GAMA Newsletter May 2018

Newsletter May 2018ചെണ്ടമേളം A Special feature by Karmachandran Gopalakrishnan SaReGAMA 2018 Winners, snapshots of the main event & more GYG members visit IBM ThinkLab

President’s MessageDear Readers,As every year, GAMA is committed to serving the growing Malayalee community in Austin. This year webring you a brand new Board of Directors who have a clear vision to take GAMA to new heights.The 2018GAMA Board has been tirelessly working towards organizing events and activities.This year we saw unprecedented participation for SaReGAMA which highlyelevated the quality of the event. We conducted a free Oral Cancer Screeningcamp in association with La Frontera Dental clinic, which was highly successfuland very well-received. Currently, preparations are in full swing for Spring Fest,which is a day out at the park with good food and fun activities. Thank you to allGAMA members, sponsors and volunteers for their continued support.Sincerely,Kamal VijayakumarKamal Vijayakumar (President) Arif Rasheed Sajeev SadasivanAnu Mahesh (Vice-President) Bhagheerathy Rabishanker Shine ThankappanRemesh Chandra (Secretary) Binu RB Sreejith NambiarSankarnath Pangapattu (Treasurer) Geo Joseph Sreekant Nair Jacob Thomas Suresh Venukuttan Rakesh Raveendran Uma Iyer

The Newsletter TeamDear Readers,Welcome to the very first newsletter of 2018. In this edition we have an exclusive feature about a group ofvery special people in our community. These folks had a passion, followed it and integrated it into not onlytheir lives but into the cultural fabric of the Austin metro area. Here’s a shout out to all the members of theChendamelam team.GAMA Youth Group members visited IBM’s ThinkLab and learnt about not only how cool technology can bebut how it can be used to help disabled & differently abled people. Read all about it.We also have a recap of SaReGAMA which for the very first time was conducted over a span of two days.We wish to thank the community for the overwhelming response and participation. Kudos to all whoperformed, the winners and the parents and teachers whose dedication is crucial to keeping our art formsthriving here. We have published the winning entries and so much more. Hope you enjoy.As always, if you have a story, a poem or an art-work that you, your kiddo or a member of your family hasdone and would like to share, drop us a line at [email protected],The Newsletter Team

GYG : IBM visitOver Spring Break, on March 13, GYG (GAMA YouthGroup) had its first ever study trip, a visit to IBMResearch ThinkLab! The kids got to see the latest inAI technology, experience augmented reality, usevirtual reality goggles, and even interact withrobots! And while doing so, kids learned about howthis new technology can be implemented in order tohelp people with disabilities and the elderly.The IBM team began the tour by exhibiting theirnew Cognitive Computing project, under themoniker of Content Clarifier, which is a cloudcomputing program that uses machine learning tosimply complex text to find the main ideas, clarifypoints, and replace complex jargon with easier-to-understand words. The GYG team split up into two groups, where one group learned about advances or robotics and AI in the field of geriatrics. In both stations, the ways that this new technology could help humanity was highly emphasized. Augmented reality allows people to visualize their ideas better, and GYG members were able to see AI add-ons that could be attached to the goggles to make it easier for the visually impaired to use. After that, the kids were able to sample IBM’s VR technology as their hosts joked with them about getting stuck in tight corners within the virtual reality.

The other group learned about how robots and GYG : IBM visitsensors could be used in the medical field to helpthe family of the elderly but independent feel betterabout the safety of their elders, and notify hospitalstaff if anything has gone amiss in a patient’s room.This new technology keeps a family informed whilerespecting the privacy of the patient. GYG membersmet 4 robots: Pepper, G-bot, Charmander, and Nao.Charmander and Pepper were significantly moresocial and showed just how robots can contribute toeveryday life, and help those with social disabilitiesbecome more comfortable in a new environment.Charmander and Nao demonstrated how live videosent across the globe on an ambulatory robot couldmake long-distance relationships feel closer.The groups then switched stations and each group GYG doubtlessly had a very educational andlearned about the new advances IBM has made to enjoyable trip, which has inspired many of theseimprove the lives of those who feel unable to live members to open their minds to engineering for alife to the fullest. The tour closed with the IBM team better world.reinforcing the idea that if you think you have anidea that can change the world, follow through withit, and if you really believe in it, it’ll happen.

