October /2023

Volume Number Vis/2023/0003

NEWSLETTER
https://vischennai.ac.in
 October/2023

THE EDITORIAL
What you are about to read is a window to Vellore International School, a school that values all-
round growth and development of students, including academic learning, extra-curricular
activities and, most importantly, a positive mindset. This newsletter, which is written by both
students and teachers, will give you a glimpse of life in our school. Several students from various
backgrounds have written about school events, covering a wide range of experiences.

VIS stands elegant and serene on lush green grass and has an exceptional educational foundation.
Students have such a close relationship with their teachers that they forget they study in a
residential school. The teachers give a lot of importance to students’ education. And there are fun
events taking place frequently, which create the ripple effect of a happy and lively mood
throughout the school!

The students of VIS wanted to write and share their experiences with the world. This newsletter
talks about the events that the teachers and students have participated in, along with our personal
feelings and individual perspectives. We hope you look forward to reading it and enjoy these
stories from all of us who have written here - the story-tellers of VIS!

NIKILESH (9B) ROCHANA (9C)

LAACEYA (9B) PARINIKA (9A)

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
DR. G.V.SELVAM - CHAIRMAN, VIS.
I would like to begin by thanking our esteemed
parents for the trust that they have placed in VIS.
They have given us great responsibility and
opportunity, and we will always try to meet their
expectations. Many siblings have been admitted
in school and many references made by our
parents. These referrals mean a lot to us as it is a
genuine sign of our success. VIS will grow as a
brand because of our parents and the students
studying here. I am deeply honoured by the
parents who admitted their girls in the first year.
Their faith in our care has made us work harder
to make this place a great place to grow and
learn. Our parents have become ambassadors for
VIS and even give their wonderful feedback of
their experience at VIS to prospective parents.
It is true that the success of a school is when
parents and students vouch for the school. Your
happiness is very important to us.
October/2023
The school, in fact, has been conceptualised on
happiness - we believe that our children should
be happy people and only then can they be good
human beings. We want our students to be good
human beings with a good character. I often say,
“Be happy and keep others happy”, and I think
that the teachers and students are doing this
here. Learning with nature is a very important
part of becoming good humans and developing
good character. Our buildings, designed by one of
India’s best architects, reflect this. Our students
learn in the lap of nature as the architecture
blends with the natural surroundings.
We are completing the commitments made to all in
a systematic manner. The swimming pool will be
getting ready shortly. All sports activities
including Silambam, Yoga, football and cricket
have started.
I was once asked why I was building a school
when our university had 80,000 students. My
answer was that I want to create a good
generation for our country. This is really my
reason for starting VIS. I know that it is not easy
to change the world, but we can definitely create
good youngsters who can work towards this. We
are working towards building every child’s
profile, not just in academics but also in other
areas of life like communication, initiative,
creativity and care for others. This kind of profile
is built naturally over time and will become an
identity of a VIS student. It has already begun
with the help of our faculty proctors and
professionals from outside the institution.

We selected the best teachers from different
states of India to teach in our school. They discuss
the best ways to engage children, the best ways
to teach a topic in class, and how to make their
subjects interesting. I thank all the faculty
members who made our first year a very
successful one. That success encouraged us as we
started with Grade 9 this year.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the staff
of VIT who have worked tirelessly for the
inauguration of VIS and will always hold a special
place in the story of VIS.
October/2023
I observed our student editors interviewing the
former Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. T. S.
Krishnamurthy, just before the annual day
celebrations commenced, and they were asking
questions like reporters from any leading
newspaper! Our children are going to be the
future leaders of India. In about twenty years. If
you meet a successful hard-working person in the
upcoming years, you will find that the person was
a VIS student. That is the kind of culture we are
developing here. This is not just for the school or
family, it is for the country.

ECONOMICS FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
DR. V. SANJEEVI - DIRECTOR, VIS.
As children, you may have heard of the economy
being mentioned in the news or being discussed
amongst adults and felt curious about what it
really is. Let me explain this to you.
The economy largely consists of three aspects:
People making things.
People using things.
People selling and buying things.
Anyone can be a buyer or a seller depending on
the circumstances at any given time. One can sell
tangible assets as well as provide services,
knowledge and even time! From a small setup, like
a family, right up to a big setup, like a country, the
economy is concerned with the creation,
consumption and transfer of wealth. The study of
the economy is called Economics.
In an ideal world, the economy would be a stable,
continuous process, but in the real world, this is
not so.
October/2023
The economy is usually influenced by four factors:
Resources and their availability.
People and their availability.
Political and social events in a country.
Advances in technology.
How does Economics affect us and the world
around us? Economics gives us the framework for
the choices we must make about work, leisure,
consumption and saving. This in turn is influenced
by factors like inflation (price increase), interest
rates and economic growth of the country and the
world.
India, for instance, is the fifth largest country by
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the third
largest by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). India
is expected to become the third largest country by
GDP by 2027. India is now at USD 3 trillion (about
INR 246 lakh crores). Only the American and
Chinese economies, then, are larger than that of
India. In fact, as per estimates, the Indian economy
will overtake the US economy in 2048.
India has a mixed economy with the right balance
of government intervention and freedom given to
private ownership to make business decisions.
This leads to greater efficiency, greater
productivity and greater stability for the future.
As the future of the country will be laid by young
minds such as yourselves, understanding
economics will help you as an adult to contribute
to the country and the world! An interest in
Economics is the first big step towards this!

LETTER FROM OUR ADVISOR
V. SRINIVASAN - ADVISOR, VIS.
Reading habits in both teachers and students are
slowly diminishing. Some of you may object to this
by saying that you have been reading book after
book and that the library does not have enough
books for reading. This group, I am sure, is not a
majority in any community you consider.
Recreational reading is approached in many
ways across the globe. Recently I was watching a
TV programme on a regional channel in which an
eminent language professor was lamenting about
the lack of interest shown by people of all ages in
this activity. He then listed a few very interesting
practices in various countries: in Japan, books for
all levels are stacked under the table in
restaurants so that customers read as they wait
for their food to arrive; in Sweden, lamp posts at
the road junctions are provided with boxes, in
which the citizens leave books after they
complete reading it (instead of throwing them
away); in South Africa, schools ask for donations
in the form of books, not money.
October/2023
The benefits to reading are plenty, but I would
like to focus on one - reading to inspire creativity
and independent thinking. Tales based on
fantasies are of great support to children in
negating fear. Added to this, stories which contain
imagination and magic usually pack a good
number of moral values which help in building
character. Parents are advised very often by
educators to encourage their children to read
these stories full of fantasy.
The school Library plays an important role in
inculcating this habit in children. It is done
through the issuing of books, insisting on the
students writing reviews after reading books,
displaying reviews on panels for the others to
read and feel inspired, presenting information on
books for general reading, and so on. Students
should feel privileged to own a book as well as
share it with their peers. To complement the work
done at the school level, it is encouraged that
when parents and teachers come across good
books, the details be shared with the School
Librarian who will be able to provide the same for
the benefit of all. VIS is committed to providing
excellent opportunities to our young readers as
well as the adults, in order to strengthen this
activity. The purpose of education is not to
neglect fantasies but to make them useful in the
overall learning process.
I would like to now pose some questions as food
for thought: What is the role of educators in this
fantastical world? How are we going to create the
balance in the thought processes of young
learners towards understanding the phenomenon
of “fantasy”? Now, this is a new challenge!
 October/2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We need to encourage critical thinking, problem-
solving and preparing the students for a dynamic
future.

