49
National Integration and World Philosophy Day
50 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
NATIONAL READING DAY AND CONSTITUTION DAY
National Science Day
51
Navy Day Assembly
52 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
ONAM SPECIAL ASSEMBLY
53
RAKSHABANDHAN celebration
54 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Republic day Assembly
55
Sanskrit Day
56 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
World environment day
57
KERALA PIRAVI celebration
58 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Teachers’ day
59
World First Aid Day
60 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
World Youth Skill day
61
GLITTERING STARS - INTERSCHOOL COMPETITIONS
Atyantika Mukherjee, X participated in the CBSE Reading Nishant Kumar, XB achieved first position in the
Challenge organized by Hindi Quiz competition conducted by Cochin
Shipyard Limited
The Central Board of Secondary Education
Shresth Gupta, 12 B secured third prize in round 2 Daksh Pillai, 8 A bagged second position in English
“PRAHELIKA” in LABYRINTH20.0 conducted by Bhavans Recitation competition conducted by
Adarsh Vidhyalaya Stallions International Cochin Chapters
Shiv Sreekumar Saket Yadav Ishitha Desai
The High Range School, Munnar, under TATA Consumer Products Ltd. conducted its first online Inter-School Literary
Fest “Expressive Driftwoods”. Shiv Sreekumar of class 5 and Saket Yadav of class 4 bagged 3rd position in Enquesta
quizzing. Ishitha Desai of class X bagged 2nd position in Contradiction.
62 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Arpita Rajiv Chinmay Pathak
Arpita Rajiv of XI B and Chinmay Pathak of XD Inter NCS Quiz Team, NCS(K)
represented NCS(K) and bagged second position in the
Inter NCS Quiz
SOF ( 2020-21) IGKO EXAM
Shiv Sreekumar Minal Sharma
Shiv Sreekumar of class 5 B made NCS(K) Minal Sharma of class 8B reached National level of
proud again. He got International Rank 1 in Sanskrit Olympiad held in the year 2019-20. She got
SOF IGKO exam certificate, gold medal and a Sanskrit Dictionary
63
CROSSROADS 2020 :
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
conducted by The Global Public School, Ernakulam
Udyutha Menon Aman Husain Devika M P Chinmay Pathak
Udyutha Menon and Aman Husain of class XII bagged Devika M P of class XII and Chinmay Pathak of class X
1st position in In the Vault at Gringotts bagged 2nd position in Harry Potter and
the Alchemical Trivia
Arpita Rajiv Keerthana P V Niharika Yadav Sarah Abraham
Arpita Rajeev and Keerthana P V of class XI bagged 3rd Niharika Yadav and Sarah Abraham of class XII bagged
position in Indian Marauder’s Map 2nd position in Triwizard Tournament
64 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
“SPLENDORE 2K20’’
conducted by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Ernakulam
NCS Kochi bagged the Overall Championship
Arpita Rajiv B Nideesh
Arpita Rajiv of class XI B bagged 1st position in B Nideesh of class XII B bagged 2nd position in
Grands and Genius Quiz Live Portrait
Renitha Joseph Sheethal Suresh Shweta Satheesh
Renitha Joseph of class XI D bagged Sheethal Suresh and Shweta Satheesh of class XII B
1st position in Mask Designing bagged 2nd position in Synchro Dance
65
FRESCO
conducted by Rajagiri Cristu Jayanthi Public School, Ernakulam
Preethika Vikramaditya Singh Neha Jisin Jagan Nair
Guleria
Preethika of class 6A , Vikramaditya Singh Guleria of class 8B, Neha Jisin of class 7C and Jagan Nairof class 6D
participated in the event: Be the Chef (Mediterranean Birthday Brunch) and bagged 2nd Prize
Yohan Joseph Manikath
Yohan Joseph Manikath of class XD participated
in the event: Short Film – Uno Momento
and bagged 2nd Prize
66 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
MANTHAN
conducted by NCS Karanja
NCS Kochi bagged the Overall Championship
Shiv Sreekumar Harleen Kaur Virk Adele Chislom Dennis
Shiv Sreekumar of class 5B bagged Harleen Kaur Virk of class 5 C Adele Chislom Dennis of class 7B
3rd position in Eco rap bagged first position in news bagged first position in English
Elocution Competition
reading competition
67
SCIENTIFIC VENTURE
Veer Kashyap
Class 5 A
Veer Kashyap of class 5 has been awarded with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal
Puraskar 2021. He was awarded for his invention of a Board Game “CORONA-
YUGA” in April 2020 during the first phase of lock down. Veer has proved that age is
just a number when it comes to widening your scientific and creative mind.
68 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
TORCH BEARERS OF NCS KOCHI 2020-21
ADITYA KRISHNAN SHEETAL SREEKUMAR
CLASS XII CLASS XII
SCHOOL CAPTAIN (BOY) SCHOOL CAPTAIN (GIRL)
SHIV SREEKUMAR HARLEEN KAUR VIRK
CLASS V CLASS V
SCHOOL CAPTAIN SCHOOL CAPTAIN
PRIMARY (BOY) PRIMARY (GIRL)
AMAN HUSAIN ANOUSHKA MENON
CLASS XII CLASS XII
SPORTS CAPTAIN ACTIVITY CAPTAIN
69
TORCH BEARERS OF NCS KOCHI 2020-21
SWAROOOP S DALAWAYI MANASI PRAKASH MUKUND T
CLASS V CLASS V CLASS XII
SPORTS CAPTAIN- PRIMARY ACTIVITY CAPTAIN NEHRU HOUSE CAPTAIN
PRIMARY
SHANKARAN ANAND SIVANI JYOTI KIRTI YADAV
CLASS IV CLASS XII CLASS IV
NEHRU HOUSE CAPTAIN TAGORE HOUSE CAPTAIN TAGORE HOUSE CAPTAIN
PRIMARY PRIMARY
AKASH VINOD NIHARIKA RAJIV ABEL P
CLASS XII CLASS IV CLASS XII
GANDHI HOUSE CAPTAIN GANDHI HOUSE CAPTAIN BOSE HOUSE CAPTAIN
PRIMARY
70 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
TORCH BEARERS OF NCS KOCHI 2020-21
SAKET YADAV KHUSHI NOOR PARAMJIT SINGH
CLASS IV CLASS XI CLASS XI
BOSE HOUSE CAPTAIN SPORTS VICE-CAPTAIN ACTIVITY VICE-CAPTAIN
PRIMARY
SAMBHAV SINGH PRATEEK SINGH MALIN MARIA
CLASS XI CLASS XII CLASS XI
TAGORE HOUSE VICE-CAPTAIN BOSE HOUSE VICE-CAPTAIN NEHRU HOUSE VICE-CAPTAIN
KEERTHANA PV SRADDHA VARMA RAJA TEJASH DUTTA
CLASS XI CLASS IX CLASS IX
GANDHI HOUSE VICE-CAPTAIN ASST.ACTIVITY CAPTAIN ASST.SPORTS CAPTAIN
71
ADARSH PA SONAKSHI ROY
CLASS IX CLASS IX
ASST. TAGORE HOUSE CAPTAIN ASST. BOSE HOUSE CAPTAIN
SIDDHARTH NAMBIAR VAISSHNAVI JAYANDAN
CLASS IX CLASS IX
ASST. TAGORE HOUSE CAPTAIN ASST. GANDHI HOUSE CAPTAIN
72 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Authors, Poets,
Philosophers and
more…
Freedom 73
JIHA GULFAM, XI E
Freedom is iridescent,
open to the innocent conclusion
your mind unknowingly perceives,
but also to the denouement you reach
after diligent pondering.
