BEYOND BOOKS
Students
of the 21st century are looking to expand their horizons beyond classroom
learning.
Youngsters
speak on how various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities helped them
learn pertinent lessons in life
SHALMALI TAKANE,
Dance
Dance is a creative form of expression. And thus, people of all age groups are inspired by dance and the lessons it teaches. Dance indeed is an art that inspires.
Among the many lessons that I learned from dance are patience, grace, expression and creativity. Dancing regularly, not only helps you keep fit, but also makes you patient. As a student of dance, it takes consistent effort and time to learn a certain dance form. For experts in the field, it is equally important to be patient since every dance form, to be enjoyed, needs to be complete, accurate and perfect. Thus, being patient is one of the most important lessons that dance has taught me.
It is said that a dance form brings grace to a dancer, and in turn, a dancer brings grace to the dance form. As a person, it is the grace of a dance form that inspires me to dance. Dance and grace are inter-related be it classical dance (Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi or Kathakali) or western dance (salsa, jazz, hip hop, hard dance, and punk).
Like every finger print is distinct, so is every dancer. This idea is evident by the expression each dancer portrays. It is through expressions that a dancer portrays his/ her feelings to connect with the audience. Irrespective of the dance form, it is the expression of a dancer that makes a performance worth the watch. Not many of us express what we feel, and it is dance that has taught me to express, whatever the situation may be.
Last, but not the least, dance has taught me to think creatively. Creativity is the key to style. An important lesson learned is that new options, whether in a dance form or in life, is to explore and create constantly. Learning dance is a lifelong process.
With dance, comes an opportunity to be creative throughout one’s life. While every person has different learnings from dance, for me, these are the most important of them all.
Dance
Dance is a creative form of expression. And thus, people of all age groups are inspired by dance and the lessons it teaches. Dance indeed is an art that inspires.
Among the many lessons that I learned from dance are patience, grace, expression and creativity. Dancing regularly, not only helps you keep fit, but also makes you patient. As a student of dance, it takes consistent effort and time to learn a certain dance form. For experts in the field, it is equally important to be patient since every dance form, to be enjoyed, needs to be complete, accurate and perfect. Thus, being patient is one of the most important lessons that dance has taught me.
It is said that a dance form brings grace to a dancer, and in turn, a dancer brings grace to the dance form. As a person, it is the grace of a dance form that inspires me to dance. Dance and grace are inter-related be it classical dance (Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi or Kathakali) or western dance (salsa, jazz, hip hop, hard dance, and punk).
Like every finger print is distinct, so is every dancer. This idea is evident by the expression each dancer portrays. It is through expressions that a dancer portrays his/ her feelings to connect with the audience. Irrespective of the dance form, it is the expression of a dancer that makes a performance worth the watch. Not many of us express what we feel, and it is dance that has taught me to express, whatever the situation may be.
Last, but not the least, dance has taught me to think creatively. Creativity is the key to style. An important lesson learned is that new options, whether in a dance form or in life, is to explore and create constantly. Learning dance is a lifelong process.
With dance, comes an opportunity to be creative throughout one’s life. While every person has different learnings from dance, for me, these are the most important of them all.
YASH MISHRA,
Gap year
‘Lost black sheep’ and ‘too afraid to take any competitive examinations’ was what I was labeled as towards the end of my class XII board exams when I told people that I would be taking a gap year. However, attending end of school parties, watching sitcoms and preparing for the advanced placement tests could only distract me for so long. As I struggled with the underlying feelings of uncertainty, I got an opportunity to intern with this newspaper. Not only did the experience uplift my résumé, but it also gave me the chance to gain a plethora of knowledge about writing and journalism and make new friends. Furthermore, I learnt that taking a mere hobby to the next level and making it a more significant experience isn’t really complicated as long as you have enough passion. With this new-found belief, I applied for a research project at IIT- Varanasi (BHU) and got through. A gap year doesn’t have to be a lonely struggle or steep ascension towards your dream college. On the contrary, it is an adventure, where you are free to explore innumerable options; where no path is wrong but merely different than the other! During my research at IIT B, I learnt about bioengineering. It is a vast, upcoming field that offers the best of both worlds and involves a variety of work ranging from developing biofuels and vaccines to genetic engineering. After working on a rudimentary research project in the field, I found my calling.