Moreover, it's essential to promote diversity and

inclusivity, fostering an environment where
everyone's voice is heard and respected. This
diversity of thought and culture enhances our
collective learning experience.

Together, let us embark on this journey of

education, guided by our commitment to
excellence, values, and innovation. Your future is
our collective responsibility, and we are here to
K. PRABHAKARAN - PRINCIPAL, VIS. nurture your growth in every aspect.

Education is not merely the acquisition of

knowledge; it is the cultivation of minds, the THE RED TREE
nurturing of character, and the shaping of future
citizens. In a boarding school like ours, the idea of
studying goes beyond textbooks and classrooms.
It's about holistic development, fostering
independence, and building lifelong friendships.

Inculcating values and morals in our students is

paramount. We aim to create individuals who are
not only academically proficient but also
empathetic, responsible, and ethical. Our
boarding environment provides a unique
opportunity to instill these values through daily
interactions, shared responsibilities, and a strong
sense of community.

To enrich education, we must adapt to the

evolving world. Embracing technology and
incorporating experiential learning are crucial DHRUVI (8A)
steps.
 October/2023

WHAT IS HOLISTIC EDUCATION?

The value and scope of holistic education in a
residential school can be understood by
pondering three important elements that are
necessary in a holistic school ecosystem: the
engaged classroom, collegial learning and
nurturing students individually.
(c) respecting those who may speak with courage
from a place of vulnerability,
(d) encouraging responsible expressions of
discontent,
(e) inviting feedback,
(f) respecting diversity.

The Engaged Classroom Nurturing Students

Students actively learn in environments where The foundation of classical education in ancient
they experience autonomy and freedom from India was self-knowledge. Why? Because you
fear. Giving students autonomy involves giving cannot really be effective in nurturing integrated
choice to students through flexibility in human beings unless you yourself have embarked
assignments and projects and, more broadly, on the journey of self-knowledge.
adopting a "student-centric approach." Freedom
from fear comes naturally when the teacher From this inner orientation, the mentor can enable
listens without judgment and strives to create a the development of the students’ life skills and
safe but challenging classroom environment study skills, enhance the richness of their inner
where students can freely ask questions and lives and interpersonal relationships, and guide
engage in healthy debate. By the way, them to discover their passion - what they would
irresponsible behaviour has no place in the love to do in their lives.
engaged classroom, or anywhere else in the
school. AMRESH KUMAR - DEAN OF ACADEMICS
& STUDENT WELFARE, VIS.
Collegial Learning
The engaged classroom can readily become a
school-wide feature if a school actively STILL LIFE DRAWING
encourages collegial learning, which involves
teachers actively learning from each other. A
culture of slowed down, thoughtful conversation
is essential to our growth as educators, and as
human beings.
Here are some features of a culture of
conversation in school that may be worth
reflecting on:
(a) asking good questions rather than the right
question,
(b) listening so that others may speak and
speaking so that others may listen,
PARINIKA (9A)

THE AMPHITHEATRE
A familiar sight on our campus holds plenty of
historical significance and most of us pass by
it completely unaware. It’s our amphitheatre!
Amphitheatres have played a role in
entertainment and public gatherings, evolving
from
ancient structures to modern venues that have
captivated audiences since the beginning of
time.
The Greeks constructed the earliest prototypes
around 300 BCE, while the Romans
perfected the design to create the immensely
popular Colosseum in Rome that still stands
today. These arenas were primarily used for
gladiator contests, chariot races, and other
public spectacles with thousands of spectators
watching excitedly.
During the medieval period, amphitheaters fell
into disuse, but their influence persisted with
jousting tournaments and plays. It wasn't until the
Renaissance that the amphitheatre
October/2023
concept was revisited and venues like the Globe
Theatre in London served as open-air
performance spaces for Shakespearean plays.
The 18th and 19th centuries continued this style of
entertainment, with circuses and opera
houses adopting the circular design. Today, we’re
all familiar with the likes of Taylor Swift
packing enormous stadiums across the globe for
concerts. The modern era has produced
amphitheatres that have advanced acoustics,
technology, and spectator comfort. They’re not
limited to concerts but also include events like
sports, theatrical performances, and public
speeches.
The appeal of amphitheatres is the communal
experience. People gather to celebrate
culture, sports, and the arts. Our very own
amphitheatre is an example of this as we gather
for our special events to cheer each other on and
connect with one another in an arena that
blends the past with the present in seamless
elegance.
Gayathri Sanjay
Academic Coordinator

NATURE, OBSERVATION AND THE LEARNING MIND
Little children possess an innate sense of wonder
and curiosity about the world that is delightfully
evident in their open-eyed wonder at seemingly
ordinary things around them. Observation is a
window to discovery and naturally follows, or is
followed by, curiosity. This, arguably, is the
Learning Mind. Over the past 24 years, I have had
the privilege of observing countless children in
natural settings, witnessing first-hand how their
observations have led to moments of pure
cognition, and how their creative ability is
brought alive by their observations.
The Astonishment of a Child
One of my early experiences of seeing children in
nature was when I witnessed a young child's
profound reaction to the sight of a Crested-
serpent eagle in the Western Ghats while working
for a rather remarkable, small residential school.
October/2023
It was a lazy afternoon on a serene hillside.
Engulfed in a newfound pastime watching birds,
I sighted a magnificent eagle perched on a large,
wild-Jamun tree overlooking a stream. A bunch of
boys had come along with me for the adventure.
I trained the spotting-scope on the eagle and
asked a child, about 10 years old, to look at the
eagle. I still recall his astonished tone as he
realized the size of the majestic creature. His
astonishment was infectious, and soon, a small
group of us stood there, gazing up at the
magnificent creature for almost the entire
afternoon.
A Journey Through the Years
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of observing
numerous children in various natural settings,
from lush forests to sandy beaches and swampy
mangroves to inter-tidal zones.
 October/2023

What has consistently stood out is the inevitable
emergence of their ability to perceive things that
adults often overlook. Whether it's the intricate
patterns on a dragonfly’s wings, the venation of
leaves, or the differences between the scat (poop)
of animals, children's observations are like
treasures waiting to be discovered.
A child who is encouraged to draw, write, or
express themselves through art is more likely to
develop a keen eye for detail. They learn to
notice the subtleties in colour, shape, and pattern,
which, in turn, deepens their observation of the
natural world.

One of the most recent encounters I had was

during a nature walk in a forested area near our
school with a group of students. Among them was
a boy who had developed a reputation for being
disruptive in class. However, as we ventured into
the forest, something remarkable happened. This
young boy, whose attention span had often been
a challenge, suddenly became intensely focused.
As we discussed the forest, its diverse ecosystem,
and the concept of land designation as either
forest land or revenue land, his curiosity was
piqued. He bombarded me with questions about Nurturing a Connection with Nature
land classification, the rationale behind it, and The experience of observation and creativity
how it fits into the larger question of ecological plays a crucial role in nurturing a lifelong
balance. His questions were not just inquiries; I connection with nature and learning. When
sensed a deep pull of curiosity in his mind and the children are encouraged to observe and create in
exchange between us was as ancient as language natural settings, they develop a profound
itself. appreciation for the environment. This is not a
trivial or aspirational outcome but a generational
The Interplay of Observation and Creativity one that has served mankind well in our
The interplay between observation and creativity remarkable journey so far.
in children is fascinating. Observing the world Arun
around them provides children with a wealth of Head Boarding, VIS.
raw material to fuel their creative minds. When a
child sees a spider weaving a web, their PET WITH SUPERPOWER
observation can lead to questions about the
spider's behaviour, the purpose of the web, and
even spark imaginative stories about the spider's
adventures.Observation acts as a catalyst for
creativity and, like a mathematical theorem, the
converse is equally true: creativity enhances the
quality of observation.