My fingers have grown tired and
my pen begs me to stop
as I try to unscramble my thoughts
and place them eloquently in front of your eyes;
but despite intent,
my words prove unworthy of this explanation.
All I can say is:
Freedom tastes familiar and yet peculiar,
familiar as though my mother’s warm embrace
covers me while I sob
but peculiar as though the words of
comfort leaving her mouth are in the voice of a stranger.
And so I begin to theorize,
with cups of coffee and sleepless nights,
that perhaps it is because
I’ve never known true freedom.
My lungs have never inhaled air
that was not tinged with the scent of fear,
my feet have never felt ground
that did not feel like
it was fettering me in place.
But I imagine,
Freedom would feel like
soft silk on my skin
and like art waiting to be dissected
74 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
– Purity of Mind
TANVI GHATAGE, IX A
‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’, we cannot fool the one they are trying to mind leads to good thoughts which in
have all heard this proverb a million replace and we need to be aware of turn lead to developing an excellent
times, probably even written articles such people. character, which is somewhere close
and essays about it. Everyone has to where the almighty wants us to be.
their own perspective of interpreting Yes, there is no question that we cannot
things. Most of us probably think be perfect in every action but we can
‘how our physical, social and mental try our best to be kind and generous
environment should be for us to have towards others in every action of
a happy, healthy and peaceful life’, ours. And to ensure that, we need to
when they first hear or read this line. clean ourselves; no, not our body, but
But I have my own view and thoughts our mind. Because a clean and pure
about this proverb like anyone may
have. We can interpret the proverb
simply as ‘if you stay clean you will be
godlike’, but in my view it is only half
true. Because cleanliness not only
means clean body and surrounding but
it also emphasizes on the cleanliness
of our mind, thoughts, personality and
character. I believe God is someone
with a kind, generous and a pure
heart who loves us all the same; that
he is an eternal entity.
There are people in the world who
believe that by acting generous and
helping others (for their own greed)
and not revealing their true dark
intentions they can take the place
of God in the eyes of their followers.
However, at the end of the day they
75
Exigency for Activism
GUNGUN MAHAPATRA, XII D, AMAN HUSAIN, XII C
“I may disapprove of what you say but generation. the ongoing issues in our country and
I will defend to the death your right to what values democracy stands for in
say it.” The shunning of activism is a failure terms of our rights and the limitations
-Voltaire of our democracy and its suppression which were instilled in the constitution
is preposterous, so we as students by our forefathers and have been in
The use of direct and noticeable play a huge role in what type of practice for over 70 years. Despite
action to achieve a result, usually a government, we orchestrate to lead what we stand for and what we
political or social one is what is often our country. Malala and Greta aren’t preach, one should never forget the
referred to as activism in layman the only ones to voice their concerns importance of activism and what role it
terms. In recent times, there has against transgressions across the plays in bringing about socio-political
been a lot of intolerance projected globe, there are other activists who justice.
towards the core idea of activism and haven’t received the same amount of
the way it is perceived by the society. attention from the mainstream media, Finally, the foundation of Activism is a
The foundation of our democracy, the such as Afroz Shah, an environmental balanced amalgamation of a historical
source of its vitality, and the imperative activist who is eminently known for perspective weighed out with a
of our national integrity - all lie in the organizing the World’s Largest Beach logical application of the same while
concept of the multiplicity, of plurality Cleanup. Then we have people like defending a cause. For example, Dr.
and tolerance, of union rather than Boyan Slat who have not only created Shashi Tharoor’s famous speech
unity. awareness but also developed the at the Oxford Union was a perfect
technology to propel the very change mixture of historical facts and actual
In the 21st century, we have grown up that he wished to see. In 2016, he quantification of the reparations
viewing figures of global importance received crowdfunding from over that the British owed to India. In the
such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta 38,000 people from 160 countries for end, activism is the core element of
Thunberg who have been vocal setting up the non-profit entity called democratic freedom, the binding force
advocates of Universal Education and the ‘Ocean Cleanup’. A small activistic that holds the community together.
Climate Change respectively. Yet one initiative, when given the appropriate As a democracy, we should rather
may argue that the average teenager direction, has often led to effective debate than stare at distortion. Finally,
isn’t offered a powerful platform and visible change, all in favour of a as Barack Obama put it:
like the UN General Assembly and positive outcome and age is never an “A change is brought about when
UN Climate Change conference to obstacle for the same. ordinary people do extraordinary
express our point of view on issues of things”
vital importance relevant to our own Hence, it is up to us to be aware of
76 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
CORONA -YUGA
VEER KASHYAP, V A
The pandemic situation had imposed Presently, few copies of Corona Yuga games and compete with International
a lockdown on all of humankind. We board game has been manufactured brand Board Games. Therefore, Let’s
had been to Bengaluru to visit our and sold in Amazon. I am happy to Create! It’s Fun.
grandparents during the academic share that we contributed a share of
break and were stuck due to lockdown. profit generated through sales to PM- #VocalforLocal #AtmaNirbharBharat
To overcome the boredom, I decided CARES fund. To know more about #HarKaamDeshKeNaam
to design a board game on my own our board game, please visit www. #MakeInIndia
when our Prime Minister announced coronayuga.com.
