to learn better where one makes use of techniques like acronyms, lyric, rhymes, images, and others; something that you can relate to. This device will help you retain information quicker. For example, we all know what the BODMAS rule is because it is called BODMAS in the first place.
3. Explaining yourself: possibly a foolproof method to learn, explaining yourself is a technique where you read the text and try to explain yourself what you are aiming to learn. And if not yourself, then somebody else, maybe your classmate or your friend. Try to explain to them the text and you will realize that your brain is registering the information in a more detailed way.
4. Reading out loud: Do not be embarrassed, this technique can do wonders. When you’re reading or re-reading a text, do that out loud so that what you’re reading reaches your brain in the form of two sensory inputs, reading, and hearing. Repeat what you want to learn and eventually you will be able to read the third or the fourth time without actually looking at the text.
5. Revising: After an hour of a study session, get a spare notebook and write down what you remember studying, in detail or maybe in points. Be honest with yourself, do not sneak into your book blindly copying, try modifying the text, make it simpler. After you are done noting down everything you can remember, skim through the book, pay special attention to the parts you missed, highlight sometime if you need to.

Lastly, I feel like it is important to mention that do not stress yourself while you are in the process of learning. If you think an hour of studying, and I mean a meaningful hour of studying, is enough for a day, it is. Do not pressurize or compare yourself to others, it will get you nowhere.

“Eat lightly before you sit to study and stay hydrated by all means. Wishing you very good luck in the forthcoming examinations, you can do this!”

Ever since the renaissance took place humanists have put emphasis on education being capable enough to change people’s lives and now that we’ve come so far in time, the humanistic belief holds quite some truth. But teaching a Mexican fellow in Hindi will not yield results like a Mexican being taught in Spanish. Education will benefit only if taught in the right manner and learnt in that exact sense.

The native language which acts as an identity of a person plays a huge role in education, a role that is overshadowed by English in countries where it’s not even the mother tongue. UNESCO (1953) highlighted that students are more likely to enrol and succeed if taught in the native language. Mother-tongue based schooling programs are conveniently advocated. Naturally, teaching in one’s native language will facilitate the student’s ability to relate to the subject matter, understanding, and engagement. A smooth switch to the second language of instruction can be introduced when students hold a strong understanding of their native language. Students will experience a more happy and relaxed environment when taught in their mother-tongue.

But again, let’s not forget the importance of an international communication medium like English, almost considered an elitist language, language of the “educated”. Other than such titles, it has proven to be one of the most widely spoken languages, geographically. In countries like India, English is preferred as the medium of instruction owing to its flexibility, reach all around the world. Let’s not question the origin of this extends. English as a means of instruction will unlock unlimited sources of materials on unlimited topics enhancing the quality and the quantity of education.

Even with all these benefits, both of these dynamics stand incomplete in their respective ways. This is where bilingual education comes into play. Bilingual education is that mode of education where students are taught in two languages, a native language and a second language (mostly English). If children are forced to change their language of schooling too early or abruptly to a second language, their first language acquisition may even be attenuated or even lost. However, maintaining two languages at an early age is not an affair of confusion, deconstructing the misconceptions. Lightbown states that children are indeed capable of acquiring two or even several languages at early childhood, as multiple languages do not compete for “mental space” or confuse children.

It has been scientifically proven that peers who have acquired skills in more than one language have cognitive advantages over those who have not. Having learned two or even more languages will not only benefit their perspective but also expand their range of communication, therefore, enhancing familiarity and comfort among more communities. In a world that believes in interconnection, cross-cultural and integrated approaches, proficiency in more than one language will always benefit and what is a better way than introducing a second language right with one’s native language.

What is Gamification?

Games are part of a day to day life, entertaining users, but at the same time modelling behaviors. By applying gaming dynamics and elements to online classes, one can achieve extended engagement, accelerated learning, and improved memory retention. Gamification is an advanced methodology that uses the mechanics of games in non-game contexts and applications.

How to use gamification in learning programs?

Contrary to how the conventions go, gamification is not a novel methodology and traces back to when people were not aware of such buzzwords. Gamification designs and e-learning almost go hand in hand in the sense that they share a common environment as computer games. Gamification funnels down to motivated performances rather than
pressurized ones, offers heightened morale and intensified will to effectuate better. Gamification focuses on using attractive game graphics, task-specific reward systems, competitive environments, and user profiles to maximize engagement, performance, and positive results.

“The concept of gamification is known for being attractive due to its elements of amusement. Since it’s amusing, users do not feel the need to hold back. “

The inclination towards scoring higher than somebody or beating one’s scores runs high in humans cultivating healthy competitiveness between the participants. This bit of competition can be used to charge the process of learning among users. Thus, to include gamification in e-learning the designer must make sure to include the system of scores and leaderboards between regular time intervals.