DHANUSH (5)
 October/2023

A TRIP TO KOVALAM BEACH

Life Skills:
Beyond academics, a beach trip is an excellent
opportunity for students to develop life skills.
They built sandcastles, participated in beach
games, and worked together to clean up litter.
They developed life skills like teamwork and
cooperation. They also learnt how to manage
themselves in a crowded place. These
experiences help forge bonds among classmates
and teach valuable lessons in collaboration.

Sometimes the most important lessons in

education are learned outside of a traditional
classroom setting. One such learning experience
for the students was a trip to Blue Flag Beach,
Kovalam. The beach was a perfect location for
interdisciplinary learning. This article explores
the benefits of taking students on a beach trip and
highlights the unique opportunities it offers for
both academic and personal growth.

Learning Through Exploration:

Students were engaged in hands-on activities like
beachcombing, identifying various species of
marine life, and even collecting samples for
memories. These experiences instill in the
students a sense of wonder and an appreciation
for the beauty and complexity of the natural
world.

Environmental Awareness and Responsibility:

In an era of growing environmental concerns, the
trip helped develop a sense of responsibility for
preserving our natural treasures. Encouraging
students to leave the beach cleaner than they
found it reinforces the idea that everyone plays a Mahaveer
role in protecting the environment. Deputy Academic Coordinator, VIS.

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE CHIEF GUEST
SHRI T. S. KRISHNAMURTHY
FORMER CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER OF INDIA.
What does leadership mean to you?
A leader is a person who is supposed to lead
people; he must be a role model. He must have
certain qualities which will inspire the followers.
In my opinion a leader has to be a very attentive
person; He must excel in the art of listening.
Instead of talking all the time, which can result in
one-sided communication, he should listen to
others with the intention of understanding their
problems and grievances, then try to find the
solution. The art of listening is very important in
leadership. Similarly, patience is very important.
Taking ownership and responsibility are also key
qualities: when faced with a challenging situation,
he should not try to put the blame on somebody
else. He should try to find out the source of the
problem, communicate with his team, and
acknowledge that it could be because of a lapse
on his part that something is not working. A
leader has to be a multifaceted personality, with
an ability to communicate, understand, listen, as
well as be friendly and harmonious in the
workplace.
October/2023
How can students like us develop leadership
qualities?
Some leaders are born, some leaders achieve
leadership by working for it. Sometimes, people
automatically take up the responsibilities of
leading a school or a class, as a monitor does at
the school level. They assume these roles because
they may have the inbuilt qualities of leading
people and asserting their authority. A balance
must be struck between being tough and being
gentle. To some extent it depends upon the innate
qualities of the individual, but it certainly can be
developed. Now coming to how we can develop
these qualities, it is partly by observing others,
and partly by learning from others. Additionally,
one must read a lot of books. In India,
unfortunately, the reading habit is not at a
satisfactory level. However, in most foreign
universities they encourage you to read on your
own. Read biographies of people you are
interested in knowing more about. Read
autobiographies of political leaders and social
leaders alike.

One must try to develop these qualities by
observing, reading, and learning. And sometimes
even on our own, by reflecting on our
experiences. For instance, when a problem
comes, how do you tackle it? It must be dealt with
by thinking calmly and without feeling agitated. It
is a combination of these factors that develop
leadership.
What are some of the challenges faced when
an election official goes to remote areas to
collect votes from a small number of voters?
There are a few high-risk areas where the
election commission sends its officers to set up
booths, particularly in Sikkim and Jammu and
Kashmir. It is very difficult to conduct elections
here. However, the official is provided with
necessary security apart from stay, etc. The
challenges faced by them can be varied. It could
be the weather, like in Sikkim where it is snowing
throughout. There could also be difficulties in
reaching the voters: in Rajasthan we need to use
camels to carry the officials and equipment, while
in Assam election officials have to go by elephant.
In fact, if you read my book (“The Miracle of
Democracy”), the cover page shows an election
official trying to climb an elephant in order to get
to the location. While these are environmental
challenges, there are human challenges too -
some political parties can be violent. For instance,
in J&K there is always the threat of terrorism,
both homegrown and cross-border. Similarly, in
Sikkim, near the highest-located polling booth
where it borders China, there can be skirmishes
between the guards and so on. Social conflicts
pose a challenge as well. In certain locations,
there are festival seasons during which we do not
conduct our polls, but due to unavoidable
spillovers there can be unrest between groups.
Nevertheless, we have exhaustive instructions
for the officials; we provide a large amount of
support and ways for the officer to communicate
with higher officials in case of an emergency.
October/2023
As the former Chief Election Commissioner
of our country and a citizen, what do you
think is the prime reason for low turnout for
voting and how can it be improved?
Voter turnout varies from place to place, country
to country. In Western countries it is hardly 60%,
whereas in India it is between 60% and 70%. In
fact in states like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh,
and Gujarat, it is 80-90%. In the recently
conducted elections in the North East, we had an
80% voter turnout. It varies from state to state. In
order to encourage citizens to vote, a lot of
awareness programmes and literature is
distributed by the Election Commission. They
conduct school visits to educate the youth on the
importance of voting. In my opinion, over the last
few years, there has been an improvement in the
voter turnout, but the international pattern is a
decrease in the same. There could be various
reasons for this. One of the reasons is that the
youth are not keen to stand in a queue to vote.
They think it is a waste of time and question
whether their vote will actually make a
difference. This attitude is wrong and we are
trying our best to change it.
Tharun S (9B) & Shri Hari Santosh (9A).
SILBERZWEIG-ABSTRACT ART
KESHAV (7)
 October/2023

THE TALENT SHOW

No one is born with intelligence, but everyone is

born with talent. Each of us is blessed with a
unique talent, some of which are recognised and
others are not. In a residential school like VIS, it is
really important that every student's talent is
recognised and appreciated. With this intention,
we were given guidance, resources, and the
opportunity to display our skills and talents.

The Talent Show was organized by the school on

the first of July and was held in the Amphitheatre.
The programme featured various performances
by the students who had recently joined school.
The function started with a folk song followed by
an "upside-down reading," solo and dance
performances, singing, instrumental
performances, speeches, and humorous skits. It
concluded with the Principal's closing remarks.