21 days of lockdown. With the help
of my parents, I understood the During this process, we forwarded
COVID-19 scenario through media our board game design to various
and came up with a board game, competitions in Europe and America.
which I named CORONA YUGA, I realized through online search that
meaning Corona Era. We designed there are no such competitions in
the layout, drew it on a cardboard and India for Board Games. Therefore, I
completed using material available came up with an idea of conducting
at home, and started playing with my a Competition for my friends and
family. shared this idea with my parents.
As per their guidance, I created a
The board game designed like the Google form to seek entries for the
infamous corona virus, promotes Yoga competition named Board Game
& Social Distancing and appreciates Design Competition 2020 – BDC2020.
COVID Warriors for their services to The competition was launched on
humankind. This fun game played 01 Jun 20 to celebrate ‘International
by ages 5+ will entertain everyone Table Top day’. This one of its kind
in future years, about the present competition encouraged many to
scenario faced by each one of us. create their own games and received
During the lockdown, we worked good response and two best entries
tirelessly to make this design into were awarded with educative board
reality in record time of 60 days games and digital certificates.
after my YouTube video about the
game received many appreciations. Friends, we can design our own board
77
Himachal – The Abode of Snow
ANOUSHKA MENON, XII B
India has been, from time immemorial, with the Indus Valley Civilization, it commercialised state with its pure
synonymous with its geographical finds many mentions in epics like the habitat is increasingly becoming a
and cultural diversities. In a mandate Mahabharata and Ramayana and safe haven for tourists who have
to educate students in Indian ethos has hence also been named ‘Deva been apprehensively yet eagerly
and its cultural variants, CBSE has Bhoomi’ or the Land of the Gods. trying travelling during the Corona
introduced an activity based program Himachal gained in prominence in the pandemic. The state offers a plethora
by pairing 2 states or union territories socio-economic fabric of India mostly of activities and places for tourists
together, and this year 2020, Kerala after it was proclaimed the summer across various genres; from the
has been paired with the picturesque capital of India by the Britishers, and spiritual seeking one to the sporty
Abode of Snow or Himachal Pradesh. even today many buildings stand adventurer.
This initiative called ‘Ek Bharat testimony to the colonial grandeur. This pristine state with its deep
Shrestha Bharat’ helps to look at the This unpolluted and largely un- gorges, towering mountains, placid
paired state through the medium of
various scholastic disciplines and
subjects. The coupling of Himachal
Pradesh and Kerala is a clichéd
comparison in north vs south and in
geo-biospheres that is as variant as
can be.
The very mention of Himachal
Pradesh conjures up a kaleidoscope of
visuals – of snow capped mountains,
of laden apple trees, of meandering
and gurgling pristine rivers, the
symmetrical beauty of the abundant
Douglas firs, colourful ensembles
during the festivals, of the warm
hospitality of the people of Himachal
and so on. It has a rich history that has
laid down a strong foundation for the
state that it has become today. Starting
78 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
J ADITHYAN, X A
Himachal –
A Piece of heaven on Earth
mountain lakes, dense forests is varied as its geographical extremities. I thought that,
home to a very niche flora and fauna, Taken from the farms and pastures, Heaven was a myth.
some of them being found exclusively many dishes liberally incorporate local And I went in search,
here. The stealthy and majestic Snow produce like herbs, nuts, fruits and For the real.
Leopard, the brightly plumed Western milk. Lip smacking non vegetarian And I went on,
Tragopan and the brilliant hues of the food, primarily meat and fish, are Searching for the heaven,
Rhodendron found endemic to this eaten mostly as energy requisites Of happiness and peace.
area are what qualify them as the state to counter the demands of extreme And then,
animal, bird and flower respectively. geographical terrains. Thukpa, butter I reached that land,
This highest mountain chain in tea, momos and siddu have now Where I stood, admiring, a layer of
the world has been revered and garnered a fan base pan India. mountains,
worshipped by believers from The diverse and sometimes harsh filled the horizon,
various religions who brave extreme conditions of this state are testimony lending it strength and character.
conditions for pilgrimages. From to the enduring and resilient spirit of I gazed on peacefully,
famous temples, to gothic churches the people of Himachal or Paharis I wished then that many came,
and even a Buddhist nerve centre at as they are known. To alleviate their To sit there sometime,
McLeod Ganj, Himachal satiates the hardships and to get the state more To gaze and admire,
spiritual thirst of all religions. versatile and approachable, the latest And forget their desire.
Criss-crossed by rivers and their feather in Himachal’s cap is the Atal But the trouble is,
feeding tributaries and sheltered by Tunnel, a 9 km long engineering They they leave it for another time.
the ranges, Himachal provides for marvel that helps access places that They never know,
amazing opportunities for adventure would otherwise have been sealed that Difficult roads leads,
sports like white water rafting, off for 6 months a year during winter. To beautiful places.
trekking, paragliding, mountaineering I sincerely hope that the waning of This is what I have to say,
and skiing to name a few. Manali is the pandemic sees a surge of eco Just go and see.
the only place in India that offers Heli tourists, who will enjoy all that this For, heaven is a myth,
skiing, an expensive high-altitude bountiful and beauteous state has to But Himachal is real.
sport, on its almost 3 kms long slopes. offer while retaining its pristine beauty.
