Author: VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Finding the Courage to Continue

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Grades can be measured, but grit can’t. Building resilience can help you turn challenges into chances to grow. 

In this article, you can explore:
✅ The landscape: Why resilience matters now, more than ever
✅ What does resilience really mean?
✅ Real lives, real struggles: Stories of comebacks
✅ How does resilience relate to mental health?
✅ Growth mindset, gratitude, and happiness
✅ Why do students need resilience more than ever?
✅ Parents as everyday resilience coaches
✅ Simple ways to build resilience: A 7-day plan

These stories remind us that overcoming adversity begins with the right mindset. Every setback can spark strength; every challenge can deepen mental health and well-being. Resilience is about learning, adapting, and rising stronger together, ready for the next innings of life.

The landscape: Why resilience matters now, more than ever

In recent years, the mental health crisis among Indian students has made the headlines. Many of them face burnout, exam stress, social media anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. At such times, resilience becomes a necessity.

As per the 2022 Mental Health and Well-being of School Students survey, 81% of respondents mentioned that exams, studies, and results were significant causes of anxiety.

Moreover, studies in Telangana and Karnataka show that over 60% of students face sleep difficulties and 70% struggle with concentration in class.

This is where resilience comes in – the ability to recover, reflect, and rise after setbacks. It is a life skill that directly supports mental health and well-being, helping young minds handle pressure and emotional turbulence without breaking down.

What does resilience really mean?

Many view resilience as simply “grinning and bearing with it”, but it is misleading. In fact, resilience is a dynamic capacity to adapt and recover after too much adversity.

Here are some common types of resilience that psychologists identify:

  • Emotional resilience: Managing strong feelings when things don’t go your way.
  • Social resilience: Finding strength in friendships and support systems.
  • Cognitive resilience: Staying flexible in thinking and finding new ways to solve problems.

Each grows with time, experiences, and encouragement – from parents, teachers, and peers who model calm and compassion.

Real lives, real struggles: Stories of comebacks

When the odds stack up, resilience writes a different ending.

Take Swarajdeep Bhurve, a hearing-impaired student from Madhya Pradesh, who lost his father during the pandemic yet scored 81% in his HSC exams. His strength came from family, faith, and focus – a reminder that resilience is built, not born.

Or consider Walt Disney, who was fired from a newspaper job for “lacking imagination” and had several failed ventures before building his empire of storytelling and dreams – a powerful example of how belief in one’s vision can outlast rejection, shaping a legacy that continues to inspire dreamers.

How does resilience relate to mental health?

Resilience and mental health share a two-way connection. When resilience strengthens, anxiety lessens. When mental health and well-being are prioritised, resilience deepens. A resilient student may still feel sad after failure, but not defeated. On the other hand, a resilient parent balances care and challenge, offering comfort while problem-solving.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

This dynamic shows exactly how resilience relates to mental health. It is not about avoiding challenges, but building the strength to move through them.

Growth mindset, gratitude, and happiness

Growth mindset development is built on a simple truth: abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck’s decades of research show that students with a growth mindset consistently outperform students with a fixed mindset.

In India, this idea is shaping real classrooms. Delhi’s Happiness Curriculum, launched in 2018, integrates mindfulness and stress reduction into lessons for over eight lakh students across 1,000 government schools, encouraging children to pause, breathe, and express emotions.

Gratitude also plays a quiet yet powerful role. When students take time to appreciate small joys – a kind word, a helping hand, a moment of laughter – their minds learn to recover faster. Gratitude helps balance the brain’s negativity bias and directs focus toward what endures, not what disappears.

Why do students need resilience more than ever?

For students, resilience is not a bonus; it is a foundation. It guards against distress, supports learning, and keeps hope alive when life feels uncertain. Studies have shown that the concepts of resilience, psychological well-being, and quality of life share essential features for the effective functioning of an individual.

The search for identity Questions like “Am I capable enough?” or “Do I belong?” dominate adolescence, shaping self-esteem and motivation.
The social media effect Likes, comments, and comparisons amplify self-doubt, making emotional balance harder to hold.
The weight of expectations Academic demands and social competition often weigh heavily, dimming curiosity and joy in learning.
The future feels uncertain Changing job markets, career confusion, and the aftershocks of the pandemic add invisible weight to every decision.

Parents as everyday resilience coaches

Children learn resilience by observing it. When parents show calm under pressure or optimism during uncertainty, they teach growth mindset development in the most powerful way – by example.

Instead of fixing every problem, guide reflection with examples such as:

  • What can we learn from this?
  • What helped you last time?
  • Who can you ask for support?

