October 2018 Volume 1, Issue.

The Valley Rishi Valley School • Newsletter

Do you know anything about

meditation?
K rishnamurti: Do you know anything
about meditation? You are interested
in sex, aren’t you? You are interested in
sit or lie down very, very quietly. Don’t
force it, don’t fidget. If you fidget, then
watch it; don’t say, “I must not.” Then,
being entertained; you are interested in when you sit very quietly, you watch
learning geography, history--interested your mind. First, you watch the mind.
casually. You are interested in many Don’t correct it; don’t say, “This thought
things, aren’t you? Meditation is part of is good, that thought is not good”—just
life--don’t say it’s something outside for watch it. Then you will see that there is
some silly people--it’s part of existence. a watcher and the watched: there is a
So, you must know about it as you must division. The moment there is a division,
Editorial... know about mathematics, electronics,
or whatever it is. Do you know what
there is conflict.
Now, can you watch without the
it means to meditate? The dictionary watcher? Is there a watching without
To see the world in a grain of sand or meaning of the word is to ponder, to the watcher? It is the watcher that says,
the ocean in a drop of water is to touch think over, to ruminate, to enquire into. “This is good and that is bad”, “This I like
infinity itself. It is a marvel how so little
Shall we talk a little about it? and that I don’t like,” or, “I wish she hadn’t
can hold so much. A term is only all
When you sit very quietly, or said this or that,” “I wish I had more
of four months, yet it is amazing how
lie down very quietly, the body is food.” Watch without the watcher: Try
much has happened in these four
months as the newsletter reveals. completely relaxed, isn’t it? Have you it some time. That’s part of meditation-
But then, are these movements ever tried to sit very, very quietly? --not -just begin with that--that’s good
just ripples and eddies which die to force it because, the moment you enough. And you will see, if you have
where they are born with no further force it, it is finished--to sit very quietly, done it, what an extraordinary thing
movement? Browning said that ‘less is either with your eyes closed or open. takes place... your body becomes very,
more’ but at moments such as these If you have your eyes open there is a very intelligent. Now the body is not
one feels that ‘more is less’. When one little more distraction, you begin to see intelligent because we have spoiled it.
ponders on how many years have things. So, after looking at things--the You understand what I mean? We have
rolled by since the school began, one curve of the tree, the leaves, the bushes- destroyed the natural intelligence of the
cannot help but ruminate on how so -after looking at it all with care, then body itself. Then you will find that the
much happens in a little time, yet not close your eyes. Then you will not say to body says, “Go to bed at the right time.”
much changes in the long term. We are yourself, “What’s happening, let me look.” It wants it, it has its own intelligence and
struggling with the same problems and First look at everything--the furniture, activity. And also, if it wants to be lazy,
issues. the colour of the chair, the colour of the let it be lazy.
When Krishnamurti says to the sweater--look at the shape of the tree. Oh, you don’t know what all this
students, ‘I feel you ought to leave this After having looked, the desire to look means! You try it. When I come back
place highly intelligent--not just pass out is less. I’ve seen that blue sky and in April we’ll sit down together twice
some exams, but be tremendously I’ve finished with it, and I won’t look a week and go into all this, shall we?
intelligent, aware, beautiful persons’; again. But you must first look; then you Good! I feel you ought to leave this place
one is both inspired and awed by can sit quietly. When you sit quietly, or highly intelligent--not just pass some
the tremendous challenge it holds to lie down very quietly, the blood flows exams, but be tremendously intelligent,
students, teachers, parents and in fact easily into your head, doesn’t it? There is aware, beautiful persons. At least, that is
the entire community. no strain. That’s why they say you must how I feel for you.
One thing alone is true. There is no sit cross-legged, with head very straight,
space for stasis. Relationship with one because the blood flows easier that way. - Beginnings of Learning, pp. 79-80
another and nature will ever be the If you sit crouched it is more difficult for 
cornerstone of a dynamic community. the blood to go into the head. So, you

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 Rishi Valley School • News letter

Brand New New Beginnings

Exits and Entries science and math is infectious. All
• Laundry has two 25 kg industrial those who used to slink away on
washing machines. The last
replacement was in 1992. These
machines have in built spinners
J yothi Akka has taken over as
the Principal from the current
academic year. Siddhartha Sir and
Saturday noon for an early siesta can
now be seen bursting their blood
vessels over some math teasers
which means that akkas and Paritha Akka have taken sabbatical and theorrems. He is also a hockey
annas do not have to haul wet for a year. Siddhartha Sir makes coach for a brand-new girl’s hockey
clothes into a separate spinner. many surprise visits and has team in making. Three young ladies
delighted the 11th Lit students by from the academic portals of Delhi
• Soon Dhobi Ghat residents taking some extra classes too. Valli have stormed into the humanities
should be able to shift to their Akka who was on sabbatical last faculty. They are our sociology
new quarters which are being year has rejoined school. Tanuj Sir is teacher Aanchal Akka, English and
built near the Alumni Guest back in Valley and is now teaching Literature teacher Harlene and
House. Mathematics. He is also the junior History teacher Lekshmi Akka. They
school coordinator. Chandrika Akka may be young but are even more
• A new RO plant has been and Alok Sir have moved out of their strict task masters than their older
installed above dining hall. old office and have moved into their counterparts. Another Shailendran
new home. Deepak Sir, Vijaya Akka, Sir has joined Sailendran Sir in the
• Two staff quarters were Madhumita Akka, Rajat Sir, Arsh finance department.
renovated during the vacation. Sir and Hitesh Sir have left School.
Two more quarters are being Aniket Sir too is no longer an active June Orientation Meetings for
extended near the estate area. teacher, but he substitutes when Teachers
other teachers are not well or are out
• Funds are being collected by an of station. Is he taking more classes The overarching theme during
alumni initiative to renovate the now than when he was a teacher? the orientation was ‘Quiet Mind
Hoopoe House and make it into He also plays tennis regularly and as a Condition for Learning’. Since
a part research centre and part is a part of the film committee. there were a large number of new
archive. He was the RV Quiz coordinator. teachers it made sense to begin
Deepak Sir visited recently and with an introduction to the culture.
• For water conservation, school regaled students with tales of his ethos and history of Rishi Valley
started collecting rain water new-found passion – urban and roof School convened by Radhika Akka,
from the roofs of Golden, Silver top farming. Vijaya Akka too visited Kumaraswamy Sir and Rajan Sir.
and Neem house. The water recently and reconnected with the
from the roofs goes through a school. It felt like old times to see Taking up on the theme of quietness
semi cylindrical pipe which leads her in the library. The new teachers there was a general discussion on
to an underground pipe. The who have joined are Harikrishnan ‘Spaces’ that need attention such
underground pipes transport Sir who teaches Chemistry in middle as class rooms, assembly hall,
the water for use. and senior school. He is a serious dining hall and houses; drawing
teacher who thinks academics is special attention to time before
a serious business. But he is fun and after classes, break times,
loving too. The other teacher who moving between classes, movie
also teaches Chemistry is Jimble time and on the occasions of special
Sir whose actual name is Srinivasa programmes; Role of teachers: as
Subramaniam. Jimble Sir is an old subject teachers, class teachers and
student whose other passions house parents; more importantly,
are tennis and cooking. He also understanding roles of individual
teaches junior science along with teachers and as a collective whole.
another new entrant Ranjit Sir who Faculties met to discuss the general
teaches junior science and senior guidelines and matters specific to
Computer Science. Ranjit Sir is very their faculties.
kind and friendly. Sai Jagan Sir who
is primarily a senior Physics teacher There was a special interaction with
is like a whirlwind who has swept the Parivartan group. The purpose
many an unsuspecting student was twofold. Since Parivartan Group
into Maths club. His enthusiasm for was going to work closely with