The Talent Show explored various aspects -

ranging from culture to the lives of great people -
all presented in an aesthetic and remarkable way
by the students. It takes great courage to step up
on the stage. The students overcame their fear to
make the Talent Show a great success. Nikilesh (9B)

THE THEATRE CLUB
‘The Theatre Club which is held at VIS on
Saturday nights after dinner is the best part of
my week! We always start the club session with a
few theatre games that need memorization and
concentration. Then we move on to the trickier
part of the club.
The plays that we improvise in the club are
created by us on topics given to us by our
Theatre Club teacher. These topics are
unexpected, and sometimes weird - like
"Downside-up" and "Born-Mad-true" - and they
need a lot of thinking. But Sir only gives us 15 min
to create a script and perform it!
Afterwards, we look at minor details that we
missed. Sir also tells us what could have been
better. Then we talk about how all the aspects of
the play were placed together.
We also play group games that keep all of us
interacting with each other. We play games that
are often silly and fun. Sir makes sure we cover
all aspects that will help us perform on stage,
write a script, narrate, and many more skills that
are needed. This club is a stress buster for me
and I am sure it helps the others as well.
But the parts that keep me really interested in
this club are the games that improve my memory
and concentration. The Theatre Club has not only
fulfilled my dream of acting, but now it also helps
me for my educational purpose as it improves my
memory capacity.
Thrushna (8A)
October/2023
THE FILM CLUB
‘A lot of people seem to think that the Film Club is
a place to be entertained, have a good time and
slack off. But the Film Club is really a place to
learn the art of analyzing. You learn how to
analyze the intricacies in the plot of the movie,
spot the plot holes, raise questions about them
and even try to answer them. In the Film Club, we
don’t just watch the movie, we observe them with
a keen eye. The Film Club is also about interesting
movies that make you wonder about the things
that happen in the world. They are usually by
well-known directors who don’t merely want to
entertain, but also wish to provoke the viewers
and make them think. These movies can be really
complex, and not necessarily entertaining. They
can be confusing, weird, complex and eccentric.
We even watched a movie which was just about
an ordinary man’s daily life - but even from that
you learnt something. Even when the movie is
going in a flow and it is interesting, we sometimes
pause it to notice a detail which might be
important for its plot or its main idea. Some
students may not understand these movies, which
is why there is a teacher with us. We have a
discussion at the end of the movie in which we
share our own views and perspectives, whether
we have grasped the hidden twists in the plot, or
what we felt about the theme. Those who
understand the movie and want to research
further about the movie receive some articles
related to that movie.
This is what the Film Club is: a place where we
can explore the vast world of movies. These
movies are interesting and entertaining, but some
are just interesting. This club is recommended
only for those who want to think, think and think!
Dhruva (9A) & Subanithish (9A)

THE QUIZ CLUB
The Quiz Club is simply a space where students
gather together and have a chat about the world!
It is a wonderful gathering of students who meet
every week to share what they have garnered
over the week about the world, or just any facts
they have learnt.
Here students get to learn and share, and even
conduct their own quizzes. The Quiz Club fosters
a habit of reading and learning from newspapers.
This encourages us to keep ourselves informed
about current affairs all around the world, about
politics, business, Economics, and a lot more. We
get to immerse ourselves in knowledge about the
world and in the endless sea of thoughts and
views about the world too! This brings in a lot of
insight and perspective which we then get to
share with our peers.
Furthermore, the Quiz Club creates opportunities
for students to participate in various quiz
competitions. From these experiences, students
tend to learn about the ethics of sportsmanship,
about leadership, and, most importantly, about
teamwork! The Quiz Club is beneficial for the
students in several ways as it helps students keep
track of current affairs and develop their views
based on the knowledge they have garnered.
Parinika (9A)
October/2023
THE CRITICAL
PERSPECTIVES CLUB
The Critical Perspectives Club is an amazing place
to think. This club is very similar to a philosophy
club; just that it's easier to understand.
Our teacher gives us some topic ideas to consider,
and sometimes lets us choose our own topic. After
we choose our topic, he gives us a few articles
based on it. Then he gives us time to study the
articles and prepare a talk to be presented in the
club.
In my case, I chose a topic on cognitive biases,
which I was mildly interested in at the time. Sir
gave me articles which taught me many things
about the topic and got me to my current level of
interest.
When I went to the club to give my talk, I was
surprised to find that other club members were
also interested in cognitive biases. Instead of just
doing a boring lecture and going back to my seat,
I initiated a discussion in which I presented my
points. During my presentation and afterwards
the club members asked me questions, some of
which had not occurred to me before!
Over the semester, this process of open-ended
discussion continued, with other people going in
and explaining their own topic, each class just as
interesting as the previous one.
Aakash (9C)
 October/2023

THE MORNING ASSEMBLY

‘Most students dreaded the phrase "morning
assembly" in my old school. Just imagine standing
still in the hot sun and having to listen to
someone going on and on, on the microphone.
Sometimes, it would seem like an endless rant.
It's different in VIS. Of course, we often have
chairs arranged for us to sit in the place outside
of the classrooms, in the academic block. But
what’s special about our assemblies is the activity
of public speaking, which is open to all grades.
Our students come forward to the lectern and
present a short talk on their chosen topic. The
topic could literally be about anything: current
affairs, or sports, or it could be about things most One fine Thursday, I decked up for the assembly
people in school haven't even heard about! to give a talk on a compound called propranolol,
introducing it as “A Drug to Cure Fear”. As soon
One of the main motives behind the morning as I went up to the lectern, I realized that if I
assemblies at VIS is to encourage students to wanted to give a good talk, I had to speak
effortlessly make a brief and understandable confidently and freely, as though it were a
presentation. Public speaking is a small but a conversation. I spoke to everyone just out of
very life-changing skill to have. Not only do you what I had understood and I made it interactive.
begin to feel confident talking at the lectern in
front of a sizeable and familiar audience, but you At the end, as I was wrapping it up, I asked the
also begin to open up in different social audience if they wanted to ask me a question or
environments. comment on anything I'd said. From the youngest
kids to the teachers, there were many responses.
It was here at VIS that I got my first public They all asked different questions: some answers
speaking opportunity. Earlier, I had only spoken I knew; others I didn't. But as I interacted with the
briefly, like saying the thought for the day, the audience, I realized, with some satisfaction, that
quote for the day, or the word for the day; but many people had actually understood what I'd
here, for the first time, I presented a 15-minute talked about.
speech at the morning assembly!
There's a process to be followed, if you wish to After the assembly was over, there were many
present a talk at the assembly. First, you have to people who complimented me for my speech. I felt
talk to one of our teachers, who provides you glad because I felt contented with my
with articles on your chosen topic so that you can presentation, and because the audience had
go over them to absorb the knowledge, build the enjoyed it too!
required perspective and make notes. Then you
polish off your talk with a rehearsal and go for it! Laaceya (9B)
 October/2023

EDUCATION TRANSFORMED
NAVIGATING THE PRE- AND POST-PANDEMIC LANDSCAPE
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought profound
changes in the field of education, reshaping the
way we teach and learn. Before the pandemic,
traditional classroom learning was the norm, and
online education was seen as a supplement.
However, COVID-19 forced a significant evolution
in how we choose to impart education. Nelson
Mandela's words reminded us why that evolution
was urgent: “Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Before the pandemic, the classroom was a space
for face-to-face interaction, fostering
interpersonal skills. After it transitioned into the
digital realm, John Dewey's words seemed to pose
a challenge: “Education is not preparation for life;
education is life itself.” The shift to online learning
tested the adaptability of educators, students, and
institutions. But today both the forms are
embraced, although some have gone back to the
traditional form, keeping the online
form as plan B.
As we navigate the post-pandemic world, we must
carry the lessons learned into the future of
education, making it more inclusive and
accessible.
The truth of Albert Einstein's words, “In the
middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” was realized
in the opportunity the pandemic presented us in
reimagining education for a more inclusive and
dynamic future. But in keeping with Victor Hugo's
wisdom, “Change your opinions, keep to your
principles; change your leaves, keep intact your
roots,” although education has changed its leaves,
its core principles remain strong and vital as we
chart a new course forward.
Bhuvaneswari
French Department, VIS.
SILBERZWEIG-ABSTRACT ART

The pandemic also revealed inequalities in access

to education, prompting policymakers to address
these issues. Malala Yousafzai's words, “One
child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can
change the world,” urged the world to recognise
the need for equitable education.