Oral Cancer Screening CampAs a non profit organization, giving back to thecommunity has always been our key priority. April isOral Cancer Awareness month. GAMA partneredwith La Frontera Dental, our platinum plus sponsorto conduct a free Oral Cancer screening event forthe community. The event was held on Apr 28th, 2018 @ La Frontera Dental and was a great success with participation from our community. Thanks to Dr.Satish and his wonderul team for volunteering their time, effort and expertise for this give back event for the community.

ചെണ്ടമേളംമേരളത്തിന്ചെ സ്വന്തം മേളചെരുേയാണ് ചെണ്ട. മേരളത്തിചെ ഓമരാ ഗ്രാേങ്ങള ംഉെങ്ങുന്നതും ഉണരുന്നതും ഈ വാദ്യത്തിന്ചെ തുടിമേട്ട് ഉന്മത്തരായാണ്. ചെണ്ടയിൊല ത്തഉത്സവം, പൂരം, ചതയ്യം, േഥേളി, േൂടിയാട്ടം, തിെയാട്ടം എന്നിവ േെയാളത്തിന്ഊഹിക്കാൻമപാെും വയ്യ. പതിചെട്ട വാദ്യങ്ങള ം ചെണ്ടയ്ക്ക്ക് താമേ എചന്നാരു ചൊെലതചന്നയുണ്ട്. ചെണ്ടയുചടയഗ്ത ഉയർന്ന ശബ്ദം പുെചെടുവിക്കുന്ന വാദ്യങ്ങൾ മൊേത്തിൽതചന്ന അപൂർവ്വം.ചെണ്ട അസ്ുര വാദ്യോയാണ് അെിയചെടുന്നത്. അതുചോണ്ട് ഈ വാദ്യം വിവാഹംമപാെുള്ള േംരള േർമ്മങ്ങൾക്ക് ഉപമയാരിക്കാെിെല. പചെ അത് േെുഷ്യർക്ക് ോഗ്തോണ്ബാധേം ! മെഗ്തങ്ങളിൽ േൂർത്തിചയ പാണി ചോട്ടിയുണർത്താെും പുെമത്തക്ക്എേുചന്നള്ളിക്കാെും ചെണ്ട മവണം. അതുചോണ്ട് ചെണ്ടക്കാർ ദദ്വത്തിന്ചെ വാദ്േരാണ്.ചെണ്ട ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക്കും േൂട്ടായും ശക്തിചതളിയിക്കുന്നു. േഥേളിക്കും മേളത്തിെും തായമ്പേക്കുംചെണ്ട ചോട്ട ന്നത് ചവമവ്വചെ രീതിേളിൊണ്. േഥേളിയുചട ബിജിഎം ആണ് ചെണ്ട .േഥേളിയിൽ മവഷ്ക്കാരൻ േമൊധർമ്മം ആടുമമ്പാൾ ചെണ്ട എേുതാെ െം വായിക്കുന്നു.ആട്ടത്തിൊണമെലാ ചോട്ട്. മവഷ്ക്കാരന്ചെ േുഖത്ത് വിരിയുന്ന ഭാവങ്ങളഗ്തയുംചെണ്ടക്കാരൻ ചോട്ടി എടുക്കണം. അവിചട മവഷ്ക്കാരൻചെ ഭാഷ്ചയാചടാെം ചെണ്ടമെരുേയാണ്. ഭയവും, ശ ംരാരവും, മശാേവും ചെണ്ടക്കാരൻ ഈ അത്ഭുത വാദ്യത്തിൽചോട്ടിചയടുക്കും. ഇടിേുേക്കംേുതൽ ദ്െേർേരത്തിന്ചെ ശബ്ദംവചര ആ ദേേളിൽവിരിയും.