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 The Valley • October 2018

the issues of mental health in school and was offering of these sessions feeling refreshed.
counselling services to the students, it was a good way
to get to know one another. This was a later followed by Counselling services have been offered to students
a series of meetings with teachers over 4 weeks called by a system of self-referral and teacher referral. Maitri
‘Care for the Caregivers’. gave an introductory talk to the senior students which
established an instant rapport with the students and
The other topic that was closely discussed was ‘Bullying: instilled confidence in her. This has been a much-needed
The Dark Reality and the Grey Areas’. The session focused facility for the students wherein they are able to talk
on building awareness and more specifically on how to freely about their fears, anxieties and confusions without
act on peripheral knowledge and bring it centre stage; the fear of being judged.
understanding patterns and trends. It closely discussed
the role of teachers in having an ear to the ground and
understanding the conflicts and dynamics within a Freshers Galore
group; building relationship with students; mechanisms
of reporting/action/intervention; understanding “I first thought Rishi Valley to be an ordinary boarding
the pros and cons of swift and visible intervention; school, where freshers were unprepared for events in
understanding the significance of what it means to have the first few months, but I was wrong”.
a ‘zero tolerance’. “My experience as a fresher in RVS has been great so far”.
“My fellow classmates have been very kind and
Sports is a key area in school life and harbours many informative towards me, and I have always been up to
passions both amongst students and staff. It is an area date with upcoming events here at RVS”.
rife with conflicting views on its role in school life. Sunil
Sir convened a seasoned and mature discussion on Thus spoke some of the freshers who have entered the
‘What kind of sports culture do we want in our school?’. portals of Rishi Valley. Some of the freshers’ events were:

There was a light hearted session anchored by the new Freshers games was a series of small games for freshers
teachers which tested and challenged the rest of the such as dog and the bone, chain, dressup etc. They
faculty through some fun games and activities. This was were pretty fun and a good way to interact with fellow
followed by a serious session on ‘Understanding the freshers and peers.
various functions of teachers’.
Freshers hike was a half-hour long hike to 3600, the
It looked into the role of coordinators; communication highest point in the entire Rishi Valley. The hike helps
channels and information flow: teachers (general) freshers to understand teachers and students and see
-subject teachers – class teachers – house parents – the beauty of Rishi Valley.
coordinators – principal – students – parents; movie
policy; mentoring and support systems; stressing the Freshers assembly was a melee of programmes spread
need for active presence in the school during school over two morning assemblies. There was a humorous
hours; leisure; leave policy amongst others. Telugu play about a wannabee king who dreams of
being a warrior and uses ladoos as missiles. There were a
Parivartan for Counselling Services series of Hindi poems on animals. Tashi had audience in
splits with his silent acting. Two pairs of twins (the third
To nurture mental health and well-being, the counselling pair left school) presented a funny but philosophical
services of Parivartan have been sought. The group made skit on mirror images which brought out the difference
a presentation during the June orientation meetings to between what we want to be and what we are.
highlight several issues of mental health. They conducted Sanjana gave a solo bharatnayam performance. Venu
workshops over 4 weekends called ‘Care for Caregivers’ Sir choreographed another dance to the song written
to orient the teachers, especially house parents. The and composed by REC teacher Ramu. The other dance
sessions touched upon how to be an effective listener numbers were a bhangra dance and Waka Waka dance.
to one’s own feelings and that of others; recognizing Juneili gave a brilliant piano recital. Devbratt gave an
and learning to express and deal with emotions, impressive table recital as did Ahan on his guitar. The
especially negative emotions such as anger and other songs rendered were a Punjabi song which was an
anxiety; understanding and learning to handle various energetic number and some calming Odiya songs under
stages of the psycho-social development; methods of the tutelage of Ranjit Sir and Biji Akka.
communication and understanding interpersonal spaces 
and boundaries; self care and assessment. Though these
sessions were long they were done in a manner which
alleviated stress and boredom. Teachers often came out
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 Rishi Valley School • News letter

What Lies Behind the Words?

Assemblies

Junior Assemblies been many plays, music, dance and

drama presentations, the details

J unior assemblies are the most

sought-after assemblies by the
staff. Sometimes it is their children’s
of which can be seen in a different
section of the newsletter.

(their own or those in their house) Staff Assemblies

performance which draws them.
Mostly it is the simplicity and Rajashekhar held the first junior
freshness that they look forward to Tuesday Assembly. It was a welcome
starting their day with. Not the least, address to the new children while
no matter what the young ones do, looking at the basic rules of life in a
it is heartwarming and delightful. boarding school. He also emphasised
on the physical boundaries beyond
It is always a wonderful recourse to which students could not venture
the teachers when they give holiday without the company of adults.
homework and gleefully use these Radhika Akka spoke on the old days
And as the sun rises a little higher the leaves to fill the junior assembly slots. in Rishi Valley School. Ramola Sir
begin to flutter, to dance. And each hour Thus, the term began with students spoke on boredom and numerous
seems to give to that tree a different quality. of classes five and six presenting ways in which one could beat them.
Before the sun rises it has a sombre feeling, their holiday homework. This was
quiet, far away, full of dignity. And as the day followed by a mixed assembly Sai Jagan spoke about hockey. He
begins, the leaves with the light on them wherein all the language teachers spoke about Rani Ramphal the Indian
dance and give it that peculiar feeling that (English, Hindi, and Telugu) made women’s captain and Men’s captain
one has of great beauty. the students present the poems they Sardar Singh who is considered to
had taught in the class. Kusum Akka be one of the best hockey players
- Krishnamurti to Himself Brockwood Park and Viswanath Sir did a combined worldwide followed by Dhyanchand
Friday 25th February, 1983 assembly of two small skits and the – also one of the best players of
poems from ‘Hindi Ki Duniya’ with the world. He was so good at the
their sixth graders. Three to four sport that even a person like Hitler
assemblies were taken by Natarajan was impressed by his style. Hitler
Sir’s EVS students, now in grade 6 to even congratulated Dhyanchand
present their holiday projects about personally after a match in Germany.
different civilisations. There was one He also spoke about a great former
more mixed assembly by students Pakisthani player Shahbaz Ahmed.
of grades five and six who recited Sai Jagan’s purpose of this assembly
back to back some Hindi and English was to spread the awareness of our
poems. Nirmala Akka’s sixth graders national sport. Krishna Menon spoke
did an enjoyable JAM session in about chess and a few great chess
Hindi which had the participants players of the world with special
thinking on their feet and the mention of Viswanathan Anand,
audience dissolving into fits. Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen.

