Reachout Reaches Out

Reachout in Rajarajeshwari Nagar entered its ninth year in January 2011.

Showcasing the talent of children in neighbourhood schools – at no cost to either the student or the school – was a unique effort.

For me, personally, it has been an interesting and satisfying experience of social service.

The story began with 8 participating schools in January 2003 and the number doubled in a year.

Now, as many as 26 schools and pre-schools are in.

Inspired by it, ReachoutPlus was launched in September 2009, for the general public, to encourage individual initiative and collective action.

The two publications have been combined, so that the showcase is seen by more people – over 15,000 families – and more often – every fortnight.

Reachout in Rajarajeshwari Nagar continues to be distributed free to all.

Citizens have been invited to write in English or Kannada, and the response has been encouraging.

– M.C. Ramaswamy

Sights, sounds and smells from Bangalore: Rajarajeshwari Nagar safe haven for dirt

A lot of changes have taken place since January 6, 2006, when that blog was posted.
Now, in August 2009, Rajarajeshwari Nagar has grown into a preferred area for residence and business. It continues to grow.
There are more than 20 schools and also a junior college. Nearby are several engineering colleges.
Reachout in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, a periodical, is published here. As many as 10,000 copies are distributed.
In spite of influx, it is still a peaceful area to live and work in.

For the Love of Painting

Painting is a passion for me; something I must do.
I see colour in everything and beauty in the natural world around me.
You need to find your OWN passion about your art and your growth as an artist.
Art is an evolving process, not a single product.
It is a journey whose end might be dreamed about but never quiet reached.
Because, if you reach it, what more is there?
There are no shortcuts to good painting.
Good drawing ability comes with repetitive lessons. Draw every day.
Paint what you love.
You need to practise, practise and practise.
Learn from others. Take workshops and apply the knowledge there to your own work.
Learn about design, value and composition.
Art is a journey, not a destination.
You will go through the beginning stages of copying finished works, copying from photographs, painting from your imagination, then, hopefully, combing your developed vision with only a moderate tipping of your hat to source material.
- Sujatha L., BGS Public School.

Peace has Many Names

In India, the word shanti means peace.
In Spain, the word paz stands for peace.
In South Africa, the word vrede denotes peace.
In France, they use the word paix for peace.
In Germany, the word for peace is frieden.
In Israel, the word shalom means peace.
In Japan, the word heiwa is used for peace.
In Sri Lanka, the word Samaya means peace.
In China, the word heping denotes peace.
Remember, names may differ, but all of us want the same peace.
You will have peace when you: see what is good, hear what is good and speak what is good.
Hence, see, hear and speak good to have peace.
– K.R. Vijaya, Principal, King’s High School.

Reachout Poets' Corner

The Wood of Flowers

I went to a wood of flowers,
I was there alone for hours.
I was happy as could be,
In the wood of flowers.
There was grass on the ground,
There were buds on the trees.
And the wind had the sound,
Of such gaiety.
That I was happy as happy could be,
In the wood of flowers.
-- Sreevidhya K.S., VI standard, BGS Public School.

I Love My India
India is my motherland,
Precious to me is even its sand.
With its mountains, rivers and forests,
Where even the wind peacefully rests.
With Kashmir as India’s crown,
Where soldiers become martyrs without a frown.
Kanyakumari at its holy feet,
Where the three seas meet.
I am proud to live here,
Where everyone lives without fear.
This land was once under British dominion,
Now I am proud to be a free Indian!
-- Arpitha R. Bhat, VII standard, New Horizon Public School.

Alas! In-dependency Day

A teacher reminisces on India's Independence Day

India celebrated its Independence Day anniversary and soon thereafter comes Gandhi Jayanti. But, are we truly “independent?”
As long as we are slaves to our own insatiable desires, we do not have independence but have to be ‘in dependency.”
Mahatma Gandhi freed us from the British using the weapon of non-violence.
If we scrutinise his motive, we can realise that he not only wanted to free us from the British but free us from the aliens hiding within – impatience, crookedness and selfishness.
Gandhiji is rightly called Mahatma for his refined qualities. True independence is subjective that can be attained only by one’s own effort.
Great souls serve as milestones and the only vehicles available to reach the destination is self-control; its fuel is willpower.
Let us elevate ourselves to a higher level and enjoy true freedom.
– Nandini, Teacher, Mother of Good Health School.

Our cartoonist Nithin A. Prasad, VII standard, B.E.T. Convent, says:

"Do good in maths and be as fat as Ganesha."

Success Mantra

Everyone has a will to win but very few have the will to prepare to win.
Confidence comes from preparation, which is nothing but planning and practising.
Winners prepare and do not worry about winning.
If we practise poorly, we play poorly because we play as we practice.
Preparation is the necessary edge to succeed in any field.
Preparation = Purpose + Planning + Practice + Perseverance + Patience + Pride
– BGS Public School, Kengeri.