Himachal’s cuisine is as tantalizingly
79
The wonders of Himachal
KARTHIK A NAIR, X A
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
--- Gustave Flaubert
With splendid mountains and plunging not only in Himachal but all over cultural identity of the state. Through
river valleys, Himachal is a pristine the country. Himachali caps are their dance and music, they entreat
North Indian destination that would also famous artwork of the people. their gods during local festivals
be in the bucket list of travellers of all Extreme cold winters of Himachal and other special occasions. Apart
kinds. Himachal Pradesh tourism isn’t necessitated wool weaving. Nearly from the fairs and festivals that are
just about the natural beauty but also every household in Himachal owns celebrated all over India, there are
the rich cultural extravaganza that can a pit-loom. Wool is also considered a number of other fairs and festivals
be best witnessed in its handicrafts, as pure and is used as a ritual cloth. also that are of great significance to
fairs, festivals, dance and music. One The well known woven object is the Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, the state
needs to visit it to witness and believe shawl, ranging from fine pashmina to capital is home to Asia’s only natural
the beauty of this much celebrated the coarse desar. Kullu is famous for Ice-skating rink.
destination in India…. its shawls with striking patterns and
Himachal was one of the few states vibrant colours.
that had remained largely untouched Local music and dance reflects the
by external customs, largely due to its
difficult terrain. With the technological
advancements the state has changed
very rapidly. It is a multi-religious,
multicultural as well as multilingual
state like other Indian states. Some of
the most commonly spoken languages
include Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Dogri,
Mandialli Kangri, Gojri and Kinnauri.
The state is well known for its
handicrafts. The carpets, leather
works, shawls, metalware, woodwork
and paintings are worth appreciating.
Pashmina shawl is one of the
products which has a high demand
80 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
A TRIP TO CHOTI KASHI
SHAURYAVEER RAJKUMAR, IX A
Himachal Pradesh is a state lying in fresh and the wind soothing. We also they were out of season at the time
the northern region of India. Part of drove past many waterfalls along the when we visited the village.
it lies next to the Himalayas. It’s a way. Our village is located on a hill. The air in Baggi is pure unlike Delhi,
beautiful state with many amazing The site from up there is still fresh in where we were living at that time. The
places to visit. My visit to Himachal my mind. village was green and clean. We had
Pradesh a couple of years ago was to The village has a lot of animals, both a calf which lived in the cow shed.
meet my paternal great grandmother. domestic and wild. The farmers in my I used to take her for walks. This
She lives in a small village by the name village help to sustain the needs of was quite an enjoyable and unique
of Baggi. It is a small village in the the villagers and also invest in terrace experience for me. All in all it was a
Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. farming. All the produce from the farms great trip and I would definitely love to
Mandi is also famous for being the is fresh and completely organic. The visit Baggi again.
cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh. milk and butter were fresh from the
The drive to the village was incredibly poultry farm too. Various fruit bearing
beautiful. I could see huge mountains trees are also grown here like plum,
with lush green covers. The air was apricot and mango. Unfortunately,
81
HRITVITZ BHARDWAJ, IV A HIRANYA VERMA, VI B
Summer Mommy is not a Superhero
The summer starts, Many say that their mommy is a superhero who can fly.
when the winter ends Mine is not, here is why.
Oh, such a good time Superheroes wear silly costumes and starry pants.
to play with friends. Mommy doesn’t need that.
Mommy just needs her hands.
The birds chirp Superheroes need weapons and flashy cars.
on every tree. They fight masked gangsters and aliens on Mars.
I hear the sound Mommy doesn’t need cars or weapons.
of a bumble bee. And she fights for way more-
she fights for her children.
It is as if Superheroes need magic amulets.
the sun smiles on my face While Mommy works without rest.
I don’t know if to play football Mommy cuts my chicken for me,
Or running race. While supers are trying not to look silly.
Mommy combs my hair and makes a braid,
There is nobody to stop While supers are flying down the street.
me from playing, Mommy cooks for me and loves me, so
Oh, such a sunny day. She’s not a superhero.
She’s an ultra-mega-duper hero!
I love summer,
Yes, I do
I hope you are like me
And love it too.
82 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
“AND WE REMAINED SILENT…”
NIHARIKA YADAV, XII B
“No matter how few possessions you their appearance? Animal cruelty takes different forms
own or how little money you have, Animal abuse is a serious and but the impact is always the same.
loving wildlife and nature will make prevalent issue all over the world. An animal capable of giving perpetual
you rich beyond measure.” People hurl stones at animals just love experiences pain, fear and
because they are scared of them, desperation at the hands of humans.
-Paul Oxton but hurting them only provokes them The case of the elephant in Palakkad
more. Bursting firecrackers near dogs that was fed a pineapple stuffed with
Animals are same as human beings. and cows to frighten them on account firecrackers is appalling. There are
We consider them our best friend, of their sensitive hearing is also similar horrendous reports from all
sibling, child, or to put it simply, as heart-breaking to watch. Every year, over the world. The only hope for
being part of our family. millions of animals suffer because animals is that someone speaks up
After my final exam in class 10, I of the reckless actions of humans. for them before it’s too late.
got the opportunity to work at an Whether it is abusing domesticated We live in a world where people often
animal shelter. I had the time of my animals, mistreating circus animals turn a blind eye to animal cruelty and
life playing with all the adorable or destroying animal habitat, their condone it too. One of the problems
puppies and kittens, feeding them suffering is as real as it would be if it with respect to animal abuse is that
every day, grooming and bathing happened to us. it rarely occurs in plain view. It takes
them on weekends. I even got the place behind closed doors in factories
opportunity to help in the procedures
and surgeries that took place over and farms that aren’t open
there, which included preparing them to the public. Just because
for surgery and injecting them with one doesn’t see it, doesn’t
anaesthesia before their treatment. It necessarily mean its not
was truly an unforgettable experience. there. Many pets spend
My time at the shelter also brought a their entire lives in miserable
great deal of insight into the lives of and pathetic circumstances
animals. Though incredibly intelligent and eventually die of
and sharp, they are still at the mercy dehydration or malnutrition
of man. Did you know that more than resulting from negligence.
four dogs are abandoned every week Owning a pet is a lifelong
because of skin disorders which affect responsibility and it is of
utmost importance to understand this My Dog Croa 83
before getting a pet.
We say that the world has progressed DIYA VARMA, III C
but at what cost? By losing our moral
values? We adopted her on 12 August 2019.