Sonali Akka’s grade six social studies Afshan presented a very engaging
students presented two assemblies session on the beauty of poetry.
with skits written, directed and She read out an assortment of
performed by them. Meena Akka’s her favourite poems. She said
grade 4 students presented one that reading poetry was as much
assembly on water and butterfly fun as reading novels. Anushka
poems. In the last assembly of the gave a very interesting talk on the
term, fourth and fifth grade Hindi daughter of famed poet Lord Byron,
students presented a few Hindi Augusta Ada Byron, Countess of
songs and poems. Lovelace—better known as Ada
Lovelace, a woman mathematician
Poetry is not all. There have also and computer programmer. It is said
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 The Valley • October 2018

that once Ada and her mother went to a party where she melodious duets - the last one on going home - Take me
met Charles Babbage. Charles Babbage told her about Home, Country Roads.
his idea of the calculating machine. Ada got fascinated
by the concept of the machine and soon, after many In the senior school, the teacher assembly began and
trials she was successful in making a complete computer ended with Dr Kumaraswamy. He spoke on Sciences
program. Babbage created the first ever computer which and scientific spirit with a touch of humour and laced
was designed by Ada. Rahee showed some interesting with philosophy. He opened his last assembly with a
cartoons by Zagreb Animation. Harikrishnan Sir related provocative statement, ‘How many of you believe in
the story of Swethakethu and the lessons that could be God?’ In his characteristic style he asked how anyone
learnt from his life about knowledge and quest. Jyothi could answer that question without understanding or
demystified the notion that several youngsters held of defining what or who god is. Harikrishnan educated the
the Principal as someone who was free to make and students who would soon be dealing with money on
break rules. She related two simple but profound zen how to manage finance and investments. Anagh spoke
stories. on microbiomes, the world of microbes including those
we carry on our bodies. Dhanya spoke of her research on
Santharam spoke about Amur falcons which fly from ataxia, a motor disorder.
Siberia, go through China, Northeast India and finally
reach South Africa. But when a reservoir was built in Parekh spoke about his experiences in Rishi Valley and
Nagaland, they stopped there for a long time. The with Krishnamurti. He also played some of his favourite
locals began to hunt them for their meat. A journalist old Hindi film songs. There was a special assembly on the
from Nagaland intervened and sought action from the occasion of M L Vasantha Kumari’s 90th birth anniversary.
government of Nagaland. The local schools too led Santharam and Dr Kumaraswamy reminiscenced about
campaigns by children writing poems urging people her stay in Rishi Valley and remarked about her simplicity
not to hunt Amur falcons. The locals have now stopped and generosity. Aarthi (an alumnus who was here at the
hunting these falcons. time) shared it with her friends. Many of her friends and
batchmates got together and sent a beautiful eulogy
Sonali spoke about Dia de Los Muertos—the day of complete with pictures of their memories with MLV.
the dead—a festival celebrated by the Mexicans. They
celebrate the ‘Day of the Dead’ on Nov 1 and 2. It is Sreevani who is herself a sarpanch gave an insider
believed that the family’s dead relatives come and meet account of what politics and how it played out in the
them on that day. They keep the dead relatives’ pictures minds of the commoners who had no idea of the various
and their favourite things on a place called ofrunda in schemes and programmes of the government. She also
their homes. Coco which is an English movie is based criticized the government for some of its arm twisting
on Dia de los Muertos. Aniket played a few good songs tactics to ensure audience when a politician came by.
under the genre ‘Protest Music’ from around the world. Jyothi spoke on the current debate on spaces in the
Geeta Akka read a few beautiful stories meant for European universities and something similar that is
children and adults alike. The best of the lot was the playing out in our own universities and even in Rishi
story of an over dramatic dog with a splinter in his paw, Valley School.
Winston was Worried. These stories were followed by
some beautiful songs. Lakshma’s talk was based on a book by that Howard
Gardner titled ‘The Five Minds of the Future’. Chinmay
Harleen talked about how we often grumble about little aided by Lakshma drew a colourful mind map of these
problems in our daily life. She showed a few books from five minds namely the disciplined mind, the synthesizing
the Mr.Grumble Series. Aanchal’s assembly was about mind, the creating mind, the respectful mind and the
her Teach for India Fellowship experience teaching slum ethical mind. It was quite an engrossing talk.
children in Delhi for two years. Srinivas (fondly known
as Jimble) spoke of Intel based on his experience. Sonali Earlier in the term, Dr Kartik and Radhika akka took a
and Jayesh took us on a photo journey of their trip to combined assembly on mental health. While Kartik spoke
Kenya and Masai Mara. on the medical aspects of it, Radhika Akka just spoke
on meditative practices of quietening the mind and
The last three assemblies were music based. Shantaram building one’s own mental strength. A friend and visitor
played Carnatic Music on morning ragas. This was of the school, Mr Stephen Douglas gave an engrossing
followed by Seshadri’s presentation on his recordings talk on UN peace keeping with live examples from his
of different musical compositions and vocal music. The own work in geopolitically sensitive border areas.
curtains on the Tuesday assemblies of the term were
brought down by Siddharth and Madhura, with their 

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 Rishi Valley School • News letter

Middle School Assemblies and Vedant on ‘The Star Wars’. Many August assemblies: Megha, Vanya,
claimed that this enabled them to and others gave a demonstration
Middle school assemblies have been understand the weekend movie. cum talk on the spoken word poetry;
dominated by talks on video games Ipsita and Meghna gave 13 reasons
and bands. It is sad to note this Senior School Assemblies why NOT to read ‘13 reasons why’
narrowing down of their interests book. Tanvi reviewed the work
to popular culture. Teachers are June assemblies: Trusha, Meghna, of Hayao Miyazaki and aspects
engaging with them on this matter Nitya, and Vindhya spoke about of the characters in his films that
and hopefully it will bring some conspiracy theories, some examples, she adores; Anish spoke on neural
change next term. and consequences of them; Anish network coding and demonstration.
“Pokemon is anything – you want spoke about the disappearance
it to be. You can make your own of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, September assemblies: Shriya,
decisions and learn your own the status of the search, financial Kshitija, Shrimadhi, and others
lessons. And that in itself is true aftermath for the company performed music; Vivek spoke about
learning”, said Siddhant and Atul andassociated conspiracy theories; the crisis in Air India, its history and
who conducted an assembly about Mrigank and Prajwal spoke about the way ahead; Sanjula, Ria and
the world-famous animation series Kingfisher airlines debt and escape Aashni spoke about gender equality
‘Pokemon’. They talked about the of Vijay Mallya case. and feminism.
creator Satosi Tajri and five most
powerful Pokemon short for pocket July assemblies: Aman (Class 11 October assemblies: Shriya,
monsters – in TCI card sets. boy) spoke about the problems of Madhura, and co gave a music
the electric motor as an alternative performance; Ayaan spoke on how
“Jesy, Jade, Perrie and Leigh Anne – 4 to fossil fuel run motor; Vineeth language affects our thoughts and
girls, one for each of us”, said Sanvi, explored some excerpts from the nature of language per se.
Nandana, Siya and Mohini who book ‘Sapiens’ by Harari. Praneeth
presented an assembly about the took the audience through the
British girl Band formed at the X factor highlights of FIFA 2018 and journey Alumni assemblies
– Little Mix. They drew attention to of the finalist in the tournament;
the problems the girls faced before Anurag, Dushyant, and Niloy covered It is always a good feeling when
and after fame. Discrimination, workings of Wikileaks, some criticism alumni visits school, especially to
sexual harassment, cyber bullying, faced by the organization; and Utsa share their work. Chinmay Tumbe
and eating disorders. They ended and Sandhya spoke about the effects introduced his book ‘India Moving’
the assembly by rendering the song, of global warming and how we can which was released just three days
‘Change your Life’. Tanaya, Saanvi G, contribute to the solution. prior to his talk. His book talks about
Yukta and Damini did a presentation
on a very recent kind of music Cringe
Pop.

