Month: September 2024

An Inimitable Curriculum
The VGS has designed a unique blended curriculum bringing together the best practices from national and international contexts to enhance its learners’ knowledge, understanding and higher order thinking skills. Studying this curriculum is like embarking on an exciting journey of academic discovery. It challenges and motivates students to stretch their boundaries to enlarge the scope of their inherent capabilities, pushing them to think critically, analyze information thoroughly, and develop strong problem-solving skills, along with hands-on practical skills.With a focus on independent thinking and research, it prepares students not only for higher education but also for success in a competitive global environment. The focus is on facilitating the students grow into well-rounded, intellectually sharp, emotionally strong individuals.

From Playful Preschoolers to Scholarly Seniors
Curriculum for Pre-Primary classes is play-based and activity based, with a strong focus on helping them settle in the school environment and kindle love for learning, and improve social interactions. As the tiny tots twiddle their way to the portals of VGS, it is ensured that their ‘soon to begin’ voyage turns out to be a smooth sail and a much-celebrated sojourn of life. We believe in the maxim “Catch them young”. Hence, nurturing the young saplings with immense love and care and imbuing the rainbow of their imagination with enriching pastels of experiences is the first step towards this endeavour. Students’ engagement is ensured through a range of activities like clay play, rainbow tracing, role play, show and tell, and storytelling. Learning of the alphabet is taught through action, rhyme and picture reading. Smart board activities, power point presentations and videos ignite in them the desire to learn more. With the Phonetics Awareness Program at Pre-Primary level, aimed to create a multi-sensory learning experience, we commence to concretize their lettersound coordination. Sing along sessions and recitation help the children to hone their skills of pronunciation, diction and intonation thereby strengthening their Phonetic base. Library books are given to children every week to cultivate the habit of reading among these young impressionable minds. Listening Skill is enhanced through audio stories followed by group discussions. Children learn to use vocabulary whilst they do picture reading and construct sentences. From holding a pencil to drawing one, children from the very first day are groomed in contemplation of their conducive placement in the society.

“My ward was shy and introverted, but since she has entered the school there is a complete change. The kind of activities and stage exposure she has received under the careful guidance of her teachers is exceptional. We did not realize how smoothly she has now bloomed into a confident and expressive person,” says Mr. Amit Hooda, a parent of class Pre-Primary student. At the Primary and Middle School level, we endeavor to achieve academic excellence and augment creativity. Teachers and peers unpack the wonders of books and marvel at their magic by learning how to read critically using multiple strategies like group work, research, reflection and presentation. The mathematical abilities and scientific aptitude are developed through visualization of concepts and hands-on experiences to enable the learners develop the cognitive mind maps for ever-lasting and progressive learning.

For honing reading skills of the students, competency sheets are taken up in the class. Creative writing, picture and word prompts, free writing, story writing form an integral part of curriculum to enhance writing skills of the students. Myriad activities like declamations, debates, poetry recitation, storytelling, character dramatization are interwoven with the teaching learning process.

Vocabulary gets enriched through exercises like Word map andFrayer Diagram in which they learn about new words, create sentences, think of their synonyms, antonyms and create word families. The world is brought into the classroom not just by case studies and role plays, but also through podcast presentations and documentary screenings.

The academic terrain in the Senior School is built around the principles of knowledge, understanding, application and critical appreciation. The students’ abstract knowledge becomes rich enough to find expression in activities such as ‘Guided Visualization’, an important accomplishment for reaching the epitome of Bloom’s Taxonomy of cognitive development.
Ms. Payal, a mother of class 9 student, sums up her experiences quite simply, “I am surprised by the initiative taking abilities that my ward has developed over the years. There is a strong drive to think new and do things differently. The school keeps bringing new opportunities and activities for students and I get very impressed when I see my son collaborating with his group over zoom calls to brainstorm and ideate.”

Ethos of Holistic Development
The school strides forward with its ethos of holistic development which makes teaching-learning, a vibrant and creative process of discovery. Our students experience the latest pedagogic and technological innovations, which kindle the flame that inspires safe, joyful and stimulating growth experiences to unfold their hidden potential. We believe in the holistic development of our students, ensuring they excel not only in academics but also in character, leadership, and service.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia fell victim to a major cyber attack targeting his YouTube channels. Hackers seized control of his main channel, “Beer Biceps,” altering its name to “Tesla” and modifying the handle to “@Elon.trump.tesla_live2024.” The breach also affected his Allahbadia’s personal channel as well, which was rebranded as “@Tesla.event.trump_2024.” After the incident, YouTube removed the channels from its platform.Users are now seeing a message stating, “This page isn’t available. Sorry about that. Try searching for something else.”