Human beings’ vicious acts of She was in a shelter. The first time we
exploiting and mistreating animals saw her she came running, jumped on
must be stopped because we are us and licked our faces. She was so
the only ones who can advocate for happy. I was also happy, very happy.
their safety. There just are not enough We decided to adopt her. It was a
people fighting for animal rights. We surprise for my sister and she was
must become their voice. The law so happy when Croa reached home.
must protect animals and punish We started taking care of her, fed her,
animal abusers. Animals do nothing took her for walks, etc. She is now the
but give us love and affection. We youngest member of our family.
need them to survive in this world. The things I love about my dog:
Without them the world would slowly She is very funny.
perish. Gandhiji aptly said that,” The She is a gentle, loving soul.
greatness of a nation can be judged She has big round golden eyes.
by the way its animals are treated.” She has floppy ears.
I know what must be going through I love her when she is happy.
your mind; what can we do about this? I love her when she jumps on my
We’re just small children and do not father and tries to stop him, when he
have the means to change the world. gets angry at us.
I disagree. As the future leaders, there She gives us love in the morning (she
is a lot that we can do. Whenever you also gives us love in the evening but
see a person hurling stones at dogs she gives us more love in the morning)
and cows on the road, you can stop The things my dog loves:
them and explain that the animals are She loves belly rubs.
probably more scared of you than you She loves rolling in the grass.
are of them. Stop that cold-hearted And loves being with us.
friend who kicks an innocent dog and And I love my dog Croa.
gets pleasure out of it. It doesn’t take
much to initiate these small steps of
love and kindness towards animals.
Does it?
All it takes is one person to start a
revolution…
84 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
DEBATE
Likes and approval from social media sites like
Facebook and Instagram play a major role in
developing one’s personality
Social acceptance, ‘being liked’ has an individual. out to the society and change social
so much power because it holds the Since Facebook implemented the perceptions. Isn’t this a realistic proof
feelings of loneliness at bay. of development of our personality?
A very good morning to the judges, “Like” button, it has been used more My next contention is there are no
my teammates, and my worthy than 1.13 trillion times, with that gatekeepers for being recognized and
opponents. I wish to present my views number growing by the day. This is is democratized.
FOR the motion - Likes and approval testimonial to the significance it has in
from social media sites like facebook adding value to the relationships. The likes and approval build a
and instagram play a major role in reciprocity effect and develops a
developing one’s personality. Additionally, a study by Lauren sense of gratitude .
Sherman at the National Centre for
The visceral sensation of loneliness Biotechnology Information proves that Furthermore, the stimuli that
and solitude is no longer as palpable the number of “likes” to an Instagram you receive can positively affect
and intellectually profound as earlier post is associated with increased the brain’s decision-making and
because the likes, acceptance and activation in the nucleus accumbens. emotional processing functions.
approval we receive from virtual Indeed, emotional rewards are Matthew Pittman and Brandon Reich,
friends have relieved us from an integral part of personality media specialists and academics,
the burden of any emotional and development have found that people can sharpen
existential isolation. Acknowledgement helps us to their own identities when they
When our posts are appreciated or bridge social capital, thereby engage in intimate, image-oriented
liked by others, we gain psychological increasing social interaction which social media platforms. Doesn’t this
satisfaction and our confidence is forms a major ingredient of one’s invariably contribute to personality
boosted. This fact is supported by an personality. Research shows that development? I would like to rest my
article published in Social Cognitive ‘Facebook Relationship Maintenance case by quoting Albert Camus - “We
and Affective Neuroscience that Behaviours’, such as responding to a continue to shape our personality all
states when social media users friend’s good news, requests for help our lives” and liking, positivity and
receive positive feedback (likes), their or advice and so on, lead to social acceptance do shape our spirits
brains fire off dopamine receptors capital generation.
that is responsible for determining the
rewards system in people’s bodies A study conducted by the university
and creates a sense of well-being in of Bridgeport, USA, tells us that the
likes that we receive help us to reach
85
ABEL PADMANABHAN, XII C, JIHA GULFAM, XI E
“The only person you are destined to from peers in the form of likes. NOT validation from strangers.
become is the person you are destined
to be,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. My fellow opponents have waxed My fellow speakers would also like to
eloquent about how approval affects mention social media addiction, but
A very good morning to one and all self-esteem and confidence, but I hope it is known that social media
present here. Today, I stand before Psychology today, a website says addiction is caused by a number of
you to oppose the motion “Likes and that the effect of likes on self-esteem factors and is not solely dependent on
Approval from social media apps like depended on sense of purpose. The likes and approval.
Instagram and Facebook play a major results of an experiment showed
role in developing one’s personality.” that receiving a large number of likes Instant validation seems to be the
Do you sincerely believe that strong improved self-esteem only for those norm followed in social media and that
individuals of society could be swayed with a low sense of purpose, and not my dear friends is as temporary as
by a few likes and shares on apps like those with a high sense of purpose. your next post. While approval can be
Instagram and Facebook? I truly beg Man has always been a social gratifying, I do not believe that it could
to differ. I believe that a small pebble in creature and continues to evolve affect anyone on an intensive level.
the form of likes and approval cannot socially. In this evolution, if earlier, we Therefore, momentary validation
even bring a ripple of change to the never cared about what a stranger on could never cause momentous
great ocean that is the human psyche. the other side of the world would think change.
Let us look at some facts. of us? Why would you believe that
anyone would start caring now? I would like to conclude by reminding
Omnicore, a website, found that 30% you that nothing vast enters the life of
of global Instagram audiences were Personality develops over a period of mortals without leaving a curse.
aged between 18 and 24 years and time by intense or recurring factors
35 % were aged between 25 and 34 and could hence not be affected by
years. By the age of 18, an individual fragile validation. A large portion of
is considered to be a mature adult. If our personality, as Sigmund Freud
an 18-year old can be entrusted with theorized, develops in early childhood
the responsibility of choosing the stages and is a product of heredity.
leaders of a country, surely, they can Even the environmental factors that
be trusted with not being affected by affect one’s personality, includes
something as meagre as approval factors like school and family and
86 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Heart of a Puppy LAVANYA BHARDWAJ, VIII B
There was once a small puppy, Henry’s family had to shift really fast
Who lived on the street. Henry’s parents told him that
He’d to leave Denny behind
He didn’t get a loaf of bread
Not even a piece of meat Of course, the strays won’t to him be kind
He didn’t have any parents
He was born on the streets. Denny was just a pup
Though he used to have an owner And not yet big enough
No chance for him to stand against
And for him he still seeks The stray dogs huge and tough
Days and months passed
The owner was a child Denny was adopted by a shoe seller
He was about three
He was really kind
He was active and joyful His name was Willy Weller
His name was Henry
Denny is happy now
The puppy was called Denny But deep inside this puppy’s heart
The cutest of them all
Lies his Henry still!