In conclusion, COVID-19 transformed education

from a brick-and-mortar institution to a flexible,
digital landscape. The crisis has highlighted the
resilience of the education sector and the
importance of adapting to new challenges.

HARICHARAN (6)
 October/2023

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day marks the end of British rule

on August 15th, 1947. We celebrate Independence
Day every year by watching and participating in
fireworks, parades and sporting events.

At VIS, we started our Independence Day

celebration by hoisting the Indian flag, which was
followed by a brief introduction of an Indian
freedom fighter, Matangini Hazra. We moved on
to a patriotic song in both Tamil and Hindi. Then
our Principal, Mr. K. Prabhakaran, offered a
memento to our chief guest Sri Palam
Kalyanasundaram who shared his life story with
the audience and gave us all some very useful
advice about living rightly.

After the sweet distribution, we proceeded to

lunch. All the students and staff of VIS wore
traditional outfits and had their lunch off banana
leaves, which is a tradition in India. The staff and
students of VIS all contributed to the decoration
of the assembly area by painting, drawing and
organizing the chairs.

We celebrate this historic event every year with

all the staff and students of VIS. It is a day filled
with respect to honor the freedom fighters who
fought for India’s freedom from the British Raj.

Abhinav (9A) & Saadhana (9C)


A RALLY OF PASSION AND GROWTH
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE STATE-LEVEL, INTER-SCHOOL BADMINTON TOURNAMENT
Education extends beyond textbooks and
classrooms, encompassing physical fitness and
character development. The State-Level, Inter-
School Badminton Tournament reaffirmed this
belief, creating a crucible of emotions, passion,
and talent in young athletes.
It all began with our school's badminton team
selection, a rigorous process that evaluates skills
and commitment. As a teacher, witnessing
students push their limits with unwavering
dedication was remarkable.
The real work started after team selection, with
countless hours spent honing skills and refining
techniques. Being a source of inspiration and
support was my role, and watching these young
athletes grow was fulfilling.
A special bond forms between the mentor and
students, built on trust and shared goals.
Together, we celebrate victories and learn from
defeats
October/2023
Witnessing the affinity and teamwork among
individual players was heart-warming. Badminton
had brought them together, teaching them to
support, encourage, and celebrate each other.
Inevitable adversities like injuries and tough
losses taught resilience and mental strength. The
tournament was challenging, but our students
learned to bounce back from setbacks.
On the tournament day, emotions ran high, from
nervousness to excitement. As a teacher,
watching my students' determination and
concentration filled me with admiration and pride.
Victories bring unparalleled thrill, but lessons
from defeat are equally crucial. Being gracious in
defeat, analyzing mistakes, and coming back
stronger are essential takeaways.
The tournament provided invaluable life lessons,
emphasizing the importance of making one's best
effort, time management, and goal-setting.
In conclusion, the State-Level, Inter-School
Badminton Tournament transformed our students.
Their dedication, perseverance, and
sportsmanship, alongside invaluable life lessons,
make me proud as a teacher. I look forward to
their continued growth and success inside and
outside the classroom.
Prabhat
Chemistry Department, VIS.

INTER-SCHOOL BADMINTON!
THE STUDENTS' POINT OF VIEW
‘Many schools participated in this tournament,
and we were one of them. Five teams
represented our school, VIS.
First they called us for a gathering and told us the
rules and how the matches would be held. In the
morning, we had a singles match and, in the
evening, we had a doubles match.
The first match was between Kadam and a
student from another the school in Chennai. The
match was equally well-played by both players,
but in the end Kadam won. After 20 minutes,
Kadam had a match against another school. This
match was very tough. Kadam felt that he lost
because of his silly mistakes. He was extremely
disappointed, but hoped to make up for it in the
doubles.
After Kadam and Srihari had lunch, they waited
to be called for their doubles match. In the first
doubles match, Kadam and Srihari played against
two students from another school. This match was
easily won. The second match was also an easy
one. The third match was the finals and turned
out to be the most difficult match in that
tournament. But they played well, won the first
two games and clinched the finals!
October/2023
At the end of the tournament, the Chairman of
sports awarded our school 4 trophies and 6
medals. Our five teams left the campus happy
that we had won those awards. When we came
back to our school, everyone congratulated us.
Kadam (8A) & Srihari (8B)
Krystal and Karunya had practiced for a whole
month for this inter-school badminton
tournament. Unfortunately, Karunya fell ill at the
last moment; so Catherine stepped in for her.
Krystal and Catherine were nervous and tense
since they had never practiced with each other.
On the bus ride to the tournament, everyone was
a bundle of nerves as it was the first tournament
for most of them.
Naturally, they supported each other when any of
them from VIS had a match. When it was Krystal
and Catherine's turn, they were nervous and
scared. Krystal felt so nervous that she said, "I
was like a cat on hot bricks." Catherine was
impressed by how other people were playing.
Clearly, they all were experienced players, but
"we didn't give up because we had that fire
burning inside us that wanted to win the
tournament." In the beginning, they were in the
lead but, as Krystal put it later, "It ain't over until
the fat lady sings!" Soon enough, the tables turned
and their opponents gained points, eventually
winning the match.
In the end they lost the finals and were
announced runners up. However, they were
grateful to have gotten the opportunity to play in
a tournament and resolved to aim higher next
time.
Catherine (8A) & Krystal (8B)

ONE NATURE WALK DAY AT VIS
‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more
than one seeks.’ It could be in terms of beauty,
different birds, animals and trees or even the
peace one requires.
VIS is surrounded by the flora and fauna of the
Thaiyur forest and sometimes the students are
taken for a walk in the wilderness to find out
what mysteries lie out there.
Waking up early in the morning on Sunday, some
students gather near the dining hall area chatting
away in the fresh morning western breeze. We
walk to the main gate, where the security
personnel logs in the names of the outgoing
students and accompanying teachers and guards.
All set to go, we head out onto the road with the
students still talking nineteen to the dozen.
“Are we heading north or south today?”
“Last couple of times we have been to the south.
Let’s head north today.”
And so we turn left and walk into the open field
where a red-wattled lapwing heralds our arrival.
A peacock is heard in the distance but is out of
sight. One student is captivated by a few shells.
Another, admires the dew on the cobweb on the
ground. A golden oriole flies past.
October/2023
“What was that?”
“Not certain. Seemed like a golden oriole. Let me
see if I can take a picture and we can identify it
later.”
“What are these big birds flying by? Are they
herons?”
“Didn’t they look like ducks?”
“Yes, UID (unidentified) ducks.”
“What are we walking on?”
“Sand, Sir.”
“How did sand come here? We are 10 kms away
from the sea!”
“Don’t know, Sir.”
“It’s possible that a thousand years ago, this area
was covered with sea water. That water
evaporated and the sand and shells remained.”
After walking for an hour, discovering various
birds and trees and tombstones, we sit down in a
clearing. Arun sir, the Head of Boarding passes
two books around for children to see varied
species of birds and butterflies.
“Notice something?”
“What, Sir?”
“If you pay close attention, you will notice that in
the book there are paintings of birds, whereas
you will find pictures of butterflies.”
“Sir!” comes a booming cry from one student.
“What is it?”
“Sir, see this huge ant.”
And so another half hour passes by with
questions, observations and some moments of
peace, a joke here, a laugh there, and it is time to
head back to the school.
Nature walks in school are a great way to
unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with the beauty
of the natural world. They are also educational
and provide an opportunity to learn about the
flora and fauna in our vicinity.
Darshana, Art Department, VIS.

