Vasant Valley Today // PAGE

I remember receiving my “Dear Sahil” from Zoya. First edition of the new year, my name right at the top, reading that article made everything so much more real. I was filled to the brim with an abundance of emotion, ranging from anxiety and nervous-ness to excitement and euphoria. One lingering thought, how-ever, was that I may not have been up to the task. I questioned my own capabilities, doubted myself. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to live up to the standards Zoya, whom I looked up to immensely, had set for me. In hindsight, I feel foolish for feeling that way.

Vasant Valley1FEBRUARY 2019

Dear Anahita TODAY

Love Sahil

,

,

Being Editor has been my toughest task, but my greatest pride. Make no mistake, it’s a difficult journey. Sorting through hun-dreds of tiny slips of paper to select the winners for Microfiction is like looking for a beige needle in a haystack, and staying up all night editing subpar articles can upset even the most patient of people. While the list of hassles you will surely face on a daily basis can be immense, I guarantee you there is no better feeling in the world than finally pressing that golden ‘Send’ button after hours upon hours of hard-work. I personally have woken up my entire family in the middle of the night cheering with joy after finally sending a particularly frustrating issue for printing. Not my proudest moment, that’s for sure.

As I write this letter, I reminisce about the time I was pulled out of my first hobby lesson in ninth grade, scared out of my wits that I had done something terribly wrong, only for my fear to be replaced by pleasant astonishment upon realising that I had been selected to be on the Editorial Board. From sending in hastily written articles just seconds before the deadline (oops!), to scolding others for doing the same, it truly has been an adventure.

As you probably know, being Editor is more than just being able to write well. The title is about leadership, teamwork, delegation, and most unfortunately- the ability to use InDesign’s complex configuration. Amidst the seemingly rigid rules, I would ask you to retain your creativity. After all, each individual newsletter is born out of your mind’s eye. Content, fonts, layout, image place-ment- these decisions are all, ultimately, yours to make. So, while efficiency may be of utmost importance, do allow yourself the flexibility to produce something you can be proud of.

If I could give you only one piece of advice to help you cope with the coming year, it would be to accept all the help you are of-fered. Be it a shy sixth grader asking whether you can read an article she has written, or a member of the Ed Board volunteering to help you compile, too many cooks will NOT spoil the broth. After all, each newsletter you take out is a combined effort. From the students writing to the teachers innovating and editing, each issue is an amalgamation of the efforts of many. It took me far too long to understand that, so take it from me- sit down, be humble, let others lighten your load!

Set your own standards, create your own ex-pectations, don’t struggle following in some-one else’s footprints, or you’ll forget to make your own.

“”

As I see the familiar word count approach the limit, I would like to thank you and everyone else who helped make my jour-ney bearable this past year. From Mrs. Tiwana always offering the library as my base of operations, to the heroes on my Mi-crofiction team, and finally, to the members of the Editorial Board- teachers and students alike- I would not have made it nearly this far without your constant, unwavering support, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Godspeed, Editor. I know you’ll do a great job.

SCHOOL WATCHसंस क्ृ त श्लो् लेखन प्रततयलोतिता - ्क्ा ६ १. आदितय २. ्ावया मतल् ३. अवनी िाँधीSpeed Math Winners:Class 3: Maedhaavi Mahajan, Namya Munjal, Navya Modi, Vivaan Tiwary and Ameir SandhuClass 4: Anant AgarwalClass 5: Fateh Singh Kalha, Md Shadab Khan and Rouvin UpadhyaClass 7: Harchet Singh Majithia, Savya Meattle and Kyra DharImpromptu Competition:Class 6: 1st: Nyalah Dhawan 2nd: Inika Gour Tirath 3rd: Anika Shringi and Kabir GuptaClass 7: 1st: Kabir Bahl and Diksha Sen 2nd: Miheeka Bagla 3rd: Jai KalraClass 8: 1st: Shubhkarman Singh Sandhu and Anirudh Vats 2nd: Sara Jayakumar 3rd: Girdhar ChandokClass 9: 1st: Siddhant Nagrath 2nd: Ruhaan ChopraClass 10: 1st: Ayushman Ashish Kher 2nd: Anshuman Singh 3rd: Arshya Gaur and Katyayani JhaClass 12: 1st: Karamvir Chopra 2nd: Akshit Bahri

Congratulations!

