English Edge, A Unit of Edge Academy, Kota

Have an Edge… in your Life

Education in Kota aspires to excel in overall development of the students in Kota. As per the census of 2001, Kota has an average literacy rate of 70%, which is much higher than the average national percentage of 59.5%. Every year a large number of students in Kota explore the options to become doctors, engineers, lawyers and Gazetted officers.

Post recession Govt jobs have become lucrative with 6^th pay commission making it competitive with private sector in terms of salaries, positions, opportunities & security.

English Edge, AUnit of Edge Academy, Kota led by Col Pieush Agrawal, is now in Kota to prepare the students to present themselves in the competitive world with confidence, knowledge, skills and values. The institute prepares the students for various sectors including Defence, Police, Administrative services & higher career oriented education. An officer in the Indian Army inherits glorious heritage and timeless traditions, blended perfectly with the latest technology in the fields of management, engineering and medical sciences.

Whatever career one may choose Good Personality, Great Communication Skills & Right usage of English gives an Edge in selection and growth of an individual. Equipped with these skills you are ready to leave the lasting impressions. Communication in any field, whether it be professional or personal life, is very important. We have realized how important it is for us to learn English in order to communicate properly. Nowadays even for ladies and mothers at home it has become a necessity to learn English.

It is not difficult to learn English but it is important to have the right approach. Col Agrawal suggests three things for developing language skills:

You need to develop confidence. You need good advice and choose the right professionals in language learning.

You need to ask yourself what things you really like doing which use language ie: reading, using the web, writing to friends, listening to songs, sports etc.

You need to ask yourself what ways of learning you find best for anything. Not only languages, but for maths or history. Do you like to learn lists by heart? Do you like to learn rules? Or do you just like to 'pick things up' with no definite plan?

It is not only about learning to speak English but to develop thinking skills and use it for success with excellence.

Mrs Sapna Agrawal (The writer is International Behavioral Skills Trainer)

Reading Club, English Edge, Kota

ENJOY READING

Since human evolved on this earth, it was his desire, which motivated him to develop a way to communicate. Early man started communicating by signs and signals. There was no language so they shouted and used their limbs to altercate or communicate. Gradually they started creating sounds with tools, drum, stones, wood.

The human had brain to think logically and capacity to create. History and archeological discoveries have by large explained advent of language.

Despite the fact that reading is an important skill it is always looked as daunting task. We are surrounded by words. They are everywhere. It is almost like a magnet our eyes get attracted to the words and we end up reading and make sense. Reading enhances authoritativeness on the subject, ability to communicate, good interpersonal skills and willingness to learn.

The vocabulary of an individual automatically increases with reading the child of 4 yrs. knows 5000 words which increases to approximately 26000 words by the age of 8 and to massive 120,000 words by 18. No matter whatever is the age we must continue to read & learn.

To motivate a child there are few things which are to be kept in mind during the selection of book from the book stores. The book should be colourful and have illustrations to give visual idea, cartoons & images to keep amused, the font size of the print should be big enough to encourage reading. The important words should be highlighted, the overall theme should be interesting.

There are certain misconception about reading My research has tried to find some answers :

i. Training can increase reading speed.

ii. Speed-reading has edge over slow reading because one gets distracted with slow reading.

iii. It is not necessary to read loudly to understand.

iv. Retention of reading material is naturally done by brain. Which may not be 100 %, but i.e. genuine.

Most of the parents feel that children have lack of reading habits. I believe if we become partner the reading ability of our children will get transformed into a habit that will persist for the rest of their life. Teen age is the best time to modify recently formed habit and break bad reading habit.

There are certain scientific facts associated with reading. Along with our eyes our (brain) occipital lobe is also used to understand the image of printed words. Try and involve all your senses while reading. For example tell your child,

· To think of the scene the author is trying to describe.

· Feel the surrounding.

· See in your mind’s eyes all the colours in the book.

· Find appropriate time and location to begin reading.

Human body has an internal biological clock. You may set your favorite time that may be as “Night Owls” or “Early bird” to be alert and enjoy developing good reading habits.

