INTRODUCTION
What's life without people? It's a miracle how strangers can become the best of friends. So, here we are,on the tip of a new and fresh beginning of things. We believe that this is the best platform to socialize with different types of people around the world and explore and discover the pleasures of their respective cultures and traditions. Quoted by Neil Armstrong,''Research is creating new knowledge.''
About our topic- Family
''In family life, love is the oil that eases friction,
the cement that binds closer together,
and the music that brings harmony.''
Friedrich Nietzche
In India, most of the people have joint families,which means that one can get a lot of advice from various members of the family. To us, it really means the presence of love all around the house, the belief that we are not alone, the happiness that radiates from our loved ones, the confidence that they will be there for us until the very end. The word 'family' is a simple word, but its true meaning is rooted very deeply. In today's world, people, and especially the youth have retreated so deep into themselves and their own world of gadgets that 'family' will never be able to reveal its meaning to them. It will just remain a mere word. But we have to understand that our family will always be around to shield us, to love us, to put us on the right path,but most of all, to make us feel precious and worthy at every step in our life.
OUR RESEARCH
Throughout this year, we did various researches and interviewed some people. And we got to know that 'family' is a very wide topic. It's meaning varies from person to person and that, to have a family is truly a blessing.
Action plan
Name Role Activities done in this research project
Mishika Leader,Editor Unconditional love b/w mother and child(article),interviews from senior citizens,
celebrating family day,conclusion
Divya Creative head Sub-questions,Grandparents'love is the most magical of all (article),unmatched power of a
father's love(article)
Devanshi Technical head Sensitivity towards elderly(article), interviews from students about their favorite
person in the family, questionnaires Prachi Editor Greeting cards activity(report),Generation Comparison(article),main question
Srishti Photographer photos of mothers' day,grandparents'day and greeting cards activity,videos of the interviews
and performances from grandparents' day
Mishika Leader,Editor Unconditional love b/w mother and child(article),interviews from senior citizens,
celebrating family day,conclusion
Divya Creative head Sub-questions,Grandparents'love is the most magical of all (article),unmatched power of a
father's love(article)
Devanshi Technical head Sensitivity towards elderly(article), interviews from students about their favorite
person in the family, questionnaires Prachi Editor Greeting cards activity(report),Generation Comparison(article),main question
Srishti Photographer photos of mothers' day,grandparents'day and greeting cards activity,videos of the interviews
and performances from grandparents' day
Main Question: How important is the role of the family in our country?
In India, families mean everything to a person. Every member of the family is unique and special and is respected very much. Everyone's views are respected. Women are generally housewives in India but this job is the most difficult. They are the pillars of the family and play multiple roles at once,but most importantly, she plays the roles of a mother and a wife. Then there is the husband or the father, who constantly gives financial support to the whole family. The parents, in short are the most essential to the children. The children focus on their education and school life. The grandparents, when both the parents are working, take care of the children. They give advice and entertain them with the stories of their generation. So, the role of a family in our country is quite important.
In India, families mean everything to a person. Every member of the family is unique and special and is respected very much. Everyone's views are respected. Women are generally housewives in India but this job is the most difficult. They are the pillars of the family and play multiple roles at once,but most importantly, she plays the roles of a mother and a wife. Then there is the husband or the father, who constantly gives financial support to the whole family. The parents, in short are the most essential to the children. The children focus on their education and school life. The grandparents, when both the parents are working, take care of the children. They give advice and entertain them with the stories of their generation. So, the role of a family in our country is quite important.
The unconditional love between a mother and her child
A mother is always the reason behind her child's success. She is truly the most affectionate person one could ever have in life.
On May 9 2015, our school celebrated Mothers' Day. In this function, the mothers of the students of class 4-5th were called to attend it. Children sang beautiful songs alongside a short skit. They also performed a dance that was dedicated to their mothers. Small games were also organised for the mothers present there. Overall, it was a beautiful event in which the children were able to express affection towards their mothers in the form of music,dance and theater.
A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.
It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down
remorselessly all that stands in its path.