The IITs are, without any doubt, some of the best institutes in India and my parents had always wanted me to study at an IIT. However to be who you are truly meant to be and fulfill your potential, you have to break old barriers and conquer new frontiers. Financing an overseas education would be a daunting challenge for my family and it took several days of convincing, arguing, and some family drama to finally get my parents’ support.
Later, to everyone’s shock, I stopped going for JEE coaching and began working on another research project in the field of cancer and decided to dedicate my gap year to cancer. With some difficulty, I managed to become an observing intern at the Radiation Oncology Department of a city based hospital. Here I got to write for a medical journal and learn about the technology used in cancer treatment. It was an invaluable experience. Furthermore, I joined an NGO that helps cancer patients. With my life revolving around cancer, I was overcome by the realisation of the brevity of life, and how it’s never too late to fulfill all your whims and fantasies. In a way my education only began once school ended.
I also had the pleasure of going on an all expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi, sponsored by New York University, where a selected group of applicants got to attend sample lectures, go sight-seeing, meet the Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and young leaders from over 30 nations, across the globe. Upon getting overwhelmed by such diversity, I began to fully comprehend and appreciate the social and cultural differences between fellow human beings.
My gap year has truly been an amazing journey: the most significant year of my life. And I’ve still got three months of endless possibilities left!
Gap year
‘Lost black sheep’ and ‘too afraid to take any competitive examinations’ was what I was labeled as towards the end of my class XII board exams when I told people that I would be taking a gap year. However, attending end of school parties, watching sitcoms and preparing for the advanced placement tests could only distract me for so long. As I struggled with the underlying feelings of uncertainty, I got an opportunity to intern with this newspaper. Not only did the experience uplift my résumé, but it also gave me the chance to gain a plethora of knowledge about writing and journalism and make new friends. Furthermore, I learnt that taking a mere hobby to the next level and making it a more significant experience isn’t really complicated as long as you have enough passion. With this new-found belief, I applied for a research project at IIT- Varanasi (BHU) and got through. A gap year doesn’t have to be a lonely struggle or steep ascension towards your dream college. On the contrary, it is an adventure, where you are free to explore innumerable options; where no path is wrong but merely different than the other! During my research at IIT B, I learnt about bioengineering. It is a vast, upcoming field that offers the best of both worlds and involves a variety of work ranging from developing biofuels and vaccines to genetic engineering. After working on a rudimentary research project in the field, I found my calling.
The IITs are, without any doubt, some of the best institutes in India and my parents had always wanted me to study at an IIT. However to be who you are truly meant to be and fulfill your potential, you have to break old barriers and conquer new frontiers. Financing an overseas education would be a daunting challenge for my family and it took several days of convincing, arguing, and some family drama to finally get my parents’ support.
Later, to everyone’s shock, I stopped going for JEE coaching and began working on another research project in the field of cancer and decided to dedicate my gap year to cancer. With some difficulty, I managed to become an observing intern at the Radiation Oncology Department of a city based hospital. Here I got to write for a medical journal and learn about the technology used in cancer treatment. It was an invaluable experience. Furthermore, I joined an NGO that helps cancer patients. With my life revolving around cancer, I was overcome by the realisation of the brevity of life, and how it’s never too late to fulfill all your whims and fantasies. In a way my education only began once school ended.
I also had the pleasure of going on an all expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi, sponsored by New York University, where a selected group of applicants got to attend sample lectures, go sight-seeing, meet the Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and young leaders from over 30 nations, across the globe. Upon getting overwhelmed by such diversity, I began to fully comprehend and appreciate the social and cultural differences between fellow human beings.
My gap year has truly been an amazing journey: the most significant year of my life. And I’ve still got three months of endless possibilities left!
