#empowering girl child in kolkata

[sbgskol]

Academics and Extracurriculars at the Best CBSE Girls School in Kolkata

Education now goes beyond academics, offering a well-rounded development with extracurricular activities, and schools that have accomplished to identify this is considered among the top educational institute in the city. If you are looking for the Best CBSE Girl's School in Kolkata, then this article is for you. 

The Balance From Kolkata’s Best Girls Schools:

The CBSE curriculum is designed in such a way that it boosts holistic development along with academic excellence. They cater to every individual fostering their ability in diverse niches. They offer strong academic foundations with highly qualified and experienced faculty in the city. Interactive learning session with modern technological development is definitely their thing. 

With a vast array of options for extracurricular activity, these schools prove their stature in this industry. Whether it's dance, art, music, or sport, they have the infrastructure to cater to all. 

Maintaining a balance between academics and extracurricular activity might seem like a challenge but they ace it. Every student is unique with distinct beliefs and likes, and these schools identify this and offer proper guidance to achieve the best results. They encourage every extracurricular activity as much as they encourage academics. 

Sushila Birla Girls’ School: Why Is It Among The Best?

Drawing some points from above, SBGS is a CBSE-affiliated girl's school in Kolkata that offers a vast range of scope for all its students. From academic to holistic development, they are at par with everything. The girls here get to participate in various events, cultural programs, and sports which enhances their self-confidence and ability to think critically. 

Conclusion:

To conclude, the balance between academics and extracurricular activities is very important and schools like SBGS ace at it. They offer equal opportunity to every student to boost their growth as an individual. If you are looking for the best CBSE girl's school in Kolkata, then there can be no better choice than this.

[schooldekho1]

Best Schools in Kolkata: A Guide to Top Educational Institutions

Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage, is also a hub of academic excellence. The city is home to several renowned schools that focus on holistic education, combining academics with extracurricular activities. Choosing the right school for your child can be challenging, so here’s a comprehensive guide to the best schools in Kolkata to help you make an informed decision.

1. IEM Public School

IEM Public School is a beacon of academic excellence in Kolkata. The school prioritizes a balanced curriculum that focuses on academics, extracurricular activities, and life skills. With modern classrooms, experienced teachers, and a nurturing environment, it ensures students grow academically and personally.

Why Choose IEM Public School?

Strong emphasis on STEM education.

Advanced facilities for sports and arts.

Focus on building analytical and creative skills.

2. St. Augustine Day School

St. Augustine Day School is one of Kolkata’s most prestigious institutions. Known for its commitment to providing quality education, the school encourages students to excel in academics while nurturing their talents in sports and the arts.

Highlights:

Interactive teaching methods.

Focus on character development and leadership skills.

A wide range of extracurricular activities.

3. Haradhan Addhya Memorial School

Haradhan Addhya Memorial School is known for its student-centered approach. It provides a well-rounded education that encourages creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. The school’s dedicated teachers create a supportive environment where students thrive.

Key Features:

Modern teaching techniques.

Emphasis on holistic development.

Strong focus on discipline and values.

4. Stephen Model School

Stephen Model School has a long-standing reputation for academic rigor and extracurricular excellence. The school aims to prepare students for future challenges by fostering intellectual and emotional growth.

Why Stephen Model School Stands Out:

Experienced and caring faculty.

Wide range of extracurricular programs.

Regular cultural and sports events.

5. St. Margaret Convent School

St. Margaret Convent School is synonymous with quality education and strong moral values. It focuses on creating disciplined, confident, and responsible individuals. Alongside academics, the school offers opportunities in music, drama, and sports.

What Makes It Unique:

Values-based education.

Encourages participation in creative arts.

Excellent academic results year after year.

6. St. Augustine Day School (Additional Campus)

Another branch of St. Augustine Day School continues the tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence. This campus ensures every student receives individual attention and opportunities to explore their potential.

Key Aspects:

Innovative teaching methods.

Safe and inclusive learning environment.

Focus on leadership and teamwork.

7. God’s Grace Point

God’s Grace Point is a relatively new yet promising school in Kolkata. The institution prioritizes value-based education alongside academics, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among students.

Highlights:

Personalized attention for each student.

Extracurricular activities to build confidence.

Emphasis on moral and ethical values.

8. Bholananda National Vidyalaya

Bholananda National Vidyalaya combines traditional values with modern education. With a disciplined environment and experienced faculty, the school ensures students excel academically and personally.

Key Features:

Strong focus on academic discipline.

Opportunities in sports and cultural events.

Inclusive approach to education.

9. St. Augustine Day School for Girls

Empowering young girls through education, St. Augustine Day School for Girls is one of Kolkata’s premier institutions. The school emphasizes academic excellence, confidence-building, and leadership skills to prepare students for a bright future.

What Sets It Apart:

Safe and supportive environment.

Wide range of extracurricular activities for girls.

Strong emphasis on academic and personal growth.

10. St. Augustine Day School for Boys

St. Augustine Day School for Boys provides a nurturing environment for boys to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school combines academic rigor with extracurricular activities to ensure well-rounded development.

Why Choose This School:

Encourages teamwork and discipline.

Comprehensive sports and cultural programs.

Highly qualified and experienced faculty.

What Makes These Schools Stand Out?

Academic Excellence: These schools are known for their high academic standards and dedicated teaching staff.

Holistic Development: They provide a mix of academics, sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: From modern classrooms to sports grounds, these schools have excellent infrastructure.

Focus on Values: Alongside education, they emphasize moral and ethical development.

Conclusion

Kolkata offers some of the best schools in India, catering to the diverse needs of students. Whether you prioritize academic excellence, extracurricular activities, or value-based education, the schools mentioned above provide the perfect blend.

Choosing the right school can shape your child’s future. Explore these options and find the one that aligns with your child’s needs and aspirations.

School Dekho – Your trusted guide to the best schools in Kolkata!