-Agatha Christie
In our country, a housewife is respected and valued very much. The most important thing is that when the mother stays at home, she could focus fully on her child and take care of her. This certainly imparts innumerable values in her kid. And the child too, is happy that someone is present at home to love him/her. The kid is glad to know that someone is waiting eagerly for him/her when he/she returns from school.
The unmatched power of a father's love
A father doesn't just provide financial support to the family, but also love and care. A father's love is like a precious stone. Hold it tightly, otherwise you would always regret it. He is protective towards his family. A father is a living picture of godliness, honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
The depth of a father's love shows in his child's eyes.
What's known is what's shown from sunset to sunrise.
A foundation built on more than just what is spoken.
It's commitments kept and promises that go unbroken.
An emotion so immense that nothing in this world can erase.
The permanent impression of love is tattooed upon her face.
A relation so peculiar that only the two can understand,
Yet so immaculate it's obvious that, by God, it was planned.
-Anonymous
Sub questions
1. What is the composition of an Indian family? Who lives under the same roof? How many children? How many servants?
An Indian family normally consists of parents ,grandparents and children. Most of the families have 2 children. They also have a housemaid ,who washes utensils and maintains the cleanliness of the house.
2. Which family matters are discussed with the members of the family: free time, studies, holidays, purchases, renovation of the house, etc.?
Generally, these matters are discussed- Carrier,Studies, problems faced,demands,shopping bills,holiday plans,fitness.
3. What main values are taught by parents?
Parents teach their children to be sincere,hardworking, helpful,bold,brave,kind,gentle and empathetic. They share their experiences ,so that they could learn those values.
4. How many siblings do you have? What kind of relation do you have with them?
I have one sibling. I usually tend to have a fight with him but the bottom line is that we both love each other.
5.What kind of relation would you like to have with your sibling?
I like the way our relationship is now and I wouldn't want to change it. Because I know that though we love each other, when we grow up, we are gonna miss these childish fights!
6. Which qualities of your siblings do you like/dislike?
He is cute. He is helpful. But he does drive me crazy! But you know, no matter what, brothers are the craziest on the planet and to have them is a blessing.
7.What kind of relation do your parents have with their siblings?
They have a very simple and loving relationship. The only thing I know is that they can not live without each other.
8.Does the government have any family-friendly policies (eg. financial support)?
Yes, the government has many policies. It has several helplines for Senior citizens, children and females. Ex.- Integrated Program for older Persons and National Social Assistance Scheme.
An Indian family normally consists of parents ,grandparents and children. Most of the families have 2 children. They also have a housemaid ,who washes utensils and maintains the cleanliness of the house.
2. Which family matters are discussed with the members of the family: free time, studies, holidays, purchases, renovation of the house, etc.?
Generally, these matters are discussed- Carrier,Studies, problems faced,demands,shopping bills,holiday plans,fitness.
3. What main values are taught by parents?
Parents teach their children to be sincere,hardworking, helpful,bold,brave,kind,gentle and empathetic. They share their experiences ,so that they could learn those values.
4. How many siblings do you have? What kind of relation do you have with them?
I have one sibling. I usually tend to have a fight with him but the bottom line is that we both love each other.
5.What kind of relation would you like to have with your sibling?
I like the way our relationship is now and I wouldn't want to change it. Because I know that though we love each other, when we grow up, we are gonna miss these childish fights!
6. Which qualities of your siblings do you like/dislike?
He is cute. He is helpful. But he does drive me crazy! But you know, no matter what, brothers are the craziest on the planet and to have them is a blessing.
7.What kind of relation do your parents have with their siblings?
They have a very simple and loving relationship. The only thing I know is that they can not live without each other.
8.Does the government have any family-friendly policies (eg. financial support)?
Yes, the government has many policies. It has several helplines for Senior citizens, children and females. Ex.- Integrated Program for older Persons and National Social Assistance Scheme.
