Ms. Nithya Sundaram
MR AMIT KUMAR, PRINCIPAL
School Leadership Update
Dear Readers,
We live in an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has revolutionized various aspects of life and work, making tasks easier and more efficient. Naturally, education cannot remain untouched by this technological advancement. However, this raises a crucial and often-debated question: Should AI be used in classrooms, and if so, to what extent?
Critics argue that AI, which functions as a substitute for the human brain in many ways, could stifle students' creativity and critical thinking. Over-reliance on AI might reduce future generations to mere operators of machines, depriving them of the ability to think independently. This brings to mind Bertrand Russell's essay "Men and Machines," where he envisions a future where humans might be enslaved by their own creations. While this may seem like an exaggeration, there is a valid concern that excessive dependence on technology could erode some of our natural abilities.
Consider the example of memorising phone numbers. Just a couple of decades ago, people could recall numerous phone numbers with ease. However, with the advent of smartphones, the need to remember even a single number has diminished, and consequently, our memory has been affected. This serves as an apt analogy for the present debate on AI. If we lean too heavily on AI, we risk weakening our own cognitive abilities.
Yet, every invention is created to serve humanity and, it is not the technology itself but how we choose to use it that matters. AI, when used prudently, can be a tremendous asset to education. It can streamline administrative tasks, personalise learning, and offer resources that were previously inaccessible. But it is essential that we, as educators and students, draw a clear line. We must ensure that AI does not replace human creativity and imagination but rather enhances it.
In our technology-driven world, it may be unrealistic to stop the use of AI in classrooms altogether. Instead, the responsibility lies with each of us to use these powerful tools wisely. By doing so, we can prevent ourselves from becoming subservient to machines and maintain control over our intellectual and creative growth.
In short, AI is indeed a blessing, but only if we use it with caution. We must ensure that, in our pursuit of technological advancement, we do not let our human ingenuity die a premature death.
Talk of the School
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
The Colours From Within - Redhu Vekashini, X C
Every day, we wake up to the blaring sound of our alarm clocks, signalling the start of another busy day. We rush through our morning routines, gulp down coffee, and start moving on with our daily schedule. Amidst the busy hours of the day, have you ever thought if you were truly on the journey of self-exploration that reveals your true passions and purpose? As a child the things would have been simpler- good marks in exams, paper boats that wouldn’t sink, chasing fireflies in moonlight and having the summer holidays. But as years pass, it becomes the need to start exploring our inner selves and to unveil the beauty of our own existence.
There is a question that triggers me often- “Who are you, when no one watches you?” I think it is the time when our true essence is revealed. It is in these unseen moments that we begin to explore our depths, embrace our unspoken thoughts and connect with our inner self. In the absence of people there is no need of wearing a mask and are not bound by the judgments or opinions of others. Embracing this self, with all its imperfections is the true path to self-love and to pursue your dreams. The discovery of who you are when the world is quiet and the spotlight is off could be the most important discovery you make in your lifetime. Unlike external quests that take us to distant lands, self-discovery is an inward voyage that seems to be often challenging, yet ultimately rewarding.
In a world that often demands conformity, the quest to discover and embrace our true selves can feel like an abstract journey. Yet, within each of us lies a vibrant palette of emotions, thoughts, and dreams that shows our uniqueness and defines who we truly are. The path of self-discovery and authenticity is not without challenges. But it is the way you handle them and present yourself to the world. The journey can be sparked off by life events, embracing changes, or a desire for growth. At the end what matters is your discovery of your inner self and the sense of fulfilment. The quest to know who you are is not a luxury, but a necessity- a beacon that guides us toward a more passionate life.
A poignant example of this could be the life of Oprah Winfre who, from a young age, started discovering her true passion for bringing social change and embarked on a path of self-exploration. By recognizing her inner strength and resilience, Winfrey transformed her life and inspired millions around the globe. Embracing your true self is not only a personal triumph but it's also a gift to those around you, inspiring them to express themselves as well. Self-discovery is about finding comfort in who you are and harmonizing your life with your desires and values. So, dare to chase your dreams, embrace your passions, and cherish the journey of becoming the best version of yourself.
Interstellar (Movie Review) - Dheepesh SS, X C
The perfect combination of science fiction, emotion, and great plot twists. That is Interstellar. The movie, released in 2014, is a visual and theatrical masterpiece. It is considered the “magnum opus” of Christopher Nolan’s career by some critics. It stars an American ex-pilot, leaving his children behind to search for a new planet to inhabit. Mankind has spoiled Earth, and it is the pilot’s and his crew’s job to find a viable replacement for the race to survive on. When this movie was released, I was too young to understand it. But, watching it almost 10 years later, changed my life. The cinematography and the exceptionally amazing background score by Hans Zimmer keep you on the edge of your seat for the better part of around two and a half hours. The visualisation of Gargantua, a black hole, was ahead of its time. The cherry on top of all this is the emotional connection you build with the characters by the end of the movie. Each character faces the concept of ‘time’ differently, which is fascinating to watch. It's safe to say that Interstellar is not your conventional sci-fi movie. It is a diamond in the rough and a must-watch for all. It is perhaps the only movie that I would give a rating of 10/10. My favourite detail of the movie is the watch gifted to Murph, the daughter of Cooper (the main character) by her father. It was a Hamilton watch, specially made for the film, and played an integral part in the plot towards the climax. The way each character is written and portrayed, and the attention to detail, is simply beautiful. It set a whole new standard for me, and now no other sci-fi movie feels like it. That is why, I highly recommend you, the reader of my review, to watch this movie. And if you’ve already watched it, then watch it again. It never gets old.
To Merge or not to Merge? Cultural Fusion is Inevitable – Krithi Manasa J, X F
Are you a die-hard-fan of K-pop or K-drama? Well, I assume that you're not actually from Korea but you do have visiting it in your bucket list, don't you? In today's world, blending of cultures- often termed as ‘cultural fusion’ has become an unavoidable reality. Whether it's through cuisine, fashion, music or language, the merging of various cultural elements is a natural part of modern age.
The risk of the internet and social media intensifies this. With the click of a button, anyone can access music, film and many more from distant corners of the globe. Mass migration has also played a significant role. As people move to new countries and regions, they bring with them their cultural heritage. For instance, the fusion of African, European and Indigenous cultures in America has created vibrant cultural expressions such as Jazz, Samba, Creole cuisines.
Music and Fashion are perhaps the most visible arenas for cultural mixing. Musicians frequently blend elements from different genres to create new tunes and sounds. Films and television too, have become platforms for showcasing and experimenting.
Merging of culture is the basis for new art forms, culinary experiences and technological innovations. It also fosters understanding and tolerance by exposing people to different ways of life, appreciating and accepting diversities. While Critics argue that it can lead to the erosion of traditional cultures and values, the concern is relevant in the context of Westernization. They are adopted at the expense of local and personal family traditions including stripping of originality. Despite these challenges, cultural fusion is increasingly connected to the world. It is a powerful force that, when approached thoughtfully, has the potential and ability to break barriers, build bridges between communities and make an inclusive world.
ACHIEVER’S GALLERY