Also Read :- Best Schools in Kolkata: Top Choices for Your Child’s Future

[gitanjalithoratsblog]

Breaking the scilence: abusing sexual violence in maharashtra

While the country has not yet recovered from the rape and murder cases in Kolkata, two four-year-old girls were raped by a cleaner of the same school in Badlapur. This incident is shocking. After this news hit the social media, the administration woke up with a rude awakening. The parents go to the police station to file a complaint, but the parents had to wait for twelve hours. The government ordered the suspension of the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector and head constable of Badlapur police station for delaying action taking cognisance of the complaint.Angry agitators also vandalised the school by breaking the window panes, benches and doors.Protests started on Tuesday morning due to this incident and the delay at the police station. Due to this agitation, the local train services of Mumbai were affected. Protesters also staged demonstrations on the streets of Badlapur and obstructed major roads and highways. It escalated when some protesters started pelting stones at the police and on the premises of the school where the alleged sexual assault took place.

The fact that the victims were so young and vulnerable makes this incident particularly disturbing. The scene of the crime, a school, heightens this intensity, as it is a place where children feel safe and protected. School is the home of learning , where children grow and develope and the future of our country is formed and hence parents send their children to school with the belief that their child will be safe there and will make themselves and the country better by getting good education. If this incident is coming from here, the outcry of parents and public is understandable.Fear and anxiety now grip parents and guardians, intensifying their vigilance and concern for their children's safety. Moreover, this incident has shattered faith in institutions responsible for protecting and educating children, leaving a trail of emotional trauma in its wake.

"A Call to Action: Implementing Solutions to Prevent Child Abuse and Empower Girls and Women

The incident in Badlapur is a stark reminder of the need for collective action to prevent child abuse and protect the rights of girls and women. We must move beyond outrage and protests to implement concrete solutions. Schools, authorities, parents, and communities must work together to create a safe and protective environment for children, especially girls, who are disproportionately affected by abuse. This includes enforcing stricter background checks for school employees, increasing awareness about child abuse and gender-based violence, and providing support services for victims. 

We need Systemic solutions such as 

1. Stricter laws and punishments for child abuse and sexual assault.

2. National registry of sex offenders to prevent repeat offenders.

3. Standardized safety protocols for schools across the country.

4. Increased funding for child protection services.

These solutions aim to address the immediate needs of the victims and the community, while also working towards long-term prevention and systemic change.

Additionally, we must empower girls and women through education, economic opportunities, and social support to break the cycle of vulnerability. We owe it to the children and to future generations to act now and ensure that such incidents never happen again. Let us join hands to create a society where children, girls, and women can grow up safely, without fear, and with equal opportunities to thrive."

the cases of child abuse and sexual violence in Maharashtra are a stark reminder of the need for collective action. We must work together to create a society where children feel safe and supported. Let us learn from these incidents and strive to build a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a difference.

Jai hind🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

Gitanjali Thorat

20/08/2024

[best-educationconsultant]

Unveiling the Crème de la Crème: Exploring the Best Schools in India

In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of its citizens. With a myriad of options available, finding the best schools can be a daunting task for parents. From prestigious institutions with centuries-old legacies to innovative schools embracing modern pedagogies, India offers a plethora of educational opportunities. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover some of the best schools in India that stand out for their academic excellence, holistic approach, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

The Doon School, Dehradun: Nestled amidst the serene foothills of the Himalayas, The Doon School stands tall as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in India. Founded in 1935, this all-boys boarding school has a rich legacy of producing leaders in various fields. With its rigorous academic curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on extracurricular activities, The Doon School offers a holistic learning experience that fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

Loreto Convent School, Kolkata: Founded in 1841, Loreto Convent School holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most esteemed schools in India. Situated in the cultural hub of Kolkata, this all-girls school is renowned for its academic excellence, values-based education, and commitment to community service. With a strong emphasis on holistic development, Loreto Convent School nurtures students to become compassionate leaders and responsible global citizens.

The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai: Located in the heart of Mumbai, The Cathedral and John Connon School is synonymous with academic excellence and cultural diversity. Established in 1860, this co-educational institution offers a rigorous academic curriculum combined with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service. With its vibrant student body, experienced faculty, and modern facilities, The Cathedral and John Connon School provides a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and socially.

Sanskriti School, New Delhi: As one of the leading schools in the national capital region, Sanskriti School epitomizes excellence in education. With its sprawling campus, world-class infrastructure, and innovative teaching methodologies, this co-educational institution offers a holistic learning experience that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century. From STEM education to arts and humanities, Sanskriti School empowers students to explore their passions and realize their full potential.

Shri Ram School, Gurugram: Situated in the bustling city of Gurugram, Shri Ram School is renowned for its progressive approach to education and commitment to holistic development. Founded in 1988, this co-educational institution offers a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. With its emphasis on experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies, and personalized attention, Shri Ram School provides a stimulating environment where students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

Conclusion: As we journey through the landscape of education in India, these schools stand out as beacons of excellence, each contributing in its own way to the holistic development of students. Whether it's academic prowess, values-based education, or innovative pedagogies, these institutions embody the spirit of excellence and inspire generations of learners to reach for the stars. So, if you're seeking the best schools in India for your child, consider exploring these esteemed institutions and embark on a transformative educational journey that will shape their future for years to come.

[huffpost]

Trans Rights Activist Empowers India’s LGBTQ Community

Sintu Bagui was 14 when she dropped out of school and started working in a plywood factory. For $1 a day, she hauled heavy sheets of wooden board and did assorted cleaning jobs in brutal 12-hour shifts. Her hands were bruised and blistered at the end of each day, but it was better than the government school she was supposed to attend. 

“Every time I walked into school, I died a little,” Bagui, who identifies as a trans woman, recalls. “I did not want to use the boys’ washroom, I did not want to wear a boy’s uniform, and I was tired of hearing boys and teachers bullying me to be less like a girl.”