These simple conversations activate self-awareness and strengthen emotional intelligence. When children see that effort matters more than outcome, they grow curious, confident, and capable of facing challenges, a true lesson in how to bounce back from adversity.

Simple ways to build resilience: A 7-day plan

Resilience grows through everyday actions, not extraordinary moments. Small steps taken consistently make a big difference.

DayFocusSimple action
Day 1Recognise adversityWrite “What challenge am I facing?” and name emotions.
Day 2MindfulnessTry a 7-minute guided body scan or breathing meditation.
Day 3GratitudeList three small things you are grateful for today.
Day 4ReframingWrite down one negative thought and a more helpful alternative.
Day 5Micro-goalPick one tiny step toward your goal (e.g. revise one subtopic).
Day 6KindnessDo one unexpected small kindness (help a peer, message a friend).
Day 1Recognise adversityWrite “What challenge am I facing?” and name emotions.

Over time, these habits, rooted in positive psychology practices, train students to recover faster, think clearly, and maintain inner balance.

Resilience in Indian culture and everyday life

India’s history is rich with stories of endurance and courage. From the steadfastness of Arjuna in the Mahabharata, who fought despite loss and doubt, to Eklavya’s determination to learn even without a teacher’s guidance, our epics have long celebrated perseverance and purpose.

Our freedom struggle, too, was a lesson in resilience. Mahatma Gandhi’s patience in adversity, Sarojini Naidu’s fearless advocacy, and Subhas Chandra Bose’s persistence despite exile remind us that endurance is part of India’s DNA.

In today’s India, resilience thrives in quiet corners – farmers rebuilding after floods, entrepreneurs recovering from loss, families staying united, and Mary Kom returning to the boxing ring after motherhood. It is a strength mirrored across the world when adversity strikes without warning – from the shock of the global COVID-19 pandemic to the uncertainties of wars and economic upheavals.

These instances prove that true strength lies not in avoiding hardship but in facing it with courage and conviction.

Every generation faces its own tests. For today’s students, it is digital overload, constant comparison, and the fear of “not being enough.” For parents, it is balancing care with calm.

But the message remains timeless: success begins with stability within. Let resilience be the heartbeat of every school, home, and heart. Because when we teach children how to bounce back from adversity, we prepare them not just for exams; we are preparing them for life.

Watch our webinar on ‘Building Resilience in Children’ to empower yourself with tools that will nurture your child’s emotional strength and confidence.

One Game, Infinite Lessons

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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From planning to perseverance, chess cultivates cognitive growth and life-ready skills in young learners.

In this article, you can explore:
✅ The rise of a thinking culture through chess
✅ Backed by science: What the brain gains from chess
✅ D. Gukesh: A mind trained early
✅ Moves that matter: How chess is powering progress
✅ A Guinness moment: India’s chess record
✅ Inclusivity on the chessboard
✅ Chess and the classroom: Where learning deepens
✅ Skills that students build through chess
✅ 5 ways schools can bring chess to life

♟ Pawn to d4

             ♞ Knight to f6

                                         ♝ Bishop to g5One board |  32 pieces |  Unlimited thinking

Chess is beyond kings and queens; it is cause and effect in motion. It inspires students to analyse patterns, anticipate outcomes, and make thoughtful decisions. In a world that moves fast, chess offers a pause – creating space for clarity, calm reasoning, and critical thinking. Every game becomes a quiet exercise in strategy, patience, and perspective.

The rise of a thinking culture through chess

Can a board game truly become a powerful educational tool and shape the minds of an entire generation?

India, the birthplace of chess, originally called Chaturanga, is witnessing a resurgence in the classroom. From Gujarat’s government schools to private institutions in Bengaluru, chess for education is growing. Teachers and parents alike are realising the educational benefits of chess in helping students think better and feel more confident.

Thought break:

  •  Can a student anticipate the outcome of their actions three steps ahead?

That’s precisely what chess teaches – anticipation, sequencing, and foresight.

Backed by science: What the brain gains from chess

Chess is a full brain workout that activates both sides of the brain. While the left side handles logic and calculations, the right supports creativity and pattern recognition. Together, this mental balance further promotes chess and brain development.

In fact, according to the Chunks in Chess Memory paper, cognitive scientists estimate that some chess masters hold over 50,000 chunks, or common board patterns, in their memory. That’s how chess improves focus and concentration and sharpens long-term memory.

Moves that matter: How chess is powering progress

In India and around the world, chess has always been a powerful educational tool and continues to be a quiet force for change, strengthening focus and cultivating thoughtful learners.