He used to come running
On Henry’s call
Then Henry started going to school
But still with Denny,
He used to play.
You might be wondering what happened then?
Didn’t Henry have time to play?
Why didn’t he let Denny stay?
87
I WISH AHANA KHAN, IX A ARPITA RAJIV, XI B
I wish I can be, I want them to know, Human
Who I want to be, The path in which I go.
I wish I can do,
What I want to. Wondering if I can be there,
Make my voice loud and clear,
So, I lift my head high I don’t want to sink into fear.
B’cause, I want others to hear my
voice, I know you don’t like the noise
So, that doesn’t leave me with a That comes from the now.
choice. So, it is better to change it now
But to stand tall and high And try to make it new somehow.
B’cause I want others to see I am
there, I want you to be
B’cause, I want them to be aware. Who you want to be,
I want you to see
I want them to see, You can be the change you want to be.
What’s within me,
What a time to be human, with
everything that we hear every single
day. Every day, a new calamity of
varying proportions. Today’s world is
one where every second, a child dies
of hunger, every minute, a teenager
commits suicide, every hour a person
is raped, every day hundreds lose
their lives to accidents. All we see, is
negativity. All around us, it spreads
like wildfire.
We have all dreamt of a world, where
each one of us stands up for each
other, love one another, and live in
88 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
peace and harmony. As I grew older, TERESA JOSE, XI C
the realization dawned upon me that
the beauty I saw in the world was just FREEDOM and I
a mere illusion. A façade.
I have seen discrimination against As I rise up to sing the anthem
people, solely because they belonged The anthem of freedom we all so cherish
to a different race, or differed in the
colour of their skin. I have seen people I realized my voice was derived
walking away, scot-free, from the Out of the friendship that I so cherished
crimes they have committed. I have Which was nurtured by the place that kindled our flames
seen people being wrongly accused
and convicted of crimes they have of knowledge and competence.
never even thought of. I have seen A place bounded by the motto
children being raped and killed, left on ‘Gyanena Shobate’: shine by knowledge
the streets to wilt away. I have seen Thus in bonding, I found my freedom
animals suffering immeasurable pain In associations, I found its accomplishments
and torture, for the trifling amusement In forging ties, I found its redemption
of a few people. I have seen terrorism I learned that my freedom is the net value of all my bondings!
at its worst, tearing countries apart, Like a kite, I fly free, up above in the sky
leaving people with nothing; no family, Bound by the thread that helps me fill air under my wings!
no home, no money, nowhere to go. Is It’s the thread that helps me stay free
this how we are? Is this who we are? And not getting me lost to the nothingness of the world.
The pain, the agony, the hatred,
the darkness in this world we have
created is suffocating! Do you not hear
the cries of anguish of our tormented
selves? We came into this world with
the hope to find peace, love, and,
happiness. Instead, we face war,
hatred, and sorrow, unbridled!
We are humans. Like Nelson Mandela,
in his autobiography ‘A Long Walk to
Freedom’, rightly said, “People must
learn to hate, and if they can learn
to hate, they can be taught to love.
For love comes more naturally to the
human heart than its opposite.” Let us
rekindle our humaneness, and teach
ourselves to love afresh. Let us open
our hearts, and build a brighter future,
for us and our progeny. Let us prosper
in this new world. Let us, once again,
take pride in being human.
89
AARON EMMANUEL, XI C
Freedom Redefined
Freedom is an abstract concept. without fear. For a businessman, of Africa are in constant unrest which
It doesn’t have a set definition. As freedom could mean better trading has led to the suppression of many
Abraham Lincoln said, “The world has laws. For the common man, it could human rights which leads to a poorer
never possessed a good definition mean a good job and a happy life. quality of life.
for the word freedom”. But it can be
broadly defined as the absence of The meaning of freedom for a person Aside from the obvious reasons,
necessity, the right to do whatever also changes as they grow older. As a freedom also has a lot of untold
you please as long as it isn’t at the child, it could mean having ice cream advantages. Freedom of speech
expense of someone else. and watching TV. As a teenager, it means that we can constructively
means less of parents and more of criticize people and organizations
74 years into India’s independence, friends. As we grow older, freedom which can encourage them to better
our definition of the word freedom could mean standing on our own themselves. Economic freedom
has changed. Back then, freedom two feet and being self-sufficient. As gives people the courage to do new
meant liberation from the clutches of a senior citizen, it could mean being and exciting things that can help the
another country, being able to fend able to live on their own without economy. All this furthers the quality
for ourselves. But 74 years down the anyone’s assistance. of life of the citizens of that country.
road, the word freedom has come to Freedom is one of the bedrocks of
mean completely different things. The freedom afforded to people also democracy. It is what differentiates us
changes when we go from country from people who do not care about
Its meaning varies from person to to country. We can see that the anyone but themselves. But it is under
person. For some, freedom means Scandinavian countries have the attack. People fear. Without freedom,
being considered as equals and not most freedom and they have some man loses his identity. Without
having to work more simply for being of the happiest citizens in the world. freedom, man is merely a slave.
different. For an artist, it could mean On the other hand, countries like Without freedom, democracy falls.
the ability to express themselves Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and most
90 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
SHREYA MENON, XI E SRADDHA VARMA RAJA, IX B
Freedom for All
Freedom is familiar Born to Be Free
Like the sunshine or rain,
Or like kind words on a harsh day. Bloodshed and bodies
Came together to fight a war,
Freedom is a privilege, Taking over the chains
A responsibility, Freedom as they call.
Trusted upon us But that, is just physical
In hopes that we Where no actual ropes bind us,
Give back what was gifted to us. But when the mind is narrow
With no open grounds,
Because freedom is not That is enough to tie us
Lack of constraint Leading to change making us frown.
