“It’s better to see something than to hear about it a thousand times.” Every expedition made is an experience which leaves students pondering and implores them to think! Akal Academy Dhugga Kalan recently organized an educational trip cum excursion in the local city for the students till grade 4th which included the different places, stations and park. Students have the opportunity to observe many things that are not available at school which enhances their knowledge. [gallery ids="12125,12126,12127,12128,12129,12130,12132,12133,12134"] They provide valuable educational opportunities away from the classroom, without using textbooks and other tools used in a normal school setting. The students were first taken to the branch of Axis bank at Tanda where they learnt the process of opening an account, depositing money, withdrawing money. A meeting with the bank staff and head of the branch was also conducted to educate them on various processes of the bank. At such places the student practices his social skills and critical thinking abilities outside of the controlled class setting. Educational trips that take advantage of local resources promote community connectivity. Secondly, the Civil Hospital was visited. In the hospital the students observed the different wards. They witnessed number of patients admitted in O.P.D ward & emergency ward. They also observed different rooms like, Operation Theater & X-ray room. Educational discussions were organized with the dentist , surgeon, nurses ,other doctors who described them about various equipment which used to treat the patients. [gallery ids="12135,12136,12137,12138,12139,12140,12141,12142,12143"] The third visit was to the Railway station. Students expressed their curiosity to visit the station. They witnessed many passengers were waiting for the train to reach their destination. They observed the ticket counter, over head bridge. By this visit they came to know how tickets are purchased or cancelled. They also saw the station master's quarter who handles all the responsibilities. On the way back, they observed the bus station, full of hustle and bustle, where they saw the different buses standing on their particular counters. [gallery ids="12144,12145,12146,12147,12148,12149,12150,12151,12152"] Visit to the Shimla Park were a refreshing end to the excursion where they enjoyed themselves. The academy provided them refreshments.Places like banks, railways station, parks are important resources within a community for both the student. It was a day full of curiosity, exciting experiences & fun. A fun bonding experience which offered a refreshing break to both the teachers & students. Students on Educational trips can often learn while having fun in a more informal environment. ~ Tapasleen Kaur ~ New Delhi, 6th July '15

Akal Academy Gomti commemorated the 50th death anniversary of Sant Teja Singh ji whose relentless efforts helped to find the most pious and sacred place “ The Divine Valley of Peace- Baru Sahib”. Sant Teja Singh ji erected a small Gurudwara at this place and today this place has emerged as one of the educational centers. Schools, Colleges, University, Gurudwara and many other similar professional and spiritual institutions have come at this very odd and difficult place. Children of Akal Academy Gomti participated in numberous programmes to mark the day of remembrance. The programme began with the recitation of shabad “ Santaan Kay Kaaraj Aap Khaloa “ by class VII students. Sr.Surinderpal Singh, Divinity and Music teacher highlighted the various achievement of Sant ji. He detailed how St.Teja Singh ji visited different countries to spread the message of sikh Gurus. St.Teja Singh Ji struggled hard to bring maximum relief to the people living there. [gallery ids="12113,12114,12115,12116,12117,12118,12119,12120,12121"] After Class VII, it was class X students who recited the Shabad “ Mere Ram Rai, Toon Santaan Ka Sant tere”. Harmanpreet Kaur of class XII read out a long and detailed life-history of Sant Teja Singh Ji. Fulfilling the wishes of Sant Attar Singh ji, Sant Teja Singh ji helped a lot in the establishment of many educational institutions. Class X girls recited another Shabad “ Santan Ka Sadka”. In the end two students sang in praise of Sikh Guru’s. These boys presented the life history of Guru ji in the form of a kavishri. The flame might be out but the LIGHT STILL SHINES upon these blessed souls! Like & Share to hail the efforts!

A new, unique, and exciting program to honor Sant Teja Singh's amazing life and contribution to the Sikh and South Asian community of BC has been organized by Indo-Canadian Sikhs at Vancouver. Sikh History Tour for high school students in memory of Sant Teja Singh Ji, to many Sikh historical sites around the Vancouver area, to teach children about Canadian Sikh history pioneered by Sant Teja Singh and other Gurmukhs. Students aged 13-18 from all over the Lower Mainland are invited to take part in a bus tour of Several Sikh Heritage sites, from Abbotsford to Vancouver. Date - Saturday, July 4th Timings - 9:00am-7:00pm The day will be filled with education, fun, engaging speakers. Sant Teja Singh was a saint, scholar, and worldwide activist who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Sikh community, within and outside itself, through most of the 20th century. Sikhs around the world, particularly in North America, owe a great amount of their success as a community to pioneers like Sant Teja Singh, who lead the community to great heights through very difficult and challenging times. This program is a joint effort between Gurmat Center Abbotsford, Guru Nanak Academy, Akal Academy Surrey, Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, SFU Sikh Students' Association, UFV Sikh Students' Association, and UBC Sikh Students' Association. This is one of the efforts by the Vancouver Sikh Sangat to celebrate the 50th Barsi of Mahapursh Sant Baba Teja Singh Ji.