Grandparents' love is the most magical of all
Every kid has a special bond with their grandparents. Something about them strikes a chord within the children and they develop a never ending relationship with them. And the grandparents also seize the opportunity to be a better parent. When both the parents are working, then it is the grandparents who take care of them. They are always full of advice and they tend to help with their grandchildren's problems by reciting their own tales of childhood and what they used to do.
On 21st of December,2015, our school celebrated Grandparents' Day by organizing a function in which the grandparents of the students of Montessori were called to attend it. Before the starting of the function, we managed to talk to a few of the senior citizens present there. We asked them that have they seen any difference in the children of today and the children of their generation. And everyone's answer was the same. They said that there has been a considerable change in them. Well,times change, people change. It is impossible to not change with time. Children of today have more burden of studies and they focus more on education than the children of their generation used to. Today, every kind of profession is respected and children are more self-aware.
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Names of the persons: Mr.Sushil Jain, Mrs.Kavita Jain
Ages: 65, 63 Mishika: According to you, what's the diff. b/w the children of today's generation and those of your generation? Mr.Sushil: The children,nowadays, are smarter than those before and they also participate in extra-curricular activities besides studies. They are also better in studies. Mishika: So, are you liking the function? Mr.Sushil: Yeah. It's quite good. We came last year also. Mrs.Kavita: It's beautiful. Mishika: Ok, thank you for your time. |
Names of the persons: Mr.Mukesh Dua,Mrs.Shikha Dua
Ages: 59, 56 Mishika: According to you, what's the diff. b/w the children of today's generation and those of your generation? Mrs.Shikha: There is very much diff in them. They are much better in studies and also in other activities. Mishika: So, children, today are more hard-working? Mrs.Shikha: Yes. They are more laborious. Mishika: So, are you liking the function? Mrs.Shikha: It does look beautiful. But the performances haven't started yet. Mishika: Yeah. You are here for your granddaughter of grandson? Mrs. Sheikh: Granddaughter. She's in 2nd grade. Mishika: Oh.That's nice. Thank you for your time. |
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Children of Montessori singing a song for their grandparents.
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Children performing Ganesh Vandana. Ganesh Vandana basically means a tribute to the Indian Lord Ganesha. This dance is performed at the very start of the show to signify good and happy beginnings.
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Sensitivity towards elderly
In India, it is quite common to have a joint family. This idea of joint families is respected very much in our country. This is mainly because there is so much affection between the elderly and the youngsters, that it is impossible to separate them. We, as children, get to learn so much from our grandparents. Their tales of their childhood and of their generation are endless and hard to not to listen to. They have seen the world. They are so much experienced and full of wisdom. When the parents have jobs, then it is the grandparents who take care of the children. Now a days, sensitivity towards elderly is increasing. No one wants to isolate them and abandon them in an old age home. They are happy to be with them. After all, they have given their whole lives to their children, and now, it is the children who have seized the chance to take care of them.
You've been around for a very long time,
But there are mountains for you still to climb.
Your body is weary, your hair has turned gray,
But there is much wisdom in all that you say.
You've worked very hard for all of your life.
You've been through despair, through sickness
and strife.
Many of you all, have stories to tell.
And not only that, you tell them so well.
You've done many jobs, have raised families.
You've been through hard times, and prayed on
your knees.
When you are speaking we need to give ear.
Your wealth of knowledge we all need to hear.
Thank you for being the people you are.
You've been through so much and you've
travelled so far.
Thank you for laughter, for hope and good cheer.
Thanks for the things that you all hold so
dear.
Thanks for the memories of good times and bad.
Thanks for the lessons of life you've all had.
You've helped us learn how to play and have fun.
You've helped us to think, and to walk and
run.
So all you dear seniors; go and have fun.
You've been our example; your work is done.
-Anonymous
But there are mountains for you still to climb.
Your body is weary, your hair has turned gray,
But there is much wisdom in all that you say.
You've worked very hard for all of your life.
You've been through despair, through sickness
and strife.
Many of you all, have stories to tell.
And not only that, you tell them so well.
You've done many jobs, have raised families.
You've been through hard times, and prayed on
your knees.
When you are speaking we need to give ear.