But the state of being Women do the chores, men savor the world,
That lets you and I blossom Any change to this is just absurd.
In blissful harmony, Girls being given a chance is not right
Together So stay back here, always on the side.
Break away from these, not letting you fall.
Freedom is a bittersweet idea, Now this is freedom, as I recall.
One which has bewitched souls Nothing ever has to be perfectly aligned,
Souls willing to give up their lives Changes happen, cope up with it with time
So that we can dream of a better tomorrow. People are there to be your right guide,
Because this world shows freedom redefined.
91
HOW MY CHEEKS TURNED TOMATO RED….
Harleen Kaur Virk, V C
I had an opportunity to participate in children from classes 7th to 10th did 4 finish line.
duathlon held in my neighbourhood Km cycling and 2 Km running. It was also very encouraging when
during the autumn break. It was an I had all my friends in my group. We the people from the neighbourhood
enriching experience as I learnt about continued to chat while we did cycling who were on their routine morning
the new sport. and running. We finished the cycling walk started cheering all of us. It felt
Duathlon is an athletic event that and were too excited for the run that like I was running in Olympics. It was
consists of a running leg followed by a without removing our helmets we such a fantastic feeling.
cycling leg and then another running started to run. Finally I could complete the 2 Km run.
leg. It was conducted for the children Many parents joined their children After that we did cool down exercise
between the age groups of 9 – 15 while running to cheer them up. followed by refreshing lime juice. We
years. After about a kilometer in the all had enjoyed this event so much that
We reported at the starting point at running my friends and I were totally we are looking forward to participating
0555hrs with our cycles with well exhausted. We were huffing and in bigger events including IRON
pumped tyres, checked breaks and puffing so much that we could have MAN!!
helmet. We were asked to carry a easily blown out a 100 birthday The event culminated with a group
water bottle and wear comfortable candles on a cake. We wanted to give photo. For the photo when I removed
sports rig. We were advised to have up but our parents running behind us my mask my parents told me that my
an early dinner comprising of more motivated us to keep running till the cheeks have turned tomato red!!!!!!
carbs at night, a day before the event.
We were briefed about the event route,
challenges faced during duathlon. We
were also given a demo of changing
the tyre in case it goes flat during the
event.
After the initial briefing we all went for
a warm up jog. The event was flagged
off by the parent of the youngest
participant.
Then everyone started in a group of
four with a gap of 1 minute to avoid
congestion. Children in the classes
from 4th to 6th had to do 2 Km
cycling and 2Km running whereas the
92 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
T POOJITH, IV B BHUMIT, V D
Beliefs can Hold you Back Treasure Box
Once upon a time in a Zoo there were many tourists and Once there was a child who lived in Naval base. His name
visitors and obviously many animals. There was a man was Himanshu. All children used to tease him. One day
who visited the zoo in search of an animal which would be there was an opportunity for children to go for Scuba
suitable for his research, suddenly he stopped when saw a Diving camp for 3 days. Himanshu volunteered and got
huge Giraffe which was tied with a short rope and no cage. selected for Scuba Camp. Then he went for it.
He was shocked and look around when he saw a trainer. On the last day when he went for diving, suddenly he
He went towards him and asked that why was such a big saw some pieces underwater. He followed those pieces
animal tied with a short rope. and in the last he saw a big sunk ship.He saw a box near
The trainer gave a gentle smile and spoke “Well,” trainer the ship. Also he saw jelly fish around the ship. He was
said, “when they are very young and much smaller, we use shocked and came out of the ship.
the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough Then, he opened the box and it was a treasure box. He
to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to saw lots of gold jewellery and diamonds. He took that
believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can box, swam up and gave the box to the head of the camp.
still hold them, so they never try to break free. The man He got an award from head of camp for his honesty and
was amazed. hard work. When he came back, all the children wanted
These animals could at any time break free from their to play with him and no one teased him. He lived happily
bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were thereafter.
stuck right where they were.” Like the Giraffe, so many of
us believe that we cannot do something, simply because
we failed at it once before.
We should remember that failure is a part of learning.
93
DREAM, DETERMINATION,
AND DEDICATION - KEY TO SUCCESS
KEERTHANA P V, XI E
All of us want to be successful in life. a personal goal that you can set for and is doing a lot of hard work to
yourself, to keep going until you reach complete that work, then he/she is
We all have big dreams or ambitions in your destination or what you set out for said to be dedicated to that work.
yourself to do. When you accomplish Dedication is when you absolutely love
our life. Successful people dream big one goal, then it motivates you for the something, doing whatever it takes to
next goal and even bigger goals. keep pursuing your goal. When you
even if the goal may seem extremely The quality of being committed to a are dedicated, you won’t care about
task or purpose is called dedication. parties, or going out with your friends;
difficult to achieve. Even though the If a person is willing to do something you will stay at home on a Saturday
world may laugh at people who dream night just to practice your
form. When you sweat, you
big, it is not an excuse for staying don’t care because you
know you have done the
within one’s comfort zone. To be best you can do. In the end,
the dedication always pays
successful, one needs to take risks. off.
Mahatma Gandhi dreamt
Only when the stakes of an independent India. At
first, people did not believe
are high, do people work in these dreams because
it seemed unachievable.
tirelessly to make their However, he was
determined, dedicated, and
dreams a reality. never gave up, because he
dreamt big, he managed
Determination is self- to reach his goals. Let us
dream big, be determined
confidence. Being and with utmost dedication
achieve our goal.
determined means,
to prepare yourself to
achieve something by
keeping your attitude
positive. If you don’t
have the determination,
you can’t succeed.
Determination is one
such thing that has a
great impact on one’s life.
No matter what you aim
for, if you are determined
enough to get what you
want, there is nothing
that can ever stop you.