SaReGAMA 2018പ്രവാസ മ ാകത്ത്‌നമ്മൾ ഓമരാരുത്ർക്ും നഷ്ടചെടുന്ന ഒരുരാട് കാരയങ്ങളിൽഒന്നാണ് യുവജനൽസവങ്ങള ം ക ാ യ േത്സരങ്ങള ം. ആ നഷ്ടചെട ുകൾ നികത്ുന്നഒരു േത്സരമവദിയാണ് ചപ്െയ്റ്റർ ഓസ്റ്റിൻ േ യാളീ അമസാസിമയഷൻ (ൊേ) വര്ഷംമ ാറും നടത്ിവരുന്ന സരിെേയിൽ കൂടി ഓസ്റ്റിനിച ഇന്ത്യൻ സേൂഹത്ിനു നൽകിവരുന്നത്. മദശ മേധമേനയ കുട്ടികൾക്ത സർഗ്ഗവവേവങ്ങൾ ച ളിയിക്ാനുള്ള ഒരുഅവസരോണിത്. രണ്ടു ദിനങ്ങളി ായി ദൃശയ സാഹി യ േത്സരങ്ങള ം നൃത്നൃ യ ര േത്സരങ്ങളാണ് അരമങ്ങറുന്നത്. നൂമറാളം കുട്ടികള ചട ോസ്‌േരികപ്രകടനകള ോയി ോർച്ചത 24 നു ൊേയുചട 12 -േത് സരിെേ-2018 സി ഡി ഫ്ലൂക്‌സ്‌േിഡിൽ സ്‌കൂളിൽ അ ിെംേീരോയി നടത്ി. രാവിച 9 നു പ്രാർത്ഥനമയാചടത്ുടങ്ങി ൊേയുചട േുൻ കാ ചസപ്കട്ടറി ജിബി രാറക്ൽ ദീരം ചകാള ത്ിഉൽഘടനം നടത്ി. ഇമൊഴചത് പ്രസിഡന്റ് കേൽ വിജയകുോർ സദസിചനസവാെ ം ചെയ്റ് ു. സരിെേയുചട െരിപ് ത്ിൽ ആദയോയാണ് നീണ്ട രത്ു േണിക്ൂർേത്സരങ്ങൾ അരമങ്ങറിയത്.

SaReGAMA 2018മസ്റ്റജ് മസ്റ്റജി ിര വിോെങ്ങളിൽ 16 േത്സരങ്ങളാണ് നടന്നത്. ഇ ിൽ ക്ലാസിക്ൽ,മനാൺ ക്ലാസിക്ൽ, പ്െൂെത ഡാൻസ്‌, രാട്ടത, സംെീമ ാരകരണങ്ങൾ, ചരയിന്ററിംഗ്,മഫാമട്ടാപ്ൊഫി, ഇംഗ്ലീഷ്, േ യാളം ഉരനയാസങ്ങൾ, കവി എന്നിവയി ായിരുന്നുേത്സരങ്ങൾ. ഓസ്റ്റിനിച ഇന്ത്യൻ സേൂഹത്ിന്റചറ വളർച്ച ഇപ്രാവശയചത്സരിെേയി ും പ്രകടോയിരുന്നു. എ ാല വർഷങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നും വയ യസ്‌ ോയിനൂമറാളം അമരക്ഷകളിൽ ിരചെടുത് 5 േു ൽ 17 വചര പ്രായ രരിധിയിൽ ഉള്ളകുട്ടികള ചട കടുെമേറിയ ും കണ്ണിനു േിഴിമവറിയ ും ആയിരുന്നു രേത്സരങ്ങള ം. ചടക്‌സസിച വിവിധ ോെങ്ങളിൽനിന്നും എത്ിയ പ്രെത്ഭരായവിധികർത്ാക്ളായിരുന്നു േത്സരങ്ങൾ വി യിരുത്ിയത്.Mmore text

SaReGAMA performances

SaReGAMA Momentsനാടിചന ഓർേിെിക്ും വിധം േത്സരങ്ങള ചട ഫ േറിയാനുള്ള കുട്ടികള ചടയുംോ ാരി ാക്ള ചടയും കാത്ിരിെ ം ഒരു കാഴ്െയായിരുന്നു. രത്ു േണിക്ൂർ നീണ്ടുനിന്ന േത്സരങ്ങൾ ൊേയുചട GYG പ്രസിഡന്റ് പ്ശു ി രാേെപ്രന്റചറ നരി പ്രസംെമത്ാചടഅവസാനിച്ച . ുടർന്നത വിധികർത്ാക്ചള ആദരിക്ുകയും, വിജയികളായവർക്തൊേയുചട വവസ്‌ പ്രസിഡന്റ് അനു േമഹഷ്, ചസപ്കട്ടറി രമേശ്, പ്ടഷറർ ശങ്കർനാ് രങ്കൊട്ടത, ിറി വടക്ൻ - പ്ടിനിറി പ്െൂെത കമ്പനീസ്‌, Dr. സ ീഷ് - ാ പ്ഫമണ്ടറ ചഡന്ററൽ, എന്നിവർമെർന്നത സമ്മാനങ്ങള ം വി രണം ചെയ്റ് ു. മദശീയ ൊനമത്ാചട സരിെേ 2018 ിരശീവീണു.