ASHLEY OSTRIDGE,
Internship in India
As a part of my master’s degree in international management at the Ivey School of Business, Canada, I am currently interning for the hospitality brand of a well-known corporate group. The lessons I have learned extend past my internship and begun the day I arrived in Delhi, over two months ago. Driving in rickshaws through the congested streets, observing the industrial activity in Dharavi slum, and capturing the beauty of the Taj Mahal, I began to understand the importance of culture, religion, and relationships in the day-to-day lives of Indians. I wondered how culture and religion would play into my internship and sought the advice of consultants from various companies to see if they could give amount of disparity that exists beany insights on working in India. tween social and economic class-The diversity in their opinions es, this idea of contradictions beclosely resembled the diversity in came apparent. In Goa and surthe Indian culture. One piece of rounding villages, I met inspiring advice they all shared is that In- social entrepreneurs dedicated to dia operates at its own pace. Ini- tacking this disparity. From Aktially, I attempted to force things shaya Patra – a kitchen that serves the way I wanted and expected lunch to 800 schools including them to work. I quickly realised 1,80,000 children every afternoon – that this is a country where you to clean-drinking water initiahave to be flexible and lose rigid tives, bio-fuel operations, and orexpectations. Teamwork has ganic farming, each individual is
played a vital role as I work heavily dedicated and engaged in closely with my team members their community and positively and our clients. Through this, I impacts their surroundings. I had have become increasingly aware firsthand experience in seeing of my strengths and weaknesses how one person can affect the and value the importance of dele- lives of hundreds of others. This gation and the division of tasks. has definitely inspired me to be-Through this experience, I feel come more engaged in my comthat I have enhanced my manage- munity back in Canada. ment and leadership skills, along I will miss the rich Indian curwith my ability to adapt to this ries and spices, the chaotic streets, new situation. the traditions and culture. Howev-The first thing I was told by my er, I look forward to returning tour guide when I arrived in Delhi home where I can bring new inis that India is a land of contradic- sights that I have gained from my tions. After witnessing the experience.
Internship in India
As a part of my master’s degree in international management at the Ivey School of Business, Canada, I am currently interning for the hospitality brand of a well-known corporate group. The lessons I have learned extend past my internship and begun the day I arrived in Delhi, over two months ago. Driving in rickshaws through the congested streets, observing the industrial activity in Dharavi slum, and capturing the beauty of the Taj Mahal, I began to understand the importance of culture, religion, and relationships in the day-to-day lives of Indians. I wondered how culture and religion would play into my internship and sought the advice of consultants from various companies to see if they could give amount of disparity that exists beany insights on working in India. tween social and economic class-The diversity in their opinions es, this idea of contradictions beclosely resembled the diversity in came apparent. In Goa and surthe Indian culture. One piece of rounding villages, I met inspiring advice they all shared is that In- social entrepreneurs dedicated to dia operates at its own pace. Ini- tacking this disparity. From Aktially, I attempted to force things shaya Patra – a kitchen that serves the way I wanted and expected lunch to 800 schools including them to work. I quickly realised 1,80,000 children every afternoon – that this is a country where you to clean-drinking water initiahave to be flexible and lose rigid tives, bio-fuel operations, and orexpectations. Teamwork has ganic farming, each individual is
played a vital role as I work heavily dedicated and engaged in closely with my team members their community and positively and our clients. Through this, I impacts their surroundings. I had have become increasingly aware firsthand experience in seeing of my strengths and weaknesses how one person can affect the and value the importance of dele- lives of hundreds of others. This gation and the division of tasks. has definitely inspired me to be-Through this experience, I feel come more engaged in my comthat I have enhanced my manage- munity back in Canada. ment and leadership skills, along I will miss the rich Indian curwith my ability to adapt to this ries and spices, the chaotic streets, new situation. the traditions and culture. Howev-The first thing I was told by my er, I look forward to returning tour guide when I arrived in Delhi home where I can bring new inis that India is a land of contradic- sights that I have gained from my tions. After witnessing the experience.
SHONOTTRA KUMAR
Model United Nations
As a fourth year student of law, I've had the opportunity to attend a couple of Model United Nations (MUN). The last one I attended was the Mumbai MUN organised by Mukesh Patel College of Engineering and TSEC last year. I participate in such events hoping to learn more about international politics and inter-state relations at the United Nations Organisation (UNO). What I gathered from my experience was that MUNs are stipulated meetings of students from all fields posing to be delegates of different nations addressing the problems of the world at large, thus allowing young minds to come up with constructive solutions by way of working papers in each committee. At this particular MUN, I was the delegate of an African country, Sierra Leone, at the Social and Humanitarian Council (SOCHUM). The main agenda of the council was to address problems in African countries such as mining. The topics to be discussed are given much in advance so that students can research their allotted country's stand in the international sphere. This allows students to read further about different countries other than their own, and learn more about international politics and current affairs. This helps keep the students updated about the conditions worldwide. It is as if the world government is
sitting in a classroom and deciding the
fate of the people everywhere. MUNs not only allow you to step into the shoes of a foreign diplomat, but also let you voice your own opinions about the topic at hand.
