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A heartwarming event for students and their grandparents

On May 17, the Miri Piri Academy campus was abuzz with excitement and joy as we celebrated Grandparents’ Day, a heartwarming event hosted by Grade 6 students. This day was an integral part of their learning expedition titled “Over the Top!” guided by the question, “How does knowing the past help to explain the present?” This special occasion was dedicated to honouring the wisdom and love of our grandparents, bridging generations through stories, laughter, and shared experiences.

A glimpse into life without modern technology

The event began with a warm welcome to all the grandparents. Darshdeep and Sehajdeep’s grandparents  graced the occasion with their wisdom. They shared captivating stories from their past, offering a glimpse into a world that our young students found both fascinating and inspiring.

Throughout their engaging session, the grandparents reminisced about their childhood and the simple joys of life before the advent of modern technology. The grandparents painted vivid pictures of a time when social interactions were face-to-face, and entertainment was derived from outdoor games, reading, and family gatherings. Their anecdotes about festivals, traditional games, and daily routines transported everyone to a bygone era, stirring a sense of nostalgia among the older attendees and curiosity among the younger ones.

Interactive Q&A intrigues students to learn about the past

MPA students, deeply intrigued by these tales from the past, eagerly participated in an interactive Q&A session. Many of their questions revolved around the theme, “How was life interesting without mobiles?” The grandparents responded with enthusiasm, describing how creativity, imagination, and direct human connections made life rich and fulfilling. They spoke of writing letters to stay in touch, playing outdoor games (Kabaddi, kite flying , Gilli danda, kho kho , kikli and marbles) and spending quality time with family and friends.

One student asked, “What did you do for fun without TV or the internet?” Darshdeep’s grandfather shared how he spent his evenings playing outdoor games like marbles with friends and listening to stories from his grandmother.

Sehajdeep’s grandfather added that community gatherings and local fairs were major sources of entertainment, filled with music, dance, and laughter.

Another student inquired, “How did you communicate with friends and family?” The grandparents explained the joy of receiving handwritten letters and the excitement of surprise visits from loved ones. They emphasized how these methods of communication, though slower, were filled with anticipation and emotional depth.

Exploring the importance of family relations and community

A particularly poignant question was asked about the safety of girls in those times. Students were curious to know, “Were girls safe back then?” The grandparents shared their perspectives, explaining that while societal norms were different, there was a strong sense of community and protection. They discussed how extended families and close-knit communities played a significant role in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone, including girls. They also reminisced about how they used to play outdoor games until late evening without any sense of insecurity, highlighting the communal vigilance and mutual care. 

Reflections from the celebration

The students were visibly inspired by these stories, gaining a new perspective on the value of face-to-face interactions and the beauty of a simpler lifestyle. 

Along with the students,  teachers also gained insights and had fun with this interaction. As educators, witnessing the interaction between students and grandparents was deeply gratifying. It reinforced the importance of connecting with our roots and valuing the wisdom passed down through generations. 

The celebration ended with a lunch, followed by heartfelt thank-you  from the students to their grandparents, expressing gratitude for their enduring love and the life lessons they impart. The day was a beautiful reminder of the timeless bond between generations and the importance of cherishing and learning from our elders.

This Grandparents’ Day was not just an event; it was a celebration of life, love, and the enduring legacy of our elders.

We are thrilled to recount the unforgettable experiences from our recent learning expedition with Grade 7, aptly titled “What a Wonderful World!” Guided by the thought-provoking question, “Why should we protect our beautiful planet?” students embarked on an eye-opening journey to explore the intricacies of environmental conservation.

Accompanied by dedicated educators, Grade 7 students ventured on a transformative field trip to Khadur Sahib, Tarn Taran, Punjab. This excursion was a deep dive into the spiritual and environmental significance of the region, with Baba Seva Singh Ji’s visionary efforts serving as a guiding light.

Throughout the expedition, students were immersed in various activities aimed at cultivating a holistic understanding of environmental stewardship. They delved into the historical and cultural richness of Khadur Sahib, learning about its evolution into a green, sustainable environment. Guided tours provided first hand insights into the positive impact of environmental preservation, underscoring the vital role of sustainable practices in community well-being.

A highlight of the trip was the invaluable interaction with Baba Seva Singh Ji himself. Students were profoundly moved by his unwavering dedication to environmental conservation and his vision for a greener future. His wisdom resonated deeply, inspiring our young learners to embrace their responsibility as custodians of the Earth.

In addition to these experiences, each student was assigned a tree mentioned in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Expert guidance was sought from the nursery, a monumental establishment built by Baba Seva Singh Ji, housing all the trees mentioned in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Students meticulously collected information about their assigned trees, deepening their understanding of the sacred connection between nature and spirituality.

Reflecting on their journey, students expressed a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life and the urgency of environmental action. They emerged from the expedition with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to effect positive change in the world.

As educators, witnessing the growth and transformation of our students throughout this expedition has been profoundly rewarding. Grade 7 has emerged with a profound sense of empathy, knowledge, and determination to be stewards of our precious planet.

Vaisakhi is one of the most-celebrated festivals in Punjab; it recognizes the harvest season and when Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa. Here’s a look at this special time in history, and how our students and staff celebrated at MPA this year.

The Story of Vaisakhi

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib initiated the Amrit ceremony on Vaisakhi, creating the Khalsa Panth of saint  soldiers. The Guru requested the Sikhs to congregate at Anandpur on Vaisakhi.

According to the Sikh history, he asked for a volunteer who was prepared to give his life for his faith to come into the tent. One came forward, whom he took inside a tent. The Guru returned to the crowd alone, with a bloody sword. He asked for another volunteer and repeated the same process of returning from the tent without anyone and with a bloodied sword four more times.

After the fifth volunteer went with him into the tent, there was confusion and unease among the crowds. The Guru returned with all five volunteers, all safe. He called them the Panj Pyare and the first Khalsa in the Sikh tradition. 

Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, where this significant historical event took place. Our boarding school students visit this Gurdwara several times a year, including during our week-long Induction Camp to kick off the school year.

The Khalsa vowed to uphold the five K’s: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a small comb), Karra (an iron bracelet), Kachera (a white undergarment), and Kirpan (a small curved sword).

MPA students tie their kesh in turbans

The Khalsa, guided by the Guru’s teachings, upheld the values of the Sikh faith, emphasizing equality and devotion to the One Universal Creator. The baptism ceremony, known as Amrit, marked the beginning of a new era for Sikhs, uniting them under the banner of the Khalsa Panth.

At Miri Piri Academy to live the spirit of Vaisakhi every day, and have the motto “Think like a Saint, Act like a Solider.”

Following this path, MPA students practicing Gatka, the ancient form of martial arts practiced by the Gurus

Vaisakhi 2024 celebrations at MPA

This year’s celebration was also an opportunity to celebrate all of the staff who serve MPA and make sure that we live in a graceful and well-maintained environment.

We began the day with a gurdwara service, followed by a presentation on the history of Vaisakhi. After gurdwara, we played games, including musical chairs and tug of war, before concluding with a bhangra performance and delicious meal prepared by the teachers.