Have a small library at home. Suggested reading for children is books that give insight into History, Stories of Great People, Panchtantra, about our culture and rich heritage.

There is no difference between an illiterate and one who knows how to read, but chooses not to read.

Sapna Agrawal tells ways to improve reading habits and importance of reading in one’s Personality.

Summer Vacations

Years after years summer vacations have got trendy. I have observed it myself at least for more than last three decades. The trend which I am going to talk about is the “summer holidays.” Every year months of May and June have exclusivety of vacations.

When we talk about these two calender months which have been earmarked for rejuvenation and unwinding oneself. There is some thing more to it. When the ‘more’ word joins the scorching months,

I clearly see more fun, more sleep, more activity centric, more sizzle may be much more sweltering, more ice creams, more movies, more evening outs, and over the years more and more summer camps.

"Yeah ! Summer camps are the trend of this season." When some one says it seems as if he/she has taken guest appearance from some other planet. Dear ! just scratch your grey matter (if you have it in store), scratch it hard see for yourself how your counterparts have grown with the “summer camps.” I totally agree that they have been baptized with fancy names every year. Each city boasts of a ‘different’ style of celebrating the holidays. 70’s to 80’s summer vacations which were not exposed to such fierce heat (thanks to global warming have not cared mother earth and so now we feel roasted) the popular trend was, little girls and boys were sent to the music classes, where they tried stringing their vocal chords, there used to be a few popular instrumental classes where youngsters learnt instruments like electric guitar, bongo, congo and a few tried experimenting with month organ it was the fanciest wish ! highlighted by the movie stars of that era. We remember Zeenat Aman, Rishi Kapoor with the jazzy guitars and ‘Devanand was such a maestro of mouth organ. I can even see it at home now my husband who is his preteen age learnt the elctric guitar still has nostalgic memories about it, and motivates my son to learn some instrument. Actually speaking getting accustomed with some musical instrument helped the growing child grasp the musical notes and worked with increased levels of concentration. And it was certainly great fun. The vacations were equally utilized to also learn classical dances and the canvas art with oil paints and still smaller ones used to learn sketching and water colours. Indeed we have state of art infrastructures by the architects from the fore said era. There were more swimming pools accessible to the commoners, there was a hype of a trend of learning sports, so youngsters were motivated by their parents to pick up swimming, badminton, golf, billiards, tennis and a few balanced their body weight on skates. The way these activites were glamourised, it motivated the parents and youngsters to achieve at least a part of it. In the present century when summers are no more balmy, they are torrid and sultry the summer vacations are still very popular. There is almost a competition in various organization to provide the best utility summer camps. We see a lot of advertising to launch the camps. (This may be a good news for marketing people.)

Though initially it sounded weird to see the advertised ‘camps’, but declaration of such like activities gives parents and youngsters a free hand to choose the most suitable way and in the bargain youngsters get to learn widely.

There is almost a rage amongst youngsters to do as many activities and enrich themselves. The latest trend apart from the regular learning of music, dance, art, yoga, aerobics etc. is also enhancing public speaking, have good communication skills, developing their overall personality. This generation has realized that the usage and benefit of such like activities are not only for job but for personal presentation.

In the personality grooming session which I take regularly there is almost alteration of any individual. They feel quite motivated and learn ways how to be immaculate.

In My opinion summer vacations is the time which is used not only to gear up onself with new activities but also a family bonding time.

Families (nuclear) working away from homes wait for these vacations, they travel and meet grand parents, uncles and aunts. Oh ! there is so much fun and love. Had these vacations not been we would have forgotten all the relationships. Some families who stay in a joint family find time to unwind themselves on beaches and hill stations.

Dear readers, my suggestion is that summer vacations are great stress busters, just find your favourite way to learn from it. It can vary from small hobby courses to great family ties. May the almighty keep summer holidays gleaming.

Just remember that they are "vacations".