  • Tamil Nadu leads the way: The state will soon be home to an exclusive chess academy, the “Home of Chess”, which will operate under the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
  • Tripura’s young strategists take centre stage: In July 2022, Tripura hosted a U15 school chess tournament in Agartala, with 150 participants from tribal and rural schools, marking a strong push for chess in early education.
  • Victory in the virtual chess arena: In 2019, V.S. Rathanvel won the MPL Chess Mahayudh, India’s largest digital chess tournament, hosted by Mobile Premier League, which drew thousands of players, highlighting the boom in online chess.

Inclusivity on the chessboard

What’s more wonderful about chess is the fact that it transcends physical ability. Since its establishment in 1997, the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) has enabled athletes with vision impairment to compete using tactile boards and voice-enabled tools.

One standout champion is Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, a para-athlete from Odisha, who has won multiple medals in major international events, including a silver at the World Junior Championship for the Blind in Poland (2018), gold at the IBCA World Team Championship (2022), and two medals at the Asian Para Games (2023).

For Soundarya and many like him, chess as a learning tool for kids boosts inclusivity and global representation.

Thought break:

  • Can a student stay composed when things go off plan?

Chess trains students to adapt without panic and re-evaluate under pressure.

Chess and the classroom: Where learning deepens

Communities across India are embracing chess, which is emerging as a catalyst for transformation. In July 2022, the Government Degree College, Khaltse (Ladakh), organised India’s first college-level chess event on International Chess Day, themed “Women in Chess”.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government is collaborating with FIDE to establish 100 chess centres and a fully funded chess academy, aimed at introducing strategic thinking and chess as a learning tool for kids across urban and rural communities.

VIBGYOR Group of Schools: Shaping young minds through chess

Across campuses, VIBGYOR Group of Schools has consistently recognised the value of chess as part of a well-rounded education. By integrating chess into school culture, we nurture analytical thinking, patience, and mental discipline in students.

VIBGYOR High Gurugram

In April 2025, the school hosted the Gurugram District Chess Championship, drawing enthusiastic participation across age groups. Organised by the District Chess Association, the tournament saw active participation across age groups and created a setting that encouraged strategic play and meaningful engagement. Backed by strong school leadership, the event reinforced the school’s role in promoting chess as a learning tool for kids, blending academics with real-world reasoning skills.

VIBGYOR Rise School, Nashik

On International Chess Day 2025, in collaboration with the Revolutionary Chess Club, the school hosted a large-scale chess tournament on campus. The event reflected the school’s focus on holistic education, combining physical, intellectual, and emotional development. With a modern learning space and an inclusive spirit, the tournament inspired strategic thinking, composure, and leadership in every participant, amplifying the school’s commitment to nurturing cognitive and personal growth.

The efforts of using chess in classrooms build curiosity, discipline, and foresight – encouraging young minds to think not just about moves, but also about meaning. Using chess to improve students’ analytical skills supports both academic and personal growth.

Thought break:

  • Does chess teach students to win with grace and lose with perspective?

Chess does both, quietly and consistently.

Skills that students build through chess

Chess for students’ mental skills goes beyond strategy and pieces. It nurtures essential abilities that shape sharper thinkers:

As a parent, you can support the journey by:

  • Encouraging chess not for competition, but for cognition.
  • Making it part of your child’s routine, just 15 minutes daily.
  • Using free, age-appropriate online platforms or joining local clubs.
  • Partnering with your school to advocate for using chess in classroom sessions.
  • Celebrating small wins, every small step is progress.

Chess for education encourages students to think ahead, stay calm under pressure, and respond with clarity. Its value lies in shaping sharper thinkers, compassionate leaders, and confident decision-makers. As this ancient Indian game finds new meaning in classrooms, communities, and competitions, it becomes a powerful educational tool for lifelong learning. Every move teaches intention, discipline, and reflection. For a generation growing up in a distracted world, chess offers something rare – quiet, focused growth.

Modern Classrooms, Meaningful Impact

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Building modern education infrastructure that inspires focus, fosters trust, and supports every student’s growth.

In this article, you can discover:
✅ The big reset: What smart really means
✅ A nation rebuilding its classrooms with care
✅ Empowering teachers, engaging minds
✅ Safety is designed, not declared
✅ Lessons worth adapting from the globe
✅ Parents, technology, and the new loop of trust
✅ A practical roadmap that works
✅ When schools feel safe, families breathe easier

“The government approved 1.46 lakh smart classrooms under the Samagra Shiksha scheme nationwide.”

Behind every upgraded classroom lies a deeper mindset change: walls built to breathe, corridors designed for calm, and tech-based learning that serves a real purpose. Chalkboards have paved the way for smart classroom technology, air sensors now stand beside noticeboards, and the environment supports focus and care. These reflect a cultural shift in how learning spaces are built and utilised.