To give students lessons on how to minimize waste & convert them into useful stuff, a ‘Best out of Waste’ Workshop was organized for students. Innovative ideas were demonstrated by students which were converted into beautiful items of daily use. Such workshops induce creativity among students and teach them constructive ways of using waste. [gallery ids="11861,11863,11865,11866,11867,11862"] They progressively understand that resources should be carefully used & that they could reuse waste material and not always depend on new things. Like & Share to appreciate the creativity! ~ Tapasleen Kaur ~ New Delhi, 9th June '15

With an aim to inculcate interest for scientific innovations in the students of Akal Academy Phaphre Bhai Ke, it was decided to organize a visit for the students to the Science City, Kapurthala. The tour was planned to motivate young minds with innovative ideas. The children also went to the `Dinosaurs Park' where models of various dinosaurs were displayed. Stunning 3D shows, laser shows were major events of the day. [gallery ids="11843,11844,11845,11846,11847,11849,11850,11851,11852,11853,11854,11855,11856,11857,11858"] Such visits make the subject like Science more interesting and absorbing. It was an enriching experience for the students where they witnessed many interesting facts related to Science. SHARE to appreciate! ~ Tapasleen Kaur ~ New Delhi, 9th June '15

Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji was commemorated at Akal Academy Mullianwal, Dist. Gurdaspur. The day commenced with divine grace with the bhog of Sahej Path followed by Sukhmani Sahib. A sacred aura was created by Shabad Kirtan, kavishri and religious poems, which were recited by students as a tribute to Guru Sahib. The Life History of Guru sahib was highlighted. The Teachers threw light on the life of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and his sacrifice for the cause of humanity and religion. Guru Arjan Dev Ji sowed the seed of martyrdom, which became the heritage of the Sikhs. Students were inspired to lead their life on the basis of ethical value and principles of Sikhism. [gallery ids="11833,11835,11832,11834,11837,11829,11830,11831,11828,11838,11839,11840"] Chabeel and Langar for the students were also arranged with the contribution of all members of the academy. What better way for the youngsters to pay homage and learn about Guru Sahib? SHARE if you LIKE! ~ Tapasleen Kaur ~ New Delhi, 9th June '15

Morning assembly has the potential to nurture a positive school ethos that stresses care for the self, others and the pursuit of all forms of excellence. Morning Assembly in the midst of fresh nature gives a chance for students begin the day with a feeling of gratitude and spiritual rejuvenation. Students of Akal Academy, Dhudial begin their day with a regular routine of Sikh prayers followed by Ardaas. A thought for the day, interesting facts, recitation of poems are an integral part of the morning assembly. Students are encouraged to start off their day by making a firm commitment to do their best-for the school & the society. [gallery ids="11805,11803,11802,11798,11800,11801,11799,11797,11804"] It is a necessity as it develops and deepens the spiritual dimension of life. Students learn the value of collective prayer and are exposed to the need to inculcate moral and ethical values. ~ Tapasleen Kaur ~ New Delhi, 8th June '15

Story telling is becoming a lost art in today’s time as parents have limited time to spend with kids as the hustle and bustle of life demands them to reserve more time for the needs of life. Its in their growing age when children absorb most of the words they use in the future. Catering to this need of enhancing the thinking capacities and analyzing powers of a child, storytelling competition was organized at Akal Academy, Phaphre Bhai ke. [gallery ids="11722,11724,11726,11725,11720,11719,11718,11723,11729,11728,11727,11721"] It was a great experience of learning for the kids, given their minds a quick boost of new vocabulary and listening skills. The students who excelled in their performances were given prizes to motivate them further. Hence Academy ensures the provision of all pre requisite essential tools to its students to proceed in their academic life. ~

The students took a rally around the campus, contributing their bit towards a green environment. The students held banners, placards and raised slogans on environmental protection and conservation, highlighting various environmental issues. They held the responsibility of educating the public on serious issues concerning health & environment. Children are the green ambassadors of tomorrow, they should take the lead forward towards an eco-friendly nature. The teachers urged participants to hold on to their spirits of saving the environment and never let it get away. [gallery ids="11702,11703,11704"] The purpose of the rally was to not only make a lasting impression in the minds of the children but also bring about an awakening among the public to conserve nature and safeguard the environment. Like & Share to hail the efforts! ~ Tapasleen Kaur ~ New Delhi, 3rd June '15