Bagui’s mother, a sex worker who lived in a red-light area, was devastated. It had not been easy to enroll Bagui at the school.

“The school wanted my father’s signature and wanted him to enroll me,” Bagui says. “They probably suspected my mother was a sex worker and tried to turn us away. But some parents from the school protested and made them take me in.”

So when Bagui quit school, her mother — worn down by a hard life of endless marginalization and struggle — lashed out violently at Bagui. Bagui’s mother died in 2012 when Bagui was 20, unable to come to terms with her child’s gender expression.

It was only after her mother’s death that Bagui wore a sari and jewelry for the first time.

“My mother always kept saying, ‘Be like a man, be like a man.’ So I never felt like dressing the way I wanted to around her,” she says. After her mother’s death, Bagui says, her family tried to marry her off to a woman as a ‘cure.’ “Here I was dressed in a saree and bangles, and they were trying to find a bride for me,” Bagui says.

In 2018, India’s Supreme Court finally struck down a colonial-era law, commonly known as Section 377 after the relevant section of India’s penal code, that criminalized gay sex. The court’s welcome decision granted LGBTQ citizens equal rights after a lengthy struggle, but transgender individuals like Bagui, particularly from working-class families, continue to face discrimination, social stigma and violence.

Today, at 27, Bagui is a trans rights activist with Anandam, a nonprofit working with some of India’s most marginalized communities in small towns and settlements where LGBTQ people struggle to find support groups, civil society organizations and lawyers to fight for their rights.  

In conversations, Bagui preferred to use LGBTKH, where the traditional words “kothi” and “hijra” — rather than “queer” — speak more closely to her lived experience. Bagui continues to live where she grew up in Gorabagan, the red-light district of a small town called Seoraphuli, an hour’s drive from Kolkata in the east of India.

“Imagine what happens in small towns where there’s no immediate support nearby and the police and residents are hostile,” Bagui says, describing the hardship of transgender people in small-town India. “Most of them are poor and uneducated and have been shunned by their families. They don’t read about landmark judgments.” 

Read the full interview with Bagui here.

[alizashaikh]

The central statistical institute in India announced in 2009 that there were 3.3 million NGOS registered in India, or one NGO for every 400 Indian citizens. Give India is the largest and one of the most trustworthy NGOS in India. The types of NGOS in India are, Charitable orientation, service orientation, participatory orientation, empowering orientation, Community based organizations (CBOS),Citywide organizations,national NGOS, International NGOS. India’s first NGOS was founded by Tagore’s Nephews Sri Gaganendranath Tagore in 1917 to help weavers and artists of Kolkata handloom.

Some of the NGOS in India that are doing the best job in India are as follows:

Smile Foundation: Smile foundation is an NGO based in New Delhi, India. Santanu Mishra is the founder of this organization.It was established in 2002 and it is present in 25 states. The purpose of the smile foundation is to provide education to the underprivileged. Their development program includes Education, health, livelihood for children and women, provision to be equally affected by lack of resources.

Nanhi kali: Nanhi Kali is an indian non- governmental organization that provides education to the underprivileged girls in India. It was founded by Anand Mahindra in 1996, it is jointly managed by Naandi Foundation KC Mahindra Education trust, part of the Mahindra group’s corporate social responsibilities. Project Nanhi supports girls to educate themselves to complete 10 years of Schooling. The project has impacted the lives of over 450,000 girls from underserved communities across the country.

Give India Foundation: Give India is a non profit organization in India. It is an online donation platform and aims to provide channels and resources to trusted non- governmental organizations across India. As a web portal,it helps raise funds and contributions from individuals in India and worldwide and distribute these donations to trusted NGOS.

Goonj: Goonj is an organization that is based in Delhi, India. They usually work on education, healthcare, Livelihood, water, Sanitation, Environment, Access & infrastructure and disaster relief. It was founded in 1999 by Anshu Gupta. For his work in Goonj he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015.Goonj has started with 67 garments and now deals with over 3500 tonnes of material every year. Echo focuses on the basic need of clothes that is unheard of.

Help India: Helpage India focuses on the concerns of the elders.It was established in 1978, its mission is to work for the cause and care of under- aged elderly people and improve their standard of living. Helpage is also taking action against universal, pension, healthcare, Elder abuse at the national, state and social levels with the central and state governments and supports the needy.

CRY(child rights and you): CRY focuses on giving a happy and a healthier life to the childhood of India’s underprivileged children. It addresses the critical needs of health care, nutrition, education and protection from child labour and child marriage, by working with parents, teachers, Anganwadi workers, communities, district and state- level governments as well as the children themselves.

Care India: Care India has been working for the last 68 years and is a non profit organization focusing on reducing poverty and social injustice.Their main goal is to help women and girls from poor and marginalized communities and improve their lives and livelihoods.

These are the NGOS that are working with their full potential for the betterment of the needy ones in the Indian Society.

www.codkaroyaaro.com

[afj0008-blog]

In the near future, I will surround my life with empowering women like this girl. I would like to start a nonprofit which supports at-risk women and empower these women of strength and dignity! 

[thechetna]

NGO WORKING FOR CHILD EDUCATION

Education is the most powerful catalyst for social transformation which has some special appeal of its own. But this child education cannot be done in isolation and this child education is much more important now days. Because without the education, they cannot able to proceed in our society. The children will go school when the mother is assured of healthcare and empowered. There are many NGOs working for education in India.So now the question is that what will be the promises of any NGO for child education?

1.      Children will be educated at any cost and those NGOs are taking the responsibility for that to fulfill their dream and to cherish their goal they try their level best.

2.      They assure that the children should be healthy and well nourished and will get the good circumstances and environment that is why those areas will be perfect for them to do their study.

3.      Children will be aware of their basic rights and they will be polite, gentle and disciplined enough to behave with others in a gesture manner.