The big reset: What smart really means

What defines smart education today is finding the right balance between mindful design, steady routines, and digital tools that make learning feel effortless. Global research continues to highlight the same truth.

Future-ready education begins with air, light, and safety before introducing devices or dashboards. Classroom technology upgrades then build upon the foundation, adding value where it is needed most.

A nation rebuilding its classrooms with care

Across India, a quiet transformation is reshaping how schools look, feel, and function. The focus is shifting from temporary updates to creating learning spaces that think about the future.

Under initiatives like PM SHRI and STARS, schools are integrating eco-friendly architecture, digital labs, and real-time data systems such as Vidya Samiksha Kendra to make learning more connected and purposeful.

In Kerala, open-source tools and AI-driven collaboration have empowered teachers and students to learn together. In Delhi, the government’s push for over 18,000 smart classrooms is redefining learning through technology and student-focused design. In contrast, over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs enable students to build, test, and innovate more effectively.

These initiatives open doors to new opportunities. Modern learning techniques, such as coding kits, robotics tools, and 3D printing modules, encourage children to move away from rote learning towards hands-on exploration. Platforms such as DIKSHA, ePathshala, and SWAYAM allow teachers to conduct digital lessons in local languages, making classrooms stay inclusive, resourceful, and connected to their communities.

This change is also visible in the way classrooms are built. Spaces breathe better, light is guided to aid focus, and sound is softened to help minds stay present. Every detail adds up to an environment that teaches even before the lesson begins.

  • Ventilation first: Fresh air and CO2 sensors keep the mind alert and classrooms healthier.
  • Balanced light: Natural daylight and glare control boost focus and concentration.
  • Sound control: Good acoustics reduce fatigue and keep lessons engaging.
  • Comfortable design: Ergonomic furniture supports posture and easy movement.
  • Smart connectivity: Reliable networks with offline backups make classrooms secure learning spaces.

Together, these efforts form connected classrooms that think, care, and grow with every learner.

Empowering teachers, engaging minds

Technology in education is powerful when it amplifies the teacher’s role. Schools are adopting digital platforms that personalise content, simplify assessments, and provide faster feedback.

Adaptive learning tools adjust lessons to each student’s pace. Interactive whiteboards allow real-time collaboration. Virtual reality makes geography, history, and science lessons more engaging and effective. Gamified challenges turn problem-solving into teamwork. Teacher training programmes now include digital literacy and classroom analytics, helping educators guide learning rather than manage screens.

Smart education is more about confidence, enabling teachers to teach with insight and students to learn with independence in future-ready classrooms.

Safety is designed, not declared

A safe school is built through thoughtful planning and steady systems. Structural integrity, clear exits, labelled gas lines, regular drills, and supervised zones form the backbone of daily safety. These reduce risks daily, not only during emergencies.

India’s National School Safety Policy transformed disaster management into a daily process by including safety committees, evacuation drills, and structural audits. Even CBSE has tightened school safety by making CCTV cameras mandatory in classrooms, corridors, and playgrounds.

Yet, proper safety balances vigilance with privacy. A camera records; design prevents. The strongest secure learning spaces rely on trained attention and calm routines rather than constant surveillance.

Lessons worth adapting from the globe

Both examples show that success lies in execution. India already has its frameworks; consistent follow-throughs will define the next leap.

Parents, technology, and the new loop of trust

Today, education is a three-way collaboration between teacher, parent, and the system. Digital learning environments strengthen this bridge when used wisely. Healthy usage looks like this: teachers share early feedback, parents encourage rather than police, and children feel supported, not surveilled.

Transparent communication about data collection, access, and storage ensures comfort. Annual reviews with school committees promote clarity and calm. In connected communities, trust grows when technology stays transparent.

A practical roadmap that works

These steps make the infrastructure for modern schools transparent and trustworthy.

When schools feel safe, families breathe easier

Mornings feel lighter when the campus signals care. A well-lit and well-ventilated room helps children focus and settle more quickly. Teachers spend more time guiding their students. Parents receive updates that inform them without causing alarm. Safety drills run smoothly, turning confidence into a habit.

At the next PTA, parents can ask simple, revealing questions:

  • How often are interactive classrooms used?
  • How much time do teachers get for training each month?
  • What steps does the school take to maintain clean air in classrooms?
  • When was the last safety drill, and what changes were made afterwards?

Clear answers indicate systems that work, not on paper, but in practice.

India’s modern education infrastructure is entering a phase shaped by discipline, care, and purpose. Its strength depends on consistent upkeep, empowered teachers, and transparent systems built on trust. When these align, future-ready education becomes a shared promise – schools that embody resilience, corridors that carry calm, and classrooms that nurture learning through design, balance, and responsibility. Real progress is measured by the confidence that endures in every space built to help children grow safely and with dignity.

