Peace and Cherry Blossoms
Junior School has had an event-packed September, celebrating pluralism by learning about languages, peace and cultures. Our young learners celebrated Hindi Diwas (Hindi Day) on 13thSeptember, followed by International Peace Day on the 21st, and the third Super Saturday of this academic year on 22nd September.
At the AKA Hyderabad, Hindi is a language that brings our multi-lingual student body, teachers and staff together. At this year’s Hindi Diwas, students got to appreciate the versatile language’s roots, and to listen to its resilient folklore and poetry. They also took the time to try their hand at writing poetry in Hindi, which they then recited in front of their class.
The following week, coinciding with the Academy Model United Nations in Senior School, Junior School organised Peace Day celebrations. Students of the PYP organised a silent march through school, going to classes, MUN committee sessions and also to the office of Head of Academy, Dr. Geoffrey Fisher. Students held placards and posters with messages of peace and pluralism through their march. “We can have a happy world by having peace,” said grade 3K student, Aiza.
Saturday 22nd September, was dedicated to festivals from different traditions. Students learned about foreign cultures, the days that are special to them and why. Festivals that were featured were: Cherry Blossom, Bathukama, Navroz, Easter, Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra. In addition to sampling these cultures, learners decorated eggs, danced, made floral decorations, created paper cherry blossoms and moulded clay Ganesh idols.
We at the Academy take pride in our students’ open-mindedness. Part of this comes from the pluralistic environment on our campus and the diverse and multi-cultural staff and faculty on board. We are delighted by the initiative taken by Junior School to foster knowledgeable and cultured leaders.
Contributed by Mita Mohapatra
publications