Vasant Valley Today // PAGE

INTER HOUSE TRACK

It was that time of the year again when the flags of the four houses waved gloriously through the brisk morning air, and the field was brighter than ever with the spirit of sportsmanship.The Track and Field Meet was yet again the occasion of deafening cheers from the students on the bleachers, and athletes sprinting across the racetrack to beat their own track records.

The field was set ablaze with a number of medalists and participants who marched with their chins up high and their shoulders broad with a feeling of accomplishment and pride. From the parents’ relay to the Bhaiyas and Didis showing off their incredible athletic skills, the atmosphere, just like every other year, was high spirited and vibrant throughout.

& FIELD MEET 2019

“Track and Field Meet is about encouraging your house to do the best they can. I am thankful that I got to lead a house as talented as yellow to victory. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding experience!” - Arnav Sethi, Yellow House Captain

“First is the worst, second is the best. Go Blue!”- Aahana Banerjee, Blue House Captain

“It’s actually really not about winning or losing, it’s about the other little elements like the cheering, the love, painting faces and the feeling of having your house upon your shoulders that makes the Inter-House Track and Field meet an event you look forward to the most.”- Sachin Babu, Red House Captain

हर्ष, उललास उमंि और जलोश था चारों ओर,सवसथ प्रततस्पधा्ष ववद्ातथ्षयों ्ी आखंों में साफ झल् रही थी,खखलाद़ियों ने अ्पनी तन्ुपणता ्ा उनिा प्रिश्षन द्या,ववजय ए् सिन ्ी नहीं हुई,खेल ्े मिैान में दिखाई जाने वाली लिन और महतवा्ांक्ा ्ी हुई।

For the second consecutive year, this sports day marked the victory of the underdogs. As the results were announced, “Yell What? Yellow!” was like a chant that rang through the ears of the jubilant spectators.The Moksh Dang Memorial Award for Athlete of the Year was won by Amairaa Chawla of Yellow House.

“No if, no but, only भटाभट!"- Shaurya Bhardwaj & Bikramjeet Singh Chawla, Games Vice Captains

Arshya Gaur, 10

2

“To all those from Yellow, Blue and Red, Green is the house you all should dread!”- Yuvraj Singh Mamik, Green House Captain

यश िुप्ा, 12

Yellow House takes the cup!

This annual event, at the end of the day, is not about who emerged victorious. Even though one house emerged the sole victor, in reality, we all won something that day. The event taught us healthy competition and the importance of the spirit of sports-manship. These values cannot be rivalled and are the stepping stones to becoming a winner.

Vasant Valley Today // PAGE

Head Boy is a responsibility more than a reward, but I am grateful for the recognition that comes with it.- Yash Gupta, Head Boy

I hope that I can fulfill my responsibilities as Head Girl with utmost grace as well as give the school everything I’ve got.- Sehej Kaur, Head Girl

I was so happy when my name was called out. I hope to make the newslet-ter so interesting that no one can turn it into a paper plane!- Anahita Jain, Editor

It is such an honour! I hope to help stu-dents actualise their potential over the course of the year. - Naina Shukla, Head of Spiritual Devel-opment

I hope to live up to the expectations bestowed upon me and help make a difference.-Advaya Gulati, Head of Social De-velopment

I hope to make a difference and make my mark as an essential part of the prefect council.- Asmita Shah, Head of Cerebral Development

I knew it in my bones that I would become a prefect. It was no surprise.- Shiv Mehta, Outreach Coordi-nator

It feels like all my hard work and hours on the dance floor have

finally paid off. I hope I’m always remem-bered by my teachers, juniors and peers for all my performances. - Chandsi Kataria, Performing Art Coor-dinator

The Office, Season 7, Episode 19, Minute 14:46.- Aditya Parashar, Red House Prefect

It was a surreal feeling when my name was called out, I still can’t believe it. - Ilisha Chauhan, Visual Art Coordinator

3

SENIOR SCHOOL PREFECT COUNCIL

It was a complete shock, so unexpected! But while walking down those steps a sense of pride swept over me. It was a wonderful moment. - Rithwick Sethi, Yellow House Prefect

The high unemployment rate for the past four decades in India shows not only the vulnerable state of the Indian economy but, also the BJP government’s relentless undermining of institutions. The number of people actively seeking jobs has fallen and the rate of the educated unemployed has risen by 6 percentage points. Recently, two of the four members of India’s National Statis-tical Commission have resigned because the government suppressed the publication of the latest National Sample Survey Office employment survey data.