However, on the one hand a MUN is a pragmatic approach for students interested in learning in depth about international relations, on the other, such an opportunity if not organised seriously can turn out to be a waste of time. For instance, the delegates of SOCHUM decided to pass a 'Motion of entertainment' for the chair to dance ona popular Hindi song! At the end of the second day, the chair of SOCHUM realised that we had failed as a committee, so he forced the delegates to pass a working paper which didn’t make any sense. This could have been a platform to discuss the problems of trafficking, child labour, arms conflict, etc faced by African countries and come up with constructive solutions, but unfortunately proved to be a futile effort. This would not only help students to think about such problems but also motivate them to work towards it or to do something about them in the future.
Despite such unfortunate organisational disasters, on a larger scale, MUNs can prove to be a very important learning experience for students beyond their regular academics.
Model United Nations
As a fourth year student of law, I've had the opportunity to attend a couple of Model United Nations (MUN). The last one I attended was the Mumbai MUN organised by Mukesh Patel College of Engineering and TSEC last year. I participate in such events hoping to learn more about international politics and inter-state relations at the United Nations Organisation (UNO). What I gathered from my experience was that MUNs are stipulated meetings of students from all fields posing to be delegates of different nations addressing the problems of the world at large, thus allowing young minds to come up with constructive solutions by way of working papers in each committee. At this particular MUN, I was the delegate of an African country, Sierra Leone, at the Social and Humanitarian Council (SOCHUM). The main agenda of the council was to address problems in African countries such as mining. The topics to be discussed are given much in advance so that students can research their allotted country's stand in the international sphere. This allows students to read further about different countries other than their own, and learn more about international politics and current affairs. This helps keep the students updated about the conditions worldwide. It is as if the world government is
sitting in a classroom and deciding the
fate of the people everywhere. MUNs not only allow you to step into the shoes of a foreign diplomat, but also let you voice your own opinions about the topic at hand.
However, on the one hand a MUN is a pragmatic approach for students interested in learning in depth about international relations, on the other, such an opportunity if not organised seriously can turn out to be a waste of time. For instance, the delegates of SOCHUM decided to pass a 'Motion of entertainment' for the chair to dance ona popular Hindi song! At the end of the second day, the chair of SOCHUM realised that we had failed as a committee, so he forced the delegates to pass a working paper which didn’t make any sense. This could have been a platform to discuss the problems of trafficking, child labour, arms conflict, etc faced by African countries and come up with constructive solutions, but unfortunately proved to be a futile effort. This would not only help students to think about such problems but also motivate them to work towards it or to do something about them in the future.
Despite such unfortunate organisational disasters, on a larger scale, MUNs can prove to be a very important learning experience for students beyond their regular academics.
SAHIL PHULL, ACTOR
Theatre
After completing my graduation at an engineering college two years ago, I am now focusing on a career in acting and production. I am half way through an intensive acting workshop developed by SDDS in collaboration with the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), University of Melbourne. Such courses are excellent for actors who want to develop and learn the craft of acting and devote time to invest in their passion but can’t take up a full-time programme. It is even better to be able to study acting with an international focus and world renowned teachers. Though intensive courses are demanding and challenging, they force a student to give it their 100% each day. This has given me a very different way to approach acting including text, breathing techniques and dealing with stage fright. I have realised that the most realistic and believable performances, which appear simple, are the ones that require hard work. Working with other batch mates, who are talented and committed to and passionate about acting, has also given me new energy. I am very sure that my experience of the workshop will greatly aid me in my auditions in the future. Furthermore, since theatre, as a medium, inculcates skills such as discipline, trust and teamwork the lessons I learnt here will help me in other aspects of life too.