SaReGAMA WinnersSolo PerformancesMusic Vocal Classical (9 – 12 yrs) Music Instrumental:String(13 – 17 yrs) 1st Suhani Gagrani 1st Sruti Ramachandran 2nd Shriya Nair 2nd Mahir Kota 3rd Ailin Thomas Music Instrumental:Piano/KeyboardMusic Vocal Non-Classical (5 – 8 yrs) (5 – 8 yrs) 1st Anya Roshan 2nd Joseph Lijoy 1st Joan Papricia Amalraj 2nd Judith Papricia AmalrajMusic Vocal Non-Classical (9 – 12 yrs) 3rd Sachin Ramachandran 1st Diya Arun Music Instrumental:Piano/Keyboard 2nd Don Siby Pangottil 3rd Advaith Remesh (9 – 12 yrs)Music Vocal Western (5 – 8 yrs) 1st Grace Marshall 2nd Dia Shine 1st Joseph Lijoy 3rd Vandana Iyer 2nd Meera Suresh 3rd Greeshma Sanil Dance Eastern Classical (9 – 12 yrs)Music Vocal Western (9 – 12 yrs) 1st Ananya Sunil 2nd Mekha Mathew 1st Grace Marshall 3rd Roseanne Olekangal 2nd Vandana Iyer 3rd Ailin Thomas Dance Eastern Non-Classical (5 – 8 yrs)Music Instrumental:Wind (13 – 17 yrs) 1st Joan Papricia Amalraj 2nd Sanjitha Janani irish 1st Siddharth Iyer 3rd Jiah Nair 2nd Mahir Kota 3rd Jaden Panicker Dance Eastern Non-ClassicalMusic Instrumental:String (9 – 12 yrs) (9 – 12 yrs) 1st Devka Anu Manoj 1st Julia Mathew 2nd Advaith Remesh 2nd Shreya Nampoothiri 3rd Shriya Kota 3rd Devika Anu Manoj

SaReGAMA WinnersVisual/Literary ArtsPainting (5 – 8 yrs) Essay Writing - English (5 – 8 yrs) 1st Greeshma Sanil 1st Anuraag Pillai 2nd Joan Papricia Amalraj 2nd Joan Papricia Amalraj 3rd Milind Rabichankar 3rd Riya ShyjuWater Color Painting (9 – 12 yrs) Essay Writing - English (9 – 12 yrs) 1st Ananya Sunil 1st Gowri Menon 2nd Nidhi Shine 2nd Roseanne Olekangal 3rd Mekha Mathew 3rd Esha Nair & Aarohi BhattacharyaWater Color Painting (13 – 17 yrs) Essay Writing English(13 – 17 yrs) 1st Ameera Faizal 1st Siddharth Iyer 2nd Emil Mathew 2nd Sruti Ramachandran 3rd Sruti Ramachandran 3rd Ameera FaizalPencil Drawing (5 – 8 yrs) Poetry Writing English (5 – 8 yrs) 1st Joan Papricia Amalraj & Greeshma Sanil 1st Sriya Shyu 2nd Rizwan Mohammed 2nd Greeshma Sanil 3rd Anuraag Pillai 3rd Anuraag PillaiPencil Drawing (9 – 12 yrs) Poetry Writing English(9 – 12 yrs) 1st Nidhi Shine 1st Shreya Sreekant 2nd Ailin Thomas 2nd Roseanne Olekangal 3rd Emily Joseph 3rd Nidhi ShinePencil Drawing (13 – 17 yrs) Poetry Writing English (13 – 17 yrs) 1st Pallavi Mohan 1st Ameera Faizal 2nd Ameera Faizal & Sruti Ramachandran 2nd Sruti Ramachandran 3rd Siddharth IyerPhotography (13 – 17 yrs) Essay Writing Malayalam (7 – 12 yrs) 1st Ameera Faizal 1st Advaith Remesh 2nd Shreya Nampoothiri 3rd Neeharika Jayaprakash

Kids’ Corner Painting (5 – 8 yrs) 1st Greeshma Sanil2nd Joan Papricial Amalraj 3rd Milind Rabishankar

Kids’ Corner Painting (9 – 12 yrs)1st Ananya Sunil 2nd Nidhi Shine 3rd Mekha Mathew

Kids’ Corner Painting (13 – 17 yrs) 1st Ameera Faizal2nd Emil Mathew 3rd Sruti Ramachandran

Kids’ Corner1st Greeshma Sanil Pencil Drawing (5 – 8 yrs) 1st Joan Papricia Amalraj2nd Rizwan Mohammed 3rd Anuraag Pillai

Kids’ Corner Pencil Drawing (9 – 12 yrs)1st Nidhi Shine2nd Ailin Thomas 3rd Emily Joseph