Determination is itself
94 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
SELF CONTROL – An Asset for All GAURI SUNIL, IX C
Self-control is the ability to manage happier in life. some of them were able to wait for the
your responses in order to avoid A psychologist, Walter Mischel second treat. Researchers found that
undesirable behaviours, increase conducted an experiment called “The those who were able to resist eating
desirable ones and achieve long- Marshmallow Experiment” in which it right away were more likely to have
term goals. We use it when we pay children were offered a choice: They a better academic performance, just
attention in class instead of doodling could choose to eat a marshmallow because of their willpower.
in our book or when we get up and right away, or they could wait for It has been shown that students with
exercise instead of sitting in front of some more time in order to get two patience and better willpower did not
our phone. People who have better marshmallows. Many kids chose to get distracted as much and performed
self-control tend to be healthier and eat the treat right away. However, academically better than students
who were less patient or showed less
willpower. In today’s modern world
there are multiple avenues, including
many online and electronic media
experiences which tend to distract
students from studies thus leading
to poorer academic performance.
Researchers have also found out that
children who have good self–control
during their childhood, are more likely
to lead a productive and pleasant life
in their adulthood.
But while it’s clear that self-control
is critical for maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, overemphasizing the
importance of willpower can be
damaging. Therefore, we should find
what works best for us and implement
it in our lives to make it healthy as well
as enjoyable.
Lass to lady 95
SARAH ABRAHAM, XII C
But now her profile resembles That rages within
A lifeless being
One, that is filled to the brim with the One reminds her of her battles
regrets of her past The ones she fought against herself
And is marred by her mistakes A battle fought with valour
Resulting in casualities on both ends
As I stand looking at myself in the Her skin once looked As I look back
mirror Like the golden drops of sunshine Upon the treasure chest of my life
I see the face of a girl That remain scattered through the I realize that a part of me
Who once had not a care in the world sky Is still that innocent young girl
Whose eyes once seemed elysian In the late hours of the evening She hasn’t left , she’s just been
But have now turned into an endless It now seemed to be lined with forgotten
abyss wrinkles
Filled to the brim All of which tell a tale of its own Like the cherry blossoms that adorn
With her haunting terrors the streets
One talks about her inhibitions She too will spread her warmth inside
She used to be subtle and divine That seemed to have endlessly of me
Like the pearls of dew grown Her rivulets of joy will restore me from
That outlined the leaves Changing from a mere glitch in her within
In the wee hours of the morning fabric
To now hampering her very existence And hopefully the canvas of my life
Will be painted anew
The other talks about her worries All in different hues
That seems to have turned
Into an all consuming fire
96 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
EMBRACING YOURSELF
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” – Oscar Wilde
Embracing yourself is the act of One can know when they are not STEVE THOMAS, XI A
happily accepting who you are and believing and embracing their true
the uniqueness that makes you feel self when they feel that their life is you happy and do them more often.
different from others. Embracing revolving around others rather than Let go of what others think of it and
yourself in today’s world is considered themselves. For example, when think inwardly. Take up challenges
a hard task as society views you are asked about your hobbies, and risks and avoid thinking about the
individuals more on their appearance favourite items you think of what potential failures that could happen.
and set unofficial parameters to be your friends like and are unable to If we start embracing ourselves, we
considered “acceptable” by society. feel your liking then it means you are will have clearer goals and a clear
We see a lot of cases in which people not embracing yourself enough. If solution to things and start doing
who are not happy with themselves you are facing these problems you things that we like. Modern society
take the use of modern techniques can do certain things by which you has changed a lot. A lot of people are
like plastic surgery to change their can get back your identity like sitting embracing themselves for who they
identity. No person in the world is down and thinking about yourself and are and their personality rather than
unhappy with themselves; they are asking questions to yourself about trying to become like their favourite
just worried about the world making your purpose, life goals, etc. Think celebrity. If we continue this way, we
fun of them. Often causing them to positively about yourself. Rather than can make this world full of unique and
make decisions that may take away saying “I can’t do it ” practise saying happy people.
their unique identity. “I can do it”. Find activities that make
ADOLESCENT MENTAL 97
HEALTH KASHISH RANI, X A
Adolescence (10-19 years) is a addition to depression and anxiety, the help they need. It is important
unique and formative time. Multiple adolescents with emotional disorders to understand that a healthy body is
physical, emotional and social can also experience excessive of no use if your mind is unhealthy.
changes can make adolescents irritability, frustration or anger. According to a recent study by
vulnerable to mental health problems. Symptoms can overlap across more Swansea University UK, an average
Protecting adolescents from adverse than one emotional disorder with rapid adolescent today has more anxiety
experiences and risk factors that may and unexpected changes in mood than an adult 20 years ago! This is
impact their potential to thrive in future and emotional outbursts. Younger extremely concerning.We must take
are critical for their psychological well- adolescents may additionally develop initiative to help adolescents in any
being. emotion-related physical symptoms way we can, starting by educating
Mental health conditions account for such as stomach ache, headache or them on mental health. Spreading
16% of the global burden of disease nausea. awareness is always helpful.
and injury in people from ages 10-19 Globally, depression is the fourth
years. Most people who are victims of leading cause of illness and disability
various mental health conditions start among adolescents of ages 15-19
showing symptoms by 14 years of age years and fifteenth for those of ages
but most cases remain undetected 10-14 years. Emotional disorders can
and untreated. profoundly affect areas like school
Globally, depression is one of work and school attendance. Social
the leading causes of illness and withdrawal can exacerbate isolation
disability among adolescents.The and loneliness.
consequences of not addressing Children have an unrealistic standard
adolescent mental health conditions of expectations set on them. Most
extend to adulthood, impairing both children are crushed under the
physical and mental health and weight of school work, deadlines,
limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling examinations as well as day to day
lives as adults. social interactions.
Emotional disorders commonly Mental health is a taboo is India, this
emerge during adolescence. In is why most children don’t receive
98 | BEACON 2020-21 | NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL, KOCHI | www.ncskochi.ac.in
Caressed HANIA HUSAIN, IX C
She stood there at the crossroads as the air caressed her hair
Her smile shines across town, her beauty far beyond
The mystery in her eyes, the kind words but crazy life
she’d enjoy every minute and never cared about time
The wonder with each step, her smooth but strong walk
People wondered what kept her so put
So firm but a child at heart, a lioness with rabbit steps
She grew more vibrant with each day
To her life was simple she neither dwelled in the past
nor worried about the future
She wanted to be heard. She wanted to make a difference
So she did and so should we
I am talking about a change
A new way to live life
Express your feelings the way you want
Deliver a message that would enlighten the world
To bring light in our world