Shwethan and Yashvardhan did an

assembly on dictators who they
thought had made an impact on
history – Franco, Mussolini, and
Hitler. Srivar and Jigmet did a statistic
driven assembly on FIFA world cup.
Sritan, Vignesh, Jayesh, Devesh,
Prahasit and Jidvish brought out the
wit and humour of a popular Telugu
Comedy show’Viva’ .

There were two assemblies

connected to environment. Gargee
gave a convincing assembly on
why we should move towards solar
energy. Santharam Sir stepped in
to fill one of the assembly slots and
spoke on garbage in the oceans. The
term ended with an assembly by Kavi

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 The Valley • October 2018

Scenes from Monoaction: Guess who they are?

Indian migration and how every Specially interesting was the many in both senior school and middle
place in India has a migrant. Then old photographs that she shared. school.
he talked about the reasons for It gave a rare glimpse into the Rishi
migration – being forced to move, Valley of the old. The other such assembly was the
moving for education and food or mono-actions done by Keerthan
moving for better environment. He Vedant and Ananth had bonded over of Class 12 and Siddharth on
talked in length about these and music when they were school boys Krishnadeva Rayulu and Alluri
opened the session for questions. here. Vedant was trained in Carnatic Seetharamaraju respectively.
music and Ananth was a self-taught The first monologue was written
Dr Gopal Menon, a surgeon from artist and guitarist who loved Simon by Rangacharyulu Sir in Telugu.
New York, now working under the and Garfunkle. The duo went down The second was written by Shri
aegis of Global Public Health gave the memory lane as they sang many Tyaga Murthy Sharma in English.
an informative discourse on work of their favourite songs including ‘ud These were rendered to multiple
with several governments on issues jayega…’. audiences – senior school assembly,
of public health and safe surgery. junior school assembly, REC and BT
Special assemblies College in Madanapalle. It marked
George Mathew, founder and a special occasion in Madanapalle
Artistic Director of MUSIC FOR LIFE One has heard multiple screenings as Shri Tyaga Murthy Sharma was
INTERNATIONAL and the UBUNTU- of movies but who has heard of releasing his book on Annie Beasant.
SHRUTI gave an engrossing account repeating assemblies for different The make-up was an added factor
of his journey into music and audience. That is what happened as it brought alive these characters.
the work he does especially with with Arko and Abhigyan who first A special attraction in Junior school
refugees like the rohingyas. regaled the junior school with their was Nandakumar Sir dressed up as
talk on Satayajit Ray which was Sri Raghavendra.
Dr Ritika Aulakh, also a surgeon accompanied by their rendering 
from US, spoke about her time in of his songs. So popular was the
school and her journey through life. assembly that it was soon repeated

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 Rishi Valley School • News letter

Kailashnath Temple,
Kanchipuram

Across the Hills and Beyond the Valley

Hikes, Trips and Excursions

Class and House Hikes were taken by Rajan Sir to a place his own organic farming. What is
which is not the usual destination. remarkable about Nandu is that he

U sually hikes happen more in

the second term than in the
first. June and July heat are usually
Students roughly described it as
getting on this big hill and, going
down and getting onto another
has collected hundreds of seeds and
has grown saplings which he tries
to afforest the land with. His latest
merciless and by the time August hill. Needless to say, they were all desire is to build a small education
is around people are getting ready exhausted, but Rajan Sir seems centre which could house some
for the mega sports events. Post going strong. He was his chirpy books and games and has some
September teachers are too busy self even after the long exhaustive resource persons visiting now
to think of hikes. This year weather hike. The ninths were guided by and then to enrich the lives of the
sprung some wonderful surprises. It Nirmala Akka and others to the youth in the village. To this end he
has been pleasant right from June place beyond Krishnamurti Sagar has borrowed some bamboo and
with a cool breeze caressing the dam which touches Karnataka eucalyptus trunks. Knowing Nandu,
skin. There have also been a few border. So they literally walked he will build with his own hands.
rains which has greened the valley. to another state. The eights went Class 4 were taken by Jaisree Akka
What better way to celebrate it than to Nandu’s organic farm, a new to the Shiva temple. Apart from the
with hikes? hiking destination initiated by class teachers the other enthusiastic
It was Sunil sir who first capitalized Santharam Sir and Afshan Akka. hikers are Rajesh Sirs (there are two
the weather and took the tenths Nandu is a young lad who studied of them), Aanchal Akka, Dhanya
to Bodi Konda hills. Soon the 11ths in Marudam school and has begun Akka, Anagh Sir and Reddy Sir.

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 The Valley • October 2018

The Golden House went to the Students of Class 6 spent a good

Three Sister Rocks. Mini Akka was part of the day and night at Sundara
a little worried about the fourths Vanam, a satellite school run by
but the young champs scaled it Rishi Valley Rural Education Centre.
with ease. Raavi House went to the Nestled among hills, in a really
Elephant Dyke and beyond. The rural interior, the students had a
Green House went across the Mouth glimpse of what lay on the other
of the Valley to the hill beyond. side of the valley. They interacted
Tanuj Sir took a bunch of interested with teachers and young children
sevenths to explore the Caverock and gained some insight into an
Hill. Sonali Akka took the sevenths alternate system of education called
up the Durranta Hills as a part of the the MGML. The students also had a
Geography Walk taste of the rural life and hospitality.
It was an enjoyable and moving
Commerce Trip 2018 experience for many.