Why Self-Care is an Essential Parenting Skill

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Gentle routines, clear boundaries, and self-compassion lower parenting stress and strengthen attachment.

Before we begin, here’s what this article offers:
✅ Why this conversation matters right now
✅ A pause that changed everything
✅ What we didn’t learn growing up
✅ The science behind self-care
✅ Why self-care is vital during exams
✅ Practical self-care tips for busy parents
✅ What children learn when they see self-care
✅ What self-care is not, and what it is

Children don’t need a perfect parent.

They need a present one.

Anyone who has navigated parenting on low sleep, long workdays, and rising expectations knows that staying calm is not always easy. Parenting pulls energy from the deepest places, and that energy gets replenished through self-care for parents. Not through elaborate routines, but through tiny actions that hold you together: pausing before reacting, recognising when your mind feels stretched, and setting limits without guilt.

Over time, these small decisions shape the emotional climate at home. When you take care of your own well-being, your child sees balance, boundaries, and emotional safety in action. Self-care isn’t selfish; it sits at the centre of compassionate parenting.

Why this conversation matters right now

Parenting demands emotional presence every day, not just during big moments. As a parent, you try to hold everything together, often at the cost of your own rest. Children absorb this emotional climate instantly. This becomes even more evident during exam season, so self-care becomes a steady anchor rather than a seasonal fix.

The 2021 journal Academic Stress, Parental Pressure, Anxiety and Mental Health among Indian High School Students of Ludhiana, Punjab, shows a strong connection between parental pressure and test anxiety.

When a parent’s internal world feels overloaded, even a slight sigh or shift in tone can unsettle a child. Instead of giving attention to their textbook, they begin scanning the room for emotional cues.

The science behind self-care is simple: when you feel calm, your child feels more relaxed, too. Moreover, these patterns explain why self-care can also improve parenting.

A pause that changed everything

Radhika, a CA by profession, was highly involved in her son Rohan’s Class X exam preparation. She revised chapters with him, helped with practice papers, chased deadlines, and worked late into the night. In the process, she dropped her evening yoga and let her rest slide.

One February evening, she snapped at Rohan over a spelling error. Later that night, she realised that she had reacted not as a guiding parent but as a tired adult. The following week, she restarted her 20-minute yoga routine. She told Rohan, “If I do not stretch and breathe, I feel tense. You do not deserve the tense version of me.”

The change surprised both of them. Their study session felt calmer, and conversations opened up. This was also when Radhika realised how self-care makes you a better parent.

What we didn’t learn growing up

Many Indian households taught a different idea of strength. Adults once hid their tiredness, pushed through pain, and treated rest as a sign of weakness. Many parents grew up with that model, so they repeat it now – delaying their own needs, responding instantly, staying up late, and feeling guilty for wanting a pause.

This is why the importance of self-care for moms and dads runs deeper than it seems. Children watch everything, including how we treat ourselves. That becomes their template for adulthood. A template built on balance serves them far better than one built on burnout.

The science behind self-care

Parenting demands quick decision-making and emotional flexibility. When stress increases, the body enters fight-or-flight mode. This can turn small moments into big reactions.

Here’s what actually happens inside the body:

  • The brain needs downtime to reset
  • Stress hormones rise when rest is ignored
  • Heart rate and breathing become faster when tension builds up
  • The nervous system settles when you practice self-compassion

A recent meta-analysis of over 22,000 parents found a strong connection between high parental stress and reduced emotional well-being.

This chain explains why self-care for parents has long-term value – your emotional state silently shapes your child’s emotional development.

Why self-care is vital during exams

Children listen to instructions, but they react to the atmosphere. The way you enter a room, the pace of your breathing, the warmth in your voice – all of these signal safety or stress.

When your own needs get ignored:

  • The body slips into survival mode
  • Patience dries up
  • Tone sharpens without warning
  • Children assume they did something wrong

When mindful parenting and self-care guide your day:

  • Your energy feels steadier
  • Conversations soften
  • Children feel safe asking questions
  • Confidence rises naturally

Calmness at home comes when the parent has enough space within themselves to tackle and manage stress.

Practical self-care tips for busy parents

Most parents do not have extended hours for elaborate routines. That is why simple, repeatable habits work best. These ideas support mental health for parents in everyday moments.

These practices maintain steadiness and prevent overload. They support long-term parenting and self-care without adding pressure.

What children learn when they see self-care

Self-care not only changes your emotional state, but also your physical state. It teaches children how to look after their own well-being. When they see you regulate, they learn how to regulate themselves.