Consequently, to keep the learners motivated one must maintain the distribution of badges and trophies. While learning, the users will always want to earn more trophies which will fuel the learning process and ensure consistent participation. These badges will act like reinforcements and incentives which will drive the learners to complete new skills or topics. While involving badges, the designer must make it a point to use
different badges assigned after various levels of difficulty to ensure consistent effort.

Another element to include is the system of points or game currencies awarded after every unit, task, or assignment after a certain collection of which the user will be allowed to redeem rewards of kinds. This will secure the performance and motivation of the learner throughout.

Online courses or any other e-learning platforms must use the concept of levels and experience to keep a check on the progress of the learner, to visualize their advancements, and to ensure that the learner does not go astray. One can include new course materials or new skills after every level to guarantee the interest of the learner.

Implementing gamification in learning programs is the combination of the right incentives and the right mechanics which require a lot of planning to remain foolproof. The purpose of every learning program is to help the learners achieve the skill set concerned and to inculcate competency to pull off higher goals. Gamification, thus makes sure to keep intact all these clauses while securing learner progress and drives the learner to improve outcomes.

Ever since we’ve been struck by the unforeseen circumstances of a global pandemic, life hasn’t been as easy, especially so for students, teachers, and workers. Having to study and work from home isn’t as pleasing as it sounds. Students who have never attended online classes are forced to attend much every day owing to the situation. However, online learning must be treated as an opportunity since it deals with increased chances of productivity and lesser deals of distraction. A few of the points below will most definitely help you in unleashing the true potential of online learning as a student. 

1. Actively Take Notes
Taking notes throughout classes and lectures will internalize the lessons that are being taught to you. Noting down what you feel is important will enhance your comprehension skills. It will allow you to be aware of what you understand and what you don’t and eventually let you ask questions and participate in discussions which brings me to my next point.

2. Allow yourself to interact during discussions
Walking out of your comfort zone is one and the most important thing. Interacting and participating during discussions and asking questions will let you out of your shell and understand concepts in concise and apt ways. Discuss study topics with your peers, understand their questions and answers which will eventually help you learn things better.

3. Eliminate Distractions
And we thought it was hard to concentrate during offline classes. Understand the importance of the classes and eliminate distractions that stray you away from taking a step ahead. Turn off your mobile phone while attending classes, don’t take advantage of the fact that the teacher cannot see what you’re doing because, in the long run, it will be a problem for you to grasp concepts and perform well. Pay attention at all costs because it will all count in the end.

4. Choose the perfect study space
Being able to stay home and study is one of the most beneficial study modes owing to its flexibility. Offline classes do not let you change your setting just because you cannot concentrate. If you can clearly see what’s playing on your television in the living room, change your study place to somewhere more quiet and comfortable. Having the option to change your study space according to your comfort will largely affect your learning process. 

5. Beat Deadlines
Take the deadlines seriously. Do not rely on the fact that you can submit the assignment later. Anybody can master procrastination, not a lot of people can master doing work ahead of time. If an assignment is due on a Monday, do not wait to do it until Sunday night. It creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Trust me when I say this, completing an assignment ahead of its deadline will boost your confidence and motivate you. Imagine having an earlier deadline and complete your work, plan your study time. I cannot stress this enough, PLAN. Planning your study schedule will hand over to you the power of being in charge of how far you’ve come and how much longer you have to go. 

Of course, none of these points will be valid if you do not put in the effort to actually make it work. Be wise and responsible. Know when to have fun and when to be serious. Treat online classes like regular offline classes. Have a routine just like you would if you were going to school. Get ready every morning just to attend your classes because classroom etiquette will allow your brain to function accordingly. And most importantly, be patient. It’s a first for everyone and it is not easy for anybody, not you, not your teacher, or any of your peers. Give it time and you’ll adjust to making the most out of online classes just like everybody else. Good luck!

Hosting a show shall be taken up with ease and conviction says Kavea R Chavali, an award-winning television and event anchor/presenter.

Kavea shares 5 important points to be kept in mind to become a good anchor.

A good listener
As an anchor, you’re not just talking on stage but also responding what you’re absorbing from the audience. It’s not a one-way communication and one needs to be able to listen carefully to respond accordingly. It’s important to react from the energies you receive from the audience.

Presence of mind
Many times, you’ll be on stage and there might be some technical glitches and so it’s important to be alert and have a good presence of mind so you can respond accordingly to the situation.

Power dressing 
It’s not just about being stylish. It’s about being presentable and dressing as per the occasion. You have to make an impression even before you hit the stage. While you’re on stage, you have to be a powerful dresser, you’re literally owning the stage.

Communication skills
It’s important to work on the diction and not put on an accent. Even if you’re addressing a global audience, it’s important to have a strong wordplay yet have the correct diction as per them of the event.

Content is king
Content absorption has become important for audience nowadays. So the only way to keep that crowd engaged is by using good content. Create content that can hold the attention span a little longer.