The Business Standard reported that the suppressed NSSO report showed that the unemployment rate in 2017-18 stood at a 45 year high. It also said that the labour force participation rate, which is the proportion of population working or seeking jobs, declined from 39.5% in 2011-12 to 36.9% in 2017-18. People who have lost jobs due to demonetisation are still unemployed and the capacities of small employers have fallen dramatically. The BJP government has not created jobs as it promised, but has destroyed millions of jobs instead.

During its term the BJP government has often undermined numerous institutions. The attempted suppression of the employ-ment data forced the only two non-government members of the National Statistical Commission to resign in protest. The government also classified proposed legislations as money bills to evade the Rajya Sabha and mismanaged the Reserve Bank of India. If not stopped, such actions can seriously damage India’s democratic setup.

MORE THAN JUST A VULNERABLE ECONOMY

Tara Jing Gopinath, 10( Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/world/asia/india-unemployment-rate.htmlhttps://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nsso-report-unemployment-rape-45-year-high-not-official-niti-aayog-1443744-2019-01-31 )

Vasant Valley Today // PAGE4 Vasant Valley Today // PAGE

When I was called up on stage by Mr.Kapur, I was shocked…but in the nicest way. Everyone was clapping and congratulating.I knew then I would have to be even more responsible to set an example for my peers and juniors. To be a pre-fect is a wonderful feeling. I lead the Red House all the way from foundation to class 5 during

the Track and Field Meet. I am so so proud of it. Abeer Datta

I became the Games Captain!!!! When the Head boy and Blue House captains were announced at the special assembly, I was apprehensive about be-ing selected as a Prefect. But when Mr Kapur an-nounced " Games Captain - Reyansh Poddar”, I jumped out of my seat, and with happy tears in my eyes I ran onto the stage. I am so happy to be the Games Cap-tain as sports is my life! This badge made me feel very proud but at the same time made me more responsible. Reyansh Poddar

When my name was called up for being the head of the Emo-tional Development Prefect, it was a really big moment for me. Believe it or not I kept praying to be a prefect, and WOW! I already am one! My friends who were selected as prefects were literally hugging and congratulating each other after the an-nouncements were done! And were cry-ing tears of happiness. But in the end it’s like a dream come true. This puts a great responsibility on my shoulders, and I will prove to my teachers and friends that I can do my best!! Khandro Wangmo Mevo

When I was announced as Head Girl I couldn’t believe my ears. It was like a dream come true. I am ecstatic to be given this responsibility and feel grateful for the trust that has been placed on me. I will try my best to be a Head Girl whom everyone in school is proud of. Veda Kalra

Being a prefect makes me feel happy and responsible.I feel like I have to set an example for the younger kids. When my name was announced on stage I got really ex-cited, and also was excited for my friends who were also made prefects. I hope to inspire every-one in blue house to participate in track and fi eld meet, and various other competitions through the year. Zoya T Sahni Blue House Captain

It was fi nally time for the Prefect announcement. My hands trembled when the Head Boy and Head Girl were announced. It was now time for the Yellow House Captain to be announced. Yes it was me! I shook Mr. Kapur’s hand proudly and also got to know that I was Head of Physical De-

velopment too. It felt like a dream come true. The next day was full of excitement and responsibilities. I felt proud of my house and before I knew it the day was over. Shirin Sultana Shaw

When my name was called out to be a prefect for a moment I felt I was having a dream. I was extremely happy to be given such an important role. I am the Social Development Prefect. I have a very big job that is to correct people in when they do wrong, to help others and to collaborate with everyone when need-

ed.I am thankful to all the teachers for selecting me. Kabir Sharma

When I got selected as the the Class Represen-tative, I was happy and at the same time proud that I have got this responsibility. I felt stu-pendous and wanted to leap up with joy. I am thankful for my friends who voted for me. and I am in the student council. Sumer Sharma