Children internalise messages like:

  • “I can say no when I feel overloaded.”
  • “I can ask for space.”
  • “My worth isn’t tied to an output.”
  • “Rest is part of hard work.”

This is how self-care helps manage parenting stress and builds lifelong social-emotional skills in children.

What self-care is not, and what it is

What self-care is notWhat self-care is
❌ Selfish
❌ A luxury
❌A reward
❌ Something to “earn”
❌ Only for mothers
❌ A trend		✔️ Emotional hygiene
✔️ A simple regulation tool
✔️ Silent support for your child
✔️ A survival skill
✔️ The backbone of confident parenting  

Remember, you are not a machine raising a child. You are a human raising a human.

You do not have to hide your exhaustion or pretend to be strong every moment. Your child does not need a superhero; they need a grounded, steady adult. Self-care is the reminder that your needs matter too. It protects your health, shapes your home’s emotional climate, and teaches your child that balance is a strength. Strong parents repair, reset, and rise again, and every repair starts with one simple truth: self-care isn’t selfish. It is love in action.

Check out VIBGYOR Group of Schools’ recent webinar: Mindful Parenting: You and Your Teens’s recording explore practical strategies for cultivating a calm, connected, and supportive relationship with your teenage children while taking care of yourself..

Beneath the Waves, A Call for Change

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Empowering students with the knowledge and tools to protect our oceans, for today and for generations to come.

In this article, you discover:
✅ Why should we care about the ocean?
✅ A silent threat: Ocean acidification
✅ Stemming the tide: The plastic waste reduction
✅ Reviving the ocean’s rainforests: Coral reefs
✅ Travel without a trace: Eco-friendly tourism
✅ Ocean clean-up: Technology to the rescue
✅ Ways to protect the ocean: Starting in schools

Myth: The ocean is too vast to be harmed by human activity.

Reality: The ocean absorbs 30% of global CO2  emissions, and it is reaching a tipping point.

Rising carbon levels are making the ocean increasingly acidic, a process known as ocean acidification. This, in turn, silently disrupts marine life, weakens coral reefs, and erodes the balance of coastal ecosystems. What once felt vast and invincible is now fragile and at risk. This is one of the most urgent reasons why we need to protect our oceans, not only through action but also by spreading awareness at the grassroots level.

Why should we care about the ocean?

Our country has over 7,500 kilometres of coastline that regulates climate, provides livelihoods, and holds cultural and spiritual value. Over three million Indians depend on marine fishing. Yet, marine pollution prevention often slips through the cracks of awareness.

So, when we talk about the reasons why we need to protect our oceans, we are talking about the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the future we build.

“The sea is a mirror. What we throw at it, we see again – in our food, air, and our lives.”

A silent threat: Ocean acidification

Imagine placing seashells or eggshells in a glass of fizzy soda. Over time, they lose their shine and crumble. That’s precisely what carbon dioxide does to the ocean. The CO2  dissolves into seawater, causing ocean acidification, which weakens corals, shellfish, and eventually the entire food chain.

Around the world, ocean acidification is eroding coral strength in the Caribbean as well as in the cold-water reefs off Scotland and Norway. The Great Barrier Reef too faces this growing threat; its living coral cover has dropped by nearly half in the last thirty years, weakening the overall resilience of the reef ecosystem.

Stemming the tide: The plastic waste reduction

As per the 2020 Implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules annual report, India generates nearly 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. A staggering chunk of this enters the ocean through rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.

In 2022, the government banned single-use plastics such as straws and cutlery. But policy alone cannot solve the crisis.

In fact, students of Subbiah Vidyalayam Girls Higher Secondary School in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, gathered 20,000 food wrappers in two weeks and sent them back to the manufacturer, offering a hands-on lesson in plastic waste reduction.

Reviving the ocean’s rainforests: Coral reefs

In India, reefs in Lakshadweep and the Gulf of Mannar provide storm protection, fish nurseries, and tourism value. However, rising sea temperatures and pollution are making them fade into silence.

The coral restoration project carried out between 2002 and 2024 in the Gulf of Mannar involved the transplantation of over 51,000 coral fragments, representing 20 native coral species with diverse growth forms. Such initiatives strengthen marine resilience and highlight ways to save the ocean.

“We need to respect the ocean and take care of it as if our lives depended on it. Because they do.” – Sylvia Earle

Travel without a trace: Eco-friendly tourism

Who doesn’t love a vacation – the pristine beaches or the serene mountains? But tourism, when unchecked, damages fragile ecosystems.