4.      Make sure they are looking after for the children should get chance for participating in their own development.

5.      Last but not the least that, children will be valued, cared for and feel loved in the community.

These are the basic job roles and responsibilities for NGO working for the child education. They try their hardest to develop the skills in between every child that is why they can get chance for every competition in our society.

NGO in India for child education has some special appeal of its own and all of those NGOs have their own features and characteristics as well. They focus on high quality, low cost and replicable interventions to address gaps in the education system. They work directly with the children through large scale of collaborations with governmental systems and they reach millions of lives every year. Their approach has demonstrated proven impact on children’s learning outcomes and is now being adapted to contexts outside India. Their mission is to build a movement of leaders working together to provide an excellent education to all the children. This is also the part of worldwide group teach for all.

Delhi is the capital of India and most of the NGOs have situated over there. New Delhi is the famous area for these NGOs and all. NGO in Delhi for child education works on the gap in the policy and its implementation in India which have some special appeal of its own. They follow some protocols as well which is far better than other NGOs in India. They work on out of school children and improving the quality of learning. These are the reasons behind; NGO in Delhi for child education is the best place for gaining more and more knowledge for any child and develop their skills. The effective and long lasting change happens when people begin to let go of their deeply held beliefs and start making the journey from being reactive to responsive. The same things are followed in child education NGO in Delhi NCR.

Apart from these, NGO for poor child education plays very crucial role for our society as they develop the skills and extracurricular activities on the children that is why they can fulfill their dream and can reach towards their goal by hook or by crook. Children are provided with access to academic resources, essential life skills and opportunities to experience extracurricular activities. These include special tree plantation drives and cultural events to give children environmental awareness and interests in arts. They believe that can it make possible for those children to one day enter the middle class demographic and breaking their cycle of poverty.

The NGO is dedicated to feel children from all manners of exploitation and navigating them to better life. Child education aiming in Delhi has take some steps and procedures on it as they have told that every child will have to spend more than 9 hours with them every week for the year mentoring, teaching and interacting with them. They work in a very close coordination with the local municipal corporations and it is also pioneered of the concept of the mobile classroom in India through its schools on wheels.

There are several cities in India like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune where you will get the best NGOs have situated and these NGOs are working for education in India and this is an effort made of many smaller active modules united with a single goal which is child education. These NGOs also maps out of school children and provides gender sensitive study material to promote girl child education thorough dialogue sessions with families and communities about girl child education. They ensure that children’s access to education and recreational facilities continues.

Source : https://www.thechetna.org/articles/ngo-working-for-child-education

[cvrnewsdirectindia]

Mumbai’s Durga Puja pandals stay eco-friendly | Mumbai News

Mumbai’s Durga Puja pandals have always had eco-friendly idols, but this year, almost every pandal in the city has gone a step ahead. Besides being eco-friendly, they have also come out in support of various social causes. Here are a few pandals that have taken the eco-friendly route while keeping the nostalgia and age-old Durga Puja traditions intact. Times Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav Considered to be one of the largest pujas in the city, the Times Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav sees a lot of footfall. The theme this year, Abar Phire Asha, celebrates returning to one’s roots. The pandal has zones dedicated to various wonders of old Kolkata. The terracotta idols at Barowari Durga Mandap have been created with natural materials, shola (cork) jewellery, and natural paints, and are draped in Indian handlooms. For the first time, Mumbai will witness Dhamsa Madol (largest kettle drums, akin to nagara) and Jhumur dance here. Spandan Powai Sharadotsav This rather young, (six-year-old) puja, has once again associated itself with worthy causes. They have not just conducted afforestation drives, green exchange programmes and waste segregation, but are also using biodegradable cutlery for serving bhog prasad. They also used recycled drums and canisters to make the pandal, while the idol is made of wood, hay, paper-mache, clay and natural colours. What is unique about this pandal is that they are using solar energy to power the event partially. This will cater to 50 per cent of power usage during the day. Bengal Club, Shivaji Park This is one of the most popular traditional pujas in Mumbai, and is also known for the variety of its stalls. The pandal welcomes thousands of devotees every year. The theme for 2019 is Sampoorna, which focusses on the welfare of the girl child and they have an eco-friendly, plastic-free celebration.

Bombay Durgabari Samiti, Tejpal Hall In its 90th year, this puja is one of the oldest in the city. The old-world charm and the simplicity of this puja, makes it special. Apart from the Ramkrishna Mission Puja, this is among the few held indoors. Committed to encouraging and promoting Indian art, they have invited Patachitra painters, shola and Dhokra artists to showcase their work. Their theme this year is Sheesh Mahal.

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samity, Juhu The famous Mukherjees Puja sees the entire star-studded clan in attendance. The USP is that the bhog here is served by the Bollywood celebrity members of the family. The large idol is made of clay and is completely eco-friendly.

Lokhandwala Durgotsav Started in 1996 by singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, this is among the grandest Durga Pujas in the city. Performance of 40 Dhakis daily, variety of stalls, one of the biggest eco-friendly clay idols, bhog prasad for four days and celebrity performances have proved to be a major attraction. Kallol Durga Puja, Goregaon Kallol is among the well-known Bengali organisations in the suburbs. For over 55 years, this eco-friendly puja has supported many social causes, established a charitable homeopathic and allopathic dispensaries and built a resourceful library. This inclusive and socially responsible team, believes in empowering the physically challenged.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Khar Following age-old traditions, this is one puja that most Bengalis attend. Many celebrities including the Bachchan family is known to visit this pandal. Eco-friendly traditional ek chaler idol (one halo surrounding all five idols) is the main attraction here. Their constant efforts to work for social causes is well known. The unique Kumari Puja (where a seven-year-old girl is worshipped) is also conducted here. Vashi Durga Puja This one is among the grandest pujas in Navi Mumbai and is popular not just for all the authentic Bengali food stalls serving delicacies, but also the cultural programmes. Touted to have one of the largest idols, this one is also completely eco-friendly. Malad West Sarbojonin Durgotsav Every year this pandal helps underprivileged children. This year the very traditional Bauls or mystic minstrels have been invited to showcase Baul gaan (a special genre of folk music from West Bengal).