LANGUAGE WEEK
Language Week - seven days dedicated to
language in all forms and in all its beauty - was an
enriching and enjoyable experience for the entire
school! Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we
recollect the variety of moments.
It promoted cultural diversity by encouraging
students to explore languages beyond their native
tongue, fostering an environment of global
awareness and tolerance. This was achieved
through the poster-making inter-house
competition. Students presented their
interpretation of the theme through art and
multilingual elements. Another event which gave
importance to inclusivity and global awareness
was the Indian Sign Language session. It was an
engaging session where students learned to sign
the letters of the alphabet and a few basic words
and phrases.
Over the course of the week, many unique
opportunities were presented to students to
enhance their communication skills for effectively
and creatively conveying their thoughts. The
inter-house poetry recitation competition was a
treat to watch as our
October/2023
younger students (grades 5-7) strived to convey
the meaning behind the poem with apt
expressions and precise gestures. The inter-
house Spelling Bee Competition also provided an
opportunity for talented students to showcase
their spelling prowess.
Languages are about expanding horizons as much
as they are about diving deeper into the ideas you
have always known and grown up with. The book
talk sessions had some pieces of literature which
promised to whisk students away into worlds far
and wide, while others offered clarity on
concepts, theories and ideas about the world we
live in; students and teachers presented book
talks which ranged from fantastical stories to
quaint towns, and non-fiction texts on the
meaning of life and death to the importance of
financial literacy in our lives.
It doesn’t take much more than an all-
encompassing quiz to expand our horizons… and
that is exactly what we got during our inter-
house “Language, Literature and a little more”
Quiz Competition. There was a buzz of
excitement, and nerves zinged through the air
that Saturday morning, as the teams answered
questions on words and idioms, sifted through
their memories for names of books and authors,
and even identified famous voices and faces in
audio-visual rounds. The audience was certainly
not left out as each round had one question for
them too!
Ultimately, Language Week at VIS was a
catalyst for fostering a love of languages,
nurturing a lifelong passion for learning new
skills, and creating culturally aware and
globally-minded young individuals.
Sandhya
English Department, VIS.

BRIGHTER STILL, A LOOK BACK
It’s a play I have done before, about twenty years
ago, a script created from a Jataka tale titled
‘Brighter Still’, retold by Graeme MacQueen. I
have happy memories of that performance, and
when my colleague says she feels the story will
work well for Theatre Nite, the culminating event
of Language Week at VIS, the decision is clinched
My mind is soon busy casting the children in roles
that will suit them … the sixths will make great
villagers, the fifths will make lovely dancing deer,
Aadithya should be the comical King Brahmadutta
who has a change of heart, Sai Nallan and
Parvesh can become the two deer kings,
Sudarshana will do well as the pregnant doe, and
Harsha and Chandra can be the Courtiers … it’s all
falling in place! Then who will be the narrators? …
Let the actors come forth also as narrators! That’s
the last tentative decision, and it works out well.
The old script is reworked; the narration is shaped
into rhyming couplets so the storytellers can have
fun rendering their lines in pairs. Also, more
dialogues are sewn in, so each participant has a
speaking part, however small.
.
October/2023
Things are finally looking ready to move to the
stage! Twenty-three students of grades 5 and 6
are in sukhasana position on the circular stage,
hands in chin mudra, chanting ‘Buddham
sharanam gachhami,’ and as their voices fill the
evening air, I feel the old thrill of working on a
play with children … the sense of creative
possibilities, the magic of finer and finer
performances unfolding over several iterations,
much like sculpting.
Individual scenes start taking shape, and the
narrators keep the storyline moving, but the
transitions, oh! The transitions are so troublesome.
When will we remember the sequence just so, and
achieve a smooth flow? Then there is the business
of learning dialogues, giving up reliance on
scripts, perfecting one’s position and stance,
getting the articulation and intonation right,
showing one’s reaction when others speak, and
always remembering, if one is a deer or a
courtier, not to lapse into being just a child again
when one’s lines are done.
 October/2023

Gradually, sticks, tools, and drums enliven our

rehearsals, and the keyboard creates a rich
atmosphere, bringing out the tension and the
pathos of the play. The day of the performance
arrives, and the troupe is ready, each child’s
confidence a pillar supporting the whole play. We
have had our costume rehearsal, our sound
rehearsal, and there has been no hitch. Spirits
soar; we are ready to gift the school what we
have crafted together painstakingly over half a
month.

The last line still resonates after the play is done:

While the rehearsals go on, meetings are held Justice is brighter than the sun, but mercy is
among colleagues to decide on stage props, brighter still.
costume requirements, musical accompaniment,
and dance choreography. For what is a children’s
play without these varied elements? Many hands
make the work lighter, as one colleague steps in
to teach the dances, two others bring in the
costumes, a fourth creates the background and
props, and a fifth one provides the musical score.
Yet another one does a fantastic job of attiring
the villagers in dhotis.

Anjali
English Department, VIS.

.
 October/2023

வில்லுப்பாட்டு

இந்தியாவின் தென் தமிழ்நாட்டில்

காணப்படும் நாட்டுப்புறக் கலைகளுள் ஒன்று.
இந்த உலகில் பல இசைக்கருவிகள்
இருந்தாலும் இக்கலைக்கு வில்லே
முதன்மையானது. மனிதன்
வேட்டையாடுதலைத் தொழிலாகக்
கொண்டிருந்த காலத்தில் அவனுக்கு
உதவியது வில் மற்றும் அம்பு. அதனையே
பயன்படுத்தி பொழுதைக் கழிக்கும்
நோக்கத்தில் உருவாக்கப்பட்டதே
வில்லுப்பாட்டு. தந்தனத்தோம் தந்தனத்தோம் என்று
சொல்லியே
வில்லினில் பாட - ஆமாம்
வில்லினில் பாட
வந்தருள்வாய் தமிழ் மகளே.....
தான தந்தோம் என்று சொல்லியே
வில்லினில் பாட - ஆமாம்
வில்லினில் பாட
வந்தருள்வாய் தமிழ் மகளே...
இன்றைய தொழில் நுட்ப வளர்ச்சியினாலும்
திரைப்பட மோகத்தினாலும் தொன்மையான
இக்கலை அழிவின் விளிம்பில் உள்ளது.
இதனை மீட்டுருவாக்கம் செய்து பாதுகாக்கும்
இந்தப் பொழுதுபோக்கு காலப் போக்கில் நோக்கத்தோடும் இந்த நாட்டுப்புறக்
வளர்ச்சி அடைந்து சமுதாய சீர்திருத்தக் கலையை அனைவரும் அறிந்து கொள்ளும்
கருத்துகளைப் பரப்புவதற்காகவும் பயன் நோக்கத்தோடும் நமது வேலூர் சர்வதேசப்
படுத்தப்பட்டது. இது பெரும்பாலும் பள்ளியில், ‘திருக்குறளின் பெருமை’ என்ற
இறைவனை வணங்கி விட்டு, தந்தனத்தோம் தலைப்பில் வில்லுப்பாட்டை மாணவர்கள் 16-
என்ற பாடலைத் தலைவர் பாட, அக்குழுவில் 10-2023 அன்று இரவில் நடைபெற்ற
இருப்போர் ஆமாம் என்ற இணை ஒலியை விழாவில் அழகுறப் பாடி அனைவரின்
எழுப்பிப் பாடத் தொடங்குவர். பாராட்டையும் பெற்றனர்.

