Enjoy the Paintings, Life at School
Published on 24/11/2022
Comments 77

What Children Dream?

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Last Week when our projector abruptly died. We were in the middle of a focused class learning about the Human Body System. But the sudden death of our computer gave class an opportunity to discuss something completely different in a matter of minutes. We started talking about dream and reality. Being at an age as they are, though super smart, there is line till where my children can absorb. But more than that they can remarkably express.

On a whim I asked them to write what they dream about. Many of them came up with many different thoughts and other beautiful visualisations. But only few could write them so beautifully that I at once decided to share at least few with you all. It were written in such an alluring way; precise and small sentences that you feel it has taken a writer years to perfect it.

They were comfortable in Hindi. And even though I might not be able to transpire exactly their language but still I will try to pass on their essence to you.

For the ones who can read Hindi I will request you to read both, their original writing and my translation. It will be great to hear what you think.



Title : My Dream



I slept at eleven O clock in the night. In my dream I saw that i was walking with my father in a lane when a woman suddenly came close to my father and asked him to come along. My father said no and asked her to leave. We left from that place but when I looked back to check that woman was not there. We walked ahead and only a while later the moment that same woman arrived, my eyes opened suddenly.

Thank you

It was written by a student named Vishal. He is in Third standard.

Title : My School


My name is Ridha and I study in fifth class. I have been studying in this school since 2007. I have seen my Principal and my teachers as my mentor and as my friends. If any teacher scolds us, it is because of our mistakes. I have been in this school for such a long time and now when my time has come to leave I heart doesn’t allow me to leave instead my heart tells me that I spend my life in this school. Whenever I think of leaving the school tears come out of my eyes. I had never thought that I will get attached to any school. But my principal Sir told us that to gain anything you have to sacrifice. I will keep the memories of this school always with me.

This letter is almost five old. And only when I uploaded I realised it now how beautifully Ridha had expressed her feeling of the time of her leaving the school.


Title : My School


My school is very good. When I first went to school all the children started laughing at me because my face was like a monkey. Then ma’am said, one must never laugh at others, thereafter all the children asked me for an apology , it was for the first time then I got two friends. After some months on 15th August Principal ma’am told us “Your dream must never fade away, keep walking in tandem, Success will kiss your feet, today either tomorrow.” And since that day I decided to become a scientist. I am feeling very sad that I have studied in this school since childhood.

Thank you Principal ma’am and all the teachers.


∞


I personally think it is a beautiful project to take up and it is in my capability and domain. I must continue to collect such documents of children where they are expressing their abstract thought in writings and I shall extend it to sketches and Paintings.

For example, During an exercise I asked children to make their selfies. Of how they look at themselves. It was a revelation of sorts when I saw what all they had made. To see how children see themselves was a discovery in itself, an epiphany. But the one which captivated, moved, awed me is this post’s cover image. The Peacock Hand.

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Thank you.

If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste


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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly,

As a co-traveller, share my Ten Lessons I learnt from several years on the road, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.

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You might also like to know about My Little School Project.

If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here

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If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at lotusofnara@gmail.com


For more South Asia Stories, please follow :
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by

Hi, I am Narayan Kaudinya. And i welcome you on this journey, the Road to Nara ! I am an Ethnographer and a practicing Indologist. I did my masters in History and further learnt Sanskrit, Yoga and Nerve-therapy. At 24, pushing most academic sounding, office sitting works away, i felt compelled to know and understand the world and my country, Bharat/India. I travelled, and as it happened i took up teaching in Kashmir and further up in the remote villages of Baltistan in the foothills of Karakoram Ranges. For around three years and many states later there came a time when i felt that it was only while teaching i learnt how to laugh, to see, feel, breathe, love and cry -with children, and mostly resource-less parents in the harshest-freezing border conditions. I write, and work as a documentary photographer and Filmmaker, with numerous published, exhibited and some awarded stories. In my travels and life i have let nature lead me, the divine mother, and as a Yogin, my resolve here is to share my experiences and thoughts as honestly, and through them to blossom in everyone the power and possibility in pursuing your breath, that you seek your true nature with courage and curiosity. Here, on this road i will share my spirit, my love for nature, the elements of life that are us. And in doing so, i'll be happy to see you along.

77 Comments

  1. Richa Bhargava Mitra says

    Dearest Narayan,
    Innocence and purity, this post brought instant smile ❤️. It’s so easy to read children and yet so difficult to understand what is going on in that tiny little head😀. I’m sure cherry also would’ve her share of dreams if asked to scribble 😅. Thank you for this innocent share 🙂
    Richa

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  4. gabychops says

    Whenever I think that Narayan wrote a masterpiece, he comes up with a different subject, even more, fascinating such as today’s post about “What Children Dream”.
    I always said that he is a writer with an enormous, God-given talent, but his teaching ability and his passion for providing India with the next generation of highly educated citizens who will be instrumental in his beloved country’s prosperity and greatness are beyond praise!
    His idea of engaging the children at his school in a discussion about their dreams, and in drawing pictures is simply an ingenious one.

    Reading their stories and seeing the pictures is equally heartrending and deeply moving. This exercise should be repeated regularly as it is not only of interest to us
    but more importantly, focuses on children’s perception of their unique school and their future.
    Thank you, Narayan, for making my day inspired and my mind refreshed with the
    ideas that are not found every day and everywhere.
    Apart from the above talents, you are a born leader!
    Thank you.

    Joanna

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      My Dearest Joanna, this was such a heart warming comment. It made me smile for hours. Your kindness, and above all your belief has always humbled me. It gives strength as much it asks me to become more responsible.

      These kids have also heard your stories and I am certain in the years to come I will be able to tell them about all the books that you mention in your writings.