Kids’ Corner Pencil Drawing (13 – 17 yrs)1st Pallavi Mohan2nd Ameera Faizal 3rd Sruti Ramachandran

Kids’ Corner English Essay Writing (5 – 8 yrs) Have you ever wondered what you would do If If I had a magic wand, I would play with it andyou had a magic wand? Today I am going to tell you make all sorts of things like magic. I would make mywhat I would do if I had a magic wand. friend the kindest friend I had in my whole life If I had a magic wand the first thing I would do is And I would turn a butterfly to my own petmake myself invisible and get super speed. So I forever and ever. I would my want to turn my housecould have some super powers to protect me. to a castle The second thing I would do is beat up and all of And I would turn my family to a king, queen andthe terrorist. And make them good so they will princess. It would be super and really awesomenever threaten us again. And no one will be bad andthe world would be a peaceful place. I would use my wand to make thousands and thousands of cupcakes. I would make my wand to The third thing I would is donate food water and make lots and lots of slime that I never had in mymedicine to charity. So they can keep their body whole life beforeclean and healthy. I will also give them homes to livein so then they can have awesome lives like us. I would make glittery slime, nail polish and even Chocolate slime. I never had slime before in my If I had a magic wand, I would leally like to make whole lifethe world a better place. Because then all of us willbe equal and live a happy life. Having a wand is so much fun to have. If I had a wand. I would do all these stuff really I would do all- Anuraag Pillai (1st) these things - Joan Papricia Amalraj (2nd ) If I had a magic wand, I would use it for good things. For e.g. I would make food for people, I wouldmake water for poor people and I clothes for poor people. If I had a magic wand, I would help my mom byfolding the clothes, making food, doing the laundry, and washing the dishes. If I had a magic wand, I wouldeveryone homework go away. If I had a magic want, I would turn winter into summer. If I had a magic wandI would make it snow so I can make a snowman. f I had a magic wand I would change all the deserts intowater falls. f I had a magic wand, I would transport myself to Niagara Falls, Library, school, bank, Egypt. f Ihad a magic wand, I would hypnotize people to be my friends. f I had a magic wand, I would magically havea cute dog. f I had a magic wand, I would make myself a house to sleep in. f I had a magic wand, I wouldmake the largest swimming pool. f I had a magic wand, I would make myself a dancer. f I had a magic wand,I would make myself a dancer. f I had a magic wand, I would help everyone fulfill their dream. f I had amagic wand, I would change my age to 19. f I had a magic wand, I would make everyone kind hearted. f Ihad a magic wand, I would change everyone to be a 1st grader. f I had a magic wand, I would make everyfloor slippery. f I had a magic wand, every boy will be turned into a girl and every girl will turn into a boy. f Ihad a magic wand, I would put glue on every chair so everyone will never be able to get up. f I had a magicwand, I would make a cozy bed to sleep in.- Riya Shyju (3rd )

Kids’ Corner English Essay Writing (9 – 12 yrs) My favorite place on Earth is Home. This is because is the place where I feel like no matter what, I willalways belong. For me, home is like a base. Everyday after school, I come home, have a snack, take ashower etc. After a long and fun day at the park, when I’m tired and feel like collapsing, I can always comehome and sleep or rest or do whatever I need to do Whenever were on vacation, yes, we are having fun and we are exploring new places, but when we comeback home, there’s always that feeling of relief, like we’re safe and sound. Even though sometimes we get bored sitting at home with nothing to do, that’s just us taking having ahome for granted. Its just like that saying, “there’s no place like home”. At home, there’s always things todo. If you’ve read all the books in your house, reread them! When I do this, I always get a deeper meaningof the book or the plot. Sometimes, I feel like going to Paris or Greece or anywhere else besides home. That’s because I’m so usedto my home that, I don’t realize what I have! Another reason, why my home is my most favorite place on earth is that its not just one place. When wemove around and settle in a new state, country, city, whatever, we will always bring home with us. Any other place you see, you will never be an actual part of it. Any other place you see, you will never beactually attached permanently to it. But home moves around with us. It doesn’t matter if we live inAntarctica, North America, Europe, Asia, wherever we are, home is there with us. Wherever home is, weare there with it. - Gowri Menon (1st )PARIS Have you ever been to Paris? If you have, you know how amazing this place is. If you haven’t, you’reabout to enter a place full of wonders. Paris is amazing, with its famous Eiffel Tower, delicious cuisine, andterrific shopping destinations! The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ main attractions. From the top, you can see almost all of Paris. Thisawesome landmark is visited daily, because of the amazing view it has!. You can see shops, restaurants andmore! If you come to Paris, everyone will have visited the magifcent Eiffel tower! Also, I like Paris because of its scrumptious food. Paris is mostly famous for its cheese and bread, buttheir hot chocolate, macaroons and cake are very popular also! There are many restaurants in Paris. In fact,there are about 2 – 3 restaurants on every street. Also, they have crepe(similar to pan cakes) carts along thesides of streets. You can get Nutella® with banana, or strawberry with chocolate. The possibilities areendless. Finally, there are wonderful shopping destinations in Paris. Just like restaurants, there are a few of themon every road! Shops in Paris are very crowded, because even though they have fabulous selections, the aresmall. Shops in Paris have scarfs, dresses and shows to choose from! Paris’ shops are sure to wow you! Paris, a place full of fun and magic, is surely the main place you want to go. It has surprised me with itsmagnificent Eiffel Tower, scrumptious food and shops. It is sure to surprise you too !- Roseanne Olekangal (2nd )