Ranveer Allahbadia responds

YouTuber responded to the news by sharing Instagram Stories. In one such story, he said “Celebrating my two main channels being hacked with my favourite food. Vegan burgers. Death of BeerBiceps met with death of diet.”
In another story, he also shared a selfie with an eye mask, asking, “he wrote “Is this the end of my YouTube career? Was nice knowing you all!”.

….this is not a PR stunt: Vijay Sheth

Vijay Sheth, co-founder – Monk Entertainments owned by Ranveer Allahbadia has refuted the claims being made by people who are calling it a PR stunt. In a post on X, Sheth wrote “Unfortunately, some people believe the channel hack is a PR stunt because we are not panicking. To put it on record, this is not a PR stunt. Both channels were hacked last night around 1130PM IST. We are calm because we have full faith in the YouTube team to help us retrieve the channels as they were before the hack.”

In another post, he said “Have full faith in YouTube to help us retrieve the hacked channels. Most hands-on team I’ve worked with.” He also shared an image showing the YouTube channel renamed to Tesla. “Guess we are now selling Tesla cars and endorsing Trump for the time being,” he wrote in the post.

National Students’ Union of India President candidate Ronak Khatri with his supporters during the last day election campaign ahead of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) polls, at North Campus. (ANI Photo)

DUSU Polls 2024-25: The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections are just around the corner, with students gearing up to cast their votes and participate in shaping the leadership of one of the most prestigious student unions in the country. For 1st year students who have not yet received their identity cards, special provisions have been made to ensure they can still exercise their right to vote.Here’s everything you need to know about how the DUSU polls work and how 1st year students without an ID can participate.
Election Dates and Counting Details
The DUSU elections for the 2024-25 academic session are scheduled to take place on 27th September 2024, across various colleges and departments of Delhi University. This election will determine the new president, vice president, secretary, and joint secretary of the student union. The election results will be announced a day after, with the counting of votes taking place on 28th September 2024 at the Conference Centre, opposite the Botany Department in North Campus, from 8:00 AM onwards.
Campaign Period and Contesting Candidates
The election campaign officially ended at 8:00 AM on 26th September 2024. All campaigning activities, including canvassing by candidates and their supporters, were discontinued as per the code of conduct established by the election commission.
This year, a total of 21 candidates are contesting across the four central panel positions. Below is a table showing the key candidates in the fray:

Chief Election Officer and Eligibility Criteria
Professor Satyapal Singh, the Chief Election Officer for DUSU 2024-25, has announced that only students who were admitted to Delhi University by 25th September 2024 (5:00 PM) are eligible to vote in the elections. This cut-off ensures that only legitimate and registered students of the university participate in the election process.
How 1st Year Students Without an ID Can Vote
For 1st year students who have not yet been issued an official identity card, the university has allowed an alternative method to cast their votes. These students can still participate in the elections by presenting a duly verified fee receipt as proof of their student status, along with one of the following government-issued identification documents:
• Voter Identity Card
• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
This provision ensures that new students are not disenfranchised, despite potential administrative delays in receiving their ID cards.
Voting Procedure for 2nd and 3rd Year Students
Unlike 1st year students, those in their 2nd and 3rd years are required to show their valid Delhi University identity card in order to vote. No alternative documents will be accepted for senior students, emphasising the importance of carrying their student IDs on election day.
Compliance and Observers
To ensure fair and transparent elections, over 50 election observers have been appointed by the Office of the Chief Election Officer. These observers will visit all 52 colleges and departments to monitor compliance with the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007. The observers will also ensure that all candidates and their supporters follow the established code of conduct, which includes stopping all canvassing activities by 26th September 2024.
With voting set to take place tomorrow, the 2024-25 DUSU elections are shaping up to be a crucial moment for student leadership at Delhi University. First-year students without ID cards should ensure they have their verified fee receipts and government-issued identification ready, while senior students must carry their university ID cards. Whether you’re a newcomer or a senior, make sure you’re fully prepared to cast your vote and contribute to this important event in shaping the future of the student union.

In a fascinating throwback video, acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema in India, revealed that actress Shabana Azmi was not initially his first choice for the lead role in ‘Ankur’, instead, the legendary Waheeda Rehman was considered for the part.
A throwback video shared by Prasar Bharati Archives features clips from ‘Ankur,’ directed by Shyam Benegal.In the footage, Benegal reflects on the casting process, stating, “As far as the main part is concerned, Shabana’s part was very interesting because the first person I asked was Waheeda Rehman. I could see Waheeda in my mind for that particular part. She said yes in the beginning, but later on, she wasn’t sure she could do it. So she said no.”
This candid insight highlights the complexities of casting and the pivotal moments that shape cinematic history.
‘Ankur’ also marked the debut of actor Anant Nag. Like many of Shyam Benegal’s films, ‘Ankur’ falls within the genre of Indian art films, specifically known as Indian parallel cinema, a genre known for its realistic portrayal of social issues and human emotions. The storyline is inspired by a true event that took place in Hyderabad, reportedly in the 1950s, and was predominantly filmed on location.
It showcased the struggles of its characters against the backdrop of a rural setting, reflecting the complexities of caste, gender, and personal relationships. Its narrative, inspired by true events, deviates from mainstream Bollywood norms, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and nuanced performances. It revolved around social issues like — alcoholism, casteism, rich vs poor, sexual drive, religious differences and dowry.
Benegal is the pioneer of parallel cinema, and he is considered as one of the greatest filmmakers post 1970s.
His work includes movies like – ‘Manthan’, ‘Bhumika’, ‘Kalyug’, ‘Hari Bhari’, and most recently ‘Mujib’.