Your wealth of knowledge we all need to hear.
Thank you for being the people you are.
You've been through so much and you've
travelled so far.
Thank you for laughter, for hope and good cheer.
Thanks for the things that you all hold so
dear.
Thanks for the memories of good times and bad.
Thanks for the lessons of life you've all had.
You've helped us learn how to play and have fun.
You've helped us to think, and to walk and
run.
So all you dear seniors; go and have fun.
You've been our example; your work is done.
-Anonymous
Celebrating family day
On 18 December 2015, I celebrated family day. In the evening, we all played board games like Ludo and Monopoly. My mother made a really nice supper. We had a lot of fun as we laughed and talked. We then realised that we were blessed to have each other in our lives. Then we had 'the feast'!! It really was a beautiful day. Soft music on the side , delicious dinner and lots of love and affection among us.. what more could anyone want? It was that day that I came to realise that it wasn't necessary to commit one day as a family day because everyday could be a family day if there is love and affection. After all, nothing is greater than family love.
Greeting cards activity
Our group organised card making for children of class 7th in which they made greeting cards for the person whom they love the most in their family. Every child shares a special relationship with someone extraordinarily special in their family. To express their feelings, we encouraged children to make a card whom they love the most in their families. The children were really excited to make cards .Each and every child participated enthusiastically for the card making. They made vibrant and beautiful cards.Through this activity of card making, they were able to showcase their love for that person through their creativity. Our team member Devanshi asked certain questions from some of the students and we got an excellent response .Some made cards for their sisters, some for their fathers ,some for their grandparents but mostly they made cards for their mothers. This shows that how much they love their mother and how essential a mother is for the family. She is, after all, the pillar of her family.
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Name of the student: Ria
Age: 12 Class: VII |
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Name of the student: Reva
Age: 12 Class: VII |
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Name of the student: Harshita
Age: 12 Class: VII |
Generation Comparison
Generation gap refers to the difference in the ways of thinking and perception in the people of two different generations which results in behavioral differences and sometimes, conflict among them.
The most common example of generation gap is seen in the family between parents and their children. It is not only because of the gap in age but also because of the way parents react to a particular situation. Children being very young and immature do not understand the way of thinking of their parents. In many cases, the parents, do not empathize with the changing values and thinking pattern of the modern world. This creates a communication gap between these two generations. Children, somehow, fail to understand their parents' perspective and parents fail to comprehend the competition and burden on children in today's world.
Advancement in technology has lead to the generation gap in this modern world. Children tend to spend most of their time with their digital devices and are busy with social media that they do not discuss their problems with their parents. Gadgets have connected people to strangers but distanced them from their close ones.
In conclusion, the generation gap has been greatly increasing these days because the time is changing fast and people find it difficult to cope up with this change. So, to overcome this problem, parent or teachers must be close to their children. They should show interest in all their matters and deal with them positively instead of just scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their problems. Giving time to the children, having open communication, and allowing the child to feel free and not in any kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the generation gaps to a tolerable extent. And above all, there should be empathy, sympathy and unity among them.
The most common example of generation gap is seen in the family between parents and their children. It is not only because of the gap in age but also because of the way parents react to a particular situation. Children being very young and immature do not understand the way of thinking of their parents. In many cases, the parents, do not empathize with the changing values and thinking pattern of the modern world. This creates a communication gap between these two generations. Children, somehow, fail to understand their parents' perspective and parents fail to comprehend the competition and burden on children in today's world.
Advancement in technology has lead to the generation gap in this modern world. Children tend to spend most of their time with their digital devices and are busy with social media that they do not discuss their problems with their parents. Gadgets have connected people to strangers but distanced them from their close ones.
In conclusion, the generation gap has been greatly increasing these days because the time is changing fast and people find it difficult to cope up with this change. So, to overcome this problem, parent or teachers must be close to their children. They should show interest in all their matters and deal with them positively instead of just scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their problems. Giving time to the children, having open communication, and allowing the child to feel free and not in any kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the generation gaps to a tolerable extent. And above all, there should be empathy, sympathy and unity among them.