Kids’ Corner English Essay Writing (9 – 12 yrs) My favorite place on Earth is the great state of Montana. Montana is the home of the beautifulmountains and lakes. It is the place to go to see bears, rabbits and gophers. Don’t forget the huckleberrylollipops, sea salt and ice cream! Montana is the place to be if you love sight-seeing. Gushing and falling the lakes in Montana are to die for. Pools of crystal clear, turquoise water collectnear mountains that rise so high, they seem to touch the clouds. One of the more famous lakes, is lakeMacdonald. Lake Macdonald is a lake that is about 40ft wide. Its waters are brimming with animal life andvegetation. If you are lucky, you might spot a bear or two. Many mountains can be seen in Montana. Rockyand steep with snow covered tops, they are stunning. You can spot all of these land marks in GlacierNational Park. The earthy dirt and pine cones give way to the vivacious forests in Montana. These forests are brimmingwith life such as bears, gophers and bunnies.- Aarohi Bhattacharya (3rd )THE BEACH My favorite place on Earth you ask? Well how could I possible choose without dishonoring another.Though, if I had to choose one, the beach would sum it all up. I love the feel of the soft, smooth, hot sand as I run into the beach. The calm swerve of the windbrushing my face seeming like a slender touch. And of course, the hot sun rays glistening on my skin like athousand diamonds. Just watching the waves glide upon the water would make someone dive right in. But no-one reallyunderstands how amazing the beach is, unless they go under water. In the first moment, the water engulfsyou showing the wonders of the sea. If you venture far enough, you will truly experience sea life. Sun down soon arrives and the beauty of nature sines right through. Colors of the sky layers into asunset that can never truly be described. The sun is down the stars are out, shining as if their light will neverdie out. Now ask yourself again, if the place you love most is what you really love most, for me though , it’s thebeach- Esha Nair (3rd )

Kids’ CornerEnglish Essay Writing (13 – 17 yrs) In recent years, technology has developed backgrounds. We can see that by breaking downrapidly. It has opened up new doors for interaction social barriers, we are actually making people morebetween people of all walks of life; it is a very social.powerful globalizing tool. However, having so muchpower in a small device can be additive. You can see The main problem people have with socialmany people staring at screens for very long periods media is that people get so addicted to their devicesof time. However, this does not necessarily mean that true face-to-face human interaction is lost.people are becoming less social However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Humans are social creatures and, we crave social The introduction of social media into our world interaction from others. Despite all of the hypehas had a profound effect on its users. It provides a social media is getting, we still enjoy ourselves andplatform for anyone in the world to communicate feel energized in the company of others. Looking atand share their experiences. This is the very essence any social setting anywhere in the work, we can seeof being social. In short, it gives a voice to all. On that normal social interaction isn’t going anywherethese platforms, people can not only post things any time soon.about their lives, but they can voice their opinionsabout important topics such as politics and world Although technology and social media hasissues. They have an open environment in which changed our world considerable, it has taken a turnmany people of different backgrounds can discuss for the better. We can see that social relationstheir viewpoints. Nowhere else can you find between many groups or people has definitelysomething like this. gotten better, thanks in part to social media. Though some might see the change as harmful to traditional Social media also breaks down social barriers. social interaction, social media has definitely madeWe all know that the reason for racism and bigotry the world betteris ignorance. With social media, people can makefriends and take inspiration from others from - Siddharth Iyer (1st )different cultures. With social media, the worldseems much smaller than it really is. By comingcloser together, people can see how similar they areto one another, despite having different