As part of the commerce trip, Class 8 Temple Trips

students of class 11 visited three
business units on the 18th and Quite some years ago, the History
19th of August. Based on their teachers were concerned about
visits, interactions and interviews the class 9 history projects that
conducted with the people were part of the board requirement
representing these entities they for internal assessment. A large
prepared a report which was both number of projects were written in
informative and educative. They an uninformed manner and were
interacted with STUDIO ABD, Cirel often taken from the internet. To
Systems Pvt. Ltd and Dastakar with get students out of such dreary and
nearly 200 stalls. This gave them blind research, it was decided that
an opportunity to study diverse the school could arrange for some
business models and livelihoods. of these trips and educate them
on how to look at monuments.
Class 12 Science Trip The groups were kept deliberately
small so that the focus was on the
Class 12 Science students were study and not so much on ‘group’
taken to IIT Madras for their Science entertainment. Though it is called
trip. Primarily organised by their temple trip, it often included study
Chemistry and Physics teachers of forts, monasteries, weaving units,
Harikrishnan Sir And Atul Sir, its NGOs, schools and such. This year
purpose was to serve as a taster to in early September, Class 8 students
students who may later consider headed in 3 directions. Their main
science as their career path. They study was on Kanchipuram temples
saw state of art equipment and especially Kailashnath Temple
sophisticated laboraties across and Vaikunta Perumal Temple,
both the departments and some Somnathpur and Tiruvanamalai.
engineering departments too. They This gave them exposure to
were truly awed by the technology different architectural styles form
that they saw but they also had different periods of history. In the
deeper questions on how the past years, they have also been to
sciences served humanity and Thanjavur, Madurai and Alampur
environment. and Mahabalipuram.


Class 6 Village Trip

The Valley 9
 Rishi
Rishi Valley
Valley School
School •• News
Middleletter
School News letter

Saturday Club Time

Current Affairs Club layered subject it cannot be explored in of several legendary ground-masters
a short span of time and is even harder including Karlson and Fisher the
T his term at current affairs club,
hosted by Radhika Akka, the main
thrust was on events leading to the
to be explained in a few hundred
words. But what can certainly be said
youngest ever. Focus was especially
placed on the different styles of
is that these sessions have collectively openings favoured by each and the
2019 Lok Sabha elections under which
made one receptive and questioning moves to counter them. These games
we the following were touched upon:
in equal measure of the ideologies or are played out by sir in order to identify
• The 2019 elections and its possible
philosophies one is confronted with. the errors of each competition and
turn outs with an emphasis on the
club-members are often required or
current political and socio- economic Math Club request to correct them or provide
scenario in India and the current
This year is our first year in Senior better alternate moves, thus improving
governments move to consolidate
School. One of the things we were one’s understanding of the nuances
the judiciary, executive and legislative
really excited about was clubs. When and tactics of the game and developing
bodies of the government into one
we found out there was math club we skill as well as intuition. Chess is an
party rule that borders on a theocracy.
knew which club we were going to excellent way to improve logical
• The Rafale scam and the
be in. About 6 of us were there from thinking and strategic perception as
governments unscrupulous decision
the very first time the RV math circle well as overall mental growth, thus
to ‘reliance’ a defence company
met, but by the next meeting Sai Sir making chess club a recommended
in its infantile stage, the Indian
had gathered a few more followers. In haunt for those who want to develop
representative in the Indo-french
case you’re wondering why we bother logical or calculational thinking skill or
partnership – a stipulated clause of the
to spend an hour every Saturday just want to enjoy and learn the game
defence contract to fighter jets where
solving math problems, well, we’re of chess.
‘the French’ company would have to
work with Indian HAL – giving Anil wondering too. I suppose it is a search
Music Mixer
Ambani one of the governent’s major for an answer, but more than that it is
oligarch patrons, no small amount of about finding a way that takes you to Music is a constantly unfolding vast
leverage in the socio-political theatre. the answer. The questions that we do topic that takes a lifetime or more to
• The growing coalition of the lower often don’t display a straight forward explore. Some say and quite rightly that
classes and the radical religious with approach but once you have a way the there are too many genres and aspects
either the BJP or its rival the Congress answer’s often not far behind. to it. To illustrate this observation only
recently was I introduced to a new
Philosophy Club Being a part of the RV math circle genre of music called cringepop. But
we also do math that is not a part of let’s not get into the finer details of the
Philosophy club has been the addition
our syllabus but is very interesting aside for obvious reasons and instead
in the array of clubs offered by RV
nonetheless. This is also math that we recognize the unified effort of a teacher
with Rajan Sir as the anchor. Due to its
may not have known if it wasn’t for the and few RV students to discover the
recent conception it is still an informal
club. This term we mainly focused on many, many genres of music to the
fledgling club.
geometry, modular arithmetic, and fullest degree possible. These amazing
number theory. Using these we were and much loved discoveries are being
Owing to the relatively few members ,
able to do questions we most certainly made in a small corner of the school,
there is no clear agenda but whatever
could not have done earlier. We also where each week students meet at
subject snags the focussed attention
saw how very complex problems could the allotted time in the dance cottage.
of a member even if it doesn’t strictly
be broken down into simpler steps to This club, which is named music mixer
fall under the purview of philosophical
reach the answer. was started a nd is being anchored by
study is discussed.
Aniket Sir for a year.
Math is about thinking in new ways,
There has never been a failure or
trying out things, finding one more Music mixer has transported us to
inability to relate to the discussion as it
way, and keeping at it no matter what. various places on both he physical
has enabled and removed the mental
In the process you may lose your wits realm ranging from Africa, to the
block that makes people to believe
and some of your hair but going bald Middle East, India, Korea and of
that philosophy is an abstract and
is proof that you … course U.S.A. and the mental, personal
removed topic.
realm where horizons are expanding
Chess Club endlessly.
On the contrary it is very much relevant
and grounded in reality and our lives Chess Club has been a long standing
club anchored by Krishna Menon. This The genres like the place also range
which helps dispel those misconceived
term, we studied the strategy and style widely starting from Jazz, Soil, Rock,
fears. Philosophy being a very complex

10 The Valley
 The Valley • October 2018
Club27, and many more. Recently particular details anymore!). We of the stage, the beginning, middle
the themes explored were Reggae realized how much thought and effort and end of an actor’s endeavour.
Calypso, R”n”B, Electronic music and goes into the smallest details in things
Spanish (latino) to name a few. in our everyday lives that we take Drama club introduced me to this
advantage of. world. For a lot of us, Drama club
The primary aim of the club is not to became a medium for us to express
listen to the widespread mainstream We understand that true design ourselves, builds up and releases
music that we all undeniably listen to was in the things that were the something pent up.
in our hostels and homes, but learn most inconspicuous and that went
to appreciate the music we haven’t unnoticed. From the handle of a A group of about a dozen individuals
previously been introduced to. And tooth brush to the tunnels of a railway thrown together by nothing more than
in order to fully understand the station, we could now see the way a shared interest, soon we knew each
essence of the song we are given a design is incorporated in our lives in other in the most unique and often
short introduction to the artist. Aniket both subtle and bold ways. This all- amusing ways. People develop traits
Sir, to both achieve a full audience encompassing discipline befuddled us when they are shown an audience and
and ensure people listen to music by its universality. told to be someone imaginary. Acting
other than the main stream, tends to as someone else, brings the actors
withhold the theme because if he does Whittling Club together. You know who laughs when
so and the theme fails to ‘mainstream’ they’re supposed to be crying, who
Whittling is an art of wood carving says i.e. fog boots and marsh horns”
then it unfortunately discourages and sculpting which was introduced
people from attending it. when put under the pressure of a
by Atul Sir in Rishi Valley two years peeling moustache.
And for anybody who has attended ago as a part of wood craft as well as a
the club it is obvious that is has fulfilled club. Over time it has attracted a large In other words, Drama club offers a
its purpose of widening the ambit of number of members and has produced space to express and have fun and a
people’s choice in songs and musical several innovative projects from both glimpse or a peek into the world of
pieces. students and teachers. theatre.