Renjith
Tamil Department, VIS.
 October/2023

मातादीन चाँद पर

‘ “इंस्पेक्टर मातादीन चाँद पर” श्री हरिशंकर परसाई द्वारा

लिखी एक प्रसिद्ध कहानी है। इस कहानी के माध्यम से
लेखक ने शासनतंत्र के प्रतिनिधियों के चरित्र को प्रदर्शित
किया है। इन सत्ताधारियों के कारनामों से मानवतावादी
संस्कृ ति नष्ट हो रही है। समाज और राष्ट्र में नैतिक मूल्यों का
अनवरत पतन हो रहा है। इस कहानी में परसाई जी का
व्यंग्य प्रहार विशेष रूप से पुलिस व्यवस्था पर रहा है।
हमारे यहां एक उक्ति प्रसिद्ध है कि भले ही सौ अपराधी छू ट
जाए लेकिन एक निरापराधी को सजा नहीं होनी चाहिए।
लेकिन इसके विपरीत पुलिस असली अपराधी को पकड़ने
की मशक्कत से बचने के लिए निरापराधी के सर दोषारोपण
कर देती है। फलस्वरूप सामाजिक अव्यवस्थाओं का
पनपना स्वाभाविक है। परसाई जी ने व्यंग्य का सहारा लेते
हुए एक जटिल विषय को समाज के सामने रखने का प्रयास
किया है।
वेल्लोर इंटरनैशनल स्कू ल की कक्षा 6 से 9 तक विद्यार्थियों
ने थिएटर नाइट के दौरान इस कहानी को नाटक के रूप में
प्रस्तुत किया, जिसे दर्शकों ने खूब सराहा। नाटक दर्शकों का
मनोरंजन करने में तो सफल हुआ ही, साथ ही साथ इसने
दर्शकों को भ्रष्टाचार जैसे विषयपर सोचने के लिए मजबूर भी
किया।
Poornima
Hindi Department, VIS.
 October/2023

THE NATURE FILE

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER PEACOCK

FEMALE BLACKBUCK PAINTED STORK

SHIKRA

BLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK MONGOOSE

One of our colleagues, an English teacher, enjoys going for walks every day, capturing the beauties of nature
in her camera, and shares the pictures in the school's nature group. Here are a few pictures of flora and
fauna in and around VIS.
Darshana, Art Department, VIS.
 October/2023

THE CHESS TOURNAMENT

‘On August 13th, 2023, students from VIS went to
Savitri Ammal Oriental Higher Secondary School
to participate in the 5th RCA State-Level,
Children’s Open Chess Tournament. The
participating students, accompanied by our chess
teacher, entered the host school at 9.30 a.m. and
came out at 4.00 p.m.
In order to win a match in chess, you need to
move a perfect piece. Just like that, VIS has
moved its first step. That move was the start of
the game. VIS is now thinking about its second
move. So wait for it!
Krishna (9C) & Nikhil (9C)

The tournament consisted of 6 rounds. The player

who won all 6 rounds would win the tournament.
All of our students played in the under-15
category. Although encouraged by our chess
teacher, our students faced a bit of difficulty
playing against chess academy players. Our
students also received tips from the players who
won in order to help them improve their game.
MY WISH TO PLAY FOOTBALL ON
All of the matches played by everyone were so A PROPER GROUND
compelling that parents stood near the door and
stared at the matches. The students themselves
were excited and keenly engaged in every single Since I was seven years old, I had a wish to play
match they played. They were deeply involved in football on a regular football ground. I thought I
chess for all the six and a half hours they stayed would be able to play a proper football game only
there. During their free time, they watched on a big ground. However, I wasn’t able to find a
videos of professional players to improve their good football ground for the next five years, till I
win rate. turned twelve. At that point, when I was in sixth
grade, I joined a boarding school named VIS,
Our students learn chess as a hobby in school. which offered a big ground, where both cricket
They never expected they would have a chance and football could be played. I felt happy that at
to explore chess as a competitive sport. And last I would be able to play on a standard football
that's why this chess tournament was a welcome ground. From then onwards, I have been able to
experience! Our students received certificates play extraordinary games on the new ground!
and were registered for Tamil Nadu State Chess
Association (TNSCA). They have planned to Parvesh (6)
attend many more tournaments to increase their
state ratings. All of the students aim to get FIDE
(International Chess Federation) ratings.
 October/2023

TEACHERS' DAY

The teachers of Vellore International School

work hard to give us a well-rounded and
meaningful education. Naturally, when the
students of VIS had the opportunity of expressing
their gratitude to their teachers on the special
day of September 5th, 2023, they took it up with
gusto!

Teachers' Day is celebrated all over India in

honour of India’s ex-President, Dr. S.
Radhakrishnan, who was one of the best teachers
of his time. His students were very fond of him,
but when they wished to celebrate his birthday
on September 5th, 1952, he insisted that the day
be celebrated as Teachers' Day instead.

The grade 9 students took charge of planning the

event in collaboration with our Dean. The
students prepared a lively and humorous
assembly consisting of a play which imitated our
teachers (after having taken due permission from
everyone concerned!), followed by a quiz about
our school.
A few students of grade 9 then decided to take
the saying "the student becomes the teacher”
quite seriously, and taught selected topics to
students of grades 5-9. They also taught the
teachers! The topics included mental math, the
nature of atoms, balancing equations, the periodic
table, game theory, wormholes, and the worship
of god. These classes, which included a quiz, took
place between 9.30 and 10.15 a.m. Since grade 9
students were coordinating the event, we had the
special privilege of wearing traditional wear
during the day.
In addition to the morning programme, we also
organized other things. The art students made
beautiful decorations, like banners and charts
around the school. They also drew amazing
portraits of all the teachers to gift to them
individually. The sports event in the evening was
a fierce volleyball match between the teachers
and students followed by fun activities like tug of
war, hopscotch, skipping and cycling. It all ended
with a wonderful cake cutting ceremony for
teachers, which was quickly followed by the
devouring of the cake!
The students of VIS love their teachers
wholeheartedly. They will remain in our hearts
and memories in the years to come.

