The Sulonian Honours Society....

The Sulonian Honours Society....

While we were in school, being first in class and getting the coveted 'first in class' was a dream for many of us. With passage of time and newer thoughts this ranking was considered discriminatory and schools adopted grade points or other systems to acknowledge scholars. I fondly remember the scholar badges and coats of my nephews and niece.
Our son stuides in Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School at Thane. Enrolling one's child in Singhania School is like a dream come true for any parent staying in Thane or it's vicinity. Very few schools in India may be matching their standards in academic and co-curricular activities. No wonder they are among the topmost schools of the country.
The efforts made by the school to instil confidence and ensure overall development of the child are beyond compare. The standards for assessment of a child's performance are not restricted only to academics but are also dependent on the overall performance in other activities of the school including home work, behaviour in class, participation in sports, culture, music and dance apart from excelling in studies.
Only those students who measure upto these standards are enrolled into the honours society. Till the previous year a 3.75 GPA on 5 was considered as the benchmark for enrolment however it was increased to 4 GPA from the current year.
This was the third year wherein Vishnu was elgible to be enrolled and it was a matter of great satisfaction for us. Even though we have never pestered him for grades or marks yet sub-consciously for us and for him too it was important to perform sufficiently well, at least to be a part of the honours society. Once his marks are known and the grades calculated we would heave a sigh of relief.
At times, I do wonder why do grades of our children becomes so important for us, more so when most of have grown devoid that pressure. Maybe the context and times are different now or perhaps their latent dream of being 'first in class ' goads them !
Of course the sense of joy, happiness, satisfaction on achieving the set standards is something beyond compare.
Last week we had the opportunity to attend the honours society function in the school. We have seen Vishnu's growth and development as an individual during the last 9 years. He is in the eight standard now. The satisfaction and happiness on his face was evident as he walked up to take his award. This feeling reflected in all the children whose confident gait and sparkle in the eyes said it all. They had worked hard for it and being recognised for all the hard work added to their self-esteem.
As the Principal, rightfully said, their expressions were very happy akin to
the joy of climbing a ladder by themselves.
Each one of them had the aspirational value to get better and their confidence was reflected on their faces.
She further said that it was mportant to work hard but without stress or anxiety. Learning should not become mechanical but should be the means to harvest real knowledge.
She also mentioned that a few students and parents were upset due to missing it by a narrow margin or even by one mark. Yet that single mark became a motivational factor for others. So it was important to strive hard and improve one's own performance . The competition was not with others but with one's own self.
As an individual each student has his own intellect. The opportunities they get in the school are the means to capacitate their intelligence and realise their goals. Acquring knowledge and skills with the right attitude was the key to success.
It was also important to remain grounded and continue to work hard  because it was their knowledge which had placed them on the cutting edge.
Those receiving the awards today were the chosen 300 among the 1500 students of the secondary and high school. Amongst them was Vishnu, for him and for us, the day was certainly memorable and special. Not only he but we also felt truly honoured.....