Kim Taehyung, widely known as V from the global boy band BTS, recently took a break from his military duties to reconnect with an old friend, sparking joy among fans.
On September 25, bodybuilder and trainer Ma Sun-ho delighted followers by sharing a snapshot on Instagram featuring Taehyung, actor Kim Minjae, and himself. The trio, captured in a gym selfie, radiates friendship and determination as they celebrate their shared commitment to fitness.

In his post, Ma Sun-ho, who gained recognition from the popular show ‘Physical 100’, expressed his pride for the two stars, writing, “Even on leave, these diligent young men are working out. Proud of Taehyung & Minjae. For two days, they’ve been doing full-body weight training, feeling accomplished. I envy their youth… and their faces too… Looking forward to the next leave. Let’s definitely eat soy sauce marinated crab again”, as quoted by AllKpop.

In the photo, the trio appears to have just completed an intense workout, proudly displaying their toned and muscular physiques. Taehyung, sporting a sleeveless tee and shorts, highlights his impressive athletic build, evidence of his dedication to fitness. His youthful appearance continues to captivate admirers, blending seamlessly with his striking physicality.

The friendship between Taehyung and Minjae dates back eight years when they first showcased their bond on the South Korean variety show ‘

Celebrity Bromance’. Viewers fondly recall their fun adventures, including outings to massage parlours, playful moments at parks by the Han River, and sharing meals, all of which highlighted their natural chemistry and genuine connection.
While the duo has seemingly kept their friendship under wraps in recent years, this recent public photo marks the first time they’ve been seen together since February 2016, during their rookie days. Fans were ecstatic to see this unexpected reunion, celebrating how Taehyung continues to prioritize his long-standing friendships amidst his meteoric rise to fame.

Midheaven, or Medium Coeli or middle of the sky in Latin, is the furthest point from the Ascendant in your birth chart. It is the level that represents your public persona, career aspirations, and reputation. The Midheaven can reveal your attitude toward achieving success, what you want to accomplish in life, and how others view you when at work.
While your Sun sign marks the center of who you are, and the Moon represents your emotions, the Midheaven is about outward accomplishments and public life.It’s a place that answers: What am I here to achieve? How do I want to be seen by the world?
Here is a quick glance at what each Midheaven sign might reveal about you:
Aries Midheaven: They’re ambitious, bold, and do exceedingly well in leadership positions; they wish to leave their mark through action and initiative.
Taurus Midheaven: Stability and financial security is what propels them forward in a career. They want slow but sure growth, and success usually awaits them in a creative or practical field.
Gemini Midheaven: Their public self is portrayed by communication, adaptability, and intellectual pursuit, and one finds them most of the time in writing, teaching, and media-related carriers.
Cancer Midheaven: Those people with Cancer Midheaven like to nurture and take care of others and are intuitive, so they may do well in areas of caregiving, education, or really anything where they may interact with the community and foster emotional connection.
Leo Midheaven: Leo Midheaven natives want to shine in the public eye, or be known for their flair, entertainment, or any form of expression that gives them flexibility in their career.
Virgo Midheaven: Those people with Virgo Midheaven work with precision and great sense of commitment. They are smart, grounded and profound and they know how to get things done.
Libra Midheaven: For these natives, their public persona is channeled in terms of aesthetics and logic. Good jobs might involve law, design, or diplomacy.
Scorpio Midheaven: You have a desire for work that will be transformative for you and others. Many people who have this placement have gone into psychology, research, or anything involving power and change.
Sagittarius Midheaven: You like adventure, and you like learning. Your favourite careers involve traveling, teaching, or exploring and speaking about new philosophies.
Capricorn Midheaven: Your insight into hard work and achievement guides you. You work your way up to positions of power and respect.
Aquarius Midheaven: For you, innovation is virtually synonymous with individuality; you enjoy working in various nonconformist fields and strive toward progress and social impact.
Pisces Midheaven: This placement may mean that your career intersects with compassion or creativity, perhaps creative pursuits, healing professions, or spiritual activities.