To counter the impact of tourism on fragile ecosystems, Kerala has pioneered Responsible Tourism, urging visitors to stay in eco-certified homestays, eat local, and respect protected “no-go” zones, making travel supportive of both communities and nature. Meanwhile, Sikkim – India’s first fully organic state – has adopted eco-friendly beach travel and sustainability. A powerful example of this ethos came from two Danish tourists who were filmed diligently collecting litter along the road to Yumthang Valley. This gesture sparked viral conversations about responsible tourism. Similarly, Ripu Daman Bevli, known as the “Plogman of India”, and Garvita  Gulhati, founder of the Why Waste? initiative are inspiring communities towards cleaner and more sustainable lifestyles.

Global lesson: In 2018, the Philippines shut down Boracay Island for six months to rehabilitate it from overtourism – a lesson India must learn before it is too late.

Ocean clean-up: Technology to the rescue

We often see so many viral videos of the ocean clean-ups happening internationally, but India is innovating, too. Slowly yet gradually, ocean clean-up technologies are becoming powerful tools, for example:

Why it matters: These projects show that innovation doesn’t require grand labs; it begins with ingenuity, local commitment, and a problem-solving mindset.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Student: “Ma’am, why don’t we go to the beach for class trips anymore?”

Teacher: Because it is dirty…not safe and hygienic.”

Student: “Then who will clean it?”

Teacher: A long pause…

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ways to protect the ocean: Starting in schools

Every ocean-saving movement begins with awareness. And where better to spark that awareness about ocean literacy education than in schools, where the next generation learns to act before it is too late?

Ocean hour: Dedicated one class a month to marine life, conservation, and student projects.Student clean-up drives: Organise drives around lakes, ponds, or beaches, and track the waste collected.
Green partnerships: Invite NGOs, marine experts, or divers to share real-world stories with students.Creative storytelling: Organise debates, plays, and poetry sessions on themes like “If Oceans Could Speak”.
Adopt a water body: Own a local pond or stream, monitor its health, and raise awareness in the community.

VIBGYOR Group of Schools: Building responsible global citizens

From local clean-ups to global dialogues, students at VIBGYOR Group of Schools are championing ocean protection.

VIBGYOR Students’ Social Responsibility Cell (V-SSRC)

V-SSRC has been actively engaged in beach clean-up activities, weaving environmental action into student life. These drives not only restore coastal spaces but also instil a sense of ownership, showing students that protecting the planet begins with simple, hands-on steps in their communities.

Oceans Are Us program at VIBGYOR MUN

At the 12th VIBGYOR Model United Nations Conference, students explored the theme of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water while supporting The Jane Goodall Institute’s “Oceans Are Us” program. This gave them the opportunity to voice perspectives on marine conservation before a global audience.

12th Model United Nations Conference Protecting our oceans is not a distant responsibility but an urgent call that demands attention in every shoreline community and classroom. From coral reefs in Lakshadweep to the rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal, the health of our waters mirrors the decisions we make each day. By empowering students through ocean literacy education, supporting marine pollution prevention, and encouraging sustainable practices, we are restoring marine ecosystems and preparing a generation that understands its role as custodians of the planet.

When Homework Feels Heavy, Become Their Calm

Posted on by VIBGYOR Group of Schools

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Help your little ones view every assignment as an opportunity to grow, reflect, and take pride in their efforts.

In this article, you’ll find:
✅ The homework paradox
✅ The new homework hour: A mirror into modern parenting
✅ Building a safe homework zone
✅ Parent support, not parental control
✅ The global homework debate
✅ Homework and family dynamics
✅ Focus without frustration
✅ Managing stress without losing connection
✅ Collaboration over competition
✅ Strengthening the circle of support

“Mom, I can’t do this.”

“You can. Let’s look at it together.”

Think back to your own childhood. Remember those evenings spent figuring out equations or essays under your parents’ watchful eyes? The frustration, the sighs, the small triumphs? Homework has evolved, from pen-and-paper to projects and digital learning, but one thing remains constant: the need for support. Today, helping kids with homework is about creating a space where they feel safe to try or to make mistakes. Supporting them through this process often reveals more about their strengths than any grade ever could.

The homework paradox

Across India, homework time often becomes a daily balancing act. Parents want to help but usually find themselves torn between encouragement and expectations.

According to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) survey, 81% of students reported that studies, exams and results caused them anxiety. In fact, schools in South Korea assign their students an average of 2.9 hours of homework per week, a relatively low amount.

In India, however, long assignments, tuition routines, and limited downtime create a culture of fatigue. Yet, small changes at home can redefine this experience. Effective study habits begin right at the dining table – by listening, pacing, and softening the tone.

A scene that plays out everywhere

Homework time can feel familiar – lessons waiting, parents guiding, and children hesitating. Between corrections and encouragement, emotions run high. A little patience, a listening ear, and the right approach transforms tension into teamwork.