Mulund Durga Puja Into its 34th year, the USP of this eco-friendly puja is its homely vibe. Amidst reverberating dhaak sounds and divine dhuno, the puja involves people of all ages. Eco-friendly sal leaf thalis are used to serve the scrumptious bhog prasad to people of all communities during the puja. Dedicated members make it a point to lovingly serve prasad to the devotees.

from CVR News Direct https://cvrnewsdirect.com/mumbais-durga-puja-pandals-stay-eco-friendly-mumbai-news/

[hannahwayward-blog]

Kolkata Day 4: “All This Weird Beauty, Thrown Right at Me”

Tuesday, my fourth day in Kolkata, dawned far too early as I had fallen asleep at 4:00 the previous afternoon. After unsuccessfully trying to sleep, I finally made my way downstairs for the hotel’s breakfast around 8:30. Much to the enjoyment of the waiter, I ordered a “real Indian breakfast” of tortilla-like breads and potatoes in sauce. Taking my banana for the road, I headed to New Market for some retail therapy, which I felt was well-deserved after the long journey to Dakshineswar on Monday.

New Market is the oldest indoor shopping mall in the world, built around the S. S. Hogg meat market. Going as a Caucasian Westerner is intimidating, even in a group, but going alone was exhausting. As soon as I arrived after the quick walk from my hotel, I was accosted by porters telling me to follow them to the best shops, saying that they would give me the best prices, vying for my patronage. I shunned them, but one relentless older man followed me, and so I let him lead me to an “emporium.” This shop turned out to be the same shop from which I’d bought scarves, a ring, and a tapestry during my last trip to Kolkata, and which had benefited greatly from my DukeEngage group’s almost-weekly visits. Notorious amongst us for the insane prices they tried to charge and aggressive haggling required, I declined to buy anything here and asked my porter to show me to a place to buy shoes. The shop seemed familiar, and may have been the place from which I bought handmade flats last time. I was looking for a pair of leather, closed-toe sandals to add to my travel wardrobe, since the only shoes I’d packed were my trusty Chacos. I found a pair I liked, and after some back and forth, paid Rs. 1900 for them - about $30 USD. This was more than I’d intended to spend the entire day, but I liked the shoes and lacked the strength in numbers to feel empowered to haggle more.

From the shoe shop we went to a store selling pants, scarves, skirts, and other fabrics. I knew I wanted a pair of black pants and a black “om” scarf, similar to the white and red one I’d bought during my first visit. Somehow I ended up paying Rs. 1500 for the pants (WAY too much, and I don’t even like the pants that much - they’re way too ~white girl visits India ~ with multicolored elephants and bells on the drawstrings) and Rs. 1000 for the scarf. Feeling elated, but also a little defeated, I left the market accompanied by the porter and paid him my balance after visiting an ATM.

I wanted to take photos inside the market, so after he set me on a course back to Sudder Street I turned around and headed back inside. I spent probably 15 minutes taking photos of the meat market and the surrounding streets before a young man began following me. Usually I can deter the followers by a shake of my head, a stern “na,” or simply ignoring them, but this man was not to be dissuaded. He kept asking for a “shelfie” with me, which I declined, and continued to tail me as I wove through the meat stalls. I was feeling a bit unsettled, when I saw what I thought would be salvation - a mid-20s, Caucasian man buying beef. I hustled over to him and struck up a conversation, but the man was more of a boy, and totally oblivious to the hints I was dropping that I was being followed. My “daddy,” he told me, “works for Exide, the battery company, and we’ve lived here a year and a half. Enjoy your time here” And with that, I was left with my trailing Bengali man again. Luckily, my porter soon found me and I told him I was being tailed. He quickly ushered me out of the market, told me I shouldn’t be there by myself, and sent me on my way yet again.

Again feeling defeated, I made my way over to Cafe Coffee Day with the help of the map on my phone (and no help from my porter or any locals, who didn’t seem to know what it was). There, I had a latte, and spoke very bad Bangla with the waitress and the host. After spending some time collecting myself, I decided to head over to the Mother House. It appeared that the walk would take about an hour, and I pulled out my camera and went on my way 

The walk was pleasant -- there had been a tremendous thunderstorm on Monday night, and the day was cooler (still in the 100s, but cooler) and cloudy. I took pictures of beautiful, crumbling colonial palaces, walked by shop after shop selling foods and drinks and sweets - and stopped for my favorite Bengali sweet, the dripping, luscious gulab jamun - and felt completely at home amidst the heat and the filth and the bustle. When I arrived at the Mother House, it turned out I had stopped at the wrong place, it was actually a branch of the Missionaries of Charity; the Mother House was further down the road. A young street girl, 19 years old when I asked her age, offered to walk me to the real Mother House. I knew as soon as we started walking that this was going to end in a scam, but I was exhausted from fending off beggars and yellers and askers and attention-grabbers and so I let it happen.

Her name, she said, was Kokomoni. She was married with a one year-old child, she said, and her husband, much older, had fallen out of love with her and was interested in another woman. She worked at a hotel as a cleaner. Recently, she hadn’t been able to produce enough milk for her child, and so “please, ma’am,” she asked, “please buy me some powdered milk. No money, just milk.” Sigh. Upon doing some research once I arrived at the Mother House, after buying her the milk (which cost Rs. 350!!), I did some research. Apparently this is a classic scam, and the milk is shortly exchanged for cash, of which the shop owner takes a cut.

Not only had I just been ripped off, but the Mother House was closed. Double sigh. And my phone had just run out of rupees. Triple sigh. I was exhausted - tired of being stared at whistled at and yelled at, tired of sticking out. I sat on the stoop of the House for a bit, collecting myself yet again, and then decided to go down to my old neighborhood.