Overjoyed, Thrilled, Happy, Nervous, Excit-ed …there are many adjectives to describe my feelings. I was really surprised to hear my name being announced by Mr Kapur, that too for the Head Boy!!! It almost felt like I was in a dream, going up on stage, shaking Mr. Kapur’s hand and seeing Mrs. Bakshi, Mrs. Krishnan, my teachers and the whole school clapping for me. In fact, I woke up the next morning and asked my mum, if yesterday was a dream!!! I am also extremely happy that many of my friends are also prefects. Being Head Boy is going to be a big task and a responsibility but I am looking forward to doing my duties sincerely and responsibly. Joshua George

I was actually pretty surprised when my name was called out for Junior School Sports vice-Cap-tain, but at the same time I knew I had worked hard for it. All the hours that I had trained for athletics during PE lessons contributed to my winning several medals at the Track and Field

Meet and also represent the school in various athletic com-petitions. Also, my training in soccer camp has helped me get into the School soccer team. When my name was announced I leapt up from my seat and walked to the stage with pride. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life. Nysa Bedi

I have been chosen as a Class Representa-tive. I felt really amazed when I got to know I was the Class Representative. It was a real-ly big moment for me. Maya Rose Chopra

MEET YOUR PREFECTS

I felt very excited when my name was called out and I was selected as the Green House Captain. I feel very proud of my achievment and am very happy and look forward to what lies ahead in the future for me. Aisha Mohiuddin

When I heard my name as a prefect, I was delighted! I don't have words to express my feelings. I was about to cry when the prefects were getting announced because I thought that I don't have even a single chance to be a prefect. One of my dreams came true. I was so happy because I was a prefect and

so are some of my friends. I'm happy to have this opportunity of being a prefect in the Spritual area of development. Shadab Khan

Vasant Valley Today // PAGE 5

Speakers’ Forum 2019Even while writing in such a tense situation with just an hour to prepare, every student had a smile on their face and wrote with an enthusiastic spirit. Stories ranged from rescue missions for chameleons and reptile ambushes, to Donald Trump cutting off a boy's luscious locks to make a wig for himself. The esteemed adjudicator, Ms. Mohini Marya, of-ten forgot that she had to critically judge the students as she chuckled, engrossed in the gloriously twisted yarns that the participants had spun.The winner of the competition was from Springdales School, Pusa Road.

Tall Tale Competition

Book Discussion -‘The Journey To The River Sea’

The event started with a game called ‘Two Lies, One Truth’ and continued with an introduction to the author, Eva Ibbot-son. The children analysed the book, characters, themes and Ibbotson's writing style.The book ‘Journey To The River Sea’ traces the story of the orphaned Maia and her friend Finn in the Amazon, the green hell of the world. As the discussion progressed, the children explored the genre of the book and how it is not only about adventure and discovery, but one of growing up, friendship and coming to terms with one's life. The discussion ended in riddles, crosswords and laughter.

Slam Poetry Competition

The topics for the Slam Poetry Competition in the Speakers’ Forum 2019 were - ‘Them and Us’ and ‘A Puzzle.’ Although most of the participants chose the topic ‘A Puzzle’ , the different interpretations and stories of both the topics, that each participant brought forward, left everyone in the room in awe of their talents. While some performances were absolutely hilarious, others that spoke about giving in to the likings of society as a result of not fitting in sent shivers down our backs. The winner of the competition was Alankrita Malhotra from the Sanskriti School.

Oral Interpretation Competition

The Oral Interpretation Competition was one that tested diction as well as expression. The participants spoke with fervour and de-livered brilliant performances. The atmosphere was packed with poems ranging from ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ to ‘The Little Red Riding Hood,’ stirring up feelings of honour and adoration with a sidekick of humour. The participants spoke clearly, with an expressive use of hands and theatrics. The adjudicator ended her feedback with a little rhyming activity, that allowed everyone to explore various meth-ods of voice modulation, gesticulation and speech. The winner of the competition was from Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan.