Design Club Some of the most interesting projects Magic of Sound

are a miniature cat made of dark
Before joining design club, we didn’t ‘cravegareni’ wood by Swayambhu, a Magic of sound is a club founded and
really know what design was or had range of intricately designed cutlery anchored by Geeta Akka for the past
really rigid views about it. Joining carved by Murali Sir, wind chimes that two years. It is not a club that can be
Design club made us question our were carefully designed with scientific explained using the traditional and
beliefs and limitations about Design. applications of air column length conventional meaning in the sense
This happened during discussions, and several other simple and elegant that it is not confined to defined
documentary films, videos, and hands- projects like knives, clocks and bun aims and objectives. Rather it is an
on-activities that we engaged in sticks. Whittling has managed to strike exploratory journey where the themes
during the sessions. the right balance between utilitarian are ever changing and boundless in
value and aesthetic beauty in the range.
We were encouraged to think out pieces. In the initial stages of whittling
of the box and try out new things, But broadly speaking it is a platform
, one is taught the different methods where members are introduced to
which is essential for design. We of using the whittling blade. Once the
started learning the fundamentals: deeply meaningful and technically
strokes are learnt, one is ready to start brilliant movies, music and an
abstraction, managing space, and off with a block of wood. Although
blending forms with one another. expedition down memory lane where
striving for the desired object is people revisit children’s stories with
Many of these things were learnt by necessary, the grains of the wood may
doing work and later analysing it as a beautiful illustration accompanying
not always agree, therefore adapting them. The stories have the uncanny
group, which helped to find what was to the quality and nature of wood is
missing in it. quality of being imbued with deep
essential. As a result, whittled objects moralistic meaning that transcends
We were also introduced to many display unique patterns. age and resonates with anybody who
new aspects of design like: set is attuned to intelligent thought.
design, direction, light, animation, Drama Club
music, product/commercial design, It has been both tremendously
architecture, and sustainable design. One step at a time, slowly emerging enjoyable and memorable because
Interesting discussions after sessions from the darkness into the light. The all of us were able to appreciate and
made us pay attention to things we light blocks out everything, everything immerse ourselves in all the activities
had never noticed earlier. (I can never except the moment, the faces and the wholesomely and in the process
watch a movie without noticing action a second away. This is the magic discovered many new things. 

The Valley 11
 Rishi Valley School • News letter

Rhythm and Harmony

Drama, Dance and Music

Drama Moliere’s Hypochondriac: The Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight: This too

comedy play, also titled ‘The was an eleventh play meant only

T he Real Inspector Hound: A

production of the Drama Club,
seven of its members came together
Imaginary Valid’ was one of the
elevenths play. It was an in-house
production wherein the costumes,
for senior school audience; perhaps
rightly so for it looked into the darker
aspects of human nature. Adapted
to put up this play by Tom Stoppard. setting and direction was all from an American play in1938, it
Last year the elevenths put up ‘The managed by the students with help portrays the life of a woman who
Mouse Trap’. As this was a parody of from their English teacher. The play is slowly being manipulated by her
that play, it evoked much interest in revolves around the central character husband that she is becoming insane.
the drama club. The play was a play Argan, a severe hypochondriac It is a psychologically disturbing
within the play of two drama critics constantly outwitted by the maid play, in which the students, young
watching an over the top whodunnit. Toinette. First premiered in 1673, though they were did justice to the
The actors performed very well, the play does not seem to have lost roles with a brilliant performance.
often doubling up for two parts and its appeal even after four centuries.
playing parts of the opposite gender. It was a whole school play and the Gulaami Hamme Manzoor Nahin:
The question remains however, juniors delighted in the play as they Adapted from a production of
through the falling moustaches and are often kept out of senior plays. Jan Natyamanch a Delhi based
scripted and unscripted double and Though lengthy, it kept the audience organisation, the play was staged on
triple roles, can anyone remember enthralled and in splits owing to the Independence Day, August 15th.
who was the real Inspector Hound? some brilliant performances. It was in the genre of ‘nukkad’ a form