This is where homework strategies and parent homework support make a difference.

The new homework hour: A mirror into modern parenting

In many cities, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. has unofficially become “homework prime time.” Parents close their laptops, children unpack their books, and fatigue sits between them disguised as focus. What was meant to build confidence often ends up being a test of patience.

So what is the new rule: less correction, more connection

Because children remember how homework felt, not just what it contained. Gentle guidance helps in supporting student learning and building good study habits.

Building a safe homework zone

Before focusing on grades, focus on comfort. A study routine for kids begins with safety, physical and emotional.

Parent support, not parental control

The 2024 Academic Motivation in Adolescents article highlights that when parents offer autonomy-supportive help, children display higher academic motivation. The difference often lies in tone:

“Show me how you tried solving this” sounds vastly different from “Why can’t you get this right?” In India, especially, parents often become de facto tutors.

Try these:

  • Ask your child to explain what needs to be done.
  • Listen without interrupting.
  • Guide only when they ask for clarity.
  • Celebrate the efforts more than the completion.

By giving space and empathy, you are supporting student learning, not supervising it.

The global homework debate

CountryHomework focusKey idea
FinlandMinimal homeworkLearning through play
JapanPractice with reflectionBuilding discipline and routine
USABalanced homework policiesEncouraging independent conversation
IndiaQuantity-driven assessmentsSlowly shifting to skill-based work

As classrooms across India evolve with new learning approaches, homework, too, is changing. Schools are gradually shifting toward educational support for children that values creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

Homework and family dynamics

Homework in Indian homes is rarely solitary. It is surrounded by grandparents’ advice, siblings’ chatter, and parents multitasking. Let children use this to their advantage.

Encourage your kids to share how they memorised poems or solved math problems in their time. It builds connection and perspective. Let siblings quiz one another; occasional chaos often makes learning assistance at home feel joyful and human.

Learning by the spoonful

Take a mother, Lavanya’s example – her son, Vicky, finally understood fractions when his grandmother used cooking to teach the principles: “Three cups of rice, one of daal – how much will be needed for six people?” The math stuck because the moment did. This is what kid-friendly study tips look like in real life.

Focus without frustration

Children often struggle to concentrate, especially after long school hours. Instead of enforcing the need to focus, try building it through gentle cues.

A systematic review found that classroom-based short physical and mindfulness breaks support attention and reading comprehension, which boost overall academic success.

Managing stress without losing connection

Homework stress often comes from fear of disappointing parents. Shift the after-study conversation. Instead of “Did you finish everything?”, ask them:

  • “What was the most interesting thing you learnt today?”
  • “Which part was a bit more challenging?”
  • “What would you like to try differently tomorrow?”

These questions nurture resilience and homework stress relief by shifting focus from results to learning.

Collaboration over competition

Teachers and parents share the same goal,  nurturing a child’s growth through shared understanding. When communication stays open, homework goes from a struggle to a shared journey.

The Parents’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Home-School Journaling as an Effective Method of Two-way Communication and Collaboration research mentioned that teachers shared weekly notes highlighting each child’s favourite activities, areas in which the student excelled, and areas that needed improvement. This consistent sharing helped parents feel more connected to their child’s learning and better equipped to support them at home.

Simple messages such as “She found this topic tricky; could we try another method?” open dialogue and show teamwork. Empathy, when shared, strengthens educational support for children far beyond the classroom.

Strengthening the circle of support

Small actions strengthen the bond between teachers and parents, transforming homework into a shared growth experience.

Keep a two-way journal

  • Exchange brief weekly notes on what the child enjoyed, struggled with, or learnt – making daily updates possible.

Set common learning goals

  • Agree on a few shared goals each term, such as reading, confidence-building, or time management, so home and school reinforce progress consistently.

Use positive language

  • Focus on progress instead of errors; positive, specific feedback keeps children encouraged and motivated to keep trying.

Share learning moments

  • Exchange small real-life examples of learning – solving a puzzle, cooking, or reading together – to connect classroom lessons with home life.

Keep conversations open

  • Replace formal updates with friendly, ongoing chats. A quick voice note or email helps bridge understanding before challenges now.

Homework will always be part of growing up, but how families hold that time defines its meaning. Across India, parents are quietly transforming homeworkinto a ritual of connection and balancing homework and playinto everyday life lessons. By shifting from correction to collaboration, tension to teamwork, and routine to reflection, parents help children build lifelong learning habits rooted in patience, purpose, and quiet confidence.

Because helping kids with homework is about shaping how they will face every question life brings: with curiosity, calm, and courage.



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