Kids’ CornerEnglish Essay Writing (13 – 17 yrs) This is the twenty first century. A time of was nine. I even got my first phone a year ago. Butinnovative technology, globalization and a time my brother was not like that. By the age of three,where people all over the world can reach each he had his own tablet and was regularly stealingother with the push of a button. But is this my mom's phone. And even though my entireincreasingly globalized society pushing humans in family is strict about use of technology, he is stillthe opposite direction? A direction where people glues to his tablet. And I can see the consequenceswill be married to their screens, rather than to of that. While I grew up in first and second gradeeach other? Is social media making people less playing tag with my friends, he and his friends usesocial? recess for \"computer time\". And it’s not just the sibling rivalry talking, but I see my brother and Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Google Plus; If others around his age struggle to interact withyou ask about of these to any five year old, they adults who talk to them.will be able to answer with ease. These days,parents are making Facebook pages and other But the generation that is the face of socialsocial media account for their children - even media right now are the teenagers. These highbefore the come out of their mother's womb. Kids schoolers are young adults are constantly on theirare growing up addicted to their screens and as a social media and don’t talk to each other. Being aresult, social media. Even up until ten years ago, high schooler myself, i have seen this happen. Iparents would soothe their children by reading to personally do not have any social media but whenthem or bonding with them in some other way. Yet my friends and I sit around a cafeteria table eatingnow, if a child is fussing, hand them a phone or a lunch, I will be the only person not on my phone.screen. Parents don’t even have to look up from The others are engrossed in their screens, notwhatever work they are doing/ This may seem paying heed to what’s going on around them. Andharmless enough, handing your toddler you phone when they want to talk to each other, they text. Iso they don’t bother you with their tantrums, but mention yet again given that we will be sitting atit can have disastrous consequences later in life. the same table, but rather than talking to eachInfants who are deprived from bonding with their other, face to face they text and snapchat eachparents early in like, will then not know how to be other. And it’s not just my friends. High schoolssocial later in life. By the time they are an adult, and colleges in general are conducted on phonesthey will not know how to hold themselves in and social media.society. Giving small children social media, a newtrend that is rising exponentially with new parents, But social media itself is not inherently bad. Itwill lead to those children being absorbed in their is meant for good purposes to unite the globalscreens and not being aware of the people around population. Hence, the answer to the question \"Isthem. Social media making people less social\" likes within how it is used. And as long as people these I speak of this phenomenon with personal days document stuff just for social media, and toexperience. My little brother, who is seven years seem \"cool\" or insist on using social media to keepold right now, is growing up with all this social their children quiet, it will continue separatingmedia. I personally got my first laptop in middle people to live their lives in isolation or better yet ,school and even then it was my fathers'. I got a \"on their phone.“tablet that was shared by my entire family when I - - Sruti Ramachandran (2nd )

Kids’ Corner English Essay Writing (13 – 17 yrs) When was the last time you were at a crowded bus stop and noticed that most people were peeringdown at their cell phone screens? How about at a party? Lets look into why this happens. From my ownpersonal experiences I sometimes look at my phone to avoid eye contact and socialization with others inunfamiliar circumstances like these. I want to look like I am busy. Social media is a strange tool. It connects people with others (who are seemingly invisible), yetdisconnects them with the person standing right next to them. Social media is also a booming industry; andit doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and SnapChat are allthe rage nowadays. Right now you are probably thinking about what I said earlier: about how social media disconnects withpeople. While this is true, social media can also be beneficial. For example, it can get you in touch withfriends and relatives who live far away through texting and video calling. It can help you get more workdone without having to physically attend that office meeting. Social media is also great for running apersonal business and promoting yourself through platforms like Instagram. So, is social media good or bad? The answer can be tricky. It isn’t the question of whether social mediamakes people social or not , its all about finding a balance. My conclusion is that people need to be taughton how to use social media responsibly, and to its fullest. It’s a tool that if used right, can be extremelybeneficial to enriching ones life for the better. A tool that can balance social, digital, and the real world.- Ameera Faizal (3rd )