Book Discussion -‘Echo’The discussion began with a conversation on the background of the author, Pam Munoz Ryan.Through deep discussions, intellectual questions and friendly debates, the participants unraveled the threads that were woven together to form the intricate story. As an opportunity to stretch their legs and strengthen the bonds they had developed with the students of other schools, they all participated in a treasure hunt. The book discussion, though seemingly simple, took the participants on a rollercoaster and ended up being a fun and educational activity.

Turncoat Competition

The Turn Coat event took place in the Vasant Manch with 17 participants, each of whom spoke with confidence and strongly believed in what they said. Each speaker was given two minutes to prepare a speech on the given motion - one minute propos-ing and one minute opposing it. The thought provoking topics this year ranged from environmental terrorism and legalising the sale of organs to private prisons and junk food tax. These topics presented a diverse array of issues that were dealt with brilliantly by the participants. The adjudicator of the competition was Mr. Parth Maniktala who gave valuable advice to the aspiring debators.

Vasant Valley Today // PAGE

Advaita Sehgal, Siddhant Nagrath, Shyla Upadhyay, Daksayani Chandra, Jehan Vir Singh Bhandal,

Katyayani Jha, Tara Jing Gopinath, Arshya Gaur, Anahita Kukreja, Kavyini Garodia, Prakriti Mahajan,

Prithvi Oak, Reana Soni, Sanaa Sharma, Vedika Bagla, Anoushka Clays, Darinee Chandok, Harnoor Singh,

Tanvi Bahl, Sanah Kapur

Editor - Anahita Jain

6

Send all articles/suggestions to newsletter@vasantvalley.orgOnline issue available at www.vasantvalley.org

If you got Mostly A’s... You’re Jake Peralta! Competent, yet laid back and immature, you have a charming personality. You make every task fun, and this is what drives you to be one of the best in what you do!

If you got Mostly B’s...You’re Gina Linetti! Sarcastic and cynical, you’re obsessed with gadgets and consider yourself the queen of social media. Your confident attitude is what keeps you going!

If you got Mostly C’s...You’re Amy Santiago! Intelligent and very competitive, some perceive you as a “goody two shoes.” You always stand up for what you believe in and people are attracted to your loyalty and integrity!

If you got Mostly D’s... You’re Norm Scully! Caring and adorable, you’re a die-hard foodie and will always look for excuses to stay in bed and get away from physical ac-tivity. You’re very loyal and lovable!

ममता और अखखलेश ्लो हलो िई ्ुससी ्ी माया राहुल ्ा ्पूरा ्पररवार है आया,्मल ्ी सेना ्ह चु् ी यलिार मलोिी ्ी सर्ार दफर से अब ्ी बार,मंदिर बनाओ, मखसजि हटाओ राम राजय ले्र आओ,द्सान ्ा ्रा्ष माफ़ तलो सब ्पा्प भलू जाओ बेख़ौफ़|हेतल्ॉपटर उतरने न िलो या राफे़ल ्ी तनंिा ्र िलो ,तानलो ्े इस जिं में, ववजेता वही,जलो खिु ्लो दिखाए सही, उलटा चलोर च़ौ्ीिार ्लो डांटे,और च़ौ्ीिार िसूरों ्लो चुभाए ्ाँटे ए् बलोले आओ ्ुमभ मेला चलें, िसूरा ्हे सबरीमाला ्ा प्रततबंध हटे दरि्पल तला् खतम ्रलो सेकशन ३८८ ्लो लािू ्रलो कया ्पता ़्ौन चलोर, और है ़्ौन च़ौ्ीिार नेता ्लो तलो बस ्रना है अ्पना उद्ार|

िकशयानी चंद्ा,9

ई मदु्ा

EDITORIAL BOARD

1. How would your friends describe you?a. Funnyb. Sassyc. Book-Wormd. Friendly

2. How would you spend your weekend?a. Binge watch movies at homeb. Be on your phone all dayc. Read a book and look forward to an active dayd. Sleep, and wake up only to eat

3. If you got locked in a room, how would you get out?a. Scream till you are heardb. Post about it on Social Media and get helpc. Reverse pick the lockd. Take a nap and wait for someone to find you

4. What is your ideal vacation spot?a. Bahamas – at an island resortb. New York – shopping in Manhattanc. Berlin – at a historical tour about the Holocaustd. Venice - food tasting in Italy