Theatre
After completing my graduation at an engineering college two years ago, I am now focusing on a career in acting and production. I am half way through an intensive acting workshop developed by SDDS in collaboration with the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), University of Melbourne. Such courses are excellent for actors who want to develop and learn the craft of acting and devote time to invest in their passion but can’t take up a full-time programme. It is even better to be able to study acting with an international focus and world renowned teachers. Though intensive courses are demanding and challenging, they force a student to give it their 100% each day. This has given me a very different way to approach acting including text, breathing techniques and dealing with stage fright. I have realised that the most realistic and believable performances, which appear simple, are the ones that require hard work. Working with other batch mates, who are talented and committed to and passionate about acting, has also given me new energy. I am very sure that my experience of the workshop will greatly aid me in my auditions in the future. Furthermore, since theatre, as a medium, inculcates skills such as discipline, trust and teamwork the lessons I learnt here will help me in other aspects of life too.
SAGAR SUTRALE
Moot court
The Indian law education system is purely theoretical. Students, once out of college, do not have sufficient practical experience or knowledge. It, thus, becomes difficult for them to adapt to the legal environment, and hence it takes them years to succeed in the industry. Educational institutes thus introduced moot court sessions that allow students to draft and plead before the dummy court. A moot court is an artificial set up of an actual court that consists of a bench of judges, a witness box and a relevant case.
Theoretically, students get an opportunity to strengthen their arguments skills, build a researched case and fight it in the presence of judges. This, not only gives them a real-time court experience, but also makes them confident. Apart from the theoretical lessons learned, students participating in a moot court learn a number of life lessons. Using legal terms in the court room is important, but being ethical while fighting the case is important too. Participating in a moot court helps students respect the ethics of the profession. As a student of law, I learned that winning a case is important, but equally important is winning it ethically. The next lesson learned is that of perseverance and patience. As a lawyer, it is important to practice the same in court and outside. Every case that a lawyer takes up is different; some may take years to defend, while others may be simple. Moot courts taught me to stand by my word and be patient until the final verdict is announced. Time management is another crucial lesson that moot courts teach. Whether it is reaching on time for a session, or submitting legal documents in time, good time management is what contributes to a lawyer’s success. A good draft is the key to a successfully fought case. And to present a good draft, one needs excellent communication and soft skills. While good communication skills help you compile a good draft, soft skills help you present the case well in the court. Putting across a point while fighting a case is important; equally important is to do it the right way. Soft skills also play an important role in maintaining professional relations. Every law student should participate in moot courts to know the nitty gritties of the profession, as well as to learn life lessons that the court teaches you.
Moot court
The Indian law education system is purely theoretical. Students, once out of college, do not have sufficient practical experience or knowledge. It, thus, becomes difficult for them to adapt to the legal environment, and hence it takes them years to succeed in the industry. Educational institutes thus introduced moot court sessions that allow students to draft and plead before the dummy court. A moot court is an artificial set up of an actual court that consists of a bench of judges, a witness box and a relevant case.
Theoretically, students get an opportunity to strengthen their arguments skills, build a researched case and fight it in the presence of judges. This, not only gives them a real-time court experience, but also makes them confident. Apart from the theoretical lessons learned, students participating in a moot court learn a number of life lessons. Using legal terms in the court room is important, but being ethical while fighting the case is important too. Participating in a moot court helps students respect the ethics of the profession. As a student of law, I learned that winning a case is important, but equally important is winning it ethically. The next lesson learned is that of perseverance and patience. As a lawyer, it is important to practice the same in court and outside. Every case that a lawyer takes up is different; some may take years to defend, while others may be simple. Moot courts taught me to stand by my word and be patient until the final verdict is announced. Time management is another crucial lesson that moot courts teach. Whether it is reaching on time for a session, or submitting legal documents in time, good time management is what contributes to a lawyer’s success. A good draft is the key to a successfully fought case. And to present a good draft, one needs excellent communication and soft skills. While good communication skills help you compile a good draft, soft skills help you present the case well in the court. Putting across a point while fighting a case is important; equally important is to do it the right way. Soft skills also play an important role in maintaining professional relations. Every law student should participate in moot courts to know the nitty gritties of the profession, as well as to learn life lessons that the court teaches you.
Ruchi
Chopda and Anishaa Sahijwala EDUT130624
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