Rochana (9C)

DHYAN CHAND INTER-HOUSE SPORTS WEEK
‘Dhyan Chand, a former Indian Hockey team
captain, revolutionized hockey in India. At a
young age, Dhyan Sharma joined the Indian
Army. Every night, he used to practice hockey
with a stick under the moon. That’s how he got
his nickname Dhyan ‘Chand’, from the Hindi
‘Chaand’, meaning ‘moon.' He carried India to 3
consecutive gold medals in the Olympics in
1928,1932 and 1936. His most viewed final match
was in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where they beat
Germany 7-2. Adolf Hitler himself offered Dhyan
Chand a position in the German Army and to play
for the German hockey team. Dhyan Chand, a
simple and honorable man, said no to Hitler. This
shows Dhyan Chand’s loyalty towards India.
Every year on the 29th of August, we celebrate
National Sports Day in India. Vellore
International School planned a week full of inter-
house sports competitions starting from the 23rd
of August. The houses were divided into 4 teams:
Innovators (orange), Voyagers (blue), Explorers
(red) and Pioneers (green). The Students of VIS
were really excited for this much awaited event
as this was our first inter-house competition this
year.
It was all kick-started on the 23rd of August by a
running event in which the Voyagers prevailed.
There was a really healthy competition during
that event and all the participants and observers
were enthusiastic.
October/2023
The upcoming week, however, was a task cut out
for the P.E. students as our P.E. teacher had an
injury.
The next day arrived with great excitement
about the next event - Volleyball! It was the first
inter-house team event. It went really well, and
in between, for fun, even our Principal and Dean
had a go at it!
The following day, our Chemistry teacher who
plays a lot of badminton and knows all the rules,
was the referee for the event. Next up was
football, which took two days to complete but was
really fun. One player somehow scored two half-
court goals and brought victory to his house. In
competitive events like these, it's really nice to
see students bring out their best in the true spirit
of sportsmanship.
Cricket was initially a let down for the finalists -
the Voyagers and Pioneers - because it rained
heavily for two days. When the match finally
happened, both teams were really happy to play.
Winning was not their main motive; they just
wanted to play!
By the time the sports-week came to an end, we
had all had a great time. Many students learnt a
lot during the events, but above all the Sports
Week taught us that one of the best kinds of
enjoyment you can have in school is healthy
competition.
Akhil (9A) & Ardith (9B)

STUDENTS’ ARTICLES
MY INCREDIBLE LOSING STREAK
TO COMING BACK STRONGER
Now that I am in a hostel, I know that I need to
learn to start adjusting.
I have had such tough luck for the past week.
When I played football last week, I lost every
match except one, which went down to penalties.
I cried, "Why only me, why?”
Then I felt that it was my fault that my team lost.
And so I punished myself that day. I ran for 30
minutes straight, outside in the free space area.
All my friends were staring at me and thought
that I had lost my mind.
After that, I lost still more matches. On the phone
call the other day, when I told my father about
this, he said, "It's all part of life. Don’t worry."
After hearing these words, I felt more calm after
losing matches. However, I remain hungry for
more goals.
Often, people pull me down and criticize me. But I
just keep quiet and play the next match. I always
try to improve my skills and continue to love the
game, despite the setbacks.
Adrian (6)
October/2023
MY BICYCLE
Ever since I have come to VIS, I miss my bicycle.
Every day when I got home from school, I would
ride my bicycle with my older brother Sharma. We
would have a race. Usually, Sharma would win,
but once or twice I beat him.
My father would always go out for a walk at 5.30
in the morning and he would come back at 6.30. I
would also often go with him on my bike. At times,
my mother would tell me to go and buy some items
that she needed. I would take my bicycle, go to the
shop and buy whatever she had asked for. Again
after dinner, I would ride my bicycle.
On my first Sunday at VIS, I went home because I
was feeling homesick. When I thought I would
have to go to school again, I felt upset. Sharma
suggested that we ride our bicycles. Then I felt
much better.
Since I came to VIS, nobody has touched my bike.
It is still lying there just the way I left it. I like my
bike very much, and miss it a lot.
Kameshwaran (5)
 October/2023

DEFEATING STAGE FEAR

Earlier, I had stage fear, but this term I got rid of
it. I had two experiences that helped me: first, my
catwalk trophy, and next, the play on Theatre
Nite at VIS. I’ll tell you about the play. It was
called ‘Brighter Still’, and was based on a Jataka
tale.
First, the director of our play asked me if I would
like to be the King in the play. I said, “Yes, m’am,”
and I added, “When is the play gonna happen?”
She said, “16th September, and we’re starting the
practice on 30th August.”
I said, “Okay, ma'am,” and went back to my den.
After a few days of writing exams and waiting,
the practice began. At first, I struggled to learn my
lines, but slowly, I picked up my dialogues. The co-
director said, “On 12th September is the full audio
rehearsal, and on 14th is the full dress and audio
rehearsal.”
Ma’am said, “By 8th September, you have to learn
your lines.” I felt scared that I would not be ready
on time. At the end of the practice session that
day, Ma’am said, “Whoever wants to practise and
learn their lines, come and take your script,” and
many children came forward, including me.
I got inspired by him, and came close to defeating
my stage fear. That day, I was one of only four
members who got collar mics.
Soon, the 14th came, and I wore kurta pajamas
and a waistcoat. The Art teacher painted a
moustache on my face, and the director placed a
crown on my head. Finally, the big day came, and I
hoped that it would not rain. We waited
until 4:15 p.m. in our dorms. Then the director
gave us our costumes. The 6th graders got ready
first, and at 4:30 p.m., we 5th graders got ready.
Suddenly, there was bad news. It was raining, and
the venue had to be changed! I was super scared,
but unexpectedly, I did the play well. By the end
of the play, I realized I had got rid of my stage
fear.
At the end, after the play, I got picked up by my
parents.
Aadithya Reddy (5)
ANATOMY HAND DRAWING

After dinner, when I took my script and practised

it while I was walking, I was surprised to find that
I already knew my lines, and this gave me
courage to fight my stage fear.

The days went by until the 12th arrived. That day,

the co-director was saying, “Come on, you can
LAACEYA (9B)
defeat your stage fear!”

COMMUNITY SERVICE
(A BORING TITLE FOR AN INTERESTING TRIP!)
Recently, our Principal initiated the Community
Service effort by grades 8 and 9 in the forested
vicinity of the school. The semester was drawing
to a close and it was a good time for our students
to have a taste of what it means to take initiative
on behalf of the larger public good.
It is an urgent part of education in our times for
young people to understand what it means to step
out of our bubbles of privilege and to make an
effort to do the right kind of work - work that the
earth needs us to do. This was a small step in that
direction by our 8th and 9th graders.
Accompanied by teachers and the necessary
equipment - sacks, gloves, brooms and shovels -
the students walked along the forest road,
picking up plastic and other waste material. What
follows is an anecdotal narrative of what took
place - from the child’s point of view.
The first community service trip of VIS in its
second academic year 2023-24 took place on
October 13th. The previous day, after dinner, an
orientation for the trip was held and the thought
uppermost in the students’ minds was: “But what
exactly is the purpose of this?”
October/2023
The next day, it was very interesting - for me, at
least - how the atmosphere and surroundings
changed almost as soon as I stepped out of the
school. It was a sudden feeling - something
between surprise and confusion, and the feeling
stayed with me throughout the journey. No
longer was the grass completely green and
always trimmed. No longer did everything seem
brand new. Unlike the school, which I had grown
accustomed to, there wasn’t an army of people
cleaning up the forest. Nor did anybody care
enough.
However, if the disappointingly large amount of
wrappers, plastic cups, and the occasional skull of
a long dead animal, are not considered, I would
say the overall experience was a positive one. It
was fun finding random wrappers and glass
pieces, and trying to connect the pieces as though
we were detectives trying to imagine who and
what could make such a mess. The walks from
and to the school were very scenic, and would
have been utterly relaxing, had it not been for
the 80 or so loud and excited kids buzzing along.
I think, by the end of it all, when we had all gotten
back to school and were happily sipping at our
mango juice packs, the prevailing thought in
everyone’s mind was quite different from the one
on the previous night: “I am glad I did this.” That
is, of course, if they weren’t still mad at being
woken up at 5:00 a.m.!
Madhumitha (8A)
 October/2023

STUDENTS’ ARTWORKS

CATHERINE (8A) MADHURI (9A)

DHASHRATH (8A) LAACEYA (9B)

PARINIKA (9A)