Mrs. Sapna Agrawal

Behavioral Skill Trainer,

Director, English Edge, Kota

Principal, Pragati School

10+2 CBSE, Kota

INDEPENDENCE EMPOWERS PERSONALITY

The entire nation celebrates the 60^th anniversary of Independent India. The Jamboree of this phenomenal occasion is limitless; all those who feel Indianite in their mind and soul around the globe take Pride to hold the Indian Tricolor high.

Celebrating Independence, Remembering the Martyrs, Saluting the sacrifices and Promising to lead…….. This is what each patriotic believes in.

As I write this piece the premonition of our freedom fighters in believing and dreaming that they will see India free, motivated the Indians to the freedom struggle, and Yes! today We free citizens of the Nation are jubilating the dream. For youth, this should be a message enough that our patriotic leaders, soldiers, martyrs, are personalities to be emulated.

Today as India prospers the youth feels that they are missing the Punch and Power. In the rut of their mundane functions, it is often felt that the youth who shall steer India to epitome, is lacking the belief in self, they rarely dare to dream, they need guidance to project leadership. The X-factor in the presentations is missing. They are on an endless hunt of a role model whom they shall follow with a blindfold.

I ask them, why do you see yourself as a follower? Have courage to Lead.

In My opinion to bring that spark, just revise the real sense of patriotism! There is a lot to learn from the intellect of Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Aruna Asaf Ali, Subhash, Bhagat Singh, and in present times Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam,

The mere thought, insulates.

The fire in their speech and communication, their commitment to the cause, their selfless attitude, belief that India is one team, their self esteem if emulated is a security to have a scintillating personality.

Any individual first of all needs to have a reason to work, may be a dream to achieve and then kick start. Their will be difficulties, treat them as challenges. Keep your eyes and ears open to learn from the previous experiences. Be satisfied with the results but this satisfaction should be the bed of ambition. Your belief is going to take you to a long way of leadership. This is the success recipe.

You analyze it and feel the power punching you to move fast and move right.

Today I feel that any lesson of personality development is incomplete if the inspirational stories of the stalwarts are not discussed.

Each Indian should pledge to grow and epitomize India on the globe.

SAPNA AGRAWAL

On the 60 th independence day, sapna agrawal tries to magnify the HEROES of the freedom struggle and explain how each individual described power personalities. Follow these heroes and feel the perfection in your personality.

Festivities & Shopping

Diwali bonanza, offers and schemes, shop till you drop! These words delights Indian buyer the most. There are variety of banners and advertisements doing the expression & branding the products for the entire year……but this is the special occasion when all the offers are ready to lure the buyers. The Indian customers with their new found spending power stretch their buying capacities to get the best bargains. It is the most auspicious time & quarter of the year. The ’Festive Phase’.

Be it big or small everybody is prepared for the celebration! And the moolah is that festivity and shopping charms all ages.

Dhanteras has its own authenticity. It is assumed that purchasing done on this day brings prosperity round the year.

The goddess of wealth “LAKSHMI” is offered affection and faith; she is welcomed by the deity through pujan. “GANESHA” & ‘SARASWATI’ shower peace and wisdom.

It is a clear visualization of our ancestors, which adds to the logic that festivity is not limited to a certain dharma. It is for all religions, all faiths and the mankind together to celebrate the goodness. The astrologers calculate to specify that with Navratra Sthapna the auspicious feel sets in. Markets are flooded with various kinds of products. Even the hard core shoppers also have tough time to choose from the wide array of products.

People shop for Navratras, Id, Onam, Pongal, Durgapuja, Dussehra, Gurupurab, Diwali, Christmas….. Oh! Yes! Business does the maximum turnover as the Wedding Season rings the bells. Dhanteras is also welcomed by the jewelers. Hallmarked gold and silver coins can also be brought from the banks.

Trousseau shopping is done all over India & abroad. Affluent lot also flies to Dubai & Malaysia to get the desired range & couple it up with sightseeing.

We Indians are quite fond of decorating & adorning ourselves too.