Kids’ Corner English Poetry Writing (5 – 8 yrs)Mom is sweet Loves me a lotMy mom is caring Cares me when I am sickMy mom is beautiful Hugs me when I am coldMy mom is lovely. Saves me when I am in trouble.I love my mom every time. Waits for me at the bus-stopShe is sometimes mean but I do not care Sleeps with me at nightI would do anything just to see her That is my momMy mom hugs are as tight at tight jeans She is the most beautiful lady in my worldMy mom’s kisses are as sweet as candy I love to be in her hands all the timeMy mom’s hair is as soft as blanketsMy mom’s stories are as nice as friends - Greeshma Sanil (2nd )My mom used to tell me my baby storiesMy mom’s birthday is May 10thI love my mom’s scent,its as if she is as sweet as strawberryI love my mom and she loves me.- Riya Shyju (1st )Mother oh mother I know you will always be there for meA sweet family member I promise I will never forget you.Who will always be there for me Mother oh motherbefore I was born I always had dreams about you. You’re the best in the world andYou mean the world to me nothing is better than you.I know you will never forget me You come first and everything is next.You’re the best in my family You are definitely #1 to meyou’re such a sweet mother You help me when I struggle.No other mother is better than you. You’re an awesome mother to meCause you are the bestMother oh mother - Anuraag Pillai (3rd)

Kids’ CornerEnglish Poetry Writing (9 – 12 yrs) In Winter, the weather is harsh and cold Though everyone must still stand bold For warmer weather is yet to come We must still stay happy someSensory Poem In spring, the flowers blossom and bloomSpring In spring, there is not time for gloomSee, beautiful flowers blooming For the weather is quite warmSmell, the fresh air There is hardly a stormTaste, warm honey from beesHear, the birds singing In summer, it is very hot and stuffyFeel, the warm breeze blowing by Up high the clouds are white and puffy Swimming pools are overflowingSummer The sun’s rays are harshly glowingSee, the sun shining brightlySmell, the cold ice cream In fall, the leaves crumple and dieTaste, cool lemonade “save Us! Save Us!” they all cryHear, people splashing around in the pool They fall to the ground with a soft crunchFeel, the cold water against you skin Piling together in a large bunchAutumn - Roseanne Olekangal (2nd)See, the brightly colored leavesSmell, the roasted turkey out of the over White shapes float in the air,Taste, the ripe apples that once hung in the orchard A cold breezeHear, children jumping into piles of leaves Kids throwing balls of snow,Feel, the hay from the scarecrows WinterWinter A flower sways in the gentle wind,See, the leaves fall down slowly A sunny day.Smell, the Christmas cookies , freshly made Kids with March birthdays eat cake,Taste, hot chocolate, marshmallows floating around SpringHear, the soft crunch of your feet in the snowFeel, the cold snow against your hands Brown, Red and Orange shapes fall to the ground. A chilly weather- Shreya Sreekant (1st ) Kids jumping in piles of leaves, Fall Greenery all around A hot day. Kids splashing in the pool , Summer Winter, Spring, Fall and Summer Cold, warm, chilly and hot Kids skiing, jogging, jumping and splashing Seasons - Nidhi Shine (3rd )

Kids’ Corner English Poetry Writing (13 – 17 yrs)Hope is a pair of doves wings, A spark of light within the dark,ready to take flight in someone’s heart A burning fire, shining farHope is a glint of light A ray of sunshine in the nightin the ever-ending darkness. Hope gives all the will to fightHope is a silent prayer,an arm reaching towards a better future Feeling broken, sad and lost,Hope is a single flower, Dying in the battles foughtblossoming amidst the muffled snow. Holding up the weight of the skyHope is a falling raindrop, Hope is the reason we are aliveonto a barren desert ground.Hope is the confident smile of a child, Drowning in a sea of despairas bombs detonate around them . In desperate need, of repairHope is a single kind word, Heart heave, do not cry,in times of hardship. Hope will take you beyond the skiesHope is an attempt,to make the impossible, possible. When you think you’re all alone,And hope Feel the power within your bonesis a single string that tugs our soul, Dare to dream and dare to flythat beckons us, Hope is your miracle in disguiseto keep going. - Sruti Ramachandran (2nd )- Ameera Faizal (1st )Hope Because when you lose hope, you HopeA wonderful feeling lose yourself The core of our spiritsThat you will receive salvation Hope The wishing for a better futureHope A wonderful feeling The promiseA wonderful feeling That light at the end of the tunnel Of a light at the end of a tunnelTruly exemplified in the human Because We all deserve to feel Hopespirit that light The most important thing one canHope Hope haveA wonderful feeling There is hope in every one of us That can never be taken awayThat someone has your back Because to live life, HopeHope You have to endure suffering, - Siddharth Iyer(3rd )The one thing that can never be But hope is always there,taken away To keep you grounded

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