      I just hope I always my right mind to keep pushing in the right way. Thank you my dearest.

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  5. Ashley says

    Such wonderful stories and paintings! The words and art of children are so unsullied by the machinations of adult life. So refreshing, Narayan! 🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you dear Ashley. Your kind words make it all the more joyful. And as you mentioned probably their un-layered perception is what makes them different from any other.

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Yetismith says

    What a great way to take advantage of the time freed up by the failing projector. You have some very creative kids. The photograph of them is sweet. Such good-looking kids. They are blessed to have you Nara. I know you will guide them well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Janet thank you, and yes so beautifully precious may be also because there writing or art say something more, something hidden which is very close to liberation and yet understanding.

      Thanks again Janet.

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  11. Yernasia Quorelios says

    💜 The Trouble with Groan Ups is that They ARE Aloof, Arrogant and Over Confident EveryOne; when challenged by Kids Groan Ups often Resort to Violence, either Physical or Psychological, and, as Groan Ups AGE They Wonder why Their Kids Avoid Them or put Them in to Aged Care Homes ergo Groan Ups ARE Pretty Dumb Really EveryBody…as They Exhort to “Absorb” Abusively; with a Miserable, MisGuided Perception of Authority as The Child is in Charge

    …💛💚💙…

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    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dear Yermasia,.I agree with you on the grown up becoming more of self absorbed in a negative way that doesn’t let anything pass on in a joyful.manner.

      And you see what they give eventually comes back multi folded in many ways.

      Thank you for this message and your important and understanding comment.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Krishna says

    Oh dear Narayan, this is so cute and beautiful 🤗❤️🙏🏼 I wish my nephew study in your school. Little one is in UKG now and due to COVID lockdown, he started going school in UKG only and his LKG was online and very few days only he went school. He is not interested in studies, but goes to school to see friends. Since my sister and brother-in-law are too busy with their job and housework after that, they are not getting enough time to teach him from home and he is having problem with reading. When teacher tell him to read, he gets sad and cries since he could not read. Sister says he is lazy and having no focus. When my sister tries to teach him at home, he says he is not interested in studies and he only wishes to become a good human being and don’t wish to study. He likes to draw pictures, colour them and other times he watches TV. I and parents are living in another district and we meet them once in 6 months only. Can you please advice me how can we create interest in his little mind about studies?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • gabychops says

      I hope that Narayan is not going to mind but as he is so busy, perhaps I could help.
      Here is my email address: naturetailsuk@gmail.com
      If you Krishna, write to me with your email address, and I will give you suggestions on how to help your nephew.

      Joanna

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
        • Narayan Kaudinya says

          Dear Krishna, school is going to Picnic today and we had a lot to do yesterday for today. As much your beautiful comment made me happy, ot was also important for me to.adress it in a factual way. I wanted to take time and write to you well. I will try doing that soon. May be I can also write to you a mail!

          Meanwhile I am happy that your lovely comment found the best person here, to write to you personally ❤

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
          • Krishna says

            Thank you so much Narayan for the reply. I can understand you are busy. Please take your time and do write to me when you are free – krishnapriya22013@gmail.com. I wrote to Joanna today early morning itself. Kid is having an open house today where teachers and parents meet. We are waiting to see what teachers have to tell about him. I assured him yesterday through phone I am with him and we together will find solutions.

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply
  14. Chaya Sheela says

    Beautiful post, Narayan. These letters and drawings touched my heart. So innocent and sincere.
    I love how Sidha understood the meaning of “कुछ पाने के लिये कूच खोना पडता है”, and concluded that though she is so attached to the school and doesn’t want to leave, she has to do so to progress. And that she will always carry those golden memories with her! Wow!
    I admire how you quickly pivot when faced with a challenge and change it into a learning opportunity.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Best wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you Chaya Jee for this uplifting, affectionate comment. Made my Day.

      Yes, all.the kids and how they interpret meanings is beautiful and reveal so many things about them and their inner world in general.

      Yours and many readers reactions tells me that it can be a great project to pursue in a long run. I ll see to it.

      Thank you again Chaya Ji.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  17. KK says

    The real creativity can be found in a child, as this post depicts. A child has a clean slate, with untainted opinion. Your kids must be fortunate to find a teacher like you, Narayan ji. All the best 👍

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  20. Yernasia Quorelios says

    💜 My Nephew is really interested in sharks 🦈 😍 😳 😄 ☺️ 😅 🦈 particularly the prehistoric metadon shark 🦈 😀 😄 😳 😆 👍🏾 🦈 that is big enough to eat a Great White Shark EveryOne; personally I THINK!!! that “Schooling” NEEDS!!! ReForm NOT!!! UniForm EveryBody

    …💛💚💙…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. Bumba says

    Very nice post, but I don’t think it’s proper to post names or photos of your students.

    Like

    Reply
  22. Yernasia Quorelios says

    💜 Personally EveryOne, as a Kid I Destroyed Groan Ups Minds so They could PUNISH!!! Me and ReBuild Their THINKING!!! and MindSet; as a Mentally Recovered KiDult I Resume My Parenting of The Parental…it’s Crystal 🔮 Clear Clarity that Bumba is PARENTAL and Kids Know MORE!!! rhan Bumba Do…do bBe Aware that Bumba is Aloof, Arrogant and “controlling” EveryBody; beware of these Parental Types, http://www.ericberne.com

    …💛💚💙…

    Like

    Reply
  24. Ankur Mithal says

    Children never fail to surprise with their creativity, empathy, energy, curiosity, sensitivity, maturity and many other qualities. I suppose adults would be better off learning from them than the other way round.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Ofcourse adults do learn to compromise at least from children till children start becoming their own self 🙂

      Lovely to have your words Ankur. Thanks for writing.

      Like

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