CONCLUSION
We would simply like to sum up by saying that every member of a family is important. And it doesn't matter whether you have a nuclear family or a joint family, what matters is the unconditional love in the family. A happy family is composed of empathy and sympathy towards each other. But most importantly, a family is weaved from love. Love is a four letter word, but it has diverse meanings. Love is often undefined. And where there is love, there is hope. Where there is hope, there is life.
Family is a blessing for all.
All of us were 'destined' to be with the family that we have. And that's because a family is made up of unique persons who could fit well together.
In all the activities and interviews that we conducted in this time period, we got to learn a lot. The people with whom we interacted, may come from different regions with different perspectives, but there is one thing common in all of them. They have the same kind of affection and relationship with their families. When we were conducting the greeting cards activity, we asked some students that what kind of family they prefer. Some children preferred nuclear families while some preferred joint families. And all of their viewpoints were correct. But then again, we couldn't conclude what kind of family is good. That's because every family is special in its own way. We may now be in favor of one kind of family only, but in the end, we will come to know that what matters most is the presence of love and understanding among the members of the family.
So, our final word would be that love conquers all. A family will support you until the very end.
There is nothing luckier than having a family that loves you.
Family is a blessing for all.
All of us were 'destined' to be with the family that we have. And that's because a family is made up of unique persons who could fit well together.
In all the activities and interviews that we conducted in this time period, we got to learn a lot. The people with whom we interacted, may come from different regions with different perspectives, but there is one thing common in all of them. They have the same kind of affection and relationship with their families. When we were conducting the greeting cards activity, we asked some students that what kind of family they prefer. Some children preferred nuclear families while some preferred joint families. And all of their viewpoints were correct. But then again, we couldn't conclude what kind of family is good. That's because every family is special in its own way. We may now be in favor of one kind of family only, but in the end, we will come to know that what matters most is the presence of love and understanding among the members of the family.
So, our final word would be that love conquers all. A family will support you until the very end.
There is nothing luckier than having a family that loves you.
REFLECTION
We were excited about this project since its inception. And our enthusiasm gradually increased as we commenced to research about our topics. We didn't think that we would be able to showcase our methods and ideas in a proper manner. But now we feel that we couldn't have done better. We have attempted to put our best foot forward. Although there were some difficulties while processing the information gathered and then analyzing it properly. But that's what this project was about. We were able to help each other and managed to divide our jobs fairly. There certainly was teamwork.
The interviews that we conducted went really well,especially the ones with the students from seventh grade. They were able to respond to our questions and were able to display their love for their family. Everything went well, from photography to interviews to articles. However, if we were to do this whole project again, we would like to add on some things. We would try to take interviews from people who come from diverse religions or types of families. That was the main flaw in our research. We weren't able to interview such people which we should have to show the diversity in our country.
Now, if we were to talk from technical aspects, frankly, there's a lot! It was difficult to upload the videos from the device to the site. And because of this, we weren't able to upload the video of the debate we conducted in eighth standard on the topic- Nuclear v/s Joint families.
Not being able to publish a major part of our research was a huge disappointment for us all.
But otherwise, everything was fine. We really learnt a lot from this project,from our own research.
And we are privileged that we are a part of this.
The interviews that we conducted went really well,especially the ones with the students from seventh grade. They were able to respond to our questions and were able to display their love for their family. Everything went well, from photography to interviews to articles. However, if we were to do this whole project again, we would like to add on some things. We would try to take interviews from people who come from diverse religions or types of families. That was the main flaw in our research. We weren't able to interview such people which we should have to show the diversity in our country.
Now, if we were to talk from technical aspects, frankly, there's a lot! It was difficult to upload the videos from the device to the site. And because of this, we weren't able to upload the video of the debate we conducted in eighth standard on the topic- Nuclear v/s Joint families.
Not being able to publish a major part of our research was a huge disappointment for us all.
But otherwise, everything was fine. We really learnt a lot from this project,from our own research.
And we are privileged that we are a part of this.