In Kota the celebrations are heightened by the Dussehra mela and exhibitions too. This year markets are showcasing products in all segments like furniture, upholstery, electronics, automobile, traditional and modern household accessories etc.

I wish all the kotaites a wonderful and happy shopping experience and a great time ahead.

Sapna Agrawal

Success happens Natural When we are Happy & In state of Thinking Ahead

Life is not easy!!!!!!!...... Yeah this came to my mind when I was almost forced to take a decision & accept a change in my Work Life.

I receive a beautiful good morning message which says “ Changes are the Law of Life & Challenges are the Aim of Life; We should Challenge the Changes & not Change the Challenges.” It was perhaps difficult for me to analyze it …at that moment.
I was not able to think anything than WHY ME?
I have always been talking of SUCCESS then Why does this change bring me the feeling of Unwantedness, Failure, dejection ??????
I have always been committed to whatever work I do, I role model a lot of Energy & Enthusiasm, I try to be updated then why did the change happen when it was not desired. Well …..These were a few thoughts which were haunting my numb mind when I experienced this sudden change.

Unbelievable but true !!!!!!! At the same time I also Experienced that how good Friends I have. They took off from their highly busy schedules, made lovely breakfast, then lunch & kept chirping all around me. They empowered me that I have capabilities to do much better. Not even once did they talk or sympathized with what had happened or that anything wrong had happened , all they pumped me was that… What all I can Do!!!!NOW.

Yes, that was the Success I learnt.
By the time I drove back home, my numb mind was overflowing with Ideas. I was actually finding a problem so as to choose what & which one to implement immediately. I could see all SUCCESS. I played loud music in the car, picked up icecream for children, reached home, started preparing for a good Dinner for Children. I had so much to do …

Surprisingly I start getting calls for more WORK??? How does this person know? I wondered???

It was not that any person knew that I wanted something , It was that I was ready AGAIN to accept new Challenges.

Success is always waiting just around us. It is we who soak ourselves so much in failure & blurr our vision to Success.
Let us thank GOD to give us a Great Family & Friends who stand by us & are always ready to Celebrate with us.
Believe me there is a lot which happens when we are happy & are in a state of Thinking Ahead.

Sapna Agrawal

Success happens natural when Happy & in State of Thinking Ahead

Life is not easy!!!!!!!...... Yeah this came to my mind when I was almost forced to take a decision & accept a change in my Work Life.

I receive a beautiful good morning message which says “ Changes are the Law of Life & Challenges are the Aim of Life; We should Challenge the Changes & not Change the Challenges.” It was perhaps difficult for me to analyze it …at that moment.

I was not able to think anything than WHY ME?
I have always been talking of SUCCESS then Why does this change bring me the feeling of Unwantedness, Failure, dejection ??????
I have always been committed to whatever work I do, I role model a lot of Energy & Enthusiasm, I try to be updated then why did the change happen when it was not desired. Well …..These were a few thoughts which were haunting my numb mind when I experienced this sudden change.

Unbelievable but true !!!!!!! At the same time I also Experienced that how good Friends I have. They took off from their highly busy schedules, made lovely breakfast, then lunch & kept chirping all around me. They empowered me that I have capabilities to do much better. Not even once did they talk or sympathized with what had happened or that anything wrong had happened , all they pumped me was that… What all I can Do!!!!NOW.

Yes, that was the Success I learnt.
By the time I drove back home, my numb mind was overflowing with Ideas. I was actually finding a problem so as to choose what & which one to implement immediately. I could see all SUCCESS. I played loud music in the car, picked up icecream for children, reached home, started preparing for a good Dinner for Children. I had so much to do …

Surprisingly I start getting calls for more WORK??? How does this person know? I wondered???

It was not that any person knew that I wanted something , It was that I was ready AGAIN to accept new Challenges.

Success is always waiting just around us. It is we who soak ourselves so much in failure & blurr our vision to Success.
Let us thank GOD to give us a Great Family & Friends who stand by us & are always ready to Celebrate with us.
Believe me there is a lot which happens when we are happy & are in a state of Thinking Ahead.

Sapna Agrawal