12 The Valley
 The Valley • October 2018

of street theatre. It was innovatively by Govt. of India. He has also been more songs. The songs showcased
done with minimal props and awarded the title of “Sangeet the talent of many senior boys and
pungent punch lines. It dwelt on Visharad” by the Pracheen Kala girls. Although there seemed an
the hegemony of English over other Kendra, Chandigarh and of “Sangeet apparent lack of solo instrumental
languages in India. It was a forceful Ratna” by the Sarba Bharatiya music, many songs came with the
appeal to revive regional languages. Sangeet O Sanskriti Parishad, accompaniment of instruments.
This was a Class 10 play directed by Kolkata. Recently he has been There were also many delectable
Vishwanath Sir. empanelled with ICCR, a project solos and duets.
of Govt. of India. Prabir has been
Save Water: It was an assembly awarded by All India Radio (AIR) Dance
play by the Silver House which B-HIGH Grade. For more than 10
was extremely well executed. years, he has been presenting this There were quite a few morning
Adapted from the popular TV series art-form to discerning audiences in assembly dance programmes
‘Satyameva Jayate’, it was a play several cities of India and abroad. mainly by the senior dance students
warning mankind what would Devaki Priya, Eeksheka, Sanjula and
happen if water was not used Special music assembly by the music Prabhanjana. The school dance
carefully. Interspersed with songs, students: Ananya P, Mahati, Sloka, programme though initially washed
dance and action it was well received Shruti and Madhura presented out by the rains was soon shifted to
by the audience. Costumes and five Carnatic compositions on the the inner stage and competed with
props too were done imaginatively. 4th of August. The first of these the pattering feet of rain.
The prop of a pitcher with a crow on compositions was ‘Smaranyaham’ in
it was iconic in its appeal. raga ramapriya. It is a kriti composed Nritya Ravali (Resonance of dance)
by Muttuswamy Dikhshitar and was collection of dance items
Music is a part of a group of kritis called performed by 24 dancers ranging
navagruha krittis named after the from classes fourth to twelfth.
Sitar Concert by Shri Prabir nine planets. This kriti which was Venugopal Sir also performed a
Bhattacharya accompanied by about the planet Rahu was set in piece along with Prabhanjana.
Priyobrata Goswami on tabla: adi talam. Three compositions in
Prabirji is not only a sitarist but raaga vasantha were sung – a kriti, The eight pieces performed were
also an excellent vocalist. He gave swarajatha and a varnam. Varnams a mix of the Bharatakalanjali and
an evening concert with Sitar are compositions which bring out Kalakshetra banis. It began with
followed by a morning assembly of the colour and nuances of a raaga ‘Ganesha Vandanam’, where the
vocal music including some of the in a nutshell. The last composition dancers sanctify the stage with
familiar assembly songs. Both the was called natajanapalini, in raaga flowers and invoke the blessings
recitals seem to have impressed nalinakanti. It is sung in praise of Lord Ganesa, the remover of
the students. It is noteworthy that of goddess Ambika. This raaga is all obstacles. The other pieces
though the juniors had the choice derived from the mother raaga were mostly devotional pieces
of not attending after dinner sankarabaranam. The kriti was on Lord Shiva such as the Shiva
time, most students returned to composed by Thanjavur Shankar Stuthi, Anandathandavam and
the musical feast. Sangeet Ratna Ayyar. Jathiswaram. There were also a few
Prabir Bhattacharya is one of the pieces on Lord Krishna and Goddess
torchbearers of the new generation Under the tutelage of Phani Kumar Saraswathi. One varnam was
of Sitarists. He continues the Sir, a mridangam assembly was depicted from Bhagavatham and
internationally acclaimed legacy rendered by three students: Saaketh depicted episodes from Krishna’s
of the Maihar Gharana. Prabirji has Reddy, Kirtan Kumar and Aditya S. life from birth to death. There were
been extensively trained by the scenes of butter smeared Krishna,
doyen of Maihar Gharana Pt. Deepak Senior Musical Evening: The senior Krishna with the Gopikas and
Choudhury, a senior disciple of Pt. musical was well compered by Krishna in the blood-soaked world
Ravi Shankar. His musical journey the elevenths. They did away with of angry men.
started in 1988 at the tender age their usual interspersing skits.
of twelve with his father Sri Amal Instead, they gave some interesting The performance concluded with an
Kumar, and under the tutelage information about the song. energetic rendition of Thillana which
of Pandit Deepak Choudhury he There was a collective calmness was accompanied by live vocal
developed into an artist of great throughout the programme which support.
maturity and aesthetics. heightened the sensitivity of the 
He is the recipient of prestigious audience. By doing away with the
National Scholarship, sponsored comic skits, there was space for

The Valley 13
 Rishi Valley School • News letter

Sports Girl’s Basketball: Two matches were Marathons:

played of which one was lost and the
For the last few years Rishi Valley has
other was won. B team played one
been encouraging senior students
S ports carries the pulse of
students in a manner that no
other activity does. Battles are lost
match and won.

Girl’s Handball: Though they had

to take up long distance running.
Thinking about running 21km,
when you have never run more
and won in this arena. Conflicts coaching they had coaching they
than 5km can seem like a daunting
are unfolded, and comraderies are could not play any matches as there
prospect at first. However with
forged. This term has been a vibrant are no teams in the neighbourhood.
a regular training schedule, it is
season for sports.
achievable. At the beginning of the
Hockey coaching: Classes 6th and
year class 12 students are invited
Coaching: A new sport has been 7th.
to join the training schedule- this
introduced for junior girls: hockey.
consists of an easy paced long run
Sai Jagan Sir is their primary coach. Tennis coaching: Coached by
of varying distances once a week
He himself used to be a university parent Mr Srinivas Davuluri. He has
and two shorter but faster runs
player. procured a ball feeding machine.
during the week. The pace is entirely
He also videographed the matches
determined by the comfort level and
Cricket: Senior students played 3 to show where the game could be
prior experience of the participants.
matches. They won two and lost one. improved.
This year Vindhya, Rinchen, Sahana
6th and 7th played one match and
and Anish joined the running club
lost. So did the 8th and 9th. Some of the tenets of how selections
and took part in the Hyderabad half
are made in games and athletics:
marathon on the 26th of August. This
Boy’s Football: Senior boys played
is considered one of the toughest
three matches and won all the three • Focus is on inclusiveness rather
courses amongst all the major
despite competing with players than excellence.
marathons because of its elevations.
much older than them. B team and • Everyone gets a chance, not just
There are lots of places where
C team too played one match each the best players.
you find yourself running uphill. It
and won. • Sometimes the same student
was a great experience for all the
excels in many sports. The student
participants and left them with the
Girl’s Football: Once again despite then is then asked to drop some
feeling of wanting to participate in
playing district level players, the girls sports to give others a chance.
more of these kinds of runs. After
won both the matches that they • Many open events have been
the run we were invited for lunch at
have played. The other teams have introduced to encourage
Rajesh sir’s place (a parent of Rishi
better skills, but our girls have the participation.
valley) who is the main organiser of
speed. • All games are compulsory in
the event. He had also invited one of
Junior games. This makes them all
the coaches who trains the Kenyan
Boy’s Basketball: 3 matches were rounded.
runners and it was a real treat
played. One match was won by RV. • In each category there are at least
interacting with him.
One match was stopped because of 15 to 16 events to choose from for
rain. The other was stopped because sports meet. School arranged a quarter marathon
of roughness. on September 30th. Juniors ran 5.5
km and seniors ran 10 km.
Three teachers ran in the Coimbatore
marathon – Rajagopal, Vijayendra
Ramola and Sai Jagan. This is what
Ramola Sir would like to share about
running:
“One can run as many marathons as
possible. One can walk, jog, cycle or
swim. Wherever one can save one
must save fuel, save environment
and stay fit …. I am running every
day and at least 3 to 4 half or full
marathons every year for the past
ten years. You can see a change in
you when you make running your
passion”.
14 The Valley
 The Valley • October 2018

Miscellaneous News
Accolades for teachers:
On a different note Murali Sir has Documentaries This Term