From Park Street, I took the metro down to Kalighat. My first order of business was to purchase a chicken egg roll from our beloved Bavarchi, one block up from our old home. To my dismay, Bavarchi was closed! There were two new restaurants in its place, one Chinese and one offering rolls. I got a chicken roll, which was almost (but not quite) as good as the ones I was used to. Chicken rolls in West Bengal aren’t the Chinese type that comes to mind, but deep fried naan-esque bread rolled around kabaab-cooked chicken and veggies. I ate it as I walked through the neighborhood and made my way down to Rabindra Sadan Lake, where I spent an uneventful hour or two walking the lakeside path.

When I left the lake, I decided to head to the Gariahat street market to get mehendi (henna), since I remembered having it done outside the Spencer’s grocery store there six years back. As I waited beside I chai stall to cross the street, I saw teeny little kittens darting around the stall’s wheels. I squealed, and a older lady sitting on one of the benches grinned. As I knelt down to try to entice one of the kittens to come closer, the woman was more successful, and lured a kitten to her only to snatch it up by the scruff of the neck and hold it out to me. Thrilled, I cuddled the distraught kitten for a moment before setting it down, thanking the kind lady with “dhono badh” (that’s a very butchered, phonetic spelling), and crossing back up to Rash Behari road.

I walked through Kalighat and the fruit and veggie market, then through rows and rows of saris and salwar kameez and backpacks and umbrellas before finding an entire row of mehendi stalls. I plopped down on one and told them I could spend 100 Rupees only - last time we got mehendi we got gloriously swindled into paying like 1500 apiece - to which they agreed. Apparently, each side of a hand costs Rs. 50, so I got the palm of each hand painted and then sat with the stall owners, Olima and Ashok, for a bit while my hands dried. They laughed with me as I sputtered out different phrases in broken Bangla, and taught me the words for big cat and little cat as we watched a cute orange and white kitten weave in and out of the stalls. The neighboring stall sold hair clips and bindis, and the young boy running the stall watched in amusement as I worked on “choto biral” (small cat) and “bolo biral” (big cat).

I took the metro back up once my mehendi was dry-ish, used another roadside bathroom stall for Rs. 2, and arrived back at my hotel around 6:00. My plan was to sleep early since I had been awake so early, but I was super hungry. Begrudgingly, I ordered the overpriced room service, and called it a night pretty late. 

The phrase that kept repeating itself during my self-guided walking tour of the city was (don’t judge me) Lady Gaga’s “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich.” Kolkata is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen, and it’s difficult for me to describe why to people who haven’t been. The old world colonial buildings are streaked with dark lines from years of torrential downpours, and the newer buildings are painted in bright reds and blues and yellows. All of this clamors for space amidst the jungle, which fights against the city to overtake it, striking a tenuous balance of lush and green and industrial and manmade. The city  busy and loud, and no one can argue that it’s clean. Excrement from hordes of homeless people and from goats and cows and cats and dogs, garbage and food due to the lack of a strict municipal garbage system; the aromas of street food and sweets; and the sweat of millions of bodies all mix together to create an aroma that is, at best, disturbing, and at worst, gag-inducing. Piles of garbage line the streets and the air is full of haze from the gasoline of thousands of taxis and autorickshaws and motors and cookfires. And yet - every person, especially the women, greet me with a smile. People talk loudly and animatedly and argue and hold hands and sing. Indian music blares from car radios and the speakers of the shops. It’s intoxicating. It’s beautiful, dirty, and rich in every sense except for financially. There’s nowhere else like it. I’ve said hundreds of times that it’s exhausting, and it’s even moreso traveling there alone. Without the solidarity of travel companions, I stand out that much more. I am never alone and never not being stared at. I never blend in. As a friend in Bangalore helped me articulate, I know the city, but the city doesn’t know me. It’s almost unnerving at times, but still, the city has its hooks in me. I love it more than I’ll ever be able to convey, even when I hate it - and sometimes, I loathe the filth and the heat and the crowdedness. But I still love it, and it will always feel like another home.

[sbgskol]

Two Important Life Skills for Your Girl Child

A young girl needs a strong foundation of life skills to build upon, understand and handle day-to-day challenges. From dealing with a lack of care, dealing with peer pressure and even negotiating with a male classmate.  When girls learn these skills, they become better equipped to handle the serious problems they may face in their lives, from gender bias to finding time to study.

When girls are encouraged to think critically and make informed decisions, they grow confident in the way they deal with daily challenges and make better choices. These skills empower them to take leadership roles in their homes, communities and schools. There are several schools and NGOs that conduct girl empowerment workshops in metros like Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore.

While there are several life skills that can and should be taught to  

Critical thinking

This is the ability to analyse and evaluate a situation or problem in order to determine its cause or underlying principles. It develops as a child learns how to think logically, reason abstractly and make sound judgments based on evidence. Critical thinking helps children make well-informed decisions about what they like and don't like in their world. For a girl child this becomes one of the most vital skills of all as it will help them to be independent as the face the real world with low to no support.

As an example, consider a girl child who has developed critical thinking abilities by learning them at a girl empowerment workshop in Kolkata. For further studies, she moves to USA with a goal to complete her higher studies and get employed in some reputed organization. As a young girl in a new place, she will have to live independently and take care of herself. She will encounter several distractions and figure out a way to stay focused. She will face obstacles by herself and she will have to overcome them on her own. Although the workshop for empowering girl child was in Kolkata, the life skill learned, can be applied anywhere in the world.