आज मनषुय ने त्नी्ी ्ी मिि से ितुनया ही बिल िी है। जीवन दिन ब दिन आसान एवं सुववधाजन् हलोता जा रहा है। इस्ा जीता जािता सबतू है त्नी्ी मदु्ा ्े के्त्र में वव्ास। ्पसेै ्े लेन िेन ्लो दडखजटल रू्प से उ्पलबध ्रने ्ा ए् माधयम दडखजटल मदु्ा है। वबना नलोटों ्ा प्रयलोि द्ए ललोि ववतभनन सेवाओ ं्ा उ्पभलोि ्र स्ते हैं। इस सवुवधा ने तात्ातल् लेन- िेन ्लो मदु्ा ्ी सीमा से सवतंत्र ्र दिया है| इस्े मखुय भाि हैं:दरिपटलो्लोररेंसी और वचु्षअल भिुतान अनपु्रयलोि।

आज्ल, मलोबाइल से भिुतान ्रने ्ा प्रयलोि भी तेरी से बढ़ िया है। इन्े माधयम से हम घर बठेै, अ्पने मलोबाइल से ही सामान खरीि या बेच स्ते हैं, वबजली,्पानी आदि ्ा वबल भर स्ते है और अ्पने ररशतेिारों और िलोसतों ्लो ्ुछ तमंटलो में ्पसेै भेज स्ते हैं। इनमें से ्ुछ प्रतसद् ्ं्पतनयाँ हैं - ्ेपटीम और भीम एप्प। भीम एप्प भारत सर्ार ्ी ‘दडखजटल इंदडया’ यलोजना ्ा ए् दहससा है। इस एप्प ्े आधार से हम सारे सर्ारी ्ाम भी तसफ्ष अ्पने मलोबाइल से ही ्र स्ते हैं। इन्े प्रयलोि से आम ललोिों ्ी खरनििी जयािा सवुवधाजन् बन िई है और हमारा िेश वव्ास माि्ष ्पर तेरी से बढ़ रहा है।

इ-मदु्ा ्े के्त्र में नवीनतम वव्ास दरिपटलो ्रेंसी ने द्या है, जलो बलॉ्चनै त्नी्ी ्े तसद्ांत ्पर आधाररत है। िसूरे िेश ्ी मदु्ाएँ जसेै द् भारत में रू्पए या अमेरर्ा ्े डॉलर इतयादि ्लो सर्ार ्परेू िेश में लािू ्रती है और इसतमाल में लाए जाते हैं| ्परनतु दरिपटलो्ररेंइसेस ्े ऊ्पर द्सी भी सर्ार ्ा ्लोई भी प्रततबंध नहीं हलोता है कयोंद् इन्ा ्लोई ्ेनद् नहीं हलोता। इस ्ारण इस्े मलूय ्पट द्सी भी सर्ार या संसथा ्ा तनयंत्रण नहीं हलोता| वबट्ॉइन सबसे ्परुानी और सबसे प्रतसद् दरिपटलो ्रेंसी है। वबट्ॉइन ्लो ‘सातलोशी ना्ामलोतलो ’ ने २००९ में बनाया था। आज्ल, वबट्ॉइन ्े माधयम से हम ऑनलाइन वसतुएँ और सेवाएँ ले स्ते हैं| इस्े माधयम से हम ्पसैों ्लो द्सी और त् सरुखक्त रू्प में ्पहंुचा स्ते हैं। ितुनया ्ी ्ई सर्ारों ने वबट्ॉइन ्लो मानयता िी है ्परनतु भारतीय सर्ार ने इस ववरय ्पर तनण्षय नहीं तलया है। दडखजटल मुद्ा ्े बारे में ्परूी जान्ारी से ्पता चलता है द् इस्े द्तने लाभ हैं। जसेै -जसेै इस्े बारे में जािरू्ता बढे़िी और इस्ी ्पहँुच आम आिमी त् जयािा उ्पयलोि में आएिी और मुद्ा ्ा प्रयलोि ्म हलोता जाएिा।

Yash Gupta & Advaya Gulati, 12WHICH ‘BROOKLYN NINE-NINE’ CHARACTER ARE YOU?

एलान-ए- जिं

Advaita Sehgal, 9