S wathi Akka was recently

interviewed by the ‘Andhra Jyothi’
literary page on 24th September.
received a grant for senior fellowship
award by Ministry of Culture,
Government of India.
1. The Amazing Octopus
2. Inventions of the 20th century
Besides her two poetic anthologies, 3. Mystery of Easter Islands
aaviri (vapour) and koneti metlu Bird Preserve Anniversary 4. Finding the snow leopard
(steps into a temple pond), enquiries 5. Hyperloops
were made about her upcoming The Bird Preserve Anniversary was 6. Spy planes
series gaddipochalu (blades of grass) celebrated on July 27. 2018. Dr A J 7. The Biggest factory in the world
and her perceptions on conceiving T Johnsingh, who inspired by Jim 8. Safari by balloon
poetry. Corbett embarked on a journey of
wild life sciences and has trained Subabul Stripping
In the course of her interview,
scores of young biologists and
Swathi akka says that her present
wildlife managers at the Wildlife On October 2, the entire senior
series are similar to the musings
Institute of India, gave a remarkable school took time off until juice break
of one’s observations and thought
presentation followed by several to deleaf subabul. Some years ago
processes that are produced with a
interactions with several group of subabul was used to afforest the
poetic imagery and context. Subtle
students including a bird watching land. But it soon began to grow
details add seasoning to the political
session wherein every step was prolifically and became an invasive
situation of various elements; for
punctuated by his vast wisdom species. It is believed that if the trees
example, a girl who couldn’t attend
and knowledge. On the occasion, are deleaved two years in a row,
her exam in time may reflect upon
he also released a Telugu-English they will soon die. This was Radhika
her situation at home or the transport
booklet on ‘Reptiles of Rishi Valley’. Akka’s idea to commemorate Gandhi
issues, but her pain is about being
This book has been compiled by Dr Jayanthi. Many students were happy
helpless at the point of not giving
Suresh Jones. A Telugu compilation to miss two periods and do work
her exam. She says that a poet’s pain
will also be released soon in order for the land. Some came up with
in his or her poetry can never be
to be distributed in the surrounding innovative ideas of swinging from
compared to the pain experienced
villages to spread an awareness the branch tops and breaking it.
in a regular life as the former is
about snakes. Many felt that an activity such as
more vast and intense considering
this once in a month would connect
all the universal aspects involved
Movies This Term them closer to the land.
at the point in time that produce
the situation. This may linger on to
Les Miserables DH News
the poet for ages, gathering all the
emotions named and unnamed that The Second Mother (Brazilian)
Wonder The Rishi Valley dining hall has hard
push the poet to conceive a poem.  
Coco working staff who work eight hours
Her recent writings reflect the a day. The dining hall (popularly
varied spectrum of needs that 12 Angry Men
known as DH among students) opens
different people have for their A Little Princess at 4 in the morning. The staff starts
emotional wellbeing/needs. This Welcome To the Sticks (French – cooking breakfast at 4:30 am and
variation in needs creates a lot of Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis) ends at 6:45 am. For lunch, they start
power dynamics and emotional The Little Prince cutting at 9:00 am and end at 11:00
exploitation which is presented from The Greatest Showman am. They start making chapattis at
a women’s point of view. The writer or The Secret Life of Pets 11:00 am and continue till 1:00 pm
the poet should always be prepared to serve us hot chapattis. Cooking
Newton
to collapse one’s pyramid of beliefs for dinner starts at 3:00 pm and ends
A Dog’s Purpose
and limitations built in the course at 6:30 pm, just before junior dinner.
of time, as truth is relative, and it is Murder on the Orient Express
They make 1300-1800 chapattis
dynamic in aesthetic/creative field Cool Runnings (Sports Day movie) depending on the days. The fire for
of literature.  She emphasizes,” like all Yevade Subramanyam (Telugu) cooking is powered by LPG (Liquid
other emotions, poetry is a primary Jumanji Petroleum Gas) and bio fuel steam.
instinct for me to  express my core Truman Show The vegetables come from Rishi
self. “ Star Wars – The Last Jedi Valley Veg Garden, Rishi Valley Estate,

The Valley 15
 Rishi Valley School • News letter

nearby villages and Madanapalle. them in mailing and current affairs of nine 12th grade students, with
The DH has not introduced many discussions on Saturday evenings. To some assistance from the teachers.
new dishes this year. They have only keep people interested it would be
introduced Multigrain and cheese nice if this could happen next term. The focus this year was on ensuring
dosa and also sprouted green gram 4. Pairing -- we discussed the issue of that the quiz wasn’t just a collection
mushroom masala. These dishes are pairing and felt that a lot of teasing of trivia nuggets. Ideally a good quiz
only available in special dinner. etc starts in the 7th and 8th and question sparks curiosity and further
wanted to talk to them about the inquiry into a new area. Emphasis
RiVAA Initiative problem; however, the discussion was also placed on encouraging
was left incomplete when it came diversity both in the composition
RiVAA’s first internship happened in to the topic of relationships in sr. of teams and the range of topics
June When Arati brought her son school. No ideas were given as to covered.
Nakul. Nakul gelled well with senior how to stop it.
students from day 1. Whether he was 5. Field work to be done in large This year’s quiz received enthusiastic
playing games with them or sitting groups as and when real work is participation from over 100 students
with them at meal times, there required. The area behind the DH and teachers. Eight teams qualified
seemed to be an instantaneous bond has been cleared and many students for the semi-finals, both of which
between him and the students. His were interested in landscaping it.  turned out to be close contests. Four
internship included working closely 6. Talk on girls’ clothing was left mid- teams made the finals with the team
with the estate and preparing an way where many girls felt the policy consisting of Aman, Aashini, Ria and
introductory video on Rishi Valley was too strict. Anagh Sir prevailing in the end.
for the future internees. 7. We wanted to set up programs
for the school. There was an idea of Would you have made the cut in the
The School (KFI) setting up a concert but could not be RV quiz? Here are 3 questions to test
done this term as people performing your knowledge:
Twenty five Class 12 students and were not ready and hope to do it
three teachers from The School (KFI) next term. 1. This body of fiction was created
visited Rishi Valley . They dined and 8. The 11th wanted to have Assembly by a person named ‘Georges Remi’,
danced with the students, played a and DH committees back and have but under his pseudonym. This
match, cimbed the hills, watched the assured that if given a part of next pseudonym was created in an
birds, saw the outreach programmes term as a trial period for these interesting way. The author took
and left their own indelible mark on committees they may be able to the initials from his name, reversed
the people they have met here. They assure the teachers that they can their order and then spelt them out
said that it felt like being with family. handle the responsibility.  the way it would be pronounced in
The feeling was mutual.   9. Issues of cameras: there was French. What body of work did he
an idea that digital cameras may create?
Student Forum : Some Pointers be bought class wise and stored
with the class teachers so it may be 2. Complete this quote by Gary
1. The DH seating issue - the students brought out on special occasions Linekar: “Football is a simple game.
wanted a new way of sitting in the and hikes etc. Twenty two men chase a ball for 90
DH. Some of the ideas brought out 10. Teacher student relationships minutes and at the end, .......”
were musical dinners where music were discussed and there were ideas
liked by all is decided by teachers to do activities as a community to 3. The very first Indian movie that
like Aniket Sir and Rahee Akka and help build up this bond. had sound in it was made in 1931
played once a month during dinner and directed by Ardeshir Irani. Name
time. Senior RV Quiz 2018 the movie.
2. Involving more students in games Written by the RV Quiz Committee
by offering activities like cycling and
trekking. Some of the most memorable Answers:
3. Keeping up with the world -- traditions in the valley are those 1) Tintin
suggestions for regular articles to be that bring students and teachers 2) “The Germans always win…”
put up on boards in various places together in a group activity. One of 3) Alam Ara
as it was felt that it is important to these is the annual Rishi Valley quiz, 
put up hard copies of these articles which was held in August 2018. The
up as no one has time to read quiz was organised by a committee

16 The Valley