Empathy

This refers both to an emotion (feeling what someone else feels) and an intellectual understanding of another's perspective or point of view — perhaps even including learning from experiences different from our own. Empathy can be learned while interacting with others or reflecting on one's own experiences, but it's also innate; some people are born more empathetic than others but everyone can improve over time through practice at being empathetic with others' perspectives, feelings and needs. For a girl child, developing empathy is an extremely important. It will help her understand others in her school, college, professional journey and her personal life. Through various literature and exercises, girl empowerment workshops in Kolkata help children learn empathy and use it as an important life skill.

In conclusion, girl empowerment is no longer just a topic of discussion. There are several parents, teachers, schools, National and International organizations that re working to empower the girl child by helping them develop several life skills.

[mytista]

Watch on YouTube here: Barasat Girls High School | বারাসাত গার্লস হাই স্কুল - এক ঝলক Ashutosh Ghosh Rd, Gupta Colony, #Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700124 #বারাসাত গার্লস হাই স্কুল My association with this 79-year-old institution is of a very brief period of only 3 years and some months. The school has etched for itself a name in all these years, under the able guidance of some stalwarts and has gradually shaped into the Institution that we see today. To be associated with this school is hence not merely a privilege but a constant challenge to prove oneself. I could never have achieved the little I have in this period, had it not been for my managing committee members, my teachers, my students, guardians and all the administrative heads, who have all stood as a pillar of strength during these days. I owe my sincere thanks to each one of them. We, at Barasat Girls' High School constantly strive to provide our students with the best education possible and help them in the process of becoming empowered individuals. Education, I consider, is LIFE itself. It is the surest way to offer an alternative, in a desperate situation. It helps give a child hope and makes her believe that we care for her, for her future. I am deeply privileged to be in a position that allows me to interact with, question, listen to and observe children throughout their learning journeys. We work in partnership with parents and this partnership is viewed as essential to achieving our goals. We warmly welcome you all to our school and thoroughly look forward to creating a positive and productive partnership between home and school life.

http://myoutubeword.blogspot.com/2020/08/barasat-girls-high-school.html

[gethealthy18-blog]

9 Bollywood Movies That Will Inspire You To Travel

New Post has been published on https://healingawerness.com/getting-healthy/getting-healthy-women/9-bollywood-movies-that-will-inspire-you-to-travel/

9 Bollywood Movies That Will Inspire You To Travel

To travel is to experience a feeling of connection with nature, the place and most importantly ourselves. Traveling is an experience that cannot be taken away from you. It is such a liberating thing that it leaves you wanting more. There is no denying that traveling is a catalyst for rejuvenation and healing. There is nothing more therapeutic and rewarding as traveling and as travel buffs we’ve always admired the picturesque scenes in Bollywood movies. It makes us wonder how amazing it would be to visit them. From mountain peaks to golden sand beaches, movies have always played a role in inspiring us to reach our next travel destination. It fuels our desire to travel and when we see a beautiful location or a fun travel experience all we want to do is to pack our bags and just take off, don’t we? So here are a few Bollywood movies that have inspired us to travel to beautiful scenic locations.

1. Queen

Empowering and out of the ordinary, Queen is a movie that inspires us to find ourselves. The protagonist played by Kangana Ranaut travels on her honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam on her own because her wedding gets called off. Her solo journey and experiences through Europe changes her life and her perspective towards it. This movie inspires us to not only visit these touristy places but also gives us a new outlook on life.

2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

via GIPHY

This movie takes the idea of a bachelor party to a whole new level. A trip to Spain with three friends before a wedding does not sound too bad, does it? As the title suggests, this movie touches on all the realities of life and makes us realize we only live life once. The tomatina festival in Spain, the skydiving experience and other such travel buzz activities in the movie makes us want to try and go on a trip with our friends.

3. Dil Chahta Hai

An ideal vacation includes friends, a good location, and some masti, isn’t it? Dil Chahta Hai is exactly that. This evergreen movie shows friends chilling on the beaches of Goa and their journey of finding themselves through it. While this movie is known for a lot of things, the road trip with friends while exploring life and Goa is what stands out.

4. Finding Fanny

via GIPHY

Goa is the ultimate beach destination for every Indian and there is no denying that. Finding Fanny is another movie that shows us the unexplored side of Goa and it captures the journey so beautifully. For everyone who considers Goa as the party state, this movie shows you that there is a peaceful side to the beach state too. It inspires us to witness the calming yet magnificent parts of Goa that are not so popular. The movie also gave us a look into the lives of regular Goan village folk.

5. Dil Dhadakne Do

A movie that speaks about the challenges faced in a modern, rich, and elite family, Dil Dhadakne Do was shot on a cruise ship. The movie had scenes overlooking the ocean and people dressed in fashionable clothing giving us more reasons to travel on a ship. Seasick or not, this movie captures our desire to experience a cruise at least for a few hours if not for a prolonged period.

6. Highway

the_travel_aspect / Instagram

A fresh new and unique insight to life, Highway is a movie that has a gripping storyline. A young girl is abducted by a local gangster and driven around in parts of North India until they take the highway leading to Himachal. This is one of those movies where we just do not want the plot to end. It was such a refreshing take on life and captures the scenic beauty of the mountains, valleys, and plains through the states of Himachal, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

7. Piku

A stubborn father, a young short-tempered daughter and a stranger for a taxi driver bring this movie together in a comedic trope. Their journey from Delhi to Kolkata makes us want to go on a road trip while watching the movie itself!

8. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

via GIPHY

This movie brings to light the beautiful Himalayas and makes all of us want to go on treks with our friends. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a movie that shows us the importance of striking a balance between pursuing passions and fulfilling responsibilities. The latter part of the movie captures the majestic palaces of Rajasthan and had a lot of us visiting the monuments and architecture hoping to explore the region.

9. Jab We Met

via GIPHY

A bubbly and carefree Punjabi girl meets a demotivated and heartbroken boy in a train and through several hilarious incidents, they get sucked into each other’s lives. The movie shows different locations in India including Rajasthan, Punjab, Shimla, and Manali. What’s interesting is the transition of characters in this film and how they finally end up together. It gave us travel and love goals.

One thing that all these movies have in common is the ability to induce a desire to travel among the audience. Which is your favorite travel-inspiring movie from our list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Writer, dreamer and a moon child. Bency believes that music, words, and little precious moments of life add color to a world that is black and white.

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[global-news-station]

KOLKATA/BENGALURU: Indian karate teacher Monimala Halder took up the sport in her teens as a way to get fit. A few months ago, she and her sister used their skills to fend off two men on a motorcycle trying to grab them as they rode past.

“I caught hold of the pillion rider just as he was reaching out for us and we beat them up,” said Halder, 35, who has seen a steady rise in the number of women seeking self-defence classes in a country where women and children have long been subjected to sexual violence.

Police shot dead four men on Friday who were suspected of raping and killing a 27-year-old vet near the southern city of Hyderabad.

Some rights groups and politicians criticised the killings, saying they were concerned the judicial process had been sidestepped, but the action was applauded by the victim’s family and many citizens outraged by a rising trend of violence against women.

India strengthened its laws on sexual violence after the 2012 gang rape and murder of a woman on a Delhi bus led to an outpouring of anger. Reported rapes climbed 31% from 2012 to 2017, government figures show, which officials attribute to greater public awareness rather than an increase in attacks.

But a fresh wave of horrific assaults has sparked renewed anger with women across India increasingly turning to everything from karate lessons to pepper spray to take back control.

More than 100 showed up at two separate training camps in Kolkata on Sunday to learn self-defence techniques and volunteer groups are setting up similar pop-up camps in other parts of the country.

“I have learnt how to defend myself using daily items like a handbag, or a scarf, and also how we can use our knees to protect ourselves,” said Anita Roy, 32, who attended one of the Kolkata camps.

In the northern town of Faridabad, Akanksha Kathuria, who has twin six-year old daughters, said she plans on setting up self-defence classes after reading about the Hyderabad case and that of a woman in Unnao, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, who died last week after allegedly being set on fire by her rapist and other assailants.

“I shouldn’t have to raise daughters with the constant fear of something bad happening to them,” she said.

PEPPER SPRAY

Self-defence experts say only a minuscule portion of India’s more than 650 million women have access to such classes, and such camps are usually only accessible to those living in cities. Fewer still can commit to such programmes long-term.

“Every time there is a major incident, we see a spike in inquiries,” said Ritesh Reddy, who teaches self-defence in the tech hub of Bengaluru. “But the challenge is learning self-defence requires a committed involvement.”

It is not just self-defence classes that have seen a surge in popularity. Amazon’s Indian arm said pepper spray sales had spiked eight times since the Hyderabad case.

The top ten best selling “safety and security” items on Amazon’s India site last week were pepper sprays, as compared to its portals in the United States, Canada or Singapore, where home monitoring devices and alarm systems were the most popular.

“We’ve run out of inventory in the past four to five days,” said Rana Singh, proprietor of Bengaluru-based Aax Global, which makes the popular Cobra branded pepper sprays.

Singh said canisters designed to fit in a woman’s handbag were the company’s most sought-after product.

In the state of Uttar Pradesh, where more than 4,200 rape cases – the most in the country – were reported in 2017, victims have formed an organisation, Red Brigade, aimed at empowering women.

“There is barely a school in the city of Lucknow where we’ve not conducted our camps,” said founder Usha Vishwakarma.

Protests have continued across India since the deaths of the two victims in Hyderabad and Unnao with many people venting online about what they see as an endemic problem.

“This has to stop,” said Mumbai resident Shraboni Lahiri, the mother of a four-year old girl said.

“It’s not possible, or healthy, to monitor your child every moment of the day.”

The post Sexual assaults prompt Indian women to fight back appeared first on ARY NEWS.

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[inkariasacademyworld]

Teenage Girls (Tag) Report

3.1. About the TAG report

The report includes the teenage girls from 13 to 19 years of age group.

It reveals what it really means to be a teenage girl in India.

Subsequently report/survey findings have also been used to prepare an Index called the TAG Index

​

3.2. Key Takeaway from the report

On Education

During teenage, the percentage of girls studying decreases, nearly 92.3 per cent are studying, at the age of 13 years. Whereas only 65.5 per cent are studying at age 19.

Presently, 80 per cent teenage girls are currently studying.

In term of current school enrolment, rural India is almost on par with urban India when it comes to girls being in school. The dropout rate in rural areas is also low now.

​

On Health & Hygiene

Overall, 39.8 per cent reported open defecation because; Most of the toilets lack a water connection and the current practice of attached toilet and bathroom has not been a traditional practice thus girls feel shy to use the toilet.

Every second teenage girl in India is using unhygienic methods of mensural protection.

Nearly, 51.8 per cent teenage girls in India are having anaemia.

​

On Aspiration

Survey showed that nearly, 96% of teenage girls are unmarried with hardly any difference in rural (95.5%) and urban (96.6%).

Around 70% girls wish to pursue higher studies and most adolescent girls aspire to work after their studies and marry only when they are able to earn a living.

Approx. 73.3% girls want to get married after the age of 21 and wish to pursue higher studies with a Ranking of States & Cities on TAG Index.

It is based on performance of each state based on the status of their teenage girls. • Kerala and Mizoram are the top two States while top three cities are Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru.

Uttar Pradesh is the worst performer in TAG Index. specific career in mind.

​

3.3 Significance of empowerment of teenage girl

Economic Prospect: various studies by United Nation agencies highlighted that empowering the girls creates a ripple effect in society in term of economic growth. For instance; 10 percent increase in girls going to school can increase the national income (GDP) by three percentage points.

Demographic Dividend: In order to utilise this demographic dividend (which is going to last for 25 years) investment in health and education for teenage girls (which is huge proportion of workforce) is paramount.

Child Health: The health of the teenage girl holds significance not only for her own life